Rolling Stone compiled the list to end all Nirvana lists: every song ever recorded by the band, original or otherwise, ranked down from 102 to no. 1. Spoiler alert: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was given top billing. We warn you that the format chosen by Rolling Stone makes scrolling through a hassle, but we decided to have a bit of fun with it. Five Music Times employees reflected on their favorite Nirvana track, and we looked to see who was most "right" by Stone's standards.
Jon "Union Jack" Niles, Writer
No. 31: "Rape Me" from In Utero
"I had never heard the word 'rape' before this song. Upon hearing it, I asked too many questions for a seven year-old. It was also released as a double A-side with 'All Apologies.' Which makes me laugh. The pairing of those songs makes me laugh."
Ryan Book, Sections Editor
No. 29: "Polly" from Nevermind
"Every grunge vocalist had a great, emotionally evocative voice. But Kurt's dry delivery during 'Polly' when he's describing truly terrible things lends an air of humor to otherwise dark subject matter...kind of a theme with Nirvana. Plus, it doesn't feature Dave Grohl."
Claire Setton, The Intern
No. 12: "Heart-Shaped Box" from In Utero
"This song is reminiscent of their (Foo Fighters, her favorite band) early albums...The lyrics are complex, and have many interpretations showing how talented a lyricist Cobain was."
Caitlin Carter, Sections Editor
No. 10: "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" from MTV Unplugged in New York
"This is technically a cover of Lead Belly's cover of an old Southern Appalachian folk song...But there's something about the agony in the song that feels as if Kurt Cobain could've written it himself."
Carolyn Menyes, Writer
No. 9: "Drain You" from Nevermind
"What Nirvana did better than any other grunge band in the '90s was blend together the best bits of punk, pop, metal and classic rock, something that's portrayed perfectly in the Nevermind cut "Drain You." This song has some wonderfully twisted love lyrics that could've only come from Kurt Cobain, and it distinctively shows off his oddball lyrical mind. Plus, there's that weird instrumental bit that includes a rubber ducky!"
