11 Underrated Nirvana Songs: Discovering Nirvana

Hey music fam, it’s TBone here from Level Tunes! 🎵 As a DJ and die-hard music enthusiast, I’ve always believed that there’s gold hidden in the overlooked corners of iconic bands’ discographies.

And who better to dive deep with than Nirvana? We all jam to “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but there’s so much more to discover.

That’s why I felt compelled to shine a light on 11 underrated Nirvana tracks that often slip under the radar but deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Whether you’re a DJ searching for a fresh spin or a music lover on the hunt for hidden gems, this list is for you. Rock on!

Here are the best underrated Nirvana songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Nirvana Songs

Underrated Nirvana songs in a list format:

1. Dive

Album: Incesticide (1992)
Label: DGC, Sub Pop
Description:
“Dive” is one of those grunge anthems that showcases the raw and unfiltered edge of Nirvana. It was initially a B-side to “Sliver” before making its way onto “Incesticide”. What sets this track apart is its catchy chorus and unrelenting rhythm section, with Krist Novoselic’s bass and Dave Grohl’s drums coming together in perfect grunge harmony. Chances are, it’s slipped past your radar, but it’s a testament to Nirvana’s range and versatility.
Why I Chose It: Its haunting depth makes it a must-listen. A grunge treasure hiding in plain sight!

2. Lounge Act

Album: Nevermind (1991)
Label: DGC
Description:
While “Nevermind” was packed with hits, “Lounge Act” often gets overshadowed. The lyrics touch on Cobain’s personal experiences with love and turmoil. Its distinctive bass intro by Novoselic and its juxtaposition of mellow verses and aggressive chorus demonstrate the band’s dynamic range.
Why I Chose It: Its intricate storytelling and musical versatility showcase a more intimate side of the band.

3. Aneurysm

Album: Incesticide (1992)
Label: DGC, Sub Pop
Description:
“Aneurysm” is a whirlwind of passion and energy. Its frenetic pace, combined with Cobain’s strained vocals, gives it an urgency that’s hard to resist. Originally a B-side to “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, it’s a track that screams to be blasted at full volume.
Why I Chose It: For its sheer intensity and as a nod to Nirvana’s garage-band vibes.

4. Milk It

Album: In Utero (1993)
Label: DGC
Description:
“In Utero” showcased a rawer, more experimental side of Nirvana. “Milk It” is a testament to that. Dark, chaotic, and introspective, it’s a deep dive into Cobain’s psyche. Dave Grohl’s relentless drumming is also a standout.
Why I Chose It: It’s Nirvana at their most experimental, pushing the boundaries of their sound.

5. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle

Album: In Utero (1993)
Label: DGC
Description:
Inspired by the tragic tale of actress Frances Farmer, this track serves up a critique of the entertainment industry. It’s a compelling blend of melody and anger, a hallmark of Cobain’s songwriting genius.
Why I Chose It: It perfectly encapsulates the band’s knack for melding compelling stories with their signature sound.

6. Paper Cuts

Album: Bleach (1989)
Label: Sub Pop
Description:
One of their earlier tracks, “Paper Cuts” exhibits a more unrefined and raw sound. It paints a bleak picture of isolation, and Chad Channing’s drumming adds to its gloomy atmosphere.
Why I Chose It: It provides a glimpse into the early, raw energy of the band, making it a classic.

7. Very Ape

Album: In Utero (1993)
Label: DGC
Description:
An under-the-radar gem, “Very Ape” is fast-paced and brimming with rebellious energy. It’s a stark reflection of the band’s disdain for societal norms.
Why I Chose It: For its punk-inspired sound and its lyrical depth, it’s quintessential Nirvana.

8. Sappy

Album: No Alternative (Compilation, 1993)
Label: Arista
Description:
Although released on a compilation album, “Sappy” is vintage Nirvana. Heartfelt and melancholic, Cobain’s vocals shine brightly here, echoing sentiments of love and compromise.
Why I Chose It: Its emotional depth sets it apart, making it a hidden masterpiece.

9. Big Long Now

Album: Incesticide (1992)
Label: DGC, Sub Pop
Description:
One of Nirvana’s more underrated tracks, “Big Long Now” stands out for its atmospheric sound and deep, haunting lyrics. It’s slower paced but deeply intense.
Why I Chose It: It showcases the band’s ability to evoke emotions with subtler, more nuanced tracks.

10. Stain

Album: Blew EP (1989)
Label: Sub Pop
Description:
“Stain” is grunge at its finest: gritty, aggressive, and raw. The lyrics touch on alienation and frustration, topics that resonate deeply with many.
Why I Chose It: This track is a deep cut that perfectly captures the essence of early Nirvana.

11. Token Eastern Song

Album: Not officially released on studio albums
Label: –
Description:
Though not officially released on any studio albums, “Token Eastern Song” has been a favorite among die-hard fans. It showcases the band’s flair for integrating diverse musical influences.
Why I Chose It: As a lesser-known track, it’s a nod to true Nirvana aficionados and is a testament to their diverse musical range.

Fun Facts: Underrated Nirvana Songs

1. Dive

Fun Fact:
Though “Dive” later appeared on “Incesticide”, it was originally released as the B-side to the “Sliver” single. Cobain once commented that he was particularly proud of the catchy chorus, “Dive with me, dive with me.”

2. Lounge Act

Fun Fact:
The song’s lyrics are believed to be about Tobi Vail, a musician Cobain dated and who greatly influenced many of the songs on “Nevermind”. The song’s title doesn’t appear in the lyrics, which is a typical Nirvana trope.

3. Aneurysm

Fun Fact:
“Aneurysm” is often cited as a fan favorite, especially among those who attended Nirvana’s live shows. The song’s energy during live performances was nothing short of electrifying.

4. Milk It

Fun Fact:
The lyrics of “Milk It” are cryptic, but they hint at themes of reincarnation and existential angst. Cobain’s fascination with the human anatomy is also evident in the title and some of the song’s lines.

5. Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle

Fun Fact:
Frances Farmer was a 1930s movie actress who had a tumultuous career, marked by conflicts with the Hollywood establishment and personal struggles. Cobain felt a connection with her story, seeing parallels with his own battles with fame and the media.

6. Paper Cuts

Fun Fact:
“Paper Cuts” is a bleak portrayal of childhood isolation, and it’s inspired by a true story of a family Cobain knew who kept their children locked in a room.

7. Very Ape

Fun Fact:
In a 1993 interview, Cobain mentioned that “Very Ape” was an attempt to write a Pixies song. The Pixies were a significant influence on Nirvana’s sound.

8. Sappy

Fun Fact:
“Sappy” has an interesting history. It was recorded multiple times by the band during different sessions and even had an earlier title, “Verse Chorus Verse”. However, that title was later repurposed for another song, adding to the confusion.

9. Big Long Now

Fun Fact:
For a long time, Cobain resisted including “Big Long Now” on any of Nirvana’s albums because he felt it was “too theatrical”. It was only later that it found a home on “Incesticide”.

10. Stain

Fun Fact:
“Stain” was one of the new songs debuted after drummer Dave Grohl joined the band. It showcased a slightly different direction from their “Bleach” days, hinting at the new sound that would fully emerge in “Nevermind”.

11. Token Eastern Song

Fun Fact:
Despite its title, “Token Eastern Song” doesn’t really have any “Eastern” musical elements. It’s believed that the song was written around 1989-1990, but it was never officially released on a Nirvana studio album.

Thanks for diving deep with me into the hidden treasures of Nirvana’s discography. Every song is a journey, and these lesser-known tracks are no exception. Let the grunge spirit live on!

Thanks for reading.

TBone