Obviously, deeming any band as the greatest band in existence is a bit ridiculous since everything is subjective, but when it comes to a group like Nirvana, I think we’re all in agreement on how great of a band they were. Without sounding like a super fan or as the cool kids say, stan, it’s interesting to wonder what would’ve happened to Nirvana if they didn’t end the way they did.

Without stating the obvious, suicide is always tragic, and especially when it’s done by somebody who is so heavily idolized and influential like Kurt Cobain. For being gone at the young age of 27, Cobain managed to create three records with Dave Grohl, Chad Channing, and Krist Novoselic that’ll stand the test of time. In Utero will remain as one of my favorite records and I’d argue there’s not a better sounding record in the broad spectrum of rock.

From the booming and sonically capturing drum sounds, to the rawness of Cobain’s guitar playing, and Novoselic’s slick yet tasteful bass lines, In Utero is a masterpiece. Some fans may reconcile Nevermind as being their favorite record of the group but from my perspective, they perfected their sound on In Utero. It managed to be a great mixture of song-writing and a combination of pushing boundaries with rawness. 

Bleach can’t be ignored either, as it’s a great stepping stone to hear the early days of the group and how they began their journey sound-wise. From 1989 to 1993, they managed to take that high energy and dynamic song-writing to an ultimate complimentary-form by the time their last release came out. 

Today, we’ll never get another Nirvana release, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as we’ll always have their three full-length records and random B-side releases to look back on. Some people have enjoyed the compilations of demos and random recordings Kurt Cobain had during his songwriting process, but to me, it seems like a cash grab by the label to get a quick buck. Demos are demos and will be nothing like three great records the band had. Still, it makes you wonder what would’ve happened if Cobain didn’t tragically take his life away. May he continue to rest in peace and let’s keep listening to the great records his band crafted to keep his memory alive.