Nevermind VS In Utero
A few years have past since I first fell in love with Nirvana and I still think that they are one of the greatest bands ever to have existed. During the short period in which they were active they released three studio albums; Bleach, Nevermind and In Utero. I am now, as I have done in my head countless of times, going to settle the most important question mankind ever faced; which is the better album of Nevermind and In Utero?
Since I haven’t written anything here before, I believe a short introduction would be in order. My name is Rasmus and I go to the same class as Alexis and Viktor, so that’s how I know them. I mostly listen to older music, such as Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Nirvana etc. but also to some newer music. Anyway, Alexis asked me if I wanted to write something for Backstage Riot, and I thought ”why not?” So here it goes: *drum roll* Nirvana.
No matter how you look at it, is no denial that Nevermind changed the world. It can take full credit for bringing alternative rock, post-punk or grunge or whatever you want to call it to the mainstream audience. Did In Utero do this? No. One point for Nevermind. Also, Nevermind is definitely more ”easily absorbed” than In Utero, and is the reason I started listening to this band in the first place. It also seems to be the album that most people like the most of Nirvana. Do I count myself to those people? Now, that’s a question I do not know the answer to. The album starts out big with Nirvana’s greatest song (as in most famous); Smells like teen spirit. After it follows 11 absolutely great songs, including In Bloom and Lithium.
In Utero. The very name make me sad as I picture it as Kurt Cobain’s suicide note. All of the songs are more dark and ”raw” compared ot Nevermind, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s 41 minutes of catharsis, through and through. I don’t know how to put words on the feeling, but I really feel ”taken in” while listening to it. Some of you may know what I mean, some of you won’t. The album also contains what I like to think as their two greatest songs. I am of course talking about Rape me and Heart-shaped box. They both share the album’s characteristic ”dark” sound and lyrics in the same manner. Most of the songs in the album seem kind of sad with the earlier mentioned dark sound. The album ends with the saddest song of the album, but nevertheless one of the best songs of the album; All apologies.
I think I will have to say that In Utero is the better album for the moment, but that’s partially because I have listened to Nevermind WAAAY too much. But it is also because, as I said, I feel more ”taken in” by In Utero and the songs affect me more. Still, they are both among the greatest albums ever made and choosing between them is like choosing between your arms and your legs. I know, it’s not the best parable in the world but you’ll just have to be satisfied with it, because it’s the best one I’ve got.
Rasmus Nyqvist