Bleach cover

Bleach

Nirvana

Album 1989

About this album

Sound: "Raw, heavy guitar riffs clash with anguished vocals, shaping a visceral sound that captures early grunge energy."

Where they were

Released on June 15, 1989, 'Bleach' was Nirvana's debut album and marked the band's entry into the underground music scene. At this point, they were still relatively unknown, having only gained traction within the Pacific Northwest before achieving widespread fame with their follow-up album 'Nevermind' in 1991.

Why it matters

'Bleach' is significant for its raw production and unfiltered expression of angst, establishing Nirvana as a foundational band in the grunge movement. The album's single 'About a Girl' garnered notable attention, even being featured in the MTV Unplugged performance that further solidified their influence.

Essential tracks

  • "About a Girl" — This track showcases Kurt Cobain's knack for melody within gritty instrumentation, bridging pop sensibility with a punk ethos.
  • "Negative Creep" — 'Negative Creep' epitomizes the raw energy of early grunge, delivering an explosive performance that highlights Cobain's vocal intensity and lyrical angst.
  • "Blew" — As the opening track, 'Blew' sets the tone for the album with its chaotic structure and powerful dynamics, encapsulating the essence of Nirvana's sound.

Release Date

June 15, 1989

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Blew 2:54
  2. 2 Floyd the Barber 2:17
  3. 3 About a Girl 2:48
  4. 4 School 2:42
  5. 5 Love Buzz 3:35
  6. 6 Paper Cuts 4:05
  7. 7 Negative Creep 2:55
  8. 8 Scoff 4:10
  9. 9 Swap Meet 3:02
  10. 10 Mr. Moustache 3:23
  11. 11 Sifting 5:22
  12. 12 Big Cheese 3:42
  13. 13 Downer 1:42