Nirvana's second studio album, "Nevermind, was released on September 24, 1991, by DGC Records. Marking their first release on a major label, it introduced drummer Dave Grohl into the mix. Produced by Butch Vig, the album features a more polished, radio-friendly sound compared to their earlier work, recorded at Sound City Studios in California and Smart Studios in Wisconsin.
Written primarily by frontman Kurt Cobain, Nevermind channels a spectrum of emotions, often addressing themes of alienation, anti-establishment sentiments, and troubled relationships, notably influenced by Cobain's breakup with Bikini Kill's Tobi Vail. Unlike the hedonistic themes prevalent in early '90s rock, the album presented a more sensitive artist image, drawing inspiration from bands like the Pixies, R.E.M., and Melvins.
Nevermind became a monumental critical and commercial success, reaching the top 10 globally and notably displacing Michael Jackson's Dangerous from the number one spot on the US Billboard 200. The lead single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," achieved massive popularity, becoming an anthem of a generation and earning a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Other successful singles include "Come as You Are," "Lithium," and "In Bloom."
The album's impact was profound, propelling Nirvana into superstardom and bringing grunge and alternative rock to mainstream audiences. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and is often credited with reshaping the music landscape of the early '90s, revitalizing punk culture among Generation X. Recognized as one of the most influential albums in music history, Nevermind was added to the National Recording Registry in 2004 and frequently appears on lists of the greatest albums of all time, including Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." The album has also been reissued with alternate takes and live performances.
In early 1990, Nirvana began planning their second album for Sub Pop, initially titled Sheep. At the suggestion of Sub Pop head Bruce Pavitt, they chose Butch Vig as producer, drawn to his work with Killdozer. The band recorded sessions at Vig's Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, from April 2 to 6, 1990. While most arrangements were in place, Kurt Cobain was still finalizing lyrics, leading to uncertainty about which songs to include. They ultimately recorded eight tracks, some of which were later reworked for Nevermind: "Imodium" (renamed "Breed"), "Dive" (released as a B-side), "In Bloom," "Pay to Play" (renamed "Stay Away"), "Sappy," "Lithium," "Here She Comes Now," and "Polly."
Following a local show in Madison, Vig began mixing the recordings. However, Cobain strained his voice, cutting the session short. The band then embarked on a rigorous tour, which resulted in drummer Chad Channing leaving after its completion.
During a show by the hardcore band Scream, Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic were impressed by drummer Dave Grohl. When Scream disbanded, Grohl reached out, joined Nirvana, and brought a new dynamic to the group.
Meanwhile, Sub Pop faced financial difficulties, prompting Nirvana to seek a major label. They used their earlier recordings as a demo tape, which circulated among major labels, leading to a deal with Geffen's DGC Records, influenced by recommendations from Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth.
After signing, the band was initially anxious about working with a major label and considered various producers. However, they ultimately chose to collaborate with Vig again, feeling a strong sense of comfort and trust in their working relationship.
