When the music world lost Kurt Cobain on April 8, 1994, Nirvana’s groundbreaking journey was tragically cut short. The impact of the Seattle-based trio, fronted by Cobain alongside Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, remains immense. Their final studio album, In Utero, topped the Billboard 200, leaving fans to imagine what heights they could have reached.
Nirvana’s legacy extends beyond record sales. They cultivated a community of inclusivity through their music and live performances, resonating deeply with a generation. Their grunge sound continues to influence rock, alternative, pop, and even hip-hop music today.
Nirvana landed five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved even greater success on the alternative and rock charts. Their iconic track, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 1991. Remarkably, “Something in the Way” debuted on the Hot 100 in 2022, reaching No. 46, thanks to its feature in The Batman film.
As we remember Cobain’s passing, let’s explore Nirvana’s top 10 hits on the Alternative Airplay chart, from “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to “All Apologies,” celebrating their enduring musical contribution.
Nirvana’s Biggest Hits ranking is based on actual performance on the weekly Alternative Airplay chart through April 6, 2024. The ranking is based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 having the greatest value and weeks at lower ranks proportionately less. Due to various changes in chart rules, methodology and depth through the years, certain time frames were weighted to account for the differences in song turnover rates and to ensure equitable representation of the biggest hits from all years.
Lithium
Album: Nevermind (1991)
Peak Position: No. 25
Peak Date: February 8, 1992
“Lithium,” from the seminal Nevermind album, showcases Nirvana’s dynamic range, moving from quiet verses to a powerful chorus. This song, exploring themes of isolation and finding solace, resonated with listeners and became a fan favorite, even though it peaked at No. 25 on the Alternative Airplay chart.
Listen to “Lithium” above to experience its raw emotional energy.
Sliver
Album: Incesticide (1992)
Peak Position: No. 19
Peak Date: January 23, 1993
“Sliver,” a standalone single later included on the compilation album Incesticide, is a raw and catchy track that captures Nirvana’s signature blend of punk energy and melodic hooks. Peaking at No. 19, “Sliver” is a testament to the band’s ability to create compelling music outside of their main albums.
Listen to “Sliver” here and experience its quintessential 90s alternative sound.
Aneurysm (Live)
Album: From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah (Live) (1996)
Peak Position: No. 13
Peak Date: October 19, 1996
“Aneurysm” in its live form from From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah reached No. 13 on the Alternative Airplay chart, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Nirvana even after Cobain’s death. This powerful live rendition highlights the band’s raw energy and stage presence, capturing the intensity of their performances.
Listen to the live version of “Aneurysm” here to feel the concert atmosphere.
The Man Who Sold the World
Album: MTV Unplugged in New York (1994)
Peak Position: No. 6
Peak Date: March 4, 1995
Nirvana’s cover of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World” from MTV Unplugged in New York reached No. 6. This haunting acoustic rendition showcased the band’s versatility and Cobain’s emotive vocals, proving their ability to transform a song and make it their own.
Listen to “The Man Who Sold the World” here to appreciate Nirvana’s unique interpretation.
Come as You Are
Kurt Cobain performing Come As You Are with Nirvana in a live concert, highlighting the band's stage presence and musical talent.
Album: Nevermind (1991)
Peak Position: No. 3
Peak Date: February 15, 1992
“Come as You Are,” another Nevermind hit, peaked at No. 3 on the Alternative Airplay chart. Known for its iconic guitar riff and inviting lyrics, this song became an anthem of acceptance and one of Nirvana’s most recognizable tracks, solidifying their place in mainstream music.
Listen to “Come as You Are” above and experience its timeless appeal.
You Know You’re Right
Album: Nirvana (2002 compilation album)
Peak Position: No. 1 (four weeks)
Peak Date: October 26, 2002
“You Know You’re Right,” released posthumously on the Nirvana compilation album, reached No. 1 and stayed there for four weeks. This powerful and raw song, one of Nirvana’s last recordings, demonstrated their continued relevance even years after Cobain’s death, connecting with fans and topping the charts.
Listen to “You Know You’re Right” here and hear this impactful final statement.
Heart-Shaped Box
Album: In Utero (1993)
Peak Position: No. 1 (three weeks)
Peak Date: October 16, 1993
“Heart-Shaped Box” from In Utero topped the Alternative Airplay chart for three weeks. With its surreal lyrics and distinctive melody, this song showcased a more mature and experimental side of Nirvana, yet still resonated strongly with audiences, cementing its place as a top hit.
Listen to “Heart-Shaped Box” here and delve into its artistic depth.
About a Girl
Album: MTV Unplugged in New York (1994)
Peak Position: No. 1 (one week)
Peak Date: December 10, 1994
“About a Girl” from MTV Unplugged in New York reached No. 1 for a week, highlighting the song’s enduring charm in an acoustic setting. Originally from Bleach, this unplugged version gave the song a new emotional layer, demonstrating Nirvana’s ability to reinvent their music and connect with audiences in different styles.
Listen to “About a Girl” here and appreciate its acoustic beauty.
All Apologies
Album: In Utero (1993)
Peak Position: No. 1 (two weeks)
Peak Date: January 22, 1994
“All Apologies,” from In Utero, held the No. 1 spot for two weeks. This introspective and melodic track, often interpreted in various ways, became one of Nirvana’s most beloved songs, showcasing Cobain’s songwriting talent and the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant music.
Listen to “All Apologies” here and reflect on its poignant lyrics.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Album: Nevermind (1991)
Peak Position: No. 1 (one week)
Peak Date: November 23, 1991
Nirvana performing Smells Like Teen Spirit, a defining grunge anthem, live on stage, capturing the energy of 90s alternative music.
Album: Nevermind (1991)
Peak Position: No. 1 (one week)
Peak Date: November 23, 1991
“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the song that catapulted Nirvana into the stratosphere, topped the Alternative Airplay chart for one week. This iconic grunge anthem defined a generation and remains one of the most recognizable and influential songs in rock history, forever linked with Nirvana’s groundbreaking impact.
Listen to “Smells Like Teen Spirit” above and relive the grunge revolution.
Nirvana’s top songs on the Alternative Airplay chart represent just a fraction of their lasting influence. Their music continues to inspire and resonate, ensuring their place as one of the most important bands in music history.
