On September 10th, 34 years ago, Nirvana would release a song that would later wind up at the top of charts across the world. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a song for the generations. People of all ages today still listen to this song, and it is widely recognized as an anthem for youth unrest as well as a showcase of Nirvana’s raw lyrical power. However, when it was first released in the US to build excitement for the later reveal of Nevermind it wasn’t as highly regarded.
The Release
Originally, the song was released two weeks ahead of its album. The band wanted to promote their album in advance of its official premier. They sent out the song quietly, with hope that it would create awareness of the bigger album to come. However, they were incredibly surprised with how well the song was received. At first the song only performed well in certain areas of the US, loyal Nirvana fans. With the music videos reveal, listeners skyrocketed.
“None of us heard it as a crossover song, but the public heard it and it was instantaneous. They heard it on alternative radio and then they rushed out like lemmings to buy it.”
Danny Goldberg, manager of Nirvana is quoted on History‘s “This Day In History” about the sudden mania following the release.The song really spoke to listeners, and it still does today.
The lyrics speak for themselves. The music video is still iconic today just the same as when it was first being showcased on MTV 34 years ago. The video speaks to teenagers on the side effects of conformity. The band plays in a school gymnasium while students wildly dance along, giving into the rough energy of rock and roll. Even a janitor joins in on the fun. A succinct way to connect with a large audience, the music video was what really made the hit, finally grabbing hold of the entire generation. Although likely not the bands most artistically interesting song, its immense popularity created opportunity for the young band gaining attention from producers and investors as well as listeners. Making Nirvana a household name, the cynical and sarcastic lyrics that portray more mood than meaning were immediately well received by teenagers and radicals all over, topping charts in the US as well as the UK, Australia, Canada, and across many countries in Europe.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” launched Nirvana into fame. Lead singer Kurt Cobain was surprised by the sudden popularity. Years later, he has repeatedly stated in interviews that he himself doesn’t even like the song. For Cobain, it’s almost ironic how a song about being unique and going against others and being revolutionary winds up being their most well-known song. The band joked about hating playing this song live, despite the excitement heard from the crowd. However, without the song, Nirvana wouldn’t have been thrown into stardom like they were.
Influences
As far as influences go Kurt Cobain revealed that he mainly used inspiration from the Pixies when writing “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” He used their technique of loud into quiet lyricism. In a 1994 Rolling Stone interview, Kurt Cobain talks about “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and where the idea of it came from.
“I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies. I have to admit it. When I heard the Pixies for the first time, I connected with that band so heavily that I should have been in that band-or at least a Pixies cover band. We used their sense of dynamics, being soft and quiet and then loud and hard.”
Cobain took the idea, only a chorus, vocal melody, and main guitar riff at that point, to Dave Grohl (drummer) and Krist Novoselic (bassist.) At first the others were hesitant but Cobain pushed them to believe in the song and together, they finished it. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is the only song on the Nevermind album to credit all three band members with the writing.
Behind the name
As far as where the name came from, its inspiration is likely more bizarre than you’d think. The song was named after a 90s deodorant brand, Teen Spirit. Apparently, one of Cobain’s friend’s, Kathleen Hanna from Bikini Kill, wrote “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit” on his hotel room wall, insinuating that he smelled like women’s deodorant as a way to tease him. Cobain didn’t know exactly what this meant as he wasn’t aware of the brand but he thought that it made for an interesting rock song title. It reminded him of punk rock, revolution, and anarchism, themes that the band had been portraying in musical form.
Followers
With such iconic songs and albums, the band became influential themselves, transforming the music industry to this day. Bands like Weezer, the Foo Fighters, and singers like Tori Amos all took inspiration from Nirvana. New bands everyday are covering “Smells Like Teen Spirit” keeping the song one of the most globally recognized hits. 34 years later you can still see people on the street wearing Nirvana shirts or buying posters for their rooms. 34 years later more meaning and understanding is taken from Cobain’s writing. Who knows what will change in the next 34 years. However, the song will live on.
