Released in 1989, Nirvana’s Bleach is a remarkable debut that laid the foundation for the success that would come with Nevermind, yet this is the stronger album.
Aside from the controversial artwork, sales success, and the hit single Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nevermind is, dare I say, overrated. Seriously, dear reader, can you name a song on Nevermind other than the aforementioned track? Alternatively, who played the drums on Bleach? I’ll give you a hint, it wasn’t Dave Grohl, nor was it a single drummer.
Look, I love Nevermind as much as any other Nirvana fan. It’s an incredible album but the raw energy, angsty lyrics, and heavy guitar riffs heard on Bleach make it far more compelling. Plus, Bleach is underproduced by comparison with an additional grungy sound that comes through in bucketloads. It is as if you’re listening to Nirvana, playing out of a garage in your local, somewhat dodgy, neighbourhood. Nevermind, however, is far more presentable, radio-friendly, and more attuned to a band playing out of a garage surrounded by a white picket fence in a nice neighbourhood.
There’s little doubt that I’ve offended many people with my views on Nevermind. It’s important to note, however, that it isn’t because I dislike the album but that when I think of Nirvana, I immediately think of and want to listen to Bleach as it showcases Nirvana's origins before the revolutionary impact they would have on the music world.
In order to review this classic debut, however, a decision had to be made as the only edition available via Apple Music is the Deluxe Edition (essentially the double CD re-issue from 2009). The non-Deluxe Edition is nowhere to be seen which is a shame for as much as I enjoy the additional live recordings, I much prefer to listen to the album in its original sequencing. Subsequently, when I add music to my Apple Music library, I’m eternally grateful that I can delete songs and rename the album so that it resembles that of the original release. I can’t, however, easily share that edit with you as Apple doesn’t permit it, but I can create a playlist, as seen below, that showcases the original 11-song lineup.
Now, I’m sure someone is going to question why I didn’t include the early bonus tracks (Big Cheese and Downer) that have been a common addition throughout many reissues. Well, the reason is rather simple. I don’t feel they add any value to the album and I prefer the flow of the original 11-track version. You may, and likely do, have an opposing opinion and that’s fine because music is subjective and here at Subjective Sounds it is important for you to experience the music you love, the way that would bring you the most joy and happiness. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the original tracking for Nirvana’s debut album, Bleach.
Blew opens the album with a killer bass groove and sets the tone for the record by highlighting the musical skill and sonic adventure Nirvana was about to take us on. While Nirvana has always been instrumentally impressive, it’s Kurt Cobain’s vocal here, and throughout this debut, that is spectacular as his gravelly and brooding vocal is thoroughly captivating.
Floyd The Barber has an intense and extremely addictive rhythm. If you haven’t turned the volume up, you’re listening wrong, for Floyd The Barber comes alive when your stereo system is pushed to its limits.
About A Girl is one of Nirvana's greatest recordings with a melodic and catchy style that is somewhat counter to Nirvana’s core grunge aspirations, yet it works perfectly! If you enjoy this recording of About A Girl, perhaps you should check out the MTV Unplugged performance for I truly believe that that version surpasses this original. Not by much, granted, but regardless of how you choose to enjoy this masterpiece, you’ll be left in awe. If nothing else, About A Girl showcases just how exceptional Cobain was as both a songwriter and vocalist.
School has a killer riff and rhythm that quickly fuses to your soul. It’s a shame then that the lyrics are a little mundane, especially when you compare them to the other songs from the album. Nevertheless, the musicality is off-the-charts.
Love Buzz is GROOVY! Krist Novoselic's bass work is pure perfection. As a Shocking Blue cover, Love Buzz showcases the band's ability to take existing material and infuse it with their own distinctive style. If you get a chance, take a listen to the original Shocking Blue recording, you won’t regret it.
Paper Cuts is a quintessential B-side and is a little mismatched to the overall tracking of the album. It’s got the raw underproduced feel to it that should appeal to fans of Nirvana’s early recordings, but it is so raw that it is almost as if it were still in the demo phase. Nevertheless, it’s a solid tune but you’re unlikely to seek it out outside of the album’s structure.
Negative Creep exudes raw power. Cobain's vocals are aggressive and forceful, perfectly complementing the song's unrelenting intensity. If there is another song that best showcases Nirvana’s grunge roots, I don’t know what it is for Negative Creep is utterly perfect.
Scoff features an addictive driving rhythm and heavy guitar chords that contribute to its overall presentation and showcases Nirvana's ability to convey raw emotion through music.
Swap Meet has a fat guitar riff and a groovy rhythm that is its saving grace for it isn’t the strongest song on the album. Additionally, Cobain’s vocals, on this song, just aren’t solid enough to push it over the line either. In all honesty, Swap Meet could have been an exceptional instrumental tune.
Mr. Mustache combines gritty guitar riffs with Cobain's aggressive vocals, resulting in a raw and intense track. I do wish, however, that Novoselic’s bass tracking was more prominent within the mix.
Sifting has an impressively deep and dynamic drum beat and is a perfect closer and Cobain’s vocal delivery in the chorus will leave you wanting more. The result is that you’ll feel compelled to listen to the album again or stay within Nirvana’s back catalogue of music.
Overall, Bleach is one of the most crucial albums in music history and is a landmark release for Nirvana. From the brooding heaviness of tracks like Blew and Paper Cuts to the melodic hooks of About a Girl, Bleach offers listeners diversity. It's, therefore, an essential listen for fans of Nirvana and lovers of grunge, alternative, and punk rock alike.