Unlike most of my classic reviews, I'll spare you the background. Because if you've been paying attention to rock music for the past 20 years, then you know who Nirvana are. Instead, I'm going to go straight into telling you all about there rather unappreciated first LP, Bleach.
Most people know their breakout classic Nevermind, a fantastic LP with some of the 90's best alternative rock. However, few people seem to acknowledge their debut for the fantastic LP that it is. Recorded on a $600 budget in a very short amount of time, Bleach has the sound of a low-fi album, but is never short on thick riffs and Kurt Cobains signature growl.
In fact, while Nevermind is easily the better produced LP, I actually prefer the sound of the recording on Bleach for how raw and in the moment it is. Plus, it's hard to deny the songs on this LP, from the opening notes of "Blew" to the creeping beauty of "About A Girl", this album is a showcase for just great a songwriter Kurt was, and how tight the band's playing was even before the addition of Dave Grohl on drums.
Other great cuts include "School", "Love Buzz" and my personal favorite, "Negative Creep" a track that sees Kurt shredding his voice over the albums hardest and most intense riff. Track for track, Bleach shows off the talent that Nirvana possessed and would continue to showcase on their following two LPs.
While it may not be the popular opinion, I do think Bleach is my favorite Nirvana album, with In Utero and Nevermind trailing behind. I just love the rawness of this album, and how freewheeling it all sounds; it's Nirvana at their genesis, and it's a superb rock album.
9.3/10
In fact, while Nevermind is easily the better produced LP, I actually prefer the sound of the recording on Bleach for how raw and in the moment it is. Plus, it's hard to deny the songs on this LP, from the opening notes of "Blew" to the creeping beauty of "About A Girl", this album is a showcase for just great a songwriter Kurt was, and how tight the band's playing was even before the addition of Dave Grohl on drums.
Other great cuts include "School", "Love Buzz" and my personal favorite, "Negative Creep" a track that sees Kurt shredding his voice over the albums hardest and most intense riff. Track for track, Bleach shows off the talent that Nirvana possessed and would continue to showcase on their following two LPs.
While it may not be the popular opinion, I do think Bleach is my favorite Nirvana album, with In Utero and Nevermind trailing behind. I just love the rawness of this album, and how freewheeling it all sounds; it's Nirvana at their genesis, and it's a superb rock album.
9.3/10
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