Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana's breakthrough single
Smells Like Teen Spirit is a 1991 song by Nirvana that defined the grunge era and brought alternative rock into the mainstream.
The title, taken from a deodorant brand marketed to teenage girls, captures the inarticulate angst and ironic detachment of Generation X.
The phrase now evokes early-nineties youth culture, rebellion without clear purpose, and the moment when underground became overground: The whole aesthetic had a Smells Like Teen Spirit vibe.
- hitSuccessful contact or strike
- singleOne in number
- music videoVisual companion to songs
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- grungeAccumulated dirt or filth
nirvana · teenage angst · teen angst · youth rebellion · album · power chords · Dave Grohl · Generation X · Kurt Cobain · alternative · Nevermind · rock · existential questioning · identity crisis · cheerleaders · Seattle · flannel shirts · freedom of expression
- 90s HitsLosing My Religion, Under the Bridge, November Rain, MMMBop, Macarena
- Grunge SongsBlack Hole Sun, Jeremy, Heart-Shaped Box, Black
- Seattle RockPearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, grunge, Nevermind
- Rock Fandomfan art, fan clubs, fan forums, band tees, memorabilia
Smells Like Teen SpiritThriller
Record-breaking 1982 album
easy listening · MMMBop · overproduced · I Will Always Love You · muzak
Smells Like Teen SpiritGood Vibrations
Pleasing oscillations or aura
Happy · I Gotta Feeling · Don't Stop Believin · triumphalism
smell, smells, smelled, smelling, smelly, smellier, smelliest, likes, liking