Nirvana: Nevermind LP

Few records changed the world. Nirvana's Nevermind is one of them. Released in September 1991, the well-produced yet emotionally raw album catapulted grunge into the mainstream and forever altered the popular musical landscape, turning Nirvana into household names and singer Kurt Cobain into the reluctant spokesperson of his generation. By year’s end, Seattle-based music, fashion, and attitude consumed popular consciousness. Nevermind had restored the gritty passion, rebellious mentality, and cathartic power long missing from mainstream rock. Call it the mighty sword that in one swoop fell the excess, plasticity, and emptiness of 80s music.
  
The record’s impact is also be measured by the success of its singles. Named by Rolling Stone as the #9 Best Song of All Time, the anthemic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an institution on radio stations and MTV. Subsequent singles “Come As You Are,” “Lithium,” and “In Bloom” also testified to the genius of the soft-loud arrangements and whip-smart commentary on Nevermind, which at its core was a blockbuster pop album in punk clothing.