Album Review: Nirvana - 'Bleach (re-release)'

4 December 2009 | 5:42 pm | Staff Writer
Originally Appeared In

Reliving the past.

Nostalgia can be a funny thing. On the one hand, it can be a charming trip down memory lane, highlighting the endearing nature of past efforts. Conversely, though, it can reveal that what was once considered appealing is now outdated and crude. Fortunately, when you are a band like Nirvana, the former sentiments are always going to be the most accurate. The 20th Anniversary edition of the Seattle grunge pioneer’s debut album ‘Bleach’ reinforces the stoic musical contribution the band made to the 90’s rock landscape.


Re-released by Sub Pop Records, ‘Bleach’ is rough around the edges – this was, and still is for those who like their music untamed. Featuring remastered works, as well as a live album section and unreleased band photos, this album is the same sound just with a more modern packaging.


Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

Listeners can return to the initial sound found in the pre-Grohl era. Notable songs such as ‘Blew’ and ‘About a Girl’ remind us, and reinforce what was to come from the band. Although Grunge, much like Nu-Metal seemed to enjoy a popularity that was isolated in a specific and short period of time, ‘Bleach’ nevertheless has a timeless quality to it. You get the felling that if Cobain and Co were still alive and kicking today they would still be the frontrunners in any alternative music scene.


It is hard to judge this album based on the merits of something that is new. Rather, ‘Bleach’ is a means of musical reflection that essentially is an important footnote or chapter in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

Raw, dynamic, albeit a little rudimentary, Nirvana’s re-released debut album still stands the musical test of time. The 20th anniversary of ‘Bleach’ is a welcome addition to any long time fans collection. And for the new, it a suitable starting point to the Nirvana catalogue.

1. Blew

2. Floyd the Barber

3. About a Girl

4. School

5. Love Buzz

6. Paper Cuts

7. Negative Creep

8. Scoff

9. Swap Meet

10. Mr. Moustache

11. Sifting

12. Big Cheese

13. Downer

14. Intro (live)

15. School (live)

16. Floyd the Barber (live)

17. Dive (live)

18. Love Buzz (live)

19. Spank Thru (live)

20. Molly’s Lips (live)

21. Sappy (live)

22. Scoff (live)

23. About a Girl (live)

24. Been a Son (live)

25. Blew (live)