10 Almost Perfect Grunge Albums With One Bad Song

Bleach was the sound of a band figuring out their place in the emerging grunge scene. Kurt Cobain still hadn't figured out his formula for crafting songs, which wouldn't be truly recognised until Nevermind (1991). It's a far rawer, less polished and primal version of Nirvana. The sound has more in common with doom groups of the day. By this time, the Melvins had started turning up the sludge and tuning down their guitars. Similarly Black Flag had released My War in 1984, polarising fans with Black Sabbath inspired riffs, and slower, more grinding songs. Both of these acts, informed Cobain's early sound to no end.

This is a great album, and an important stepping stone in Nirvana's evolution. It's particularly impressive when you consider the huge leaps made by the group between Bleach and Nevermind. It's almost a perfect example of a debut grunge record, and perhaps would be even more widely appreciated, if Nirvana hadn't gone on to create something far superior with their follow up.

But the experimental sound on some tracks does betray the inexperienced nature of the band at this point. Paper Cuts, in particular, is a fairly unappealing number. It feels like the group trying to emulate Black Flag, rather than pay homage to them. Cobain channels the aggressive nuances of Henry Rollins, and the guitar riffs are borrowed from the Melvins, and early Soundgarden. But, this paved the way to Nevermind.