Nirvana's 10 Biggest Billboard Hits From 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' To 'All Apologies'

When Kurt Cobain died on April 8, 1994, NirvanaHis historic time together was cut short painfully. There's no telling what the blond, gravelly-voiced frontman and bandmates Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic might have accomplished in the years since their last Billboard 200-top album. In the womb.

What is certain, however, is that the students of the Seattle trio have permanently changed from the community of acceptance that the guys fostered through their bold political statements and live concerts. Their artistic legacy only expanded in the years after Cobain's death, with their distinctive grunge sound continuing to ripple through today's rock, alternative, pop and hip-hop spaces.

In total, Nirvana scored five hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and even more on the alternative and rock charts, the band reaching their highest peak of No. 6 on the US all-genre chart with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in '91. However, more entries in the future are not ruled out. Case in point: “Something in the Way” debuted on the Hot 100 until 2022, where it bowed at No. 46 thanks to a major sync placement on Matt Reeves' Batman starring Robert Pattinson.

As we approach the anniversary of Cobain's untimely death, Advertising sign compiled Nirvana's 10 biggest hits on the Alternative Airplay chart. From “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to “All Alogies,” check them out below.

Nirvana's Greatest Hits ranking is based on actual performance on the weekly Alternative Airplay chart through April 6, 2024. Ranking is based on a reverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 having the most value and weeks at the lowest ranks proportionally fewer. Due to various changes in rules, methodology, and chart depth over the years, certain time frames have been weighted to account for differences in song turnover rates and to ensure a fair representation of all years' biggest hits.