For In Utero, Nirvana hired hardcore stalwart Steve Albini to handle their production. Kurt said that he was never a big fan of Big Black or any other Steve Albini bands. For the most part, Kurt wanted Steve because he had happened to produce two of Kurt's favourite albums, Surfer Rosa buy the Pixies, and Pod by the Breeders. In Utero is much more raw than Nevermind and was rated the best Nirvana album by each of the band members. In Utero was the last album Nirvana recorded in the studio.
Serve The Servants- An awesome opening song, this song captures the raw punk rock sound Nirvana wanted for In Utero. Some good guitar work, but nothing in paticular to comment on, just an all round good song. 4.5/5
Scentless Apprentice- Possibly the heaviest track on the album, not one of In Utero's lesser moments, but then again, not exactly a higlight. Nothing really to comment on, besides Kurt's gravely and raw sounding vocals. 3/5
Heart Shaped Box- This song is possibly my all time favourite Nirvana track. The lyrics are Kurt at his best and the riff is excellent in capturing the mood that this song conveys. Courtney Love wanted this riff for herself, but when she asked Kurt if he was going to use it, he pretended not to know what she was talking about. The chorus of this song is very catchy, with some great lyrics, particularly in the chorus. This track was remixed by R.E.M. producer Scott Litt. 5/5
Rape Me- Personally, I don't like this song, but I have no problem saying that it is an excellent track. One of In Utero's best moments. The opening chords sound a bit similar to SLTS. The chorus in particular is the highlight, and again, the song captures the raw punk rock sound that Nirvana were aiming for. 5/5
Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle- This song has some very Cobainey depressed lyrics. The most catchy line is in the form of "I miss the comfort in being sad". This song would have had a lot of meaing for Cobain as he and his wife named their daughter after Frances Farmer.3/5
Dumb- I can't get enough of this song. There aren't the thick, distorted guitars in this song, which allows Kurt's poetic lyrics to come out very well. I prefer the unplugged version of this song, but the album version is excellent. The cello in the chorus is simply brilliant. 5/5
Very Ape- One of In Utero's lesser moments. In fact, the only good things I have to say about this song, is that Nirvana, again get the raw punk sound they wanted. The other good thing is that I like the clean guitar sound in it. 2/5
Milk It- This song, fights for the title of heaviest track off In Utero. This is another of IU's lesser songs. Kurt's vocals on this track aren't even anything to write home about. Basically, IMO, this song is just noise. 2/5
Pennyroyal Tea- Now this is a song! One of IU's best moments. The lyrics are about a strange subject, but, this song captures the raw punk rock sound Nirvana wanted. The vocals, bass, guitar and drums are all awesome, but I really have to compliment Dave's drumming. Great stuff. An enjoyable guitar solo towards the end. 5/5
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter- Some very nice guitar tones, feedback and basslines in here. I don't really like Kurt's vocals in this track. The lyrics are ok, but have nothing on Dumb or Heart Shaped Box. Dave Grohl's drumming is also great.
tourette's- Simply put, I think this song is terrible. There are no lyrics in the booklet, except for the words "tish" "cufk" "sips" (rearrange some of those letters and you'll see what they mean). I really hate this song, and I think it's the worst thing about In Utero. 1/5
All Apologies- Another IU highlight. This song gets the raw sound down. Everything about this song rocks, Kurt's vocals and lyrics are awesome, his guitar sounds great, Dave's drumming is great and Krist's bass line is excellent. The unplugged version is better though :). 4.7/5
Gallons Of Rubbing Alcohol Flow Through The Strip- This track is a strange one to pick to close the album. Kurt's vocals are wierd and don't sound much like any other tracks on the album. The song's lyrics aren't that great either. Personally, I would have prefered All Apologies to close the album. GORAFTTS is an ok song though. 3/5
FINAL RATING: 4/5
