Nevermind is the second studio album by American rock band Nirvana, released on September 24, 1991, by DGC Records. A number of labels courted the band, but Nirvana ultimately signed with Geffen Records imprint DGC Records based upon repeated recommendations from Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and their management company. Produced by Butch Vig, it was the band's first release on the label, as well as the first to feature drummer Dave Grohl.
For the preparation of Nevermind, Cobain wrote a number of songs that were influenced by bands like The Melvins, R.E.M., The Smithereens, and the Pixies. Feeling disillusioned by the heavy detuned rock popular in the Seattle grunge scene upon which Sub Pop had built its image, Cobain was inspired by his contemporary listening habits to write songs that were more melodic. A key development was the single "Sliver", released on Sub Pop in 1990, which Cobain said "was like a statement in a way. I had to write a pop song and release it on a single to prepare people for the next record. I wanted to write more songs like that."
Despite the initial low commercial expectations, Nevermind became an unexpected breakout success. In January 1992, it reached number one on the US Billboard 200. The lead single "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was a critical success and peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. Three other successful singles were produced: "Come as You Are", "Lithium", and "In Bloom". At its height, Nevermind was selling approximately 300,000 copies a week. Nevermind was voted as the best album of the year in Pazz & Jop critics' poll; "Smells Like Teen Spirit" also topped the single of the year and video of the year polls.
Nevermind has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. In March 1999, it was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Nevermind was responsible in part for bringing both grunge and alternative rock music to a mainstream audience, and has been ranked highly on lists of the greatest and most influential albums of all time by many publications. In 2005, the Library of Congress added Nevermind to the National Recording Registry, which collects "culturally, historically or aesthetically important" sound recordings.
