The Most Underrated Nirvana Songs – Part 2 (11–20) (Chronological Order)

Nirvana released only a few studio albums, but their catalog is filled with incredible deep cuts that many fans consider some of the most underrated Nirvana songs.

Although Nirvana released fewer albums than many legendary rock bands, their catalog is remarkably deep. Beyond the band’s biggest hits and most widely discussed songs, there are still plenty of tracks that quietly showcase just how adventurous, heavy, and creative Kurt Cobain and the band could be.

While Part 1 focused on some of the most commonly cited underrated Nirvana songs, this second group highlights deeper cuts and fan favorites that don’t always receive the same attention as the band’s biggest releases.

Looking again at the band’s catalog in chronological order, here are ten more underrated Nirvana songs that deserve another listen.

Explore more of our Nirvana discussions, song meanings, and album reviews here.

What Are Some More Underrated Nirvana Songs?

While songs like “Drain You” and “Lounge Act” are often mentioned among Nirvana’s most underrated tracks, the band’s catalog still contains many overlooked gems. Deeper cuts like “Sappy,” “Territorial Pissings,” and “Milk It” reveal just how heavy, strange, and adventurous Nirvana could be beyond their biggest hits.

Quick Details

(In Chronological Order)

Song · Year · Album

• Floyd the Barber · 1989 · Bleach
• Dive · 1990 · Single
• Been a Son · 1990 · Single
• Territorial Pissings · 1991 · Nevermind
• Stay Away · 1991 · Nevermind
• Sappy · 1993 · No Alternative
• Very Ape · 1993 · In Utero
• Radio Friendly Unit Shifter · 1993 · In Utero
• Milk It · 1993 · In Utero
• Scentless Apprentice · 1993 · In Utero

Let’s dive into The Most Underrated Nirvana Songs Part 2 (11-20)

Floyd the Barber (1989 – Bleach)

“Floyd the Barber” is one of the darker and more twisted songs from Nirvana’s debut album Bleach. Inspired loosely by characters from The Andy Griffith Show, the song takes those familiar figures and places them in a bizarre and disturbing scenario.

The track highlights Nirvana’s early blend of heavy riffs and dark humor, making it one of the more memorable deep cuts from the band’s earliest era.

Dive (1990 – Single)

Originally released as a single before later appearing on Incesticide, “Dive” captures Nirvana during the transitional period between Bleach and Nevermind. The song features a heavy, driving riff and one of Krist Novoselic’s most prominent bass performances.

Despite its strong groove and energetic chorus, “Dive” rarely appears in discussions about the band’s best songs, which makes it a perfect example of an underrated Nirvana track.

Been a Son (1990 – Single)

“Been a Son” showcases Kurt Cobain’s ability to combine sharp social commentary with a deceptively simple melody. The song critiques traditional gender expectations with lyrics that reflect Cobain’s interest in feminist ideas and social issues.

The track is short, direct, and catchy, yet it’s often overlooked compared to the band’s more famous material.

Territorial Pissings (1991 – Nevermind)

One of the most explosive moments on Nevermind, “Territorial Pissings” captures Nirvana at their most chaotic and aggressive. The song opens with a playful vocal introduction from Krist Novoselic before erupting into a frantic blast of punk energy.

While Nevermind is packed with iconic songs, this track stands out as one of the album’s rawest moments.

Stay Away (1991 – Nevermind)

Originally titled “Pay to Play,” “Stay Away” is another high-energy track from Nevermind that often gets overshadowed by the album’s massive singles.

The song’s pounding rhythm and shouted chorus make it one of the album’s most energetic moments, showing how Nirvana could combine punk aggression with catchy songwriting.

Sappy (1993 – No Alternative)

“Sappy” is one of the most fascinating songs in Nirvana’s catalog because Kurt Cobain recorded multiple versions of it during different sessions throughout the band’s career.

The version most listeners know appeared on the charity compilation No Alternative. With its haunting lyrics and heavy chorus, “Sappy” stands as one of the band’s most compelling hidden gems.

Very Ape (1993 – In Utero)

Clocking in at just under two minutes, “Very Ape” is one of the shortest and most explosive songs on In Utero. The song’s pounding riff and sarcastic lyrics capture Nirvana’s raw punk spirit.

Despite its brevity, “Very Ape” delivers an intense burst of energy that perfectly fits the abrasive sound of the album.

You can explore this song further in our “Very Ape” Meaning & Song Review.

Radio Friendly Unit Shifter (1993 – In Utero)

With a title that seems to poke fun at the music industry, “Radio Friendly Unit Shifter” opens with a thick wall of distortion before settling into one of the heaviest grooves on In Utero.

The song’s layered guitars and hypnotic rhythm make it one of the album’s most distinctive tracks, even though it rarely receives the same attention as the record’s singles.

Milk It (1993 – In Utero)

“Milk It” is one of the most chaotic songs Nirvana ever recorded. Built around jagged guitar riffs and unpredictable shifts in dynamics, the track captures the experimental edge of In Utero.

The song’s strange structure and abrasive sound make it one of the band’s most daring recordings.

Scentless Apprentice (1993 – In Utero)

“Scentless Apprentice” stands out as one of the heaviest songs in Nirvana’s catalog. Built around a thunderous riff written largely by drummer Dave Grohl, the track delivers an intense and aggressive performance from the entire band.

Inspired in part by Patrick Süskind’s novel Perfume, the song explores dark and unsettling themes that fit perfectly with the raw tone of In Utero.

Bonus: One More Underrated Nirvana Song

Marigold (1993 – In Utero B-side)

Written and sung by Dave Grohl, “Marigold” is one of the most unusual songs connected to Nirvana’s catalog. Released as the B-side to the “Heart-Shaped Box” single, the track offers a rare glimpse of Grohl’s songwriting during the band’s final years.

With its quieter tone and melodic structure, “Marigold” feels very different from most Nirvana recordings—but that uniqueness is exactly what makes it such an interesting hidden gem.

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Buy In Utero on Vinyl & CD

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For many of us who have never had the chance to see Nirvana live, a really good tribute band keeping their spirit alive is the best we can do.

For those looking for a great tribute to Nirvana try to catch Smells Like Nirvana on tour.

See Smells Like Nirvana Tour Dates & Tickets

Final Thoughts

Even though Nirvana released only a handful of studio albums, the band’s catalog remains packed with incredible songs that go far beyond their biggest hits. Tracks like “Territorial Pissings,” “Sappy,” and “Milk It” reveal the heavier, stranger, and more experimental side of the band’s music.

Taken together with the songs from Part 1, these tracks show just how deep Nirvana’s catalog really is—and why their influence continues to shape rock music decades later.

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