In Utero [Original CD, USA]by Nirvana

Although this album is not as famous as Nirvana's breakout album, Nevermind, the music in my opinion is more developed. I rarely listen to Nevermind any more, but the songs on this album are ones that I still listen to from time to time.

Rape Me is the most controversial song on the album, but musically it is classic Nirvana. Other good songs include Heart Shaped Box and Serve the Servants. It's one of the rare albums I listen to from beginning to end without skipping any tracks.

"In Utero" is indeed the grunge side of Nirvana rather than "Nevermind", which was used for Nirvana to get on the map. A love songs like "Serve the Servants" and of course the hits like "Heart-Shaped Box" and "All Apologies" but I can't stand "Tourette's". I guess I'm not a big Seattle grunge fan. Key tracks include 1,3-6,9-10,and 12.

If someone new to Nirvana were to wonder which album they should start with, I'd suggest Nevermind. But if that person loved Nevermind, and wanted to know what should be next, I'd hand them In Utero.

Nevermind was sort of the way Nirvana was perceived, but In Utero is a more honest representation of what Nirvana was about - halfway between the place where they started and the commercial success they became. It's more harsh, raw, and real, while still being accessible to those who aren't used to the post-punk/garage rock/grunge genres.

The most notable tracks: Heart-Shaped Box, Rape Me, Dumb, Pennyroyal Tea, All Apologies

One track on this album that isn't as popular, but which I love is Milk It. This song is the harshest on the album, and revels in self-hate without apologizing for it.