‘Nevermind’ by Nirvana Reaches No. 9 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums Chart 35 Years After Release

Nirvana, an iconic rock band, has left an enduring legacy despite only being active for seven years. Their second studio album, Nevermind, released on September 24, 1991, catapulted them to success on both commercial and critical fronts. Combining complex emotions with mainstream rock sensibilities and a grunge edge, Nevermind quickly rose to the top of the US Billboard 200 chart, knocking Michael Jackson’s Dangerous from its throne and claiming the top spot on 13 other global charts. The album achieved Platinum status in 20 countries, including a remarkable 13x Platinum in the US, and Diamond certification in two others.

Over the years, Nevermind has made intermittent appearances on the Billboard charts, demonstrating its enduring popularity. Now, 35 years after its release, the album has once again climbed the ranks, reaching No. 9 on the Top Rock Albums chart for the week of May 30, 2026. In 2024, it became just the ninth album to spend 700 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, a milestone solidifying its place in music history. Notably, when excluding greatest-hits compilation albums, Nevermind stands as the fourth album to achieve this feat.

By 2025, Nevermind had reached another milestone, spending an impressive 750 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, joining other legendary artists like Eminem, Metallica, Pink Floyd, and Bob Marley in this accomplishment. The album’s cultural impact is undeniable, as it continues to be featured on various best-of lists and rankings. Rolling Stone, for example, ranked Nevermind as the number one “50 Greatest Grunge Albums” and included it in the top 10 of the “40 Greatest Punk Albums of All Time.” Moreover, the staff at Loudwire voted Nevermind as the best hard rock album of 1991, further solidifying its place in music history.

Nirvana’s Nevermind’s enduring influence and continuous presence on the charts are a testament to its lasting impact on the music industry. As it continues to inspire generations of rock musicians, the album’s significance and legacy remain unparalleled in the realm of rock music.