In Utero

In Utero
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 13, 1993 (1993-09-13) (UK)
September 14, 1993 (1993-09-14) (US, vinyl)
September 21, 1993 (1993-09-21)
RecordedFebruary 13–21, 1993[1]
  • February 22–26, 1993 (mixing)[2]
StudioPachyderm (Cannon Falls, Minnesota)
Genre
Length41:23
LabelDGC
ProducerSteve Albini
Nirvana chronology
Incesticide
(1992)
In Utero
(1993)
MTV Unplugged in New York
(1994)
Singles from In Utero
  1. "Heart-Shaped Box"
    Released: August 30, 1993
  2. "All Apologies" / "Rape Me"
    Released: December 6, 1993
  3. "Pennyroyal Tea"
    Released: April 19, 2014 (20th anniversary re-release)[7]

In Utero is the third and final studio album by the American rock band Nirvana, released in September 1993, by DGC Records. After breaking into the mainstream with their previous album, Nevermind (1991), Nirvana hired Steve Albini to record In Utero, seeking a more complex, abrasive sound that was reminiscent of their work prior to Nevermind. Although the songwriter, Kurt Cobain, said it was "very impersonal", many songs allude to his personal life, expressing feelings of angst that were prevalent on Nevermind.

In Utero was recorded over two weeks in February 1993 at Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. After recording finished, rumors circulated that DGC might not release it due to Albini's abrasive and uncommercial sound. It was mastered by Bob Ludwig to achieve a more desirable sound for Nirvana and DGC. Nirvana hired the producer Scott Litt to remix the singles "All Apologies", "Heart-Shaped Box" and "Pennyroyal Tea".

In Utero was a major critical and commercial success. Critics praised its lyrics and raw, unconventional sound. It reached number one on the US Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart; "Heart-Shaped Box" and "All Apologies" reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. The album is certified six-times platinum in the US for 6 million sales and has sold 15 million copies worldwide. It was the final Nirvana album released before Cobain's suicide six months later.

  1. ^ Willman, Chris (September 12, 2013). "Nirvana's 'In Utero' Turns 20: The Drama Over Kurt Cobain's Last Musical Testament". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  2. ^ Jovanovic, Rob (2004). Nirvana - The Recording Sessions (1st ed.). Firefly. p. 97. ISBN 0-946719-60-8.
  3. ^ Kohrman, Miles (September 27, 2013). "Reach Creative Nirvana With This Grunge Masterpiece". Fast Company. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  4. ^ "Noise Rock Guide: History and Characteristics of Noise Rock". MasterClass. June 24, 2021. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  5. ^ "10 Essential '90s Alt-Rock Albums". Treble. July 25, 2013. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  6. ^ Blatt, Ruth (September 16, 2013). "Nirvana's 'In Utero' And The Problem Of Authenticity At Work". Forbes Magazine. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  7. ^ Martins, Chris (April 24, 2014). "Nirvana Top Record Store Day 2014 Best-Sellers". spin.com. Retrieved July 20, 2025.