In Utero

In Utero is the third and final studio album by the American alternative rock band Nirvana, released on September 21, 1993 by DGC Records. Following the success of the group’s 1991 breakthrough album Nevermind, Nirvana sought to avoid that album’s polished production and hired recording engineer Steve Albini to produce the record. The band recorded In Utero with Albini in two weeks in February 1993, capturing an abrasive and naturalistic sound for the record. While some of the songs had been written years prior, the lyrics largely dealt with frontman Kurt Cobain’s reflections on his newfound fame and recent personal troubles, incorporating imagery of sickness and disease.

Soon after recording was completed, controversy erupted as news reports stated that DGC did not like the band’s sessions with Albini and refused to release the album, deeming it uncommercial. Nirvana denied the statements but were also not fully satisfied with the sound Albini captured. The band ultimately made some minor changes to the album’s sound and hired producer Scott Litt to mix the singles “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies”. Upon its release, In Utero debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim as a drastic departure from Nevermind. The record has been certified five times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and has sold over four million copies in the United States.