What was Nirvana’s first studio album, released in 1989?

Bleach was Nirvana’s first studio album, released in 1989.

Sub Pop issued the album on June 15, 1989. It was recorded primarily at Reciprocal Recording in Seattle with producer Jack Endino. The record’s heavy, economical songs reflected the underground punk and metal environment in which Nirvana developed.

Before Nirvana became internationally famous, Bleach sold modestly. Its original release was funded partly by Jason Everman, who briefly appeared with the band and was credited as a guitarist even though he did not play on the album. The record later became much more successful after Nevermind made the band famous.

Bleach is sometimes confused with Incesticide, a 1992 compilation of rarities and B-sides. Incesticide was not Nirvana’s debut studio album. Bleach introduced songs such as “About a Girl” and “School,” showing both the band’s heavy side and Cobain’s developing melodic songwriting.