Thirty years ago this week, Nirvana released Nevermind — and music changed forever. Rock was back, and alternative music ruled. Hairbands and pop metal, which had dominated the charts, disappeared. Nirvana displaced Michael Jackson to reach No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. Grunge was in — along with indie rock and hiphop. From film to fashion, politics and culture, Nevermind opened the door for Gen X to express itself, and emerge from the shadows of the Baby Boomers.

Segments

Playlist, hour 1

Playlist, hour 2