Critic's Review
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Despite all of the pre-release rumors predicting a noisy all-out sonic assault, In Utero is not an alienating alternative rock monster. Instead, In Utero retains all of the melodic splendor of Nevermind, injecting it with a raw roar louder and harder than anything on Bleach. However, Kurt Cobain remains a pop songwriter, and the melodies don't get buried under Steve Albini's sonic assault, as "Heart-Shaped Box" and "Pennyroyal Tea" prove. The songs are among Cobain's best, making In Utero a successful follow-up to a landmark, groundbreaking album. [In Utero is also available in an import release.]
