Hear Sturgill Simpson’s Cover of Nirvana’s ‘In Bloom’

On his upcoming new album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, Sturgill Simpson covers Nirvana's "In Bloom," and in advance of the record's release, Simpson is sharing his version of the song, as well as its music video.

While this song may be a cover, it sounds nothing like the original; Simpson has spun the grunge rock classic into something that is entirely his own. As the singer tells Rolling Stone Country, the tune's lyrics are what's important anyway; he "wanted a song on the album to capture that awkward stage in every young boy's life where they are searching for their place in the world."

"One night while discussing the album with my wife, she asked, 'Well, what were you listening to when you were 13?'" Simpson recalls. "I remember in seventh or eighth grade, when [Nirvana's Nevermind] dropped, it was like a bomb went off in my bedroom. For me, that song has always summed up what it means to be a teenager, and I think it tells a young boy that he can be sensitive and compassionate — he doesn't have to be tough or cold to be a man."

Fans who enjoyed Simpson's “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)" music video will also appreciate the "In Bloom" video, which is similar in feel, with its distorted, brooding, animated and somewhat chilling visuals, this time focused on youth and the confusion that comes with it. It was directed by Matt Mahurin, who has over 30 years of experience as an illustrator, photographer, film director and teacher under his belt and has done political and social illustrations for Time, Newsweek, Rolling Stone and more.

Simpson and his band will kick off a 2016 tour once A Sailor's Guide to Earth drops on April 15; tour stops are planned in Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and more. For more information, visit SturgillSimpson.com.