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Elliott Smith was an American singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and delicate, fingerpicked guitar style. His music is often described as melancholic and haunting, with themes ranging from addiction and depression to love and heartbreak. Despite his untimely death in 2003, Smith’s music has continued to resonate with fans and critics alike, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential indie musicians of his time. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 10 best Elliott Smith songs of all time. From his early days as a solo artist to his later, more polished studio recordings, we’ll be delving into the songs that define Smith’s career and cement his place in the pantheon of indie music. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Smith’s work, this list is sure to offer a comprehensive overview of his most essential tracks. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported by the haunting melodies and poignant lyrics of one of the most beloved songwriters of our time.
1. “Angeles”
“Angeles” is a haunting and introspective acoustic ballad by the late American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 1997 on his critically acclaimed album “Either/Or.” The song features delicate fingerpicking and Smith’s plaintive, vulnerable vocals, which are accompanied by sparse, atmospheric instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of loneliness, isolation, and addiction, as Smith sings about feeling lost in the city of Los Angeles and struggling to find a sense of belonging. The chorus, “Someone’s always coming around here, trailing some new kill / Says I’ve seen your picture on a hundred dollar bill,” is a powerful and evocative statement about the dangers and temptations of fame and fortune in the entertainment industry.
“Angeles” is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
2. “Between the Bars”
“Between the Bars” is a melancholy and introspective acoustic ballad by the late American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 1997 on his critically acclaimed album “Either/Or.” The song features gentle fingerpicking and Smith’s haunting, introspective vocals, which are accompanied by sparse, atmospheric instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of addiction, isolation, and self-destruction, as Smith sings about being trapped in a cycle of alcoholism and unable to break free. The chorus, “Drink up baby, stay up all night / With the things you could do, you won’t but you might,” is a poignant and bittersweet statement about the power of addiction and the struggle to overcome it.
“Between the Bars” is a powerful and emotional song that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
3. “Bled White”
“Bled White” is a haunting and atmospheric track by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 1998 on his album “XO.” The song features Smith’s delicate, introspective vocals, which are accompanied by ethereal, dreamlike instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of regret, loss, and self-doubt, as Smith sings about feeling overwhelmed by his own mistakes and the weight of his own expectations. The chorus, “Everything’s exactly right / When I walk around here drunk every night / With an open container from 7-11 / In St. Ides heaven,” is a poignant and evocative statement about the power of addiction and the search for escape.
“Bled White” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
4. “Waltz #1”
“Waltz #1” is a haunting and introspective ballad by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 1998 on his album “XO.” The song features delicate fingerpicking and Smith’s plaintive, vulnerable vocals, which are accompanied by sparse, atmospheric instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of loneliness, isolation, and emotional distance, as Smith sings about feeling disconnected from the world around him and struggling to make meaningful connections with others. The chorus, “I’m never gonna know you now / But I’m gonna love you anyhow,” is a powerful and evocative statement about the difficulty of truly knowing and understanding another person.
“Waltz #1” is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
5. “Oh Well, Okay”
“Oh Well, Okay” is a gentle and introspective acoustic ballad by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 1998 on his album “XO.” The song features delicate fingerpicking and Smith’s plaintive, vulnerable vocals, which are accompanied by sparse, atmospheric instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of emotional pain, self-doubt, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Smith sings about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him, and about the difficulty of finding solace and comfort in the face of overwhelming sadness and grief.
“Oh Well, Okay” is a beautiful and haunting song that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
6. “Waltz #2”
“Waltz #2” is a haunting and introspective ballad by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 1998 on his album “XO.” The song features delicate fingerpicking and Smith’s plaintive, vulnerable vocals, which are accompanied by sparse, atmospheric instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of emotional pain, regret, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Smith sings about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him, and about the difficulty of finding solace and comfort in the face of overwhelming sadness and grief.
“Waltz #2” is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
7. “Everything Means Nothing To Me”
“Everything Means Nothing To Me” is a haunting and introspective track by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 2000 on his album “Figure 8.” The song features Smith’s delicate, introspective vocals, which are accompanied by lush, orchestral instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of emotional pain, isolation, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Smith sings about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him, and about the difficulty of finding solace and comfort in the face of overwhelming sadness and grief.
“Everything Means Nothing To Me” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
8. “Can’t Make a Sound”
“Can’t Make a Sound” is a haunting and introspective track by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 2000 on his album “Figure 8.” The song features Smith’s delicate, introspective vocals, which are accompanied by lush, orchestral instrumentation.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of emotional pain, isolation, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Smith sings about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him, and about the difficulty of finding solace and comfort in the face of overwhelming sadness and grief.
“Can’t Make a Sound” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
9. “King’s Crossing”
“King’s Crossing” is a haunting and introspective track by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released posthumously in 2007 on his album “From a Basement on the Hill.” The song features Smith’s signature delicate vocals, which are accompanied by a driving drumbeat and atmospheric guitar work.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of addiction, depression, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Smith sings about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him, and about the difficulty of finding solace and comfort in the face of overwhelming sadness and grief.
“King’s Crossing” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most poignant and haunting works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
10. “Junk Bond Trader”
“Junk Bond Trader” is a moody and introspective track by the American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, released in 2000 on his album “Figure 8.” The song features Smith’s signature delicate vocals, which are accompanied by a sparse, acoustic guitar-driven arrangement.
The lyrics of the song explore themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Smith sings about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him, and about the difficulty of finding solace and comfort in the face of overwhelming sadness and grief.
“Junk Bond Trader” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Elliott Smith’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It remains one of his most beloved and enduring works, and a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of indie music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
