Either Or

I had never heard of Elliott Smith but was awestruck by how good this album is, and how it feels like it has always been with me. It is like a missing piece of my jigsaw puzzle that this album just slid into.

It's sad.. real sad

Beyond disappointed in myself for never listening to him sooner but glad I finally had a reason to. This album is great, it's so much of what I love about 90's american indie/folk/lo-fi music. Well crafted songs presented in an authentic package with no big studio production, just intimate performances and excellent song writing. Favourites - Speeds Trials, Alameda, Ballad Of Big Nothing, Pictures Of Me, Rose Parade, Punch and Judy, Angeles, Cupids Trick, Say Yes

I've always loved this album. When I first came across Elliott in college this was the first I heard. Between the Bars, Angeles, Say yes. So many great tracks on here. This might be one that you have to find at the right time, and I did so it gets a 5 from me.

It’s not cold enough and I’m not depressed enough right now, but it has been before and I have been many times before, and I’m sure it will be and I will be again very soon, and when that happens, this gorgeous little lo-fi observational album made for walking 75 blocks instead of taking the train will keep me good company while I do just that and ponder my life and take in the autumn air in an attempt to clear my head.

INCREDIBLY GOOD ATMOSPHERIC VIBES

Awesome album. Right in the 35 minute sweet spot. Really hit the anxious Charlie g-spot. Well balanced mix and cool vocal double ups. Very soft, but didn't feel weak at any times. Definitely going to learn some of these songs on my guitar. I think this might be the first album in a while that gets a 5 from me. Will definitely be doing a deep dive on this fella. Haven't given him the listening that he deserves. The conspiracy theories around his gf stabbing him also add to ambiance of this album. idk why

A gamechanger for me.

This is a really great album. Bummer that he gets lumped in with lo-fi sad-bois (nothing wrong with lo-fi sad-bois), since he had this really angry edge buried under the melodies. These could very easily be remixed with distortion into solid pop punk, not luckily Smith wanted to do this thing instead. Not a single filler track here.

Perfection ruined my life 10/10

This album feels like spending hot summer days in somebody else's basement, plucking at guitars and dreaming about imaginary women.

Elliott we miss you and your genius

Yes love it love it!

I will always and forever adore this album. A wonderful little intimate, heartbreaking, mirror-like package wrapped in a dulcet voice that fell into my lap exactly when I needed it. <3

Beautiful record! Amazing! I'd heard songs by Elliot Smith before mostly because the algorithms seem to think I'd like it, which was true. This is one of those artists who I always intended to explore further, but never did. Listen blind notes: the music production was textured and precise (in a good way). The instrumentation was well executed, especially the guitar and Smith has an amazing voice. Excellent album for chilling at home on a quiet night or while crunching numbers. Revisit this one with headphones. Post-listen notes: Holy shit, apparently Smith played all of the instruments and much of this album was Smith recording different tracks in his home and these combined later by producer collaborators. Even more impressive. Another artist who died tragically young, which is becoming such a strong trend here that is it getting creepy. I don't know why I haven't explored Smith earlier. I'd obviously heard him referenced by others, on various "Top *00" lists. I liked what I'd heard. Thanks to this project I finally did and I will definitely be exploring more further. Unfortunately, Smith died too young so his discography is somewhat limited, but I intend to consume all of it. While consensus on any top list is impossible, discoveries like this are what makes exploring this list a rewarding project.

Favorites: Speed Trials, Between the Bars, Say Yes One of my favorite albums of all time. Elliott Smith’s vulnerable vocals paired with his excellent songwriting and understated instrumentals make this one of if not the best singer-songwriter records of the 20th century. Possibly of all time if I really think about it.

Beautiful voice and just sounds so good. This album has aged gracefully over the years. I'm here for it.

Perfect! Soothing and calm for when you want those type of vibes. Spun it twice

awesome music

i accidentally made my review on lukas account by accident soz but anyways awesome music

sweet sugar swinging so softly sings super soft sexy songs

luv elliot smith

This album still cuts deep. Such a great talent.

Holy shit. Eliott Smith started the whole [sad] indie singer/songwriter thing - he has influenced probably all of my favorite [modern] artists. This album is it. The one. So good.

I didn’t want to be obvious but I don’t see any flaws with this record.

I remember listening to this album about 1 year ago after discovering Elliott's self-titled record, and I though that it was just decent. And to think that now I love it. Elliott's voice and style of playing the guitar are so intimate, soothing and fragile. Some great examples would be the songs 'Speed Trials', 'Between the Bars' or 'Angeles'. But he also has incredible powerful performances, specially in 'Pictures of me' or 'Ballad of Big Nothing'. When you are in the right mood, this album hits so hard. That's why it grew on me so much, because the second time I've ever listened to this album, I was in the right humor for it. Now, thankfully, the timing of this list was in my favor, as I've been feeling a bit down lately. If I didn't have the proper state of mind, this album would never made into my personal collection. Immaculate.

Sadly, I never heard of Elliott Smith before listening to this record. I can assure you that Elliott Smith is now added to my playlists. Excellent album and I’m happy to listen to it again.

Perfect album, not a skip on the entire thing. Maybe it just hit me at the perfect time in my youth.

Such a great album and artist. Can listen start to finish on repeat. Great to have a true 5 stars once again.

greatest album of all time

Great

hit me hard as hell on a rough day. beautiful amazing

drink up baby 😢 stay up all night 😭

A beautiful, painful album. I love it.

Man, I listened to this album all the time in high school. This was great when you were a sad teenager feeling things so acutely and you wanted to throw more sad stuff on it for some reason. This album had the saddest song I’d ever heard (Between the Bars) and eventually I just couldn’t listen to it anymore. It was too fucking sad. It was a beautiful sunny Memorial Day weekend when I pulled this album and I was nervous it would ruin my day, but I listened to while getting ready and it is still just as beautiful as it was to me decades ago. What a great album, I’m glad to see it here.

Величайший сэдбой в истории сингер-сонграйтерства с его лучшим альбомом. Ключевой альбом в становлении моего внутреннего сэдбоя и формировании вообще любви к этому инди-фолк звуку. Эти песни были со мной в моменты, когда хотелось уебаться головой в стену, но также и когда я будто бы был на вершине мира - странным образом мой комфорт альбом. Выбрать лучшую песню очень трудно. Здесь есть очевидная величайшая песня всех времен и народов, но сегодня я чувствую Лучшая песня - Angeles.

I've never heard of them. Back in 1997 when this was released I was stuck in a relationship, but had two wonderful children. Around that time me and my partner started fucking again, like rabbits, fuck knows what was going on, maybe they were on a guilt trip or something, but we ended up having a third child in 98. Before this I wasn't sure what to do, 'either' I was going to leave, 'or' I was going to fuck my way out. So the question was: either/or? I never knew other people also had this on their minds, let alone call an album by the name. Anyways, I looked for the track of the same name for clues as to my destiny in the lyrics, but there is none, so thats it, I had to listen to the whole album. I left the mad fucking ahole five years later when I could take it no longer. Maybe around the time Elliot took their life, sad face. There is always sad shit behind the stories of people that decide that they either stay, or go. Sometimes tragically, where people run out of options. RIP Elliott Smith, and all those gone too soon. I found the lyrics on the last track, say yes. Back when this was released, I was an alcoholic, and would always say yes to another drink, but always felt like shit the morning after. The situation was fucked up. I loved the way Elliott cleared his throat at the beginning of this track, a human. I listened to this album three times. Thank you for your contribution to this sorry arsed planet that humans are trying their hardest to fuck up. There is still delight to be had. Best songs; Punch & Judy, 2:45am, Say Yes. Fucking awesome album. •••••

I was a big fan of American Beauty when it came out. A big part of that was the soundtrack, especially the final song, a cover of the Beatles’ “Because” by some guy named Elliott Smith. I bought Either Or along with a few other albums one day, listened to it once and said “oh… well… they can’t all be great, I wonder if the used CD guy will take this” A few days later I gave it another try and it clicked. I became a huge fan overnight and even saw Smith the last time he came to Philly. So… yeah. I dig this one.

Kärt återseende , en av hans bästa album

Very touching, and sad.

This album brings back memories of living in LA and discovering so many great artists on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" show. And also trekking around Santa Monica and Venice every weekend to various Used CD stores to find the most unique and hip new music. I tend to be drawn to sad, deeply intense and heartfelt Indie rock and folk music, and Elliot Smith is one of the best.

I think I've been hearing his influence my whole life without really knowing it. Great album.

I hated the mixing in the vocals on the first track. Other than that this was a good time. I loved say yes and pictures of me. Good album

Elliott Smith feels like the Wes Anderson of musicians. His work is beautiful, but is always tinged with sadness, longing, and nostalgia. He uses a lot of modal mixture to straddle that line between hope and despair. It's a masterfully crafted album and made me cry more than once. Favorite tracks: Alameda, Cupid's Trick

Happy to have a repeat of Elliott Smith. Another brilliant album I listened to on repeat.

It's not quite 'Figure 8' for me, but it's still absolutely perfect!

This is relevant context for many of my reviews, and I’ll probably mention it more than once. But basically, a combination of genuinely difficult life circumstances, arrogance, and naivete resulted in me being completely out of the loop of pop culture for years, starting around ’97 and ending finally around ’04. I’ve filled in some of the gaps since then, but this was my late teens/early twenties, when my cohort were laying down Important Memories, and I totally missed out on that stuff. So I still haven’t seen Good Will Hunting, and until now I never got around to listening to any Elliot Smith. But wow, I definitely missed out on this one. Honestly, I’m glad I only heard it now because I doubt I’d have appreciated it, but I’ve already listened to this a few times in the past couple days and I see it staying in rotation for a while.

I don't gravitate towards these type of records any longer, but I think that the skill and artistry is undeniable.

Tragic. Beautiful.

Haunting fairytale with an open ending. Between the bars, 2:45, angeles

The intro to Between the Bars gives me goosebumps. Such a beautiful song. I’ve been anticipating this album for some time. When I’ve dipped my toes previously the water has been so warm. If I could nitpick the album there are some tracks that feel like they would be better tracks with larger instrumentation behind them. That might be true of the section from Pictures of Me to Rose Parade. Still, great album, great voice, RIP Fave Tracks: Speed Trials, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me, No Name No. 5, Cupid’s Trick, Say Yes 4.5/5

Lovely album!

Fav: Alameda, Ballad of Nothing, Pictures of Me, Cupids Trick, 2:45 AM, Say Yes

top 5 melhores álbuns pra fazer mariana-bh quando se tem 18 anos e muita bosta na cabeça esse é atemporal

YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT TO WHENEVER YOU WANT TO lindo lindo lindo. esse aí me acompanhou bastante meados de 2016. que deus o tenha

Elliott's one of those artists who gets a little bit better each time I listen to him. Very easy to dismiss as slacker rock, but there's something heartbreakingly beautiful and melancholic about it as well, like he's super smart and obviously knew his intentions.

Omg mina notes försvann

This was an influential album for me during my teenage years along with the rest of Smith's discography.

i already love this album so much. zero skips for me (maybe cupid's trick tho) the lyrics and melodies are just too good. rip. fun facts: 1. he doesn't like cupid's trick. 2. miss misery by elliott is a good will hunting song and was nominated best original song at the oscars :D kinda strange. fav tracks: speed trials ballad of big nothing between the bars angeles 2:45 am say yes

Angles is one of my top 10 songs of all time, Either/Or is one of my top 10 albums of all time

Really good.

WARNING: THIS ALBUM MIGHT MAKE YOU CRY I might just be deep in my feelings right now but this really hit just right where I needed it. I've spent years trying to get into Elliott Smith and it finally clicked. So many Portland references littered throughout the lyrics which is appreciated if you have ever lived there. Alameda, The Big Ballad Of Nothing, and Say Yes are my favorite tracks off of the album but every song is solid.

Elliott Smith is perfect at making music that's sad, bordering on depressing, but without being pretentious. The genuine raw emotion in this album is like nothing I've ever heard and yet still feels so real and relatable.

I mean of course this wasn't the first listen of this album. This is one of , if not the best singer songwriter album of all time. Every song is so simple and so beatiful and as usual in Elliott's discography very depressing music. Not only the album has amazing songs as I said but in addition it has between the bars. Like that song is just up there in the all timers category. First 9.5-10/10 in this 1001 albums challenge.

Ja, geweldig album he. Ideaal voor 's avonds naar huis te rijden ofzo. Of op elk ander moment ook. 4.7

already know and love; literally perfect

An easy 5 from me. Smith has a way of drawing me in and holding me in his perspective. The songs barely hold together in the best way and the lyrics are HEAVY.

This is maybe the easiest five I’ve given so far. This is completely my taster in music. The man’s voice is so nice, and everything wraps together into a beautifully mentally ill package. I can absolutely see how Phoebe Bridger’s had pulled from his music for inspiration. I’m also realizing how much of the music I listen to probably has allusions to these songs that I’ve just never noticed. This entire album will quickly be integrated into my regular listening I’m sure.

I first listened to this album late last year because I was told it was one of the greats. And I remember listening to it and wondered how was this one of the greats. I felt as though I wasted my time with it. Needless to say, I did not love the album. In fact, honestly, I’m still not sure if I even love it. I’m still not sure if I even get it. Further, I honestly don’t even have half a clue what Elliot Smith is saying in his lyrics through this album. The music itself is not even that interesting or exciting. His voice is certainly nothing to write home about either. Nothing he does is really that innovative or creative. These common criticisms of the album I have shared and still share with many. And yet, beyond all of that, as I have listened to this album countless times since my first listen, I have noticed there is a resonating feeling deep behind the fleshy hollow gorges of my soul whenever I listen to this album that somehow, perhaps through the aether of the universe, connects me with the music contained herein. Truly, it is a beautiful, sacred, and hallowing experience listening to this album. It’s a quiet and careful experience, however, one that if you divert your focus away from it for even a second you risk missing out on the whole thing. It’s a simulacrum if Elliott’s own mental state, he invites us into the delicate space of his mind that is at such odds with itself (“either/or”) that even the slightest distraction will make it impossible to hear the quiet voices that are behind the brain static we coat ourselves with. The pure and raw emotional depth of this record is unparalleled by nearly any other music I have heard. His soul aches, and the voices, when you hear them, yearn. Power lies in subtlety.

One of those albums i cant say much more about. I absolutely love this album. Its a really cozy album but behind the indie folky instrumentation is some really fantastic songwriting which adds to elliot's stellar acoustic guitar playing 10/10 Favourite: 2:45 AM Least Favourite: None

Impressively expressive and unique without sacrificing melody

Woooooooo

Two things stand out to me listening to this album now: First, you can tell it was recorded to tape in someone's basement in the 90s— probably the golden age of basement recording. (It wouldn't be long before computers and digital recording would change a lot of things.) Second, it's an historically great album with an understated and unique kind of beauty.

fav

Dazzling.

Sadgasm but yeah this is it

I am quite familiar with Elliot Smith, for me his songs always feel melancholic like there is a certain sadness to his works. Upon looking up this album which btw the only song I knew in this particular album was Say Yes and I believe this might just have been the time where I sat down and listened to the entirety of this album. It is no doubt intimate but not in a romantic way, a haunting experience since I do struggle with existentialism, self-destruction, and self-doubt as well as the failure to achieve inner peace. I certainly feel biased rating this as this feels rather personal.

Superb. Will be spinning this record again

Elliot Smith is one I wish I discovered earlier. Beautiful and sad. Truly masterful work.

the permanent soundtrack to my degree, many moons ago

Not too much to say other than Elliott was a masterful songwriter who's albums speak to me on levels I simply can't put into works. This is simply a perfect album, literally no skips. Fav tracks: "speed trails" "ballad of big nothing" "rose parade"

Amazing album, just so good

I was always a self-titled truther for a long time & hadn't listened to this album in a bit. Rolling it on its' 38th anniversary feels like fate and I finally understand. Listened multiple times yesterday, highly enjoyable. May be music for sad people but dammit if between the bars isn't one of the best songs ever written

This album defined who I wanted to be when I was in high school. That's how I wanted to sing; how I wanted to play guitar; how I wanted to walk down the street.

Amazing singer songwriter with some of my all time favorite songs (Between the Bars). I could listen to this album on repeat (and did, in fact, listen to it back to back several times yesterday). I'm glad this project reminded me that Elliott Smith is amazing because I had forgotten his work.

Another great album. He really manages to conjure that sadness with his beautiful voice and playing. 5 stars

One of the great albums from the 1990s.

Classic. Best Elliott

Wow, two of my favorite albums in a row. This album is as close to perfect as an album can get for me. The double tracked vocals over Elliott's complex yet effortless guitar riffs and the expert production of the album makes it seem like he's whispering his poetry directly into your head. The flow between upbeat and uplifting songs and heartbreaking downtempo songs is unrivaled. The fact that he wrote the lyrics and orchestrated the music, sang vocals, and played guitar, drums, piano and bass on this album blows my mind. I wouldn't even say this is his best album, but it's still a 5/5

Soft sad boy music. I'm supposed to know Elliott Smith because he's a progenitor of everything I love in music. But I'd never at listened to him until now. This is very good. Ballad of Big Nothing is great. My own tastes usually prefer a grittier voice, but this is really solid stuff. Damn this whole thing is great. might pull me into softboi indie jams again

Beautifully made album. Every song just hits like a truck. Elliott Smith had the perfect voice for his kind of music, I don't think anybody else sounds quite like him. Guitar work is superb as well, I heard it was in weird tunings that not even Elliott Smith knows what they are

This album keeps getting better with each re-listen. Elliotts best work in my opinion. A masterpiece from start to finish. So well made. Everything from the production to the singing to the instrumentation and songwriting complement each other perfectly. Not a song, lyric, or note out of place on the entire record. It really easily and simply transports you right into his world so effortlessly. So few albums do that as effectively. It’s got great range. Songs from all walks of life that still feel connected. It feels like it was crafted with great care and caution. One of my favorites of all time. Really good shit here. 5/5

A true, deep, powerful classic album.

One of the greatest albums of all time. Surprised by how familiar I have been with the album this generator has given me so far, though I certainly don't know more than ~30% of the albums on the list. What's there to say? An album that artists (mostly unsuccessfully) try to recreate over and over because it's so damn good. Angeles has one of the 10 greatest guitar parts of all time. The guitar solo on Say Yes is fucking insane. 2:45 AM and Between the Bar are brutal. Every song here is endlessly catchy and has stuck in my head since I first heard this at 13 years old.

Now this is some fine shit

Soooooo good

I had a tough time writing something that wasn’t verbose, or sound phoney… Anyway, to me this is songwriting brilliance. Maybe I’m just a victim of gravitating to emotionally vulnerable music.

Wow loved this one

This is already one of my favourite albums ever made. I absolutely love Elliot Smith, and I consider Either/Or to be his greatest work. This album consists of nothing but brutal honesty, Elliot consistently shares his deepest emotions, fears, and traumas. A lot of songwriting on this record focuses on the topic of abuse he suffered in his younger years, and the way he bares his heart open to the world is very striking. Musically I think this is just a beautiful record, it’s raw and genuine and real, it never feels forced or overproduced. This is one of those albums that you feel more than you hear. It’s so incredibly powerful that I’m afraid my words here cannot do it justice. It’s literally impossible to pick a favourite song on this record, because each song is just as incredible as the last. I’ve probably listened to this record a thousand times in my life, and I’m sure that I’ll continue to play it regularly for the rest of my life. Rest in Peace, Elliot. 5*

Really enjoyed this, reminded me of a laid-back Guster. Super chill, perfect length to not overstay its welcome and easy for subsequent listens.

Sad boy pretty tunes

Now that's what I call music. Just wonderful album. Next to no weak tracks and the good ones are so good it hurts.

Sounds like a Twilight movies soundtrack in the best way possible

I thinkh Elliott Smith is genius, I think this album is heartbreaking and fascinating in all aspects. I've been loving this album for a long time but only today I realised how MUCH I fucking love this album. I wish I could erase my memory and listen to it for the first time again. In my toughest moments I can find comfort and support and sympathy and solidarity in this only album. And that is because I feel like through this album Elliott Smith takes a share of every listener's suffer and pain.

It's a damn classic, no question. Some of the most beautiful music you'll ever hear in your life. He just had a knack for writing magical tragic songs, taken from us far too soon. Not a weak point in his entire discography.

Yippe!! Getting this album on blue Monday made my life so much better. Easiest 5 stars ever. Love you elliott

Perfect 👌

I feel like this album grows on you, it has a great indie lofi rock sound and he has a great quiet voice that is also loud. Speed trials is a great song and a highlight on the album. My favorite track was Punch and Judy, the instrumental perfectly complemented his voice. Initial rating: 9/10 or 4.5/5

Perfection from an artist we lost far too soon. Elliott‘s music could be deceptively simple sounding but the lyrics and music contain depths and layers that were carefully crafted. I love what we were given from him and mourn what could have been.

No private session need for Spotify, I have listened to this one a lot, usually my first album of the day. So many good mellow, but rocking, songs on this album. All the songs are good, but "Between Bars" standouts out in a collection of great ones, painfully easy to relate to given some of my relationships and issues with booze. Elliot is a great guitar player and song writer, who left us too soon, luckily for us he left with a few awesome albums, including this one.

love it. great all around.

Amazing album. No notes.

9/10

Definitely my favourite E. Smith

I knew I was going to love this album right away

Later than the other Glad I could bother The loudest quiet song In my head they belong Last year's soundtrack Emotions it doesn't lack Pure iridescent pain unwavering beautiful gain

Elliot Smith was a special talent and a tortured soul. I've listened to this album a hundred times, but I still manage to find something new every time.

4.5 rounded up highlights: speed trials, ballad of big nothing, rose parade, cupid’s trick, 2:45am (feb 17 2025)

Que dire sur cet album et surtout cet artiste qui m’accompagne depuis déjà longtemps et dont la mort m’a marqué et me suit toujours. Voix extrêmement touchante, sa douleur est aussi la nôtre. La production, son jeu de guitare, le chant doublé. Et ses textes : “I’m in love with the world through the eyes of a girl who’s still around the morning after”, “Drink up one more time, and I’ll make you mine, I’ll keep you apart, deep in my heart”. Donc “Between the bars”, “Angeles”, “Say Yes” vivront à vie gratuitement dans ma tête. Le reste est suffisamment bon pour que ce soit un 5, parce que “Alameda”, “The ballad of big nothing” c'est beau aussi.

I love this album

Very enjoyable, slow tempo - 5 stars 🌟!

Glad I was in a good mood or this would’ve absolutely made me cry. Fantastic listen.

I had never heard of this before but what an awesome discovery. There's an intimate quality to the songs that just draws you in.

I've been listening to this album regularly since the year it came out and it still makes me cry

Beautifully bleak

Nog niet zo lang geleden heb ik toevallig Good Will Hunting zitten kijken, in het kader van de imdb top250. En daar viel me de filmmuziek al positief op. Het zette op een sfeervolle manier iets neer, en ik herkende iets van een nummer dat op K!NK ook wel eens voorbij komt. Dat bleek dus Elliott Smith te zijn. Dus toen heb ik een aantal nummers al beluisterd van dit album. Zijn specifieke stem geeft de nummers een geheel eigen geluid en geeft het ongelooflijk veel sfeer mee. Ik vind dat echt ontzettend knap. Hij doet het misschien niet eens expres, dit is gewoon zijn manier van zingen en liedjes schrijven. Maar het grijpt me, ik vind het adembenemend mooi. De relaxte drums ter begeleiding, het fijne galmpje van de elektrische gitaar, de lijzige stem. Schitterend. Het is muziek om je eigen leven bij te overpeinzen, schrijf ik terwijl ik gewoon aan het werk ben. Maar ik merk dat ik daar af en toe mee stop, verder helemaal niks meer doe, simpelweg om alleen maar te luisteren naar een nummer en zelfs naar de tekst. Als muziek dat met je kan doen, dan verdient het gewoon een 5.

Great album from one of the most incredible singer songwriters. I never got fully on board with his first two albums, which are quite lo-fi, but Either/Or marked his music becoming a bit more polished and commercial, and it wasn't long before he was Oscar nominated. Although it didn't sell well when it came out, Either/Or has some of his most beautiful songs in Speed Trials, Between the Bars and Say Yes, and I don't think any of the other tracks are weak. I can see why his voice is a little polarising, but to me this starts one of the great three album runs in music history with XO and Figure 8.

Awesome! I don’t know how I missed this guy.

5/5 база

Liked it!

Als je een heel album van Elliott luistert, in al z'n spookachtige, mysterieuze en kwetsbare glorie, dan besef je goed wat een legacy deze man heeft nagelaten. Zoveel indie folk van vandaag de dag is duidelijk - net als ik - betoverd door zijn werk, waar namen als Sufjan Stevens, Conor Oberst en Phoebe Bridgers proberen die magie ook maar een beetje te reflecteren in hun werk. Maar ook popdiva's als Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams en Billie Eilish trekken duidelijk les uit de fragiele kunst van Smith. Ik denk dat zijn invloed nu, ondanks zijn relatieve obscuriteit destijds, niet onderschat kan worden. De tragiek druipt er natuurlijk vanaf, maar z'n nummers hebben bijna allemaal iets lichts en hemels. Een soort tevredenheid met het sadboy leven. Hij weet verdriet in ieder geval op een wonderschone en bijna glorieuze manier te delen. Ondanks dat de nummers muzikaal niet heel veel om het lijf lijken te hebben, en op het eerste oog weinig variatie bieden, zijn het de 'haunting melodies' en zijn breekbare stem die elke song weer tot een op zich zelf staand emotioneel wrak maken. En kleine accenten, de uplifting gitaar als in 'Say Yes' of de rauwe uitspattingen van 'Cupid's Trick', brengen net genoeg verrassing om je bij de les te houden. Maar alsnog, wegdromen is onvermijdelijk bij dit meesterwerk, en het is een prachtige ode aan de mooie doch kwetsbare mens en zijn 'inner demons'. 9/10 Highlights: Alameda Between The Bars Angeles Cupid's Trick Say Yes

Mysterieus kunstwerk. Super krachtig in al zijn fragiliteit. Either Or lijkt een voortzetting van andere folk-loner Nick Drake (vooral door het gitaarspel) maar Either Or is gelaagder en sferischer dan de bekende Nick Drake. Het mysterieuze en onheilspellende karakter in combinatie met de prachtige folk-songs is de inspiratie gebleken voor een prachtige lijst artiesten. Niet een plaat om vrolijk van te voren, wel super passend bij een groezelige grijze novemberdag. 8,5/10 Highlights Between the Bars Angeles Say Yes

I don’t think I’d heard of Elliott Smith before. This music feels so warming and pleasant. His whispery voice brings a feeling of cosiness to me, and the music itself is a pleasant soft pop rock that’s very easy to listen to. It reminded me a little of boygenius, albeit Elliott was around long before them. Just a side note, don’t read about how Elliott died. It’s a bit heartbreaking.

Fantastic through and through. Addicting almost.

Love elliot

Langt bedre end forventet. Tilbageholdt, lowfi, nærmest skrallet ned til det minimale. Det ramte lige hvor det skulle!

Er det her det bedste 90er album jeg aldrig fik hørt i 90erne? Det er meget tidstypisk. Nærmest stereotypt 90er indie. Men hold nu op det holder stadig. Det er følsomt og samtidig rammer trommerne helt perfekt

I like this one better than Figure 8. Some heavy tracks here.

1st song-this song so good i really like it its sound so normal and i reallly i like it so much 2nd song- i like it to this a bomb but its very very cool to hear this finally this a normal one 3rd song-its really cool

I love Elliot Smith. Weirdly, listened to this album a day or two before it appeared on this list because I had the song “Ballad of Big Nothing” stuck in my head. His albums start very simple and lo fi - just him and his guitar - and get more complex in instrumentation and better produced until the final album which feels like theirs too much in it to me. This is the beginning of the sweet spot. The next two albums rise through XO to Figure 8, my favourite. So I could give this a 4 to mark it out from those which are 5s. But I love this one too having listened to it some more. Wonderful.

beautiful and gut wrenching

10/18/24. Really enjoyed this album and appreciated each song. Elliott Smith really defined his style and does it very effectively. Can revisit this one again and again, especially for a calming vibe!

dont have anything funny to say for this review, just fuckin rip elliott man

His vocals are a great interwoven layer on top of his silky guitar-work and create this web of intricate story-telling music. A type of music I do not particularly find myself listening to, but I will definitely listen to more from Elliot Smith.

The lyrics are 🔥

Great album.Love Elliot Smith, but i would've thought Figure 8 will be on this list.

My second of his for this project, I was glad to know he has more than one on here. Either/Or might be his best, but it's a tough call.

This is really very beautiful.

Jaw on the floor this truly might be one of my favorite albums of all time. i can’t believe ive never listened before this is SO me. it’s raw it’s emotional it’s beautiful. I’m completely obsessed. 1.) say yes 2.) angeles 3.) alameda but this ranking is SO tight. one of the first that i actually had a lot of trouble selecting the tops based on merit and not that i had nothing to say about them

Lempparit: Angeles ja 2:45 a.m.

Precis min smak

Gorgeous. I dunno why I've never listened to Elliott Smith.

Elliott Smith just speaks to my soul, man. In his own, wise words: I'm never gonna know you now, but I'm gonna love you anyhow.

Elliott Smith is the end of me. Favourite Songs: Between the Bars, Rose Parade, Angeles, 2:45 AM, Say Yes. Least Favourite Songs: Speed Trials.

What an album! Of Elliott Smith’s work, this is definitely his most iconic piece. The quiet melancholy of this album is beautiful and gut wrenching. The production on the record gives this incredible close feeling as if you’re in the room as he performs. You can hear the influence Elliot Smith had on the late aughts bedroom indie artists. The first time I listened to Either/Or was on a trip I took to Russia in the late 2000s. It offered a cathartic release to the worry, loneliness, and stress of traveling with a group of people I hardly knew to a less glamorous city of the country. So while it has a heavy tinge of nostalgia the album stands well on it’s on as a classic. Standout track: Between the Bars

I love Elliott Smith

I enjoy exploring humans in all their nuances and in all their ranges of emotional expression. I think the singer songwriter genre is a perfect vehicle for exploring the human condition, including melancholy. Thought it was a nice study, an interesting human, and quality songwriting.

4.5

Perfect. 5 stars

always heard the big songs and loved figure 8, but never sat down and listened to this one. this is perfect

What a revelation of someone I never knew, and a terrible loss at such a young age.

This has been in regular rotation for so long. In my top 20 or 30 albums.

Love this very much. Melancholic Beautiful voice Beautiful songwriting

I've heard OF Elliott Smith, the hushed admiration of his -hashtag: Sad- music and the influence he had, mixed with how he had a troubled and then short life, but I had never heard an album of this. It's rating day now, and I've been listening to the songs a couple of times since yesterday. Yeah, this is good. Very, very. It didn't quite click with me initially, somehow, but repeated plays revealed a lot of beauty and depth. Great album, absolutely one to go into my rotation and I suspect, it will grow on me even more.

Oh Wow.

es la primera vez en la ivda que me siento comprendido.

**In-Depth Review of *Either/Or* by Elliott Smith** Released in 1997, *Either/Or* is widely regarded as Elliott Smith's breakthrough album. A hauntingly beautiful collection of songs, it solidified his place as a key figure in the 1990s indie rock scene. The album blends raw, introspective lyrics with understated yet powerful melodies, creating a body of work that is intimate yet universally resonant. Let’s dive into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while also evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics: Emotional and Honest Elliott Smith’s lyrical prowess is perhaps the most significant element of *Either/Or*. His words delve deep into the human psyche, capturing moments of vulnerability, isolation, and inner turmoil. Much of the album revolves around emotional pain, substance abuse, and self-doubt, with lyrics that avoid clichés and instead confront dark realities with poetic subtlety. For example, the opening track “Speed Trials” talks about the anxiety and pressure of existence, with the refrain, “You’re such a pinball, yeah, you know it’s true.” Smith’s lyrics here are both cryptic and direct, suggesting the feeling of being knocked around by life without agency. In “Between the Bars,” he crafts a beautiful yet heartbreaking narrative of addiction and dependence, presenting a lullaby-like plea: “Drink up, baby, look at the stars / I’ll kiss you again, between the bars.” It blurs the line between comfort and destruction, portraying addiction as both a form of intimacy and a trap. Smith’s wordplay is often conversational, which creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Tracks like “Say Yes” tackle themes of redemption and hope, albeit tentatively. The lyric, “I’m in love with the world through the eyes of a girl / who’s still around the morning after,” embodies a rare moment of optimism in Smith’s work. Still, even these brighter moments are tinged with the awareness of fragility. While his lyrics are undoubtedly his strength, at times the ambiguity in his poetry can make it difficult to fully grasp his exact meanings. Some listeners may find themselves lost in his metaphor-heavy writing, but for many, this sense of mystery only adds to the emotional depth of the songs. ### Music: Subtle and Elegant Musically, *Either/Or* is a study in restraint. Smith’s use of acoustic guitar is central to the album, with simple yet intricate fingerpicking that complements his fragile voice. His playing is often soft and delicate, creating an intimate and warm soundscape that draws the listener in, while still leaving space for emotional intensity. Songs like “Angeles” exemplify his skillful fingerpicking and layering techniques, combining minimalist guitar melodies with soft vocal harmonies. The song's tension comes from the repetitive, driving rhythm that builds gradually, giving the track a sense of movement despite its stripped-down instrumentation. The guitar work on the album is subtle yet brilliant. Smith’s use of open tunings and fingerpicked chord progressions adds complexity to what might otherwise be simple songs. On “Ballad of Big Nothing,” he brings in electric guitar to complement his acoustic lines, creating a fuller sound. This track, with its straightforward structure and melodic catchiness, stands out as one of the album's more accessible tunes, contrasting with the quieter moments like “2:45 AM,” where his voice and guitar are at their most fragile. The album’s sparse instrumentation works well, but it may leave some listeners wanting more variety. Smith’s style is distinctive but largely sticks to the same formula throughout the album. For some, this focus on minimalism may grow monotonous, while others will find it to be a consistent aesthetic choice that serves the themes and emotional core of the record. ### Production: Lo-Fi and Intimate One of the defining characteristics of *Either/Or* is its lo-fi production. Smith produced the album himself, and it carries the unpolished sound that became a signature of his early work. The recording feels as though it was done in a small room, giving the album an organic and intimate atmosphere. This production style enhances the raw emotional quality of the songs, making them feel like personal confessions whispered directly to the listener. The lo-fi production also complements Smith’s voice, which is soft and often double-tracked to create a haunting effect. On “Between the Bars,” this technique makes his vocals feel both close and distant, as if he's speaking to the listener from a dream. The overall production on the album feels unpolished but deliberate, emphasizing imperfections that enhance the vulnerability of the performances. However, while the lo-fi quality adds a level of charm and intimacy, it can also feel limiting at times. Some tracks suffer from muddiness in the mix, particularly when multiple layers of instruments and vocals are added. The album’s lo-fi approach may be polarizing for some listeners; those accustomed to more polished production might find the sound unrefined, while others will appreciate its authenticity and closeness. ### Themes: Isolation, Addiction, and Hope Thematically, *Either/Or* is preoccupied with feelings of isolation, despair, and addiction, reflecting Smith’s own struggles with substance abuse and depression. His lyrics often paint a bleak picture of life’s struggles, but there are moments of hope sprinkled throughout the album. These themes resonate deeply with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of disillusionment or emotional turmoil. “Between the Bars” tackles addiction with a tenderness that makes the subject matter more relatable and poignant. Rather than condemning or glorifying substance abuse, Smith portrays it as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotional pain. The recurring theme of escape—from reality, from oneself, or from others—runs throughout the album. In “Angeles,” Smith sings about the temptations of success and selling out, suggesting that even achieving your dreams can lead to isolation and emptiness. Yet, there are also moments of redemption and human connection. “Say Yes” is a rare glimpse of hope, a love song that suggests that maybe things can improve, even if only momentarily. The dichotomy of darkness and light is present throughout *Either/Or*, as the title itself suggests. It’s an album about contrasts: hope and despair, love and loneliness, staying and leaving. For listeners, these themes can either resonate deeply or feel a bit too bleak. The album’s pervasive sense of melancholy won’t appeal to everyone, especially those looking for more uplifting content. However, for fans of emotionally raw and introspective music, *Either/Or* is a masterpiece of conveying the complexity of human emotion. ### Influence and Legacy *Either/Or* is widely considered one of the most influential indie rock albums of the 1990s. Smith’s blend of folk, rock, and lo-fi production had a lasting impact on the singer-songwriter genre, influencing artists such as Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens, and Phoebe Bridgers. His ability to fuse deeply personal lyrics with simple yet intricate instrumentation became a blueprint for many indie musicians in the years that followed. The album also marked a turning point for Smith’s career. It caught the attention of filmmaker Gus Van Sant, who used several of the album’s songs in his 1997 film *Good Will Hunting*. This exposure brought Smith to a wider audience and led to his eventual nomination for an Academy Award for the song “Miss Misery” (featured on the film’s soundtrack). Beyond its commercial impact, *Either/Or* has endured as a cult classic, beloved by fans for its emotional honesty and intimate sound. Its influence can still be felt in modern indie music, particularly among artists who prioritize introspective lyrics and minimalist production. ### Pros of *Either/Or* 1. **Emotional Depth**: The lyrics are raw, honest, and introspective, offering a deep connection to the listener. 2. **Cohesive Sound**: The lo-fi production and minimalist instrumentation create a consistent, intimate atmosphere throughout the album. 3. **Lyrical Complexity**: Smith’s use of metaphor, ambiguity, and conversational tones makes the lyrics both poetic and relatable. 4. **Influence on Indie Music**: The album's legacy is far-reaching, influencing countless singer-songwriters and indie musicians. 5. **Balance of Light and Dark**: Despite the heavy themes, moments of hope and love are present, making the emotional experience multifaceted. ### Cons of *Either/Or* 1. **Limited Sonic Variety**: The album sticks to a relatively narrow musical palette, which may leave some listeners wanting more diversity in sound and arrangement. 2. **Lo-Fi Production**: While intimate, the lo-fi production can sometimes feel muddy or unpolished, which might detract from the listening experience for those who prefer more polished sounds. 3. **Ambiguity in Lyrics**: Smith’s lyrics, while poetic, can sometimes be too cryptic, making it difficult for listeners to fully grasp the intended meaning. 4. **Overall Mood**: The pervasive melancholy of the album may not appeal to everyone, particularly listeners seeking more upbeat or optimistic content. ### Conclusion *Either/Or* is an album that stands the test of time, largely due to Elliott Smith’s unparalleled ability to convey complex emotions through minimalist music and deeply personal lyrics. Its lo-fi production and understated arrangements add to the album’s intimate feel, making the listener feel like they’re sharing a quiet, vulnerable moment with Smith. The emotional weight of the songs, combined with their thematic focus on isolation, addiction, and fleeting hope, creates a haunting yet beautiful experience. While the album’s minimalism and lo-fi approach might not appeal to everyone, it’s precisely these elements that make *Either/Or* so distinct and influential. It’s an album that requires patience and a willingness to engage with its emotional depth, but for those who connect with it, *Either/Or* is a powerful and timeless work. Its influence on the indie scene cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues to shape the sound of modern singer-songwriters today.

This album is incredible. Everything from his voice to the lyrics to the guitars. I absolutely adore how the percussion sounds here. I had never actually listened to anything by him before, but I now know I was sorely missing out. The vocals have a lightness to them that make the more intense moments really stand out.

A total gem from a unique artist who is greatly missed.

The more I think about this one, the more I like it. Captures melancholy very well, which makes sense given everything I know about Elliott Smith. Probably a perfect “rainy day album”.

Perfect album.

This was such a great listen. Maybe Elliot Smith is the pinnacle singer/song writer? He has such great ideas. Especially with his guitar riffs. Each time he plays something and I feel it's going somewhere, it does the opposite. Kept me guessing. Which I think is an important skill for great song writing. Lyrics are hit and miss but the overall presentation was great. He sings with a subtle sadness, perhaps meek or timid voice. It all just works. Excited for more of him.

This is just a hauntingly gorgeous collection of songs. Elliott Smith was probably the biggest influence on the sad indie genre that would emerge in the 2000s and beyond. No one really did it better, but we can think Elliot Smith, for inspiring a whole generation of bands. “Elliott, man, you played a fine guitar And some dirty basketball The songs you wrote Got me through a lot Just want to tell you that” Late by Ben Folds

Beautiful and delicate

Low key and lovely

This project has shown me that singer/songwriters from other generations just don’t hit for me like they do from mine. Fucking Joni Mitchell does absolutely nothing for me but Elliot Smith certainly does. Is it just that’s better by a wide margin? Probably Either/Or is an album that is so sad, not just because of the music on it, but also because of what could have been. 9.1/10

Random thoughts on an album I’ve listened to so many times it’s etched in my brain: -Angeles, Cupids Trick, 2:45 am, and Say Yes is a murderer’s row to close an album. -Angeles is guitar goals. I think Elliott remains an underrated player. -In college and law school I had a job teaching test prep classes. One class was an hour’s commute to MSU and I distinctly recall being obsessed with 2:45 am and Built to Spill’s “I would hurt a fly” during that time period, so I would play those two songs repeatedly for the month or two I was commuting to teach that class a couple times a week. -“the trumpet’s obviously been drinking, because he’s fucking up even the simplest lines” is such a good line, so specific and so biting, but it still feels like it says more about the narrator’s worldview -I have a least favorite song (no name no. 5), but picking a favorite is nearly impossible. At various times it has been between the bars, rose parade, Angeles, 2:45 am, and say yes.

Very philosophical lyrics and quite good instrumental. Unfortunately is somewhat difficult to understand It as a Second language Brazilian

很有启发性的专辑，第一首speed trials深得我心

Nice flowing album

This was really nice. Ended up listening to it twice. I get the feeling that Andy Shauf listens to Elliott Smith.

As a certified sadboi, I am mandated to pay tribute to one of the kings. This album is flawless and beautiful.

I find it hard to rate favourites from an album I love from an artist I love.

if this guy doesn't list nirvana as an influence, he's a liar. It's really heavy and emotionally heartbreaking stuff but the alternation between the heavy shoegaze-y sound with the subdued almost whispered singer songwriter stuff is beautiful.

Have it. Love it. Miss it.

Can't believe I've never listened to Elliott Smith before. This album was incredible and is making me look into his entire catalogue.

Wonderful (new to me) album - all the feels

I really liked it. I listened more to the album XO when I was younger.

Either the best or second best Elliot Smith album

An amazing listen front to back. The only other artist I can think of who can pull off these whispery, but impactful vocals is Billie Eilish, but given the different genres of these artists, the effect of the vocals is different for each artist. Elliott's guitar playing is really dynamic between songs, he's just as skillful in the softer songs like "Between the Bars" and "Angeles" as he is in the more active songs like "Rose Parade" and "Pictures of Me". I think it goes without saying that his lyrical ability is very impressive; for me, this is an uncommon occurrence of me really tuning into and listening to the lyrics in music. I thoroughly enjoy this whole album, and the middle section in particular ("Between the Bar" to "Angeles") to be absolute top-notch songwriting.

I can’t help but love our resident sad boy. He’s just so poetic and angsty, speaking to my teenage heart.

own

I'm a big Elliot Smith fan, so I was quite delighted to have an excuse to throw this record back on the turntable. This is easily his most popular album, coming out shortly after his big break on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack's Miss Misery, which was nominated for an Oscar. This was his final release on the Kill Rock Stars label before signing with Dreamworks. I feel like it's also had a resurgence recently due to Between the Bars being featured on the show Rick and Morty. It is probably his most consistent album, with every song being pretty spectacular. Rose Parade is probably my favorite song on the album due to sentimental attachment. The fact that this album came up for me on the day of the Grand Floral Parade here in Portland couldn't be more fitting, and is a super odd coincidence.

I’m a sucker for a moody acoustic guitar.

the first track was so diappointing i was like. is this what all the hype's been about?? and then it hit me.

Love his voice and sad music, really puts you in a mood but still insanely catchy.

Amazing album

Tem uma atmosfera de tristeza e contemplação com a cara dos anos 90. O tipo de música que adoraria ter conhecido antes.

Good album. The last 4 I’ve listened to have had a similar sound. I hope that once I click the vote button the next album allows me to bob my head to the beat rather than falling asleep.

Favourite tracks were Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad of Big Nothing, Pictures of Me, and 2:45am. Really solid album this - well put together and varied. Been a couple of years since the first one on the list, and I enjoyed that one too. Lots of time for a melancholy singer-songwriter.

Elliott Smith is probably the artist I've discovered on this list that I've gone back and listened to the most..... I think I've heard most of this already due to this. I think the figure 8 album we had is technically better than this, but this is still very good. Different though, this is far more melancholy and emo. Would've been very appealing to me as a teenager. It kinda reminds me of dashboard confessional, like somehow it would really appeal to girls.... At times it strays too far into the woe is me angst stuff, but when it's good it's really good. Highlights: Alameda Between the bars Angeles Say yes 4.5....... I would give figure 8 a 5 if I could go back

Subdued, gentle, sad... beautiful

Indie, and country rock, remind me of Beetles. There is no big surprise in the album; it will not blow your mind, yet it is perfect to be the BGM of a chilling Saturday night. It is a nice album, that I am willing to listen to again.

:')

Figure 8 is still my favorite, but still one of my favorite artists

Possibly peak Elliott. Absolutely love this album, such a gem.

Amazing album. This is the first time I'm giving a 5 to an album I previously didn't know at all. I think I might have heard the name "Elliott Smith" before, but I never heard any of the tracks, not even "Between The Bars" (which has 186M plays on Spotify). This is one of my favorite "finds" so far in this 1001 project.

Found a new artist to get into. I can't describe why this clicks for me but the whisper vocals and psych era of Beatles do it for me.

Just a fantastically sad singer-songwriter record. Packed front-to-back with songs that on their face, are simple and memorable but are secretly more harmonically astute, more lyrically sly, and as many guitarists have discovered - way more difficult to play than they sound. My personal favorite Elliott Smith record and his most essential entry - at the apex of his self-recorded mastery.

Einfach es perfekte Singer/Songwriter album

Amazing album with fragile singer-songwriter songs with beautiful melodies and somewhat depressing lyrics,

Seeing this cover pop up reminded me of when I saw it for the first time in 1997. I was doing DJ slots at odd hours on our college radio station and there was a big bin of new CDs we were supposed to choose from for some required proportion of our shows. One of the jobs of the volunteers was to review these albums and put brief notes on the cover so the DJs would have an idea of what to check out. This one said basically don’t be fooled, I’m a sensitive singer songwriter. I can’t remember what songs I played at the time but I do remember thinking that was spot on and I happily played this record every show until it dropped out of the new music bin. The next memory I have of this is listening to it more and more after graduation, driving around LA. I played it for my younger brother and said to him I love this guy, he’s kind of folky but his music really rocks. As I played it for him I kept saying OK I think this next one is a loud one. I just had the impression that these were dynamic songs with some kind of strong life force. This was before these songs became famous for being used in movie scenes to telegraph melancholy. Although they’re sometimes dark, I didn’t think of them as being just that. They’re expertly constructed, layered, and dynamic, musically and lyrically. There is anger here, frustration, alienation and loss, but also joy and hope. I’ve listened to this album hundreds of times. Sometimes I play it as background music because I know it so well, it doesn’t even engage my brain enough to distract from whatever I’m trying to do. I can literally sing along while reading something else. Other times I play it to get into the headspace of driving around LA, feeling the unique atmosphere of the city. Sometimes I listen close in headphones and try to pick out something different—one of the layers of guitars or vocals, an odd shift in timing, an unexpected chord change. It’s always rewarding. I guess what I’m saying is, this is not a one-note artist or record. Try listening to this record when you’re happy. Last time I heard it was riding the train down the pacific coast to San Diego. It was equally amazing as a soundtrack to bleak downtowns and glorious beaches.

The master of indie folk weaves acoustic melodies with lyrical craft that pains and amazes.

A favorite for the last 20+ years. It still sucks that he's gone.

A beautiful album that might have been *too* good in retrospect. The start of the Elliott Smith downfall can be traced here, bigger acclaim and bigger visibility leading to a bigger record deal and bigger expectations that leads to bigger problems. But let's just accept it for what it is, a beautiful album.

I don't know if there has been a better song writer than Elliott Smith.

This is what I'm talking about. It was refreshing to listen to this album again so soon after 'Figure 8.' (Well, a little over a week.) It's still Beatles-influenced, but also actually sounds like Elliott Smith. It's a beautiful record: the arrangements, the writing, the performances. I feel fully immersed in it when I'm listening, like being underwater. I've heard this acclaimed as Smith's best work, and I can't really argue the contrary. Highlights: Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad Of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Angeles, Cupids Trick, Say Yes

beautiful words and hushed whispers and guitar melodies

Man, this album brings me BACK to my freshman and sophomore years of college. This is when I was first introduced to Elliott Smith and his music, and I remember being captivated by his incredibly distinct voice. Especially when listening through headphones. It's like ASMR for me on his softer songs where the main instrument is his voice. Smith's ability to master layering harmonies using his own vocals--often vulnerable or seething, sometimes switching effortlessly between both in the same song--is very much on display throughout Either/Or. "Ballad of Big Nothing?" "Between the Bars?" "Pictures of Me?" All bangers (and no, songs don't have to be loud to be 'bangers,' although "Cupids Trick" has louder moments comparatively). "Rose Parade's" awesomely descriptive lyrical content makes you feel like you're watching it streetside alongside Smith himself--he remains one of my favorite lyricists, and this track reminds me of that. The story behind how his songs made it onto the Good Will Hunting soundtrack is also quite interesting, and the fact that this (I think, still?) remains Smith's best-selling album while never charting is a testament to how his brand of earnest indie folk-rock resonated with a lot of people, including me. Given all of this, I'm giving Either/Or a full 5 stars. I hadn't actually listened to Elliott Smith much over the last few years, and hearing this album again is a great reminder for me that this 1,001 albums project is worth the long journey. Either/Or is a brilliant album and representation of an artist we lost far too soon. Interesting Factoids from Wikipedia: *The album's style has been described as "a bridge between the lo-fi darkness of Roman Candle and Elliott Smith and the studio sheen of XO and Figure 8." *The album inspired (film director) Gus Van Sant to invite Smith to contribute to the soundtrack of his film Good Will Hunting. Three Either/Or tracks were incorporated into the soundtrack, as well as a new song, "Miss Misery." *Smith would briefly be cast into the international spotlight early the following year when he performed his song, the 1997 standalone single "Miss Misery", at the 1998 Academy Awards ceremony, following the song's appearance in the major motion picture Good Will Hunting and its subsequent Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Following this appearance, Smith was signed to major label DreamWorks and started work on his fourth studio album, XO. Interesting Factoids from SongFacts.com: *Smith describes [the song "Say Yes"] as being "insanely optimistic." It was written when he had just broken up with his girlfriend, Joanna Bolme, and realized how much he wanted her back. Elliott said that it took him five minutes to write the lyrics and the music. Standout Tracks: Speed Trials, Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me, Rose Parade, Angeles, Say Yes

A new discovery that's going to make it firmly into more regular listening

RIP

This has been a favorite for many years

I want to start this review by bringing up a weird pattern I've had with albums lately. You see, 9 days ago, I got my second Jimi Hendrix album, which I gave a 5. After 1 album from a new artist, I then got my second Bob Dylan album, which was also a 5. This was followed by 2 new artists and then my second Queen album, also a 5. Finally (at least for now), I got 3 new artists, and my second Elliott Smith album. You notice the "1, 2, 3" going on there? That's just funny. But does the 5/5 part continue? Yeah, of course it does. I really have no complaints about Either/Or. Everything I said about Figure 8 applies here. The sound is still great, which is impressive considering it all comes from one guy. The singing compliments the tone of the album very well. The songwriting and storytelling is still top-notch. It's a very cohesive experience that feels very personal. There's variety in everything. This is just an amazing album. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you see it), I'm not sure I'm in the right headspace for the album right now, but I can tell just how good it is anyways. What can I say? This is a masterpiece. 5/5.

Either/Or by Elliott Smith is an album that effortlessly transports me back to the halcyon days of university, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort like no other. Each track serves as a sonic companion to late-night study sessions and introspective moments, making it the perfect soundtrack for those formative years. The warmth of Smith's voice and the gentle instrumentation create a soothing atmosphere, wrapping around me like a familiar blanket. Yet, amidst the comforting melodies, there's a rawness, a roughness around the edges that adds depth and authenticity to the album. It's this delicate balance between tenderness and vulnerability that makes Either/Or so captivating. Tracks like Between the Bars and Say Yes showcase Smith's lyrical prowess, delving into themes of love, longing, and existential introspection. The album's simplicity is its strength, allowing the sincerity of Smith's songwriting to shine through. Listening to Either/Or feels like revisiting an old friend, each song a cherished memory from days gone by. Overall, it's an album that not only reminds me of happy times at university but also offers solace and companionship whenever I need it most. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 10 STAND OUT TRACK - Ballad of Big Nothing

Wow! Don’t know I have never heard this. Absolutely loved it!

Music in Good Will Hunting uh ...yeah - 9/10

I enjoyed this album a lot, seems like he really knew what he was doing

I listen to a lot of the songs on this album. really good.

This was crazy to get since I put an Elliott smith song on the music league like two days ago. He’s great, and this is a great album. 9.5/10

Ya know

Acoustic melancholic vibe

Sad boy hours but love em

beautiful, sorrowful and if we’re being honest often catchy!! obviously i love his lyricism, a lot of these songs feel like odes or elegies

Exceptionally breathtaking.

I already love it. I knew I would. Somehow I missed this album in my Elliot smith days. He absolutely influenced artists like sandy(alex g). Speed trails and 245am were my faves.

Ok

I'm not crying, you're crying! There's something about his music that strikes such a deep chord. This will always be one of my favorite records of all time.

A sad, depressing masterpiece. Love this album. RIP Elliot Smith.

Amazing songs for when you're in a sad mood

Really great soft album, enjoyed say yes the most.

Love this. Reminds me of my lonely, misunderstood uni years.

Though I'd heard the name here and there, I'd somehow never listened to Elliott Smith before (though I recognise the sound from films). As soon as you put it on, you can hear that this is on another plane of songwriting. Loved it.

I know it's coming but that last line of Rose Parade kills me every time.

A perfect album.

Just the right amount of sad makes me happy. Rest in power, Elliott.

Haunting and absolutely beautiful

I was asleep on the plane but when I came too it sounded great. It sounded way ahead of its time and I’m adding it to the rotation

# Playlist track - Pictures Of Me # Notes - My first time listening to Elliot Smith and reading up on his story. - Great album! It's sad, yes, but not in an annoying whiny way. More like "Sea Change" sad. - Definitely listening again.

Depression never sounded so blissful. Smith’s ditties are outstanding, candid, and punchy. Every song on this album is so good. It weaves in and out of slower and fast as well, keeping the listener engaged and enthralled. A classic album from a tragic soul.

Very nice album!

An all time favorite for me. Alameda hit this time for me.

Excellent. Not sure why I didn’t know him

Yes yes

Amazing album

Literally listened to this like earlier in the week cuz I'm always listening to it and don't need an excuse to listen to it but will gladly accept one. Here we go again.

Speed Trials - 9/10 Alameda - 9/10 Ballad of Big Nothing - 10/10 Between the Bars - 10/10 Pictures of Me - 9/10 No Name No5 - 9/10 Rose Parade - 9/10 Punch and Judy - 8.5/10 Angeles - 9/10 Cupids Trick - 9/10 2:45 am - 8.5/10 Say Yes - 10/10 TOTAL - 110/120

9/10

It’s been my favorite album since last year

This is fantastic sad music. It feels like he's right in the room with you, but not in a "let me play my guitar at you if you like it or not" way

Jack Johnson vibes

Indie-Alternative-Sound der 90er - damit bin ich aufgewachsen. War mir früher etwas zu "soft", aber jetzt gefällt es mir sehr gut! Tolle, intime Produktion und super Songs!

No one does what Elliott Smith did better than him.

First time listening to this album, and wow it is beautiful and painful at the same time, you really feel Elliott’s pain and emotions. I appreciated him before from songs I had heard but sitting listening to this now I feel I get it. This is his masterpiece. Such a talent. Five stars.

ANGELES!

I'm ashamed I've never given this album a chance before.

I should never have listened to Say Yes before the rest of his stuff cos the rest of it's good but not in the same way and it took me way too long to appreciate it. That being said this album is gorgeous and the heavier moments come at perfect times and Say Yes as a closer is just stunning

5/5

Beautiful

This is an easy 5 for me. Listening to this as a teenager when it first came out was formative for me.

Really enjoyed this, will listen to more Elliott Smith.

221223 16:30 4.5

Love this album and this artist!

awesome

I could wax poetic about Elliott Smith for days if anyone would listen. When I find someone that will, we usually get along. A lot has been said about how sad his music is, but I think it’s very overstated. His music to me is about the mundanity of life. It’s not a bad or sad thing. Yeah sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed, but that’s whats so relatable about it. More so than the love songs that are so overdone by almost everyone else. Mundanity can be just fine. His music is about everyday people. I find some of it empowering even, but I’ll write more about that when I get to XO. Either/Or grew on me over the years after I first became a fan. It’s not quite as ornate as XO, and it doesn’t rock as hard as Figure 8. What it does do is explore the stories of various people. I assume some of them are about himself in the third person. When I first moved to Portland, I listened to Either/Or again while it rained on my car. I literally walked down Alameda with my headphones on listening to it again. I didn’t move here because of my love for his music, but it gave the place a little extra familiarity that it wouldn’t have otherwise had. Easiest 5/5 rating so far.

Rating: 10/10 Classic indie-folk album. What a masterpiece from Elliot Smith, so melancholic and emotional, you really feel his pain throughout the entire album. The singing is fantastic, the lyrics are fantastic, and instrumentally it is incredible as well. There are many memorable melodies on here too, each song sounds special in its own way while keeping the same theme throughout. Favorite songs: Pretty much all of them. Least favorite songs: No Name No. 5, Punch and Judy.

Sad and lovely album. I've listened more to his later stuff, was good to get into this one instead. He really set the scene for the earnest singer-songwriter wearing his heart on his sleeve. Tragic end of course, and he never seemed a settled soul. At least we have these albums to remember him by.

Конечно, слушать Эллита впервые - круче, это прям срывает башку но альбом великолепный

у него такой нежный голос что слышать слово fucking как-то даже неловко...

Such an awesome find! So gripping and meaningful.

Hard to come up with the words to adequately praise this album. Whew. It's like a beautiful gut-punch. His vocals are so sonically pleasing and fit the music/lyrics perfectly. The production is surprisingly complex for such a stripped down sound. I've spent more time with XO but this one is just as good if not better. Credit to Tessa for tuning me into him back in the day. His death hit her & some of our friends harder than me, but spurred me to dive in and really fall in love with his music. 5 - All-time classic

Really liked it, will add it to my rotation

There’s a reason why my eldest son is called Elliott

I just had "Pink Moon" a few days ago. Is this album generator trying to give me depression? I flip between preferring this album and "Figure 8" pretty often, but both are so incredible that it doesn't even really matter. Up there with "The Glow, Pt. 2" and "Illinois" as one of my favorite whiny indie rock albums for losers.

Billie reccomeded this so I actually listened to this one. Will definitely be relistening - warm slow music. Vocals are billie eilish before she was even born - very chill, stripped back

I've been meaning to check out this artist for a while now and I wasn't disappointed. It was like a delightful combination of Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens, two artists I really like. I loved the vocals and the chords, and pretty much every track on the album. Definitely will be listening to this one again.

Nearly a perfect album

<3

pretty sick. Was a vibe fr

This album brought back memories from my teenage years. I have a specific memory listening “Say Yes” during a busride in early morning after a rough night of party with a heartbreak. And btw thanks for Orange County to first introduce me to Elliot Smith!

Excellent album.

perfect in every aspect of the word

rose parade <3

Good but downer

absolute perfection. an album you genuinely need to hear before you die. the lyrics, vocals, guitars, all of it crafted with such care. such an incredible, beautiful, spine tingling album.

Possibly my favorite album yet, this is perfect top to bottom. I had listened to a bit of Elliott Smith before since I knew that he was a pretty big influence on Phoebe Bridgers, but for some reason I hadn't really given much thought to this album as a whole. That was a mistake, this is incredibly good. First, I get the Phoebe Bridgers connection. Part of why I like her so much is how she writes incredibly powerful lyrics that are about highly specific, often mundane parts of day to day life. Smith does this really effectively too, and I can totally see how this album influenced her later work. "You're sitting around at home now waiting for your brother to call. I saw him down in the alley having had enough of it all." He just captures these little specific life moments so well. The album is definitely sad. Spotify's artist description says that Smith has a "distinctively melancholic sound", and that's probably a pretty apt description. But it has these small moments throughout that bring in bits and pieces of beauty or optimism that makes this all come together. And then "Say Yes" just totally brings it home at the end. It's definitely not a "happy" song, but it's upbeat sounding and romantic and real. The guitar has this poppy sound. It's a distinctively Elliott Smith song, even though it sounds pretty different from the rest of the album. "I'm in love with the world through the eyes of a girl...I'm damaged bad at best, she'll decide what she wants, I'll probably be the last to know". The album is a bit short (37 minutes for 12 songs), and Smith consistently ends songs a little before where you might expect other artists to end them. It works, there's no extra fluff, he gets across what he needs to. Say Yes is a great example at the end, it finishes a bit abruptly but it's perfect. Truly great album, one that I knew of but never gave enough attention to before this. I'm glad I finally did. "You can do what you want to whenever you want to. You can do what you want to there's no one to stop you." Favorite song: Say Yes Other: Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad of Big Nothing, Between The Bars, Pictures Of Me, No Name No. 5, Rose Parade, Punch And Judy, Angeles, Cupids Trick, 2:45 a.m.

Chilled and deep, probs would have meant a lot to me as a troubled young boy

If I could give this album 4.5 stars, I would, but I'm rounding up to 5 stars, because this album and Elliott Smith, in general, is one of my favorites ever. I just think that "Either/Or" lacks cohesion and flow through it. "Figure 8" is extremely cohesive and flows the entire way through it, from song to song, and feels like one complete piece. "Either/Or" feels more like just a group of random - but very good - songs. Still, songs like "Rose Parade" give me goosebumps nearly every time I listen to it/them.

An absolute all-timer for me. Fell in love the second Cynthia Mason put “Say Yes” on a mix tape for me my freshman year of high school - same year the album came out. What a great time to be a disaffected teenage mope. I know Smith can be polarizing. Count me firmly on the pro side of the spectrum with this album squarely at the top of his canon - though I’ll listen to X/O any time. Genuinely made soft acoustic a punk rock experience.

Hugely personal record for me.

i've heard of him and have being wanting to take a listen for a while now, i think the time has come then. such a different production on this album everything is either so close to you or on the next room. his lyrics have a cool sounding to them for whatever poetic reason, they also are really good, the refrains are kinda catchy, and the construction thowards them is bright. simple but great chord progressions too, with the major to the minor and stuff like that. very different playing of the acoustic guitar, i might search about it later, because it sounds so full and rich while mantaining a simple sound. even though sometimes i find his vocal exaggerated sometimes in the sense of trying too hard to express something and throwing too much air out in the process, i found this album great in general, not sure if its a 4 or 5, but since it will grow in me with time im going with a 5.