Reviews (page 5 of 14)
I think I simply wasn't sad enough in this way to enjoy this as much as it's hyped. Nice 90s background music anyway.
Was not really a fan of the sound was a bit to, a bit to something i did not enjoy.
Chapa
He has a really pretty voice. Very easy to listen to. I’d heard Between the Bars before.
Couldn’t imagine how listening to this would’ve felt walking home from bars in NYC at 5 AM in the winter after having a fun but disappointing night.
Has a bit of a Nick Cave vibe but for my generation of listeners. I’m not sure why I haven’t listened to Smith before. I’ve been aware of him. I like this. I’ll listen to more.
This is my first review/album listen for the group, so I'm excited that I liked it well enough. A very melodic sound, I'd never heard of Elliott Smith before but saw songs in this album with over 100M streams so clearly others had before. Say Yes, Pictures of Me, and Rose Parade were favorites. However, the sound did blend together on a few songs and I don't think I'd often be listening to this style of music.
Lovely. Reminds me of Blitzen Trapper and Mac DeMarco. Nothing but respect for an artist that is all about the homemade craft.
3.5, rounding up to a 4. Can definitely see how this influenced future acts. Some great some, but mostly pretty meandering, with some songs to discordant and lofi for my taste
Fine
Say Yes is a classic. The rest of the album is good.
A beautiful time capsule
One of those albums where if you told me you it was made in the last couple of years I would believe you. Very melancholic but obviously it’s Elliott Smith.
Fine. Above average.
Nice relaxing sound with thoughtful lyricism.
oh yeah legit as fuck for the first of 2026. I’m a sucker for lo-fi
Listened to this on a sunny, morning drive to the coast. Way too dreary for that environment. Doubt I will listen again
Not offensively bad, just not my taste. Kinda whiney
Elliott Smith, to me, is one of the best songwriters to emerge of the last 30-40 years. “Figure 8” and “XO” are his albums I know best, which are a little more mature production-wise, but a lot of the signature touches were present on “Either/Or”: the lo-fi/DIY aesthetic, the odd guitar tunings to give the instrument a new voice (“No Name No. 5” almost sounds like “The Rain Song”), the melancholy lyrics and sort vocals. I know some people would dismiss it as mopey singer/songwriter music, but already feeling the way I do about Elliott, and knowing the way he actively fought that label, I don’t have that issue. Not always “fun” music but always makes me want to keep listening.
Favorite Songs - Alameda, Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me, No Name No. 5, Rose Parade, Angeles, Cupid's Trick, 2:45 AM, Say Yes
Meh
Pretty cool!
dude goes right through me
I don't hate it, but the soft, midtempo, lo-fi sound is not really my thing. I like a little more raucous energy in my music ("Pictures of Me" and "Cupid's Trick" are the noisiest songs, and were my favorite listens). There are some nice melodies scattered throughout, but in total I'm just not the target audience for this kind of music.
Only heard a couple of his songs before this. None from this album. Loved every second of this.
not my kind of sad music but picture of me is a good ass song. go sad white boy music but done well
Loved it. Very Paranoid Park/Portland. Wanna listen to more.
4/5 très bon
Best Song: Cupids Trick / Speed Trials Worst Song: Ballad of Nothing This is an album I thought I would enjoy now than I did, being very nihilistic and acoustic. The all album is very homogenous, and the production is perfect. The lyricism is interesting, at times, and there are some nice melodies here and there. However there's something that would stop me listening to much of this again - I think his nasally alt rock singing- it might work in context, but not for me. I lo think some lyrics are too singer-songwriter, and one song where the lyrics would rhyme, I found off putting (in it is a silly complaint)
I had a giant review typed out for this and the page refreshed…. Best: Alameda Worst: Cupids Trick I really loved some of the songs on this but I’m not sure I was quite sad enough for it to really resonate with me, although between the bars did make me quite emotional, I think I will save this album and have another listen when I’m in a better suited mood. Smiths lyricism and vocals were great and I loved the grittiness, the chords on Alameda were beautiful and I found them quite hypnotic.
Too slow paced but comes with his style and territory. But ultimately a really good album that deserves to be on a top ? List.
After the album finished a radio started and I noticed the influence this album or Elliott Smith has had on other artists.
Forgot to listen properly, but intrigued me enough to make me go back and put the effort in
It was alright. Don’t stand out for any reason.
I hate to say it, I don't wanna sound ridiculous, I just cannot make myself care. some of the songs sound really nice, I just really don't care. Sorry to this man.
My high school girlfriend liked Elliott Smith, so the rating will already be low. The songs sounded fine enough, but they are sleepy sad-tinged mellow. If that is what you want, than it is a good fit. The album was nice paired with the grey skies and rain-snow sludge outside. If you don't want that vibe, than this album is not for you. I don't care for the album art either... I can smell the stale urine and cigarettes. This album is truly a 3 for me, but the bad high school memories and stinky cover art brings it to a 2.
Not bad, idk
sure, the lyrics are edgy and whiny as fuck. would that he had simply *not* written about women that didn’t want him. that aside, however, this is really good. The instrumentation is interesting and well-varied, and most critically, I don’t hate his voice like I hate Morrissey’s. I don’t compare the two because they have similar sonic profiles, but because they’re both insufferable little fuckboys I think I could handle in a brawl. And I am not a fighter.
I didn’t find anything here offensively bad, but I just do not enjoy this kind of bleak, mewling music. 1.5-2
Weirdly enough, Elliott Smith has never clicked for me. My first listen was after Frank Ocean interpolated “A Fond Farewell” on “Seigfried,” which maybe wasn’t the best introduction to him. And sometimes, it just takes the right setting for an album to make sense to me. I was driving through swirling snow as “Between the Bars” played and the album fell into place. I was entranced. I nearly sobbed and wrecked. The album is a rollercoaster with lots of sonic high highs and low lows. “Cupid’s Trick” stands out like a sore thumb but in a good way. Very thankful that this list gave me a newfound appreciation for this album.
I’m pretty sure I like Elliott Smith quite a bit but I don’t revisit him very often because actually my goal is to be LESS depressed. This is a 3 that wants badly to be a 4 but it just takes too much out of me.
I was hesitant to put this on while driving around last night. Ya see I have an aversion of melancholy music, like I’m afraid a sad song is going to turn me into a werewolf (or worse, make me s*d!) I tend to only seek out music that rejects “negative” emotions and depression, escapes the chaos and weight of the world. My first exposure to Elliott Smith was in Scott Whiddon’s “Taste and Tastemaking” class at Transy, where the primary text was a book about authenticity and why we like what we like — through unpacking their hatred of Celine Dion (spoiler: they end up crying at a Celine concert) To show contrast, the author employs Elliott Smith as the anti-Celine: a paragon on indie cred, authenticity, and good taste. But also tortured and deeply depressed. I wasn’t sure if I was going to give this one a shot. However, I really enjoyed this album. I turned it up loud so that I could try to really hear Elliott Smith’s words, which also made the acoustic low E notes resonate and the kick drums boom. Such a good range of gentle, stripped-down songs and full, potentially even upbeat ones. Great range of emotion and tone. It pushed me to face my tendency to avoid sad singer-songwriter tunes, and added more evidence as to why they’re necessary and worth listening to.
Bra bra bra
Overall nice vibes
whispery vocals 90s alt rock drum sounds like the bottom of a garbage can
loved it
I could see me getting into this. Very laid back, which is what I am into now. He was peak 90's, and I know we lost him too soon.
Enjoyable, but not particularly compelling.
best album ever
Generic, sounds nice but I don't think I will be listening to it again. I didn't find anythings out of ordinary in this album, but I liked Pictures of me and Ballad of big nothing.
Too slow, not interesting.
Lyssnat på massa, älskar
Smooth, soothing
I kept waiting for it to do something. Then I fell asleep. I wasn't expecting it to be so, boring. Like the individual songs are fine but one after the other is just.... makes me want to go to sleep I guess.
Pinegrove but sadder
When critics start labeling releases as creative/artistic yada yada I cringe. Apparently this album has gotten a lot of high marks, I don't like it at all, unless the intended use was to cure insomnia.
Meh
Anther all-timer for me. One of the greats of its genre. Still would love any level of diversity during this project!
Amazing album, so sad, so very, very sad
Not into it. The sound isn't reprehensible so it gets 2. But I really didn't care for it. Really a 1.5 with a Christmas round up.
Been in my rotation for decades, much love to Mr. Smith. Top Track: Say Yes
Fantastic album <3
Depressing but also soothing?
For me, it all sounds the same.
Quite a chill listen
I've heard Elliot Smith tracks here and there on the freeform/college-type stations that I tend to listen to, but haven't ever listened to an entire record of his. So I appreciated the nudge today. I really like his voice, and there's something about the instrumentation that I also like - kind of subtle but interesting at the same time. I don't know if I'll buy this record, but I liked all of it - so, 4/5.
Melancholic, emotional album. Sad album, interesting lyrics but very engaging
Disco "gostosinho" de ouvir, sem compromisso e sem muitas expectativas. Uma boa trilha sonora para um fim de dia estressante ou uma tarde preguiçosa de domingo.
Some decent songs but for the most part not much here. Could join up with Sebadoh 😅album I listened to previous to this
This album boasts a really cool 90s vibe and some wonderfully intricate musicianship, but it lacks any kind of wow factor. The vocals are fine and the melodies are fine. It’s all just fine. There are three songs, just rehashed to make a full length album. Tracks are indistinguishable from each other, they all kind of blend into one and nothing really grabs the ear. It’s all a bit safe. I fear that Elliott’s tragic early death adds to the feeling that we have to like this album, and I do like it; I just don’t love it. It’s inoffensive to listen to, but it’s not particularly interesting. Eels does this a lot better, so I’m looking forward to revisiting “Beautiful Freak”.
The songs are melancholic enough, but nothing really stands out. The breathy vocals don't work for me
Depressed lover boy putting me to sleep.
Nice record, gave it a second listen as I enjoyed the first one. That said, he's not exactly inventing anything new here...
A little too melancholy for my taste. You can feel the emotion in the music.
This is a favorite album of mine. Favorite songs: Speed Trials, Rose Parade, Angeles, Cupid's Trick
Breathy, samey, a bit boring
Technically brilliant, beautiful in parts - but can't listen to a lot of him in one go - soooooo sad
Quite good
I’ve heard a lot about Elliot Smith—I know about the “sad boy with a guitar” type of music he made, his history, and his tragic death—but I’ve never listened to any of his stuff before. This album was great though. It made me feel like a middle aged dude flipping through old photos of his dead wife (I was, in actuality, looking at pictures of my dog—who is still very much alive and kicking at the age of 15) or a dude in his twenties working a boring job. Emotional as hell and really great quality songwriting.
album art had me expecting some dogshit hair rock or something but this was a pleasant enough, though boring, ride
Warm and intimate. I don't listen to much acoustic, soft rock, or the like, as I find a lot of it sounds the same. This album showed me how much variety can come from nothing more than different chords and melodies. The singing was pretty, it felt like an invitation and I took the hand held out to me. The lyrics were similarly intimate. Delightful palate cleanser.
la depresion antes de la depresión tkm elliot
This was SOOOOO good (I am a big Elliott Smith fan tho). I think his songwriting is amazing and his vocals, while it does take some time to get used to, is amazing! It feels so personal. Actual rating...4.5 Liked Songs: "Alameda" , "Ballad of Big Nothing" , "Between the Bars" , "Pictures of Me" , "No Name No. 5" , "Punch and Judy" , "Angeles" , "Cupid's Trick" , "Say Yes"
Good. Sad. 4
Holy shit, I just read the Apple Music writeup about this album and it's so over the top in it's effusive praise, it's hard to read. I'm not saying I don't get this album because I absolutely do. Yes, in a world where there were still abrasive, loud, male fronted bands in the post-Nirvana era, this guy just was doing things differently. Slow, quiet, BARING HIS SOUL LYRICS with simple arrangements. I get why people like this music, and I wish I did. It's not terrible, it's just not anything I'd want to listen to.
Quiet and sad.
Great songs, great vocals, decent production - i guess they are aiming for the Lo-Fi thing, but I would like to hear a better produced version - unfortunately that’s no longer possible.
The sad boi™️ flew to close to the sun and melted the charm into irritating whininess
Still not that big on modern indie. Nevertheless, it was good to finally listen to Elliot Smith to see what all the fuss is about
really quiet indie rock music. music that makes you lost in thought; besides his voice it's mainly just strums on the guitar and drums. it's another album in this list that, while very simple in composition, offers a LOT to the listener. vocals whispering in your ear like a damn asmr youtube video and instruments where you have to lock in and close your eyes to track the cool melodies being laid down. i really enjoy album that describe how stressful life is, but the reality of it all, instead of making it some weird screaming fantasy. a pleasant surprise, this album turned out to be.
= The Beatles
Aye decent
Great lad
nothing is loud but everything hurts
Very nice. 3.5
Man could write a ballad
Heartbreaking, captivating, one of the voices of my teenage years. Elliott Smith was such a tortured soul. I love every song on this album, forwards and backwards, it gives me goosebumps.
Some really good tracks. Not familiar with the artist.
Not sure if I really can't
its good, i can understand why people like it so much
Really nice album for an early morning rain or late night regret. Honestly close to 5 stars, but the songs can kinda blend together and sometimes sound same-y, and the tempo kinda stays the same throughout. Strong collection of strong songs, though. Great vocals and guitar playing.
Overall Rating - 3.29/5 (6.58/10). Nothing really great, but nothing bad, either.
Guess I have my fill of melancholy emo indie music for the day. Smith's stuff is nice enough to listen to, in small doses.
This has been one of my favorite albums since high school. It's got range as far as musical style, but not quite as much range as XO or Figure 8. I've cried and daydreamed to "Between the Bars" and "Say Yes" more than I care to admit.
Sad boy music. It's a shame that I am neither sad, nor a boy. Perfect to ignore in the background.
Lovely, melancholy way to start a day
I liked it, it was chill and I feel like would be fun to play on guitar
Non male nel complesso
Too sad.
brilliant indie
I always want to like Elliott Smith more than i do. Pleasant enough.
Was really surprised to have liked this as much as I did, I've never really gotten the Elliot Smith hype. This was really amazing, it feels like a scaled down Jeff Buckley and it makes this album feel so personal and intimate. It's a shame we never got more than a couple others from him, he was a really talented guy.
My favourite Elliott Smith album. Absolutely perfect and heartfelt. Some have mentioned it’s boring and monotone. But the more you listen, the more you’ll enjoy… trust me!
I must have been 15 or 16 the first time I heard Elliott Smith. even back then, I knew he just understood it.
Enjoyable but forgettable
Portland in the 90s doesn't sound that bad! This is the gateway to my Elliott Smith rabbit hole. I wasn't the biggest fan at first, but once I started digging into the wikipedia and learning more of the personal history of this man, I became deeply intrigued. I never even heard of Heatmiser before, and I grew up an hour from Portland!
boring
Great album, no notes
Хорошее инди. Песни немного однотипные, но слушать всё равно приятно. Лучшая песня: Speed Trials
I had listened to this on my own just a few months ago. On first listen I would have rated it a weak 4. Now, its a 5. Just a great album from front to back. Tender and soulful, low-fi and desperate, a really specific and indelible sound. Hard to call it anything but a masterpiece.
melancholic but warm (4.5)
Solid opening. I've heard XO before and liked it so this really isn't a huge surprise. Overall it's an enjoyable listen but I would have appreciated more variety in the album as many of the songs sound the same.
I love this album, but try not to assign me this type of shit around the holidays, please? I'm looking at old pictures in the attic and crying like Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation.
ni fu ni fa
thank you elliott 🌹🌸🌻
Really bad. All the songs are similars, at least the ones i heard. I could not listen all the album, cause the sonority was really not comfy. Seems like some ethereal sad wannabe bullshit. It did not got you feeling the sadness it should express
I can understand the appeal of this album, and once upon a time I probably would have been into it (after a few more listens) but it's not what I'm into anymore. Too down tempo, too melancholy, too mood-specific.
As someone who was born after the 90s drew to a close I had never heard of Elliot Smith. After a listen I can say that this album is a short and bittersweet exploration of melancholic emotion that seldom misses a beat. A wonderful little album that I with many songs that I will be enjoying again at a later date.
Grunge meets singer song writer.
loved it!
I can tell why it’s a classic. Not my normal cup of tea, and it’s easy to see the influence in the emo scene later. Still, very solid. I really like the bass lines that come in from time to time
Fantastic from start to finish
Eh, boring
Hitaammanlaista nuoriso jotain…
Det får bli en kort idag. Kanske aningen bättre än annat i genre, inte minst hans karaktäristiska gitarrspel. Men sticker inte ut tillräckligt för att göra det minnesvärt
Det är väl inget större fel på låtarna egentligen. Men varför viskar Elliot Smith när han sjunger?
Jag har försökt ta till mig ES tidigare (framförallt genom uppföljaren XO) utan någon riktig framgång. Här och var finns små ljus punkter men på det stora hela brister låtmaterialet. Melodierna saknar det där lilla extra och arrangemangen är enformiga och tråkiga.
Jag lyssnade mycket på uppföljaren XO när den kom. Den har en fylligare ljudbild och överlag starkare låtar. Either/Or blir i jämförelse för försiktig och lite menlös. Klart godkänt.
Somber, beautiful, cuts deep.
Very close to a 5
Cover 4
Amazing album by an incredible, influential musician. RIP, Elliott.
Very boring album
I've tried to get into this guy many times before, but he never clicked with me. I really like a lot of these songs now though (after about 3 listens). Maybe I just needed to give him some more time. He writes great melodies, but I think it takes a while to get used to his somewhat whiny voice.
listening to Either/Or as my album of the day, it’s like a reward. what can i say about Elliott Smith that’s something new, not much so i will repeat what i always say when i speak of Elliott Smith. the man is a lyrical genius, a songwriter of a generation. his music never gets old, his music never gets skipped. there is no song of his that sucks in his personal work or even with his band Heatmiser. God i fucking love Elliott Smith. Genius album. Truly an album you have to listen to before you die because it is indeed life changing. 5 isn’t a high enough rating. top 100 albums of all time without a doubt.
I didn't find this as interesting/good as Figure 8, but I enjoyed it decently enough!
Another really great effort from Elliott Smith - though unlike the previous album we got, which was more "upbeat" rock-tinged stuff, this one was very dour folky singer-songwriter material. Regardless, his songwriting talents are on full display.
While I can appreciate his songwriting talent and mourn his loss, this is just too depressing for me to want to listen to. Like I get it, but it’s not for me. (I did enjoy Ballad of Big Nothing tho)
I was already not a huge fan of Elliott's singing on Figure 8, but the instrumental variety on that one made it a very interesting project. That is not the case on Either Or. Every song blends together here, with his intimate, sad boy singing at the forefront. It fits pretty well on Good Will Hunting's soundtrack, I guess, but for a personal listen the more acoustic direction he takes is really not my thing.
This is just not my thing. It's brooding, it's morose, but it's not very interesting.
It’s no Figure 8 but I still love him
Mys! Ännu bättre när han drar på lite, typ i Cupid’s Trick
I liked Figure 8 a bit more with its more varied instrumentals but this is still a solid album. Elliott Smith’s signature soft and subtle songwriting is on full display. I really enjoyed the Ballad of Big Nothing and Between the Bars.
i cried
приятный но наверно сплошняком долго слушать надоест, специфичный вокал (с турин брейкс меня это не останавливает хохо)
Já havia ouvido antes, mas nunca com atenção. Um clássico delicioso que, com certeza, ouvirei novamente.
On the whole the album was pleasant. As I was listening there wasn't anything that really captured my attention, it was just pleasant music to listen to as I thought about other things. I did noticed some foul language which some would find objectionable, but nothing really grabbed me. I had to listen to the album twice to find: best song, "Rose Parade" and worst song, "Cupid's Tricks".
I had never heard much Elliot smith, first time album, just of his untimely passing and his rather depressing music, and I had a lot of that hear, but with shades of light and quality guitar playing thst makes the troubled singer captivating Favorite tracks are ballad of big nothing, rose parade and 2:45. The harmonies and acoustic low-fi work can strike me as very moody. If I was in a certain mood, this music could hit very hard and would feel much stronger then I do.
Best: "Ballad of Big Nothing" Worst: "Cupid's Trick"
There are some singer-songwriters whose work demands closer listens to find the fragile, tortured genius lurking behind the surface. And sometimes you’re midway through a three-year, one-a-day project to listen to 1000+ albums. Sorry Elliott, I just didn’t have the time or patience for a third go through. This was nice enough but failed to really grab or excite me. I hope he’s at peace now, though.
Betre enn Elliot Smitt-plata?
One of the more frustrating things an album on this list can be is boring, and boy howdy does this hit the mark there. The vocalist comes off as terribly whiny and mediocre but the backing melodies are pleasant at times. With no semblance of nostalgia I’d be stunned to hear someone absolutely loves this album on a fresh listen. I’ve heard worse, but I’ve also heard much better.
Like a sad Nick Drake without the interesting song structure and tunefulness that makes him interesting
I should love Elliot Smith but I don’t. Something about his voice grates on me. The repetitive lyrics, the general vibe. Just never works for me. It is cakewalk great music though. I can hear that. I just don’t really like it.
Good, catchy. No hooks nothing heart stopping.
Not the biggest fan of the whisper/breathy singing. Instrumentals seemed kind of basic as well. Not bad but forgettable. Might have liked this more years ago.
Amo estos descubrimientos. Seguramente por ahí durante la vida había escuchado el nombre de Elliott Smith, pero nunca le dediqué tiempo a escuchar uno de sus discos. Gran error. Esto me pareció espectacular, llegador, y en general, un trancazo en toda la extensión de la palabra. Quiero escucharle todo.
This is great music for my seasonal affective disorder, not bumming me out at all. Man do I love Elliott Smith, Figure 8 is my favorite record of his, but I do understand why Either Or should land in the pantheon of great music. I‘m an ignorant little shit so I didn’t know who Elliott Smith was before I first listened to him, and I‘m 24 anno domini 2025, so I kind of experienced the loss of him as I read his Wikipedia article, which makes all his records more bittersweet for me. Really great album for today, I haven‘t seen the sun in a week :) At least I didn‘t get David Berman, that would’ve made me ugly cry.
The album is boring. The recording is good. Lyrics are ok. But it just seems to drone on from 1 song to the next. It's not a bad album but more something I would play as background music.
Weak, whispery voice whining over forgettable ballads. WTF?
Not necessarily my bag but I can absolutely appreciate the influence Smith had.
1.5 - it sounded ok just super boring. Hated his voice as well
Not bad. Bit dull.
Never heard of this guy, but his sound is familiar in so much modern music. Definitely putting this in the rotation.
go get em white boy Would I listen again: no Deserves to be on this list: maybe 3.2
Mixed bag. Quite a few Low fi under developed stripped back one paced with the snare being overused. Ballad of Big Nothing was my favourite - I think I’d like Teenage Fanclub to cover this, they’d make it all better - harmonise with other voices rather than his own layering. Pictures of Me has potential to be a better song. Angeles reminded me a lot of Sufjan Stevens - which is no bad thing. Cupid’s Trick a bit rockier. Overall disappointing edges out interesting. Can’t see me revisiting this album but may try another of his. Generous 3.
Have tried to get into Mr Smith before because of his influence on the fantastic Phoebe Bridgers. I tried again, but mostly failed. I've been here before with Badly Drawn Boy...sometimes just a man and a guitar just isn't enough.
Fleetingly interesting, was perhaps expecting a little more. Not grunge but had some of the same vibes, very 90s Pacific NorthWest I suppose..
The album was pleasant enough in places, but given that I listened to it on Friday, and I’m reviewing it on Monday, I’m struggling to remember anything about it aside from the fact that I remember the vocals being overproduced, soft, and uninspiring. Nothing really stood out. Sounds like 1001 other American artists of its era, and as such, it’s not something I’d rush back to you. I feel a two star review is harsh, but this is only scraping a three for me.
Feels like Grunge but without the bite. Definitely uplifting in some songs.
A good vintage sad. The highlights for me were rose parade and cupid's trick, where the sound swelled to a bigger catharsis.
Beautiful
It was wonderful, he has a lot of sadness, the songs didn't have very much difference between them but i liked it
Amazing LP from an amazing talent who left us too soon.
Strong 4
New Discovery
Seth Cohen music
Insanely depressing especially for a Friday. However, great album 4/5
Need to revisit this one. Good listen and would like to experience it more deeply.
Was not familiar with him. Listened through a few times enjoying more each time.
Couldn't get through. I suppose I could give it more of a fighting chance if I were in a more patient mood, but I just don't like Elliott Smith.
I don't even have to listen to it. I LOVE this album! (I'll listen to it tho)
Very depressing but it's misty out right now so it's kind of fitting the vibe. Really great stripped back sound and lyrics, well done album and cool vocals
I'll admit that I didn't listen to this today, but I've listened to this album at least 50 times already. It's a good album.
How on earth does Elliott Smith get two albums in this list? The producer must really see something in him that I don't, because he wouldn't be worthy if I were to compile this list myself. How is it that Elliott Smith, essentially a Beatles/Ben Folds rip-off merchant who died young, gets two albums in this list and yet highly influential bands such as Tool, Weezer, My Chemical Romance and blink-182 are completely omitted? I just don't understand that. Heard 'Figure 8'? Then you've heard 'Either Or' as well. Best songs: Nil
Wow. I enjoyed this more than I expected. I wanted to listen to it again when I was done. I'm more of a Sad Boi than I realised.
Such a sad listen. Beautiful, but sad.
Was very nervous to listen to this at work. But of course it banged. Skipped Between the Bars bc I'm not trying to cry at work today. Really liked: No Name No. 5 and Alameda
Wow!
THE sad indie rock album.
It's not about you, you mathematical dick!
Two tracks in and I'm struggling with this one, I don't 'understand' music like this.... this needs to get a lot better. Sadly, it didn't really get any better. I did make it all the way through.
I love Mr Smith he's so endearing and I think this is a nice batch of songs that illustrate his creativity really well. I'd give this an 8
Powerful lyrics sang softly. Poetic.
Not bad, just so boring and sad.
1,45/5 not unbearable to listen to, but nothing special either.
Ok I think I liked it. The lyrics were cool. The music was a tiny too mellow, but chill enough
Takes me back to '98/'99. This one never resonated with me.
85
a very very good album i love it
This album is the color green.
I don't listen to a lot of Elliot Smith so I had forgotten how great this album is but GODDAMN. Easily his best album. Favorite track: Pictures of Me 4.5/5
Enjoyable enough.
As someone who really doesn't care much about indie folk, or singer songwriter music that much, Elliott Smith is truly great. I don't know if this is going to make sense to anyone else, but I see a lot of the same songwriting techniques in Elliott Smith that I see in Kurt Cobain. They are both super authentic, and able to create amazing catchy melodies, that seem so deceptively simple that anyone could have come up with them. However, Elliot Smith is much more on that sad / somber scale compared to Kurt Cobain's angst and rage. Anyways, I really enjoyed this and have been meaning to listen to it for a while now. Low 5.
What a talent. Managing to make an album sound this good that was recorded in no fewer than four locations, while you play all of the instruments. The production is crisp yet raw. Love the guitar tone.
The saddest sad boy album to ever sad
Muy cool y catchy
I think i have reviewed Figure 8 from Elliott Smith in this list and it was my introduction to this artist.I remember rating it 4/5.Now to this one: Favourites: Between The Bars, Pictures Of Me, Rose Parade(haunting crystal clear guitar here), Punch And Judy(very dreamy and beautiful), Angeles(i think this one was either written for a Lars Von Trier movie or just featured in), Cupid's Trick(nice tensions,great guitars), 2:45(great lyics,too bad it progresses only at the end). To be honest the first 3 songs bored me but the rest was fire excerpt the last one.Great album again. 4/5
Ebis-musik? Absolut. Dock var första hälften föga intressant för mig, sk. ensigt. Till min förvåning vänder det mot den andra hälften. Mysigt album jag gärna återvänder till. Bästa låt: Angeles 3/5 kandelabrar Ebstar ut
I like his music. It's pretty good
Has a strong indie Americana feel. I liked the raw feel. Musically interesting timing, melodic changes and harmonies. Works well as background music. First half of the album felt stronger to me, the later songs more similar and melancholic.
I am not usually one to talk about how an artist or an album got me through a time period but Elliot Smith might just be one of those artists. This entire album just flows seamlessly and sleepily (in a good way). I feel like I can relate to the subject matter and just immerse myself in the music. I sort of feel like I am in a dream or like when you were a kid looking out of a car window and pretending you were in a music video. So many great tracks here that tear at my heartstrings. I had a decent enough day but this listen still got some tears out of me. i also like the briefer run time. It has zero fat to trim. Standout tracks: Speed Trials, Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Angeles, Say Yes. I might as well list the entire track list at this point.
Meh. Not a fan.
This album sounded like a Demo! I didn’t get it at all!
Have to be in the mood for Elliott Smith. Hits and misses on this one but overall it's a pretty album.
Man I’m glad that was only 37 minutes long. As my Fortnite playing son would say a few years ago “that’s dog water”
I’m not strong either way on this one. I’d be happy to have it playing in the background at a dinner party or in a cafe but a couple of listens through had me itching to change it up a bit to anything else
If you didn't go through an Elliott Smith phase are you even a real person?
Pretty samey and uninspiring for me, although I did feel like he was pouring his heart into it, so earns an extra star.
Ok
Great record, but have to be in the right mood for it.
Another of my all time favourites, and probably his best album.
A lovely little album
9 inch nails without the nails. Not my cup of tea
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Pictures of Me, Rose Parade I don't really have any feelings about this album. My sister like Elliot Smith, but for me he's just okay. Certainly not mind blowing. Not terrible either. I wouldn't have been able to tell you that three of the songs are featured on Good Will Hunting, apparently. Eh.
Elliot smith has always been the voice for the sad boy era globally. this album in particular is what i mean by it. Recording wise, this album is okay but its not as the album elliott smith elliott smith. but this album is still emotional. Elliott smith is a phenomenal writer ever even if most people does not care about his song.
Ok - nothing that particularly grabs you
Elliott wrote all of the music on this album himself. Wrote all the lyrics. Sang everything all by himself. Played all the instruments. The only thing missing from a total DIY experience is for him to help build the studio it was recorded in. He did that for the next album. The point is, Elliott was massively talented and hard working and it really shows on Either/Or. I've loved this album for many years, listened to it many times and it never gets old. The melodies are mesmerising, the lyrics a treasure trove where you discover something new in the words during each listening. The way he used mundane words to express complex situations and emotions, jamming three meaningful ideas into three words, building worlds within his music with so much empathy and expressiveness... He was so quiet but so, so loud.
Not too bad, there were some really good songs on here.
Great stuff.
This album was ok. Nothing really stuck with me after listening, but it didn't annoy me either. It just was. It was an album I listened to. Also listened to. FKA twigs, eusexua. Beautiful. 218. Zero 7, When It Falls. Not adding a number as ive listened to it many times. It's an album I listen to on long journeys as it gives me a shroud of beauty around me that helps keep me safe from the anxiety of boarding the wring train. Zero 7 are rhe perfect band in my opinion, you get the feeling every note, every rise and fall, is planned to within an inch to create the perfect ambience for every song.
Have tried to get into Elliot for decades. I love Oberst, jose gonzalez, Daniel J, and others. I am all about singer song writer style of music but Smith has never appeared to me. Not sure what it is...
Not for me. All the songs sounded the same and I couldn’t get into it. Favorite Song(s): Say Yes
It's just, its so hard to on a normal sunny day to turn this on. It's so great for when you need it - but dreaded listening to it today. Though Say Yes, might be one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
I remember being 18 finding this album and listening to it to the point my car CD player wouldn't play it any more.
Closer to 2.5
my last name is a song
I don’t remember what I gave the last E. Smith album but I thought this one was better. You definitely have to be in right mood for it but I can understand why it was used in movies to invoke a mood.
I thought this was something else. Or else it was what I thought and I am dumb. All I know is I physically could not pay attention to this album. I will perhaps revisit another time and revise this one.
I’m sad now
I’d never heard of Elliott Smith before. I wasn’t sure what to expect but found this very dull and bland.
Another gently atmospheric album - that I'm pretty sure would score higher after more listens.
It's not my favourite of his albums. 'Salright?
Plaintive and distinctive, but just so soft without a hook
Very mid-90s, slacker movie soundtrack. Not bad and will listen to more by Elliott Smith
soort middle of the road singer-songwriter... niet slecht maar veel te braaf
I choose Bill Elliott instead.
Never heard before. Surprising I've never heard this. I like folk music and 90s Americana. It's a good album that checks both those boxes at points. I'm not a big fan of his voice or singing style, but the songs are all solid. Not one bad song on the album, but only a handfull really caught me on my first listen. Seems like an album I have to re-listen to to really get it, but I'll give it 3/5 for now. Best songs: Ballad of Big Nothing, Rose Parade, Cupid's Trick, 2:45 AM
This is one of a select few albums that I have listened to so much that I can hardly articulate what I want to say about it. But there is one main overarching theme that I always find when listening. And that’s how Smith lays out scenarios, concepts and characters in such a faultless way. This is how it is. Either this or that. It’s also the hallmark of a fantastic album when you couldn’t possibly definitively pick a best and worst track. Maybe it’s the interdependence of this album that makes it so genius. The sort of feeling that’s derived from classic books, the eureka moment that no human feeling is new. Great art is borne of great suffering. And Either / Or is Elliott Smith laying all his cards bare. A ‘portrait of the soul’. A sublime musical and poetic achievement.
Bit more up my street, very 90s, Beck vibes - nothing that'll stick in my head, but solid overall.
genuinely had to check a few times if this was Surf-jam Stevens or not. Sad mood these days so why not. Nothing particularly special though, and even for 1996, hardly a fresh sound (may be wrong on that though)
This was so slow and quiet and boring that I finally decided it was justbad. I tried a second pass through and found myself fast forwarding through every song.
Feels like the 90s alright!
I think I figure out why I am not a big fan of Smith, it’s his voice. he has a breathy, wispy tone 90% of the time which I just cannot get past
elliot smith is not my favorite in the folk canon but this definitely makes me want to jump off a building, so does its job
Hipster smoking a cigarette, the album
Not bad!
He seems like a decent songwriter but listening to him makes me want to fall asleep possibly forever
Wistful bite-sized songs seem like a harbinger of what's to come for this star-crossed artist. I like his songs because they take me back to that time of shallow innocent sadness. A whole album of this is a bit much, but it's a gentle way to start my day.
7.9 - Good mellow rock album. No bad songs. Not exactly my style but really good. Cupids Trick (8.6), Alameda (8.5), and Angeles (8.5) were my favorites. Punch and Judy & 2:45 Am (7) were the lowest rated.
This certainly makes you feel sorry for Elliott. The melancholy and sadness in the songs is just depressing. I can't imagine they brought him much joy. Not sure why this is on the list. Unless as a warning to others; bring joy, the world already has enough sadness.
Another one that takes me back to figuring out my musical tastes. A (quiet) banger of an album.
eh
I had not heard of Elliott Smith before now. I enjoyed it a lot. Lo-Fi indie with breathy whispered vocals. It feels like the kind of thing you could build core memories to if you were at the right age to do so. There are a wide array of influences being displayed, but all brought together into a cohesive whole. It definitely warrants further playing, and I will investigate the rest of his discography. It feels like the kind of thing that grows on you.
Second listen. Although the stripped back nature of the album sometimes leads parts of it to blend together a bit, it also allows for the excellent songwriting to really shine through, and to great effect. Not a bad track on here, and plenty of great ones. Between The Bars in particular is probably one of my favorite songs, period, and the relatively cheerful tone of Say Yes makes it an impactful closer despite how understated it is. Fav. Track: Between The Bars Reaction: 🥰
10/10
Fundamentally solid vibes music. However, makes me feel like an insane person when I see the numbers still pulled on streaming, etc. It’s nice and emotional, but it is nothing particularly special and most tracks fail to resonate the way this kind of music needs to in order to have any meaningful impact at all, in the absence of varied or technical performance.
1) Rose Parade 2) Angeles 3) 2:45 Am 4) Say Yes 5) Ballad of Big Nothing The album feels really nostalgic and calming, Songs like Rose Parade have an interesting message on this parade that is supposed to joyful but poor in town are just trying to get by while everyone else celebrates. His whispery singing pairs with the melancholy melodies, and complements the little instrumentation well. The guitar on Angeles is very detailed and the Ballad of Big Nothing chorus singing just hits. The darker emotional tone of 2:45 Am and when the drums come at the end I can't recommend enough every song is amazing
I been on this for a while so this reviews gonna be a bit sweatier. Tracklist Review Tier 1 — Elite • Pictures of Me • Between the Bars • Cupid’s Trick • Say Yes Tier 2 — Good • Big Ballad of Nothing • No Name Number 5 • Rose Parade • Punch and Judy • 2:45 AM Tier 3 — Mid • Speed Trials • Alameda Elliot Smith’s pretty definitive magnum opus. It’s the only folk album I could compare to Carrie and Lowell. His sound is so distinct, it’s hard to describe. The songwriting has both a poetic and raw, unfiltered side to it, and the contrast works perfectly. The acoustics are amazing, but more importantly, his voice comes through so immaculately at almost all times. The soft delivery, along with the layering and occasional reverb, is CINEMA. I wouldn’t say the album is perfect, as it comes through a little inconsistent, but the highs are so high and the lows don’t go very low. I’d go in the 9.4–9.7 range.
This album sounds good top 3 songs 1 Between the bars 2 Say yes 3 Ballad of big nothing all 10/10 songs 9.3/10
Really loved this album in high school when I was driving around depressed. Now I am an adult and I take the metro depressed listening to this album and it still goes hard
Not the chirpiest 🤣
Punch And Judy was my favorite, at times the songs blend into eachother, which in this case is not a bad thing. I guess this is the start of bedroom indie, or the seeds of what would become that genere.
not my favorite elliott smith but still solid gold to me.
;_;
Acoustic Emo sitting outside a college library under a tree for being "misunderstood" feelings. So many miskeyed harmonies that it's feeling like a 5th grade concert. I will not deny that the music is well paced and written, but his vocals really detract from some technical guitar playing.
ES was in my rotation a lot. He and Frank Turner can really stick the knife in and make you feel it. ES had a tragic end. Almost as bad as Daniel Johnston
Not sure what it is about this that screams 90s, but it took me back, even though I never listened to him back in the day. This needs more of my attention. Added to my library and will revisit.
One of my big musical regrets is not seeing Elliott Smith live. I came to him late, near the end of his life, and it just didn't happen. I don't know Either/Or as well as his self-titled album, but this has a ton of songs on it that I like quite a bit. I should be listening to it more.
Awesome. Exactly the kind of artist I wanted to pick this up for. Wasn't sure at first but the music is really subtle in the ways that it keeps you pulled in. Feeling some Beatles influence here definitely.
Typical singer/songwriter vibes. Every song sounded just like the last one. I was bored. Not horrible, but I wouldn't listen again.
Decent album. Kind of boring and monotonous, but solid.
Albums like these make me think we need to add Beatles albums in the blanket ban on men of a certain age owning podcast equipment.
Low 3? Not a fan of the vocals and not enough happens dynamically for me
meh. Just Meh
3,3/5
Speed Trials - 5/5 Alameda - 5/5 Ballad of Big Nothing - 5/5 Between the Bars - 5/5 Pictures of Me - 5/5 No Name No. 5 - 4/5 Rose Parade - 5/5 Punch and Judy - 3/5 Angeles - 5/5 Cupid's Trick - 5/5 2:45 AM - 5/5 Say Yes - 5/5 Average score: 4.8/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ god this man was so fucking talented and influential, i remain devastated to this day that he isn't here to see the impact his music has had. the songwriting, the production, the multitracked vocals, the dreariness... he's inspired many of my favs, but Elliott's still considered one of the best in this genre i think there's still a couple albums in his discography i gave heard in full, but i'm pretty sure everything he's ever made will be 4+ stars at least, if not 5's across the board
I would call this “aggressively okay,” but it’s far too mellow for that. It was good enough, though, that I might look up the song that got him nominated for an Academy Award. If I can remember to do that after my nap.
Good, but it sounds too much like someone trying to sound like the Beatles.
If I ever listened to this album too many times in a row, I'm relatively certain I would drift off into a pleasant coma. I'll need to keep that in mind, should the need arise.