Reviews (page 7 of 13)
Ballad of the Big Nothing Between the Bars Angeles
it was OK. 4 stars.
Crushing, and painfully restrained - you can hear the influence this record has had on so many seminal indie albums in the decades since its release. A sometimes aching but beautiful listen. Four and a half. Fave track: Say Yes
A beautiful and haunting record from start to end.
I’ve never heard of this artist but I really liked the album.
Nick Drake for amphetamine users
A great heartfelt piece of slacker folk to listen to anywhere, anytime.
I've listened to this album a few times before. It's one that I know I will have to sit with for a long time to fully appreciate - it's good background music but it's probably even better when you fully pay attention to the songwriting and the lyrics. I could definitely see myself wholeheartedly loving this album someday, but I just don't right now. Still good though.
Favourite track of the album Ballad of Big Nothing.
I have heard stories of Elliott Smith music for a long time now, but I never got into it properly until this album popped up on the list. There is few lists on the Internet with titles along the lines of "The most depressing albums/bands of all time". Elliott Smith was on every one of them. The thing is, as much his backstory and lyrics are gloomy and sad, his music is very much non-existent. It's basically a guy with a guitar reciting his poems, sometimes adding some instruments in the background. Few songs that have an actual band behind him are pretty good, giving more energy into his effort of externalising his painful experience. I liked this album in some way, and I will give it a good rating, but probably this was my last attempt at Smith's music. I'm just not depressed enough to listen to it for more than 10 minutes.
I remember hearing Elliott Smith's music for the first time thanks to a few of these songs being part of the 'Good Will Hunting' soundtrack. I don't think I've listened to this album in full before so I'm glad this project gave me the chance to do so. It's quite good. Gets a little same-sounding after a while, but most albums do that, and because over the years I've migrated more towards playlist listening instead of album listening, I think when I actually listen to an album straight through, my ears aren't used to hearing the same artist for a dozen or so songs. Back to this album: it really is very good and he's a talented writer, composer, and performer.
This wasn't what I expected Elliott Smith to be: I was think more aggressive rock almost male manipulator type music but I surprised. Coming from an artist I have heard so much about it wasn't the best, nothing I would fan girl over but at the same time was pleasant to listen to. A lot of the songs on this album gave vibes of Alex G, another artist with a cult following, and I have to say I somewhat enjoyed the album.
Sat by the back door while it's chucking it down as the storm breaks. Finally listening to Elliott Smith and see what the fuss is about.
I quite enjoyed this one. Gave it a few playthroughs and will have to listen to more of his stuff.
I've been meaning to listen to album for awhile. Glad I finally get to listen to it cause it's a brilliant album, great acoustic music and quite sad (which I like)
te quiero mucho elliott smith 8/10
OK, didn't do much for me but solid enough album
Fantastic album
TIL: the name of an Elliott Smith album and that I like it
A hauntingly beautiful album by the late Elliott Smith.
Grandfather of emo.
Pleasant listening
I don’t think I’d actively listened to Smith before, and this was more my speed than I expected. Gentle, enjoyable.
I loved the atmosphere and the tone. It's a little mournful for where I'm at in my listening right now, but I really liked it.
Always puts me in such a chipper mood!
Sad music, but the kind of sad that comes on late at night when you dwell on every fucked up thing you’ve ever done to someone else. Worth it though.
speed trial - 4☆ alameda - 4☆ ballad of big nothing - 5☆ (top 3) between the bars - 4☆ pictures of me - 5☆ no name no.5 - 5☆ (top 3) rose parade - 5☆ punch and judy - 3☆ angeles - 4☆ cupid's trick - 5☆ 2:45 A.M. - 4☆ say yes - 5☆ (top 3)
A discovery!
A pure acoustic album that’s soft and melancholic. Don’t think there’s a single bad song on this album, and although the sounds and rhythm of the songs can be overly similar at times, it is still a wonderful album to listen to.
Nice and sleepy
Definitely one to revisit. Late night quiet chilled out listening
Elliott Smith is still a favorite
I've hear of Elliott Smith before and maybe even listened to this album, but I don't remember much of it. This time, I put in some effort and really enjoyed it. Pros: short and to the point; beautiful and ear catching melodies; just a perfect production for this sort of album - you can almost feel like you're listening to the dude live in some small obscure venue or in a bedroom; poetic yet easy to understand lyrics.; cohesive as an album. Cons? Only one issue - the lyrics are so depressingly bleak and focus so particularly on alcohol abuse, it's hard to relate sometimes. Say Yes is just a perfect song though. 4.5/5
Qué voz! Qué melodías! Qué pena que ya no esté. Desde "Speed trials" a "Ballad of big nothing", "Between the bars", o "Angeles" que es el prototipo de guitarra y voz desdoblada de Elliot Smith.
Delicate and authentic and powerful due its vulnerability (which would become clearer later). One might have to be younger and more close to the desperate hope inherent to being young and artistic to get the full impact.
8/10 Elliott smith is pretty cool
I like Elliott Smith well enough. Don’t know if I completely get it though. 7/10
Searing and melodic. Progenitor of the Portland Bleat.
I like the sound of this one. Many songs started to sound too similar, but I did enjoy it. Relaxing.
Strongly reminds me of Andy Shauf whom I love Calming but also emotional music Skillfully able to balance sadness with hopefulness 4.5/5
2nd Elliott Smith album and it's good. Still missing something for me, but I enjoyed it a lot. 4.5/5
Really cool and unique artist. Solid songwriting with cool guitar parts. Elliot Smith was really clever with guitar chord voicings and throwing little surprises in. And he played all the instruments himself.
The songs are good, but the album could have been a lot better if the singing wasn't as weak. It's too restrained. As if he didn't want to wake up his little baby in the next room. He sounds like he could have done a lot better if he tried. The songwriting reminds me very much of the Posies. Similar chords and melodies. Favorite song: Angeles.
Dunno why but I liked this a lot, even if it all is a bit slight. A great record.
After about a weeks hiatus, I'm back bitches. I quite enjoy this first tune, really like it actually. The vocal effect is layered and new to me... Interested whether it continues on all tracks. Ok somewhat similar, but enough difference so far (I will say the easier listening albums tend do slightly better because of the first listen nature and most at work...). Enjoyed, decent 4. Lots of good melody and meaningful sounding lyrics, but a bit lacking in variation.
Love him
Nu ner labai super bangeriu, bet visos gana nice, arciau to, ko klausausi, nesinori perjungti. Kazkas idomiau, geriau
Elliot Smith was the poet laureate of the quiet, pained, regret-filled epiphanies of a morning’s hangover. Even two decades after his death, he still is. This album revels - in wicked self-awareness - in its own self-destructiveness.
I like this album. I'm not sure if I like the slower songs more or the faster ones, but either way the songs we're good. Honestly don't have too many thoughts about the album, good, but not too standout to me. 3.5/5 Favorite song: Ballad of Big Nothing Worst song: 2:45 AM
In Elliott Smith's best album, he offers a series of accessible power pop tunes with minimalist folk instrumentation supplementing the depressing tone and lyrics giving it a very rustic edge packed with emotional power. Vocals are reminiscent of Alex Chilton of Big Star. It's strong, coherent, and short, with plenty of standout tracks.
yooooo
I like this. It’s depressing but good. 4/5 83/100
i listened to an elliott smith album a little while ago in my 1001 album journey and loved it. i ended up listening to this album because i liked the other one so much so this was the first album here that i had already listened to!!! it’s highs aren’t as high as figure 8 but i think it’s better overall
👍🏽 B
God this man has such a heavenly voice. I feel like it's hard to evaluate other aspects of his music because I love how his voice sounds so much. The music is very simple and stripped down, and it complements his voice well. 4/5
Never done an ES deep dive, listening to a full album was great
sad, but cleansing.
As someone who has been to Portland, OR one (1) time, I can say with certainty that Elliott's music matches up perfectly with the vibe there
Didn’t get a 5 just because it’s not 5/5 all the way through. but it’s an easy 4.49/5
Not bad - very mellow.
Album is growing on me. Melancholy, but witty, enjoyed the 3 listens
Oh Elliot why have I not listened to you before? Gorgeous voice and songs, very very sad.
Hér er dæmi um tónlist sem var í bakgrunni hjá mér í gamla daga sem reynist svona líka flott þegar nánar er að gáð. Ég gæti hlustað meira.
Very nice, something I might listen to again if I am in the right mood.
This is a very good album. I am not sure it would have made my list, but nonetheless it is very good. This is the last of the Elliott Smith home studio releases. Get past the limited production resources and there are beautiful, simple songs. The songs are dark, but in a haunting way. Post Oscar nomination gave him a major label, but not more beautiful music.
Kolejne pozytywne zaskoczenie z listy, tym razem w postaci ukrytego gema od pana Elliotta Smitha, Either/Or jest trzecim studyjnym krazkiem w jego dyskografii, ale nie jest to typowe studyjne granie, bo calosc byla nagrywana rzemieslniczno w roznorakich studiach, wiec prawdziwie lofikowo, dodac do tego rocznik albumu 97 i biorac pod uwage, ze jest to rokowe folkowanie jednej osoby 37 minut materialu sa prawdziwa uczta spokojnego bardzo moodowego grania, instrumentem ktory najbardziej slychac jest gitarka akustyczna, lecz zdarzaja sie takze traki opierajace sie bardziej na elektryku, do tego miejscowy basik i perkusjowe drumowanie, wszystko grane przez pana Smitha, rzecza nadajaca unikatowego charakteru temu nagraniu jest fakt, ze poszczegolne kawalki byly mixowane przez roznych producentow, wiec pomimo tego ze gra je jeden czlowiek, to jednak potrafia zaskoczyc tym jak brzmia, od strony lirycznej obok niebieskich lowe songow sporo jest tutaj autorefleksji i przemyslen mocno zyciowych, bo przeciez tytul plyty zobowiazuje, a referencje Kierkegaard przypadkowo nie chodza, nawet po zakamarkach indyjskich nagran, nie wiem czy dodawac na plejke polowe plyty, bo raczej jest to nagranie ktore warto sluchac w calosci, zwlaszcza biorac pod uwage, ze 37 minut zlecialo w mgnieniu oka, wiec calosc idzie na poleczke spotifajowa, bo jednak niezbyt czesto dostaje sie cos zupelnie nowego dla ucha, a jednoczesnie tak dobrego, trzeba bedzie sprawdzic reszte dyskografii tego pana, zwlaszcza ze byl jeszcze czescia bandy Heatmiser
Good album, I enjoyed listening to it.
Als je me naar Elliott smith ziet luisteren weet dan dat ik me depressief voel. Angeles prachtig nummer.
I've wanted to listen to Elliott Smith's music for a while now, so I was excited when I got this album. I expected to like it, and I definitely did. I like the overall feeling and tone of this album. My favourite song was Between the Bars.
Elliott's vocals are gentle, pure and comforting. The perfect album to listen to when depressed. Between the bars is exceptionally good. Great, great album overall - I'd recommend to anyone!
He was pretty great. RIP
Pleasant chilled listening, I can see why his music is rated.
New to me but yeah, enjoyed it. Pretty chilled
There are artists as you go through life you do not always give your due, this is one of them for me...Rose Parade and Between Bars were both added to the playlist off this one. I didn't love the whole album but there was nothing off kilter or bad here either...solid listen throughout.
Takes me back to my mid-20s living in Northern California studying literature & working in a dive.
Me sorprendió la verdad
similar vibe to jeff buckley where there is an extra layer of sadness added to the already particularly sad music left behind. I'm partial to a bit of elliott smith and his weird offbeat jazz like music that changes when you don't expect it. just as you think you've settled in to the groove of a track he chucks in some weird strum pattern that kicks you out of the groove and unsettles you a bit.
Elliott Smith must have been a tiny little virgin when he penned this self-indulgent, soppy, sad fuckwhistle of a record. I for one, love it. I identify myself within the lyrics and it makes me want to catch a leprechaun in a net and hump it until morning.
😔 Cheer up, mate. It might never happen. Oh!...😬
If you’re only listening to Elliott Smith’s songwriting and recordings you might find, that he’s just quite the talented singer-songwriter. But when you get the chance to dive deeper into the lyrics behind the songs - that’s when you find out just what a genius Smith truly was. The songs are extremely fragile and combined with Smith’s shivering and shy vocal they’re almost threatening to crumble beneath their own weight - but somehow they never do.
Enjoyed this despite not being the vibe I was after at the point of listening. Was easy to tell it was a good record regardless. Will likely come back to Elliot Smith in the future.
featuring songs that were on the “Good Will Hunting” soundtrack (or sounded like they should have been there), this album provided a calming soundtrack for my lunchtime walk along a quiet forest road. With a sound and lyrics that felt like a cross between Nick Drake and John Mayer into something all his own. I heard Smith’s unique voice and musical arrangements in this album seems to be an early representative of what was to come as we entered the 00s and the sea of syrupy indie songs that flooded all of our favorite guilty pleasures on tv. Who knows how much more emotion-filled music he could have created had he lived beyond 2003 and how many more soundtracks would have benefitted from his presence. This album is worth a listen if only to escape to the late 90s and early 00s, to live in a world like the OC or Gilmore Girls, if only for a fleeting 30ish minutes.
mega first-year-university album for me. Good stuff. 4 stars
Chilling and nice
Really emotionally tumultuous and interesting album, the songs are all solid and themed well but nothing really stood out to me
Not really listened to much Elliot Smith in the past, he’s one of those artist I keep meaning to check out. No Spotify likes previously on this album. Didn’t think I’d have be contemplating Søren Kierkegaard on the weekend. Liked: Speed Trials, Alamada, Ballard of Big Nothing, Between the Bars,
i wish we could give half stars
Hmm, quite ballady album with a rare heavier song. Not my type of listening music, but a good album nonetheless. Fave songs: Pictures of Me, Cupid's Trick, 2:45 AM
I think this is the only Elliott Smith cd I don’t have. All the others I’ve picked up in op-shops over the years. Really enjoyed it. Particularly love his guitar playing. Nearly every song has an acoustic guitar intro and none of them are the same. Some of these intros remind me of Beatles songs (I was expecting him to break into Rocky Racoon at one point); the folky intro to the beautiful Angeles brought Paul Simon’s playing to mind; and I was chuffed to read that he used an open tuning for No Name #5, because that’s the intro that immediately made me think of Joni Mitchell, & open-tuning is her middle name. The lyrics are always interesting, and the melodies are never repetitive. And I love the fact that the album’s title comes from the writing of the philosopher Kierkegaard, because that name immediately transports me to the Piranha Brothers sketch by Monty Python - a man they called Kierkegaard, who just sat there biting the heads off whippets . A great listen.
Melancholy tones, great composures
Darkly minimalist pop music with a hint of sweetness, but an overall bleak and airless vibe. Elliott Smith's songwriting is stunningly good, somehow incredibly vulnerable but prickly and painful to hear. Fave Songs: Say Yes, Between the Bars, Angeles, Punch and Judy, 2:45 AM, Ballad of Big Nothing, Rose Parade, Pictures of Me
I see the appeal. My first listen was through car speakers. I do not recommend that. This album is one that you should listen to with your headphones on while it's raining. There are some songs that I like and few that I truly dislike. In Gen-Z language, this feels like male manipulator music, but at least it's the good stuff. Best Songs: Speed Trials, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me, Say Yes Worst Songs: Rose Parade, 2:45 AM
What an amazing album. Somehow I managed to skip this one in a queue and return to it back after long months. And man would it be a shame to miss it. Lyrically strong and well performed ballads all around.
listen
You good man?
I really like pictures of me and say yes
Great sound, good background
Loved it.
Nice.
20’s music for getting through life in a small town, growing up into your real self.
4.5 stars
I liked this in high school!
ALBUM RATING: 3.6 ALBUM GRADE: B- TRACK RATINGS: 1. Speed Trials - 3.0 2. Alameda - 3.5 3. Ballad of Big Brother - 3.5 4. Between the Bars - 4.5 5. Pictures of Me - 3.5 6. No Name No. 5 - 3.5 7. Rose Parade - 3.0 8. Punch and Judy - 3.0 9. Angeles - 5.0 10. Cupid’s Trick - 3.5 11. 2:45 AM - 3.5 12. Say Yes - 3.5
Reminds me of acoustic Nirvana. Nice unpredictable key changes and melodies with interesting twists with out being unlistenable for a pop listener. Great music that is an approachable accessible combo between sad, happy, and confused. Nice contrast between his gentle voice and then pain you know that he experienced in his life.
Although he had several albums under his belt, Either/Or is considered to be Elliott's true breakthrough; a genuine introduction to a talent that was allowed only a decade or so to shine but who looked and sounded as though he was up there already with the greats. Favorites: Speed Trails, Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me, Rose Parade, Punch and Judy, Angeles, 2:45 AM, My New Freedom - Live, Pictures of Me - Live, I Don't Think I'm Ever Gonna Figure It Out, I Figured You Out, Bottle Up and Explode - Alternate Version.
Solid
I could write an essay about each and every Elliott Smith song. There’s just so much to unpack, so many metaphors, so many sad yet clever turns of phrase, so many poignant observations. So what about this album? Well, this one has two particular holds on my affection: “Pictures of Me” is the first Elliott Smith song I ever heard, and “Say Yes” might just be the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. He’s damaged bad at best.
Such a mysterious voice, great songwriter. Between the Bars gives me the chills every time.
En klassiker
Such a chilling and beautiful performance, I’ve loved this album for years already so was easy to get two plays in
Love Elliot Smith, amazing songwriter
Very vibey, kind of hard to understand the lyrics Better album for an early AM commute lol
Elliott Smith be like
Always liked this.
Way better than expected, good acousti-grunge stuff from the era.
Good acoustic album.
I think I want to come back to this one later
Best Song: Between the Bars. A perfect encapsulation of a particular type of melancholy. The lyrics here are excellent, full of clever double entendres. Worst Song: Cupid's Trick. I found the instrumentals mixed too loud relative to Smith's voice. The drums were fine, but the guitar seemed at odds with the tone he was portraying. Overall: I don't think there's an artist that can sound so vulnerable, and make the listener feel as vulnerable, as Elliott Smith. It is difficult to even articulate what it is about the combination of his whispered vocals and sad, poetic lyrics that is so compelling. It sounds like the coming of a peaceful but inevitable tragedy. Many have imitated, but none have come close to duplicating.
pa siestar
det är ju bra grejer alltså
6/9/2022 - ALBUM #133 Today's Album: "Either Or" by Elliott Smith - This is a really fantastic record and I feel like it's going to be a mouthful to say everything that makes this album great but I guess I'll try my best to keep it brief. First of all, I really think Elliott's vocals make this entire album work as a whole. There is a lot of great things to say about the instrumentals, but the thing that really keeps me engaged throughout the album is the way Elliott is able to sing with such a quiet, melancholic tone. The microphone sounds like it's right up against his mouth most of the time, but it's insane how he's able to maintain control of his voice while staying so hushed. Even when he's really letting loose and shouting out a verse, it either maintains that melancholic tone or he does a sort of whisper scream like he doesn't want to wake his parents (With surprisingly positive results since he still holds such strong control of his voice). The vocals however are only a great execution of what is some seriously amazing songwriting. Not only are the lyrics super dense and hard-hitting, with the general theme of the record being about the sorrow and melancholy of becoming an adult as your expectations and surroundings constantly change around you. There's also a lot of lyrics alluding to this idea of someone inflicting the pain they whine about onto themselves. The track Alameda is a clear example of this with the line, "Nobody broke your heart." I also think the music writing here is pretty damn fantastic, with super tight and catchy choruses and a ton of really unique grooves and guitar licks. The guitar playing is a definite highlight throughout the album with a ton of really impressive riffs and licks and whenever he introduces a drum and bass into the mix, those tracks really shine from it. It's definitely an album that's perfect to listen to top to bottom because the low-energy moments that take up a majority of space here only make the louder moments count more. I heard Angeles while watching Good Will Hunting so when I opened this album, I saw that song was already downloaded and I have to say it's really one of the best tracks here. When I first heard it I was just so stunned by it being able to portray such optimism and melancholy at the same time, and I think that perfectly describes a lot of this project; such a happy sadness to it. I kind of put this album in the punk category in my mind when I first heard it due to it's darker tone, but the more I explore this album it really feels more like an indie folk record with a sort of depressing filter on it. Overall, this is an extremely moving album that truly shines in it's subtlety and is best enjoyed with a pair of headphones. Give this one a listen if you want something sort of sad to listen to after 1am but also want something with great melodies and fantastic performances throughout. Highlights: 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 AM, Say Yes Score: 8.5/10 A subtle, melancholic masterpiece
Real good
Haunting
Bom álbum
Nisam se jako uzivila u album ovaj put. Al kad sam tuzna i pustim si between the bars ili angels ko sol na ranu je. Al paše
Jedan kvalitetan, depresivan, divan lo-fi/indie folk/rock album, i tu nema diskusije. Depresija: "Što ćete popiti?" Ja: "Može 2:45 am, štrukani."
I absolutely love Speed Trials and it's not because it's the first song on the album. Excellent writing. Can't wait to get into the rest of his discography
I've been meaning to listen to a full Elliot Smith album for years but never did for some reason. I was certainly not disappointed. This is really really good stuff. However I can't quite commit to giving it a full five. I think I need a little "breathing time". At worst this is a very strong 4.
AMO este álbum.
I actually quite liked this; had some interesting moments and great tracks.
alright
Really good singer-songwriter
I assumed this would be depressing but Smith is a gifted singer-songwriter.
Rock folk indie
Haunting. Great indie 90s music.
Sehr comfy und wunderschön instrumentiert. Bekomme irgendwie zum Teil einen David Bowie Vibe, nicht sicher, ob das irgendwie ein persönlicher Knall ist, oder, ob hier wirklich vorherige Popmusik nochmal unter anderem Vorzeichen echot.
i like him ,hes good
Un bon album de elliot smith, j’avais bcp aime lautre sur la liste, celui ci est superieur. 4.25
I feel like I'm only giving out fours now.
Vackert... stark 4
I loved! Tks
Elliott Smith walked so that Sufjan Stevens could fly Those arpeggios are pretty sweet though.
beaucoup de reviews disent que l'ablum est chiant du coup chiante autodiag
No other decade could produce an album like this. Singer/songwriter, mostly with acoustic guitars only, but the chords and melodies have soaked in the full 90ness of things. First word that comes to mind is "angsty". Which isn't bad neccessarily, but I have to be in the mood to listen to this. I'll give it 3.5/5.
Much more familar with XO and Figure 8 so interesting to hear this earlier work
Fire
A bit depressing but not bad.
Very nice, some great songwriting
Bisher wenig gehört, aber immer wieder überzeugt!
Dass Elliott smith bisher an mir vorbeiging ist ein Fehler der Algorithmen
Never heard this one before but I loved it. This one was fantastic.
I can't say I'd heard any Elliot Smith before this but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is very much a vibe that I resonate with and I'll be revisiting a few songs for sure.
Beautiful
Simple ans good
Really got to me on the second listen.
3.5/5. I liked it more than I thought I would, I would listen again.
A little sleepy for me. I was fading as the album continued but Cupids Trick was a nice switch-up. Wish more of the album was like that! Ended up learning more about Elliott Smith and re-listening to some of his more popular songs, they had a larger impact after I learned a bit more about him
definitely on rotation
Elliott Smith, one of the OG whiney bois.
2000s-era sad boi music. Elliott Smith was the best, this record is no exception. Great songwriting
pls finish listetning to it, i kinda got bored
What a great album this is....way too long since I listened to it. Just one beautiful song after another. Elliott's voice is so gentle and inviting. Love this album 4 stars
A great album that I already new. This album has directly inspired a lot of other artists. Between the Bars being my fav of course.
No quite my music but its ok. Kinda stoner rock vibe
Surprising good! Nice and chill with an addictive voice
I'm not a *huge* fan of the sound - it's a little dreary for my tastes - but there's some excellent song-writing here. Much better than I expected.
love the vibe n love elliot smith would’ve been 5 if some songs weren’t that “boring” he has better stuff!
Something about Elliott Smith’s music is very haunting and addicting. I don’t listen to him enough. “Say Yes” is a perfect song.
This album is basically a indie folk version of Nick Drakes music. Very quite but it does have more instruments when compared to Nick Drake
Sounds good, but I need to pay more attention to the lyrics and the sound. Anyways, it was a great album
Riktigt mysigt faktiskt!! Gillar Angeles och alameda.
I quite like this album. This first listen through it was quite depressing but the 2nd time through I cranked the volume and the gloom and doom rolled right off me. I recall Elliott saying something along the lines that ever since his first suicide attempt people assumed his songs were depressing. He also clarified that his songs about drug addictions were not sad songs about down and out addicts: he was just using metaphors. OK then. I’ll guess I’ll play this one at 11:40 PM next New Year’s Eve.
To begin with I was a little bored with the first two tracks but then Ballad of do nothing and Between the bars caught my attention. Its downbeat of course it is, eventually Elliot Smith committed suicide! But Lyrically the songs are insanely good and perfectly captured my mood on the first Monday back after a week off work! 5/5 lyrically. 3/5 for the production and mono toned singing. 4/5 overall
A deep album with lot of significance. Not perfect, but a must listening whatsoever.
Really liked the melodic tones. Does it seem that a lot of the artists on this list have have very tragic story? Will definitely listen to this again.
This is a new listen for me, sad music that can make you happy. Nice melancholy vibe that can get under your skin.
not my favorite Elliot Smith record but damn is it good
Enjoyed this. Would listen again.
Wasn’t sure how much I liked this, but I had it on repeat all day.
Elliott Smith made some achingly beautiful music. Sad, fragile, and haunting. My only (slight) complaint is that most of his songs sound fairly similar. 4 stars.
Original emo right here.
Nice variation in style of songs while keep a distinct sound
Never heard of him before this. Enjoyed it!
Une découverte pour moi.
It's a good sad album.
A highlight from the end of the 90s. Melodic soft tones and strong lyrics. Full of songs you didnt know where they come from but have heard on repeated indie movie soundtracks, including Good Will Hunting. Although the sound is light, much of the content is dark. Big contrast between.
So. much. emotion.
One of alt-Rock's \"what if's\" RIP, Elliott.
Terrific album - a great mix of rather melancholic yet infectious, low-key tunes.
Loved it, can't believe I never heard this before. Fantastic.
Great album!
interesting style of singing and it has something special to it
4/20 3.5/5. Very nice somber tracks, I like his voice. Standout Tracks: Speed Trials, Ballad Of Big Nothing, Rose Parade, Cupids Trick, Say Yes
stuck in love introduced me to this. smth na doesnt stick but very chill, i like it.
Interesting album from someone who was killed way too young. Lo fi is fun to put on in the background and I'd definitely spin this album again in the future. Good stuff.
Нежная музычка, как будто какой-то маленький и нежный мужчина ласкает уши, не мой формат и стилёк вообще. Но в целом жанр необычный и прикольный.
Surfjan Oberist-ey
its all right
𝘌𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳/𝘖𝘳 is an album I respect more than I enjoy. Elliott Smith’s songwriting is intimate, understated, and deeply personal, and it’s easy to hear why he remains such an influential figure in indie folk. My problem is that the album is almost too understated for its own good. The gentle acoustic arrangements and hushed vocals create a beautiful, cohesive atmosphere, but after a while I catch my mind wandering. Rather than drawing me further in, the songs begin to blend into one another. I can appreciate the album’s quiet beauty and emotional honesty, but it never quite connects with me on the same level. In the end, I admire 𝘌𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳/𝘖𝘳 more than I actually enjoy listening to it.
Perfectly okay. Not egregiously awful, not earth splitting excellence. A guy writing and singing songs, with the mood of the 90s woven in. I’m picking other stuff from the same era, but I didn’t mind giving this a listen.
Nice enough
Vocals are beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to his music before, music was really pretty. Feels ahead of its time and can see how it’s influence modern Indie
Full on emo boy album this is but it was nice to listen to. Didn't really focus a lot on all the songs that I heard in this album cause. None made me look at my phone Not really any songs that I liked in the album Rating - 5/10
Repeat listen
This was better than I expected. Just a couple of dreary songs but mostly pretty enjoyable.
Вот эта вот волна лоу-файного акустического инди из девяностых, одно из веяний того времени, которое я не то что не понимаю.. Да не, прекрасно понимаю и запрос аудитории на подобное и почему и откуда это возникло и какими примерно исполнителями вдохновлялись такие как Эллиот Смит или Неэчерал Милк Хотел. Несмотря на то, что у меня даже сегодня утрецом такое настроение меланхолично-грустноватое и вроде даже как под него такое заходит - надо смотреть правде в глаза. Я этот альбом на следующей неделе не вспомню. Ну не цепляют меня сэдбои под грустную акустику и минималистичный саунд. Я ищу в музыке больше музыки , даже когда дело касается грусти и меланхолии, сорян.
Angeles
Gostei demais, curto essa vibe melancólica. Esse mais acústico e tal, muito bom.
Lo-fi sad boy music... where's nick?
It kind of went right over me. The songs are nice but they blended together too much for me.
I listened a lot to Elliott Smith in the late 90s. A sort-of lo-fi grungy version of the Beatles-meets-Beach-Boys. Years later I'm revisiting my old grounds, and Smith is still good. Yeah, he's good - but I cannot also hear the limitations. A strong songwriter, yet one who circles the same things again and again. I'd love to give this a 3.5 because Either/Or is a good album but today it's a 3.
tuvo bueno no recuerdo ninguna cancion
Wasn't aware of this artist, lengthy Wikipedia page, far from ideal childhood, turmoil, upheaval, and yet he persevered, graduated college, struggled with alcohol, drugs, depression, and tragically died from stab wounds at 34. I liked this album, favorite track Cupids Trick. 3 stars
3 out of 5. This wins over Figure 8 for me. The intimacy stands out and the melodies are more attractive here.
Good songwriting for sure. Maybe a little on the bleak side for my liking.
Enjoyable listen with a pop-like feel from this artist
Elliott Smith really reminds me of Sufjan Stevens in a way. They both have a propensity for putting together sad lyrics and presenting it in a very authentic, human, intimate and warm way. Either Or feels really simple, and I think that is one of it's strengths. It's subtle. That being said, there was a big lull in the album for me at the end. I am not a big fan of super slow music, so the last few tracks blended together. There were a couple other forgettable tracks (Between the Bars, Rose Parade) too. Rating this album a 3.5, rounding down to a 3. Favorite Tracks: Alameda Pictures of Me Punch and Judy
It was okay. I saved two songs to my playlist and again it was cool to listen to something new because that’s also the goal I wanna reach with this project but for me it wasn’t really it. But again it was a nice listen but personally I don’t think I’m gonna go back anytime except maybe one or two songs :)
Number: 145 Date: 05/28/2026 Artist: Elliott Smith Album: Either Or Year: 1997 Style: Indie Rock Familiarity: None (1) Rating: 3 Before: ======= Never heard of this artist or album. Seems like he was pretty popular though. During: ======= Looks like there are two of his albums on this list, yet nothing at all form Sparklehorse? I'm not comparing them musically, it's just that they share some commonalities in that they were both making music at around the same time, "indie", and left us at a relatively young age. 3 Speed Trials 2 Alameda 3 Ballad Of Big Nothing 3 Between The Bars 2 Pictures Of Me 2 No Name No. 5 3 Rose Parade 3 Punch And Judy 2 Angeles 4 Cupid's Trick 3 2:45 AM 3 Say Yes ----------------------------------------------------- 2.70 WEIGHTED AVERAGE (accounts for song lengths) After : ======= Well, I have to say that was kind of lame, imo. I'm rating it a 3. I guess you could make a week case for it being on this list due to it's critical reception and influence. 3 my personal rating 3 suitability for this list 3 impact ----------------------------------------------- 3.0 composite rating
Is this for men who wear those ‘boys get sad too’ t-shirts? I like ‘nobody broke your heart, you broke your own’ as a repeating refrain. He’s evidently working through some stuff with these slightly twee indie folky emo ballads and that is fair enough. Undeniably a poet. Pictures of Me is great. He should have been a lesbian. It’s too maudlin for me but if you love maudlin then this is your guy.
Альбом совершенно незапоминающийся. Акустические рок-композиции 90-ых, похожие на инди-рок, но ничем не цепляющие.
Really enjoyed it. Tones of Simon and Garfunkel at times
Read more.
nice mellow music from a tortured soul. i liked his other album on the list better, "figure eight", but he's a great lyricist.
Better than I anticipated. May sound silly but I found myself listening closely
Nice but not really my vibe.
muy bueno che. me gustó mucho la seguidilla pictures of me, no name no. 5, rose parade. Ahora que lo pienso, estuve todo el album pensando que esto sonaba como la canción awake de djo (previo a que explote)
I realize how influential this album is, and it's good. Not great, but definitely a worthwhile listen. Favorite track: Ballad of Big Nothing
I liked it. More like a 3.5.
Never got around to listening to any Elliott Smith over the years as far as I know. This is pretty good indie music and well made but I'd need another listen to rate it highly.
Beautiful stuff but just so miserable
Solid, definitely strikes a sombre tone very effectively
this has never been my particular thing, but a good listen nonetheless
I meeeaaaaan....I don't know? Came with high expectations biased on good reviews and I'm kinda disappointed? After Nick Drake ballads I'm not the same, this felt kinda similar but nothing outstanding for me.
This is a late-1990s acoustic indie folk album. That makes it sound like boring hipster crap, but it could be good. For the most part, it is hipster crap. It is actually somewhat engaging at times, but still nowhere near my first choice for listening. Lyrics are just OK, as are the songs. There is some songcraft, but the hooks are not all that memorable. This is an enjoyable enough album, especially considering what genre it is in, but it doesn't quite reach the territory of a legitimately good album. It's very much mediocre without being anywhere near terrible.
just not my thing, but maybe i was in the right mood at the right time cause i loved it. kind of a lofi vibefest but also evokes a lot of poppy 90's sound at times. it does get sleepier by the end but still an enjoyable time. favorite song is Ballad Of Big Nothing or 2:45 AM
Ngl I was waiting for “Say Yes” the whole time. Still pretty good.
Perfectly listenable, occasionally nice, but not something that overwhelmed or converted me.
Meh. Singer-songwriters don’t really do it for me. No bad music, just nothing to get excited about.
gave this a 3.3/5 (listened on 24th feb)😛
Early indie
5/10
It's a good thing his vocals are multitracked, because his voice is very thin and high, almost mumbled and mixed low. Sounds a little like Simon and Garfunkel at times, and has some clear Nick Drake comparisons, maybe also some Nilsson influence. Chill acoustic combo songs, a little folky. The lyrics are pretty emo - lots of self-loathing, drugs, alcohol, and introspection and he's not stingy with the swear words which is a contrast to the understated and sometimes poppy music. Ballad of Big Nothing is a good track, as is Rose Parade. Say Yes is a pretty song, simple with just acoustic guitar and lovely harmony vocals.
not bad in the slightest! just some pretty good soft rock. wild seeing something of this ilk being released in '97, though. 7/10 FAVOURITE SONGS: BETWEEN THE BARS, NO NAME NO. 5 LEAST FAVOURITE SONGS: I GUESS "PICTURES OF ME?" ONLY KINDA THOUGH
Kinda boring
I've heard of this genius of a songwriter, well known to be as a genius. I have not heard much of his stuff, too soft for my ears but i do enjoy a good songwriter.
I didn't like this as much as I expected to. Gentle acoustic music is kind of my thing, but I do like it to have a little bit of passion, energy or a catchy tune. This just felt like wallpaper.
*insira imagem do meme "quem dotou a raça humana de tanto sofrimento"* ballad of big nothing, say yes e pictures of me LINDAS músicas
Sympatoche et agréable, mais ça ne m'a pas plus marqué que ça. J'avoue ne pas bien saisir ce qui a tant passionné les Marseillais à Paris dans ces maigres 36 minutes (s'est pas foulé en plus le Elliott).
It's difficult to image people hating this music. Universally likeable, and I didn't check how much left I had of the album once, which is a good sign. But nothing life changing
Sad boy writes sad songs
Heard a lot about Elliott Smith but had never listened to him. I can hear how Kevin Devine is heavily influenced by his music.
I'm an Elliott Smith fan and I'm glad he's getting some recognition on here. His music is troubled, but honest; soft, but powerful; pained, but enjoyable. When you might be lulled into thinking it's going to be a standard acoustic singer/songwriter track, instead he does something unique to catch your attention. I haven't listened to this album in quite a few years. I'm glad for the revisit. I forget how good some of these songs are. Every track has exactly what it needs without doing too much or too little. I also love that he performed all of the instrumentation himself as well as wrote all the songs. That aside, I'm not sure that I'd call his music must-hear as this list is intended to mean. It's a pretty melancholy album, though there are some more up-tempo tracks. He doesn't have a traditionally notable singing voice. There's a lot of quiet subtleness that can sneak past you if you aren't focused on it. I do think he had a big impact on the indie genre as it would become, but I wasn't in tune with it in that era to know how much with any certainty due to my age. I also don't know how much this specific album did in that respect. Maybe it's personal preference, but I'll say this is a pretty good album. Even though I'm not sure I'd hold it up with some of the greats on this list, I do think it's a worthwhile listen. I can't speak to much more than that. Overall: 3.25/5
Sounded like an album made in his parents bedroom. I found it sounded a bit Radiohead at one point but it never stood out and grabbed my attention. The only track I pulled my phone out of my pocket to look at as I was enjoying was ‘Cupids trick’ so that has to be my favourite off the album. Going through the album a second time I do recall enjoying ‘between the bars’ as well. My least favourite been ‘2.45am’ The album was signified by me as this album finished and my phone started giving me random songs every song it gave me I enjoyed more than songs off this album - The XX, Flaming Lips, The National, Arcade Fire, the list goes on. Anyway overall I didn’t find it terrible but certainly not great so a mid road 5/10
Your favorite tudeprins' favorite tudeprins Det bliver lidt teenage edge for mig, selvom jeg egentlig synes, at det lyder ret lækkert - med undtagelse af vokalen. Jeg er ikke så meget til den der layered vokal, der, på trods af lagene, stadig er for lav. Det bliver lidt Kurt Cobain uden alt det seje og det lækre hår. Fender Mustang'en udskiftet med et skateboard; Washington med Portland; blond hår med sort hår; og rå, hårde, smertelige tekster med bløde, dybe og sårbare tekster. Eller er Elliott Smith i virkeligheden en faktisk personificering af den originale Jesus of Suburbia, før denne var født? Jeg ved det ikke, men jeg kunne bedre lide den, der efterfølgende skabtes - med rødt slips, sort skjorte og ditto eyeliner. Alt i alt - fint: 3.4
good album, but i dont think i will back to it on purpose
I liked the lo-fi aesthetic of "Either Or"; it reminds me of "McCartney I". "Cupid's Trick" is great alternative rock, and the best song on the album. Most of "Either Or" contains some nice acoustic tunes. Near the end of the album, I was getting sleepy. I'm sorry, but an album like this gets dreary after a while. 3 stars for "Either Or".
I wasn't clicking with this at first, but I really warmed up a bit more in the back half.
i got bored of it
Pleasant, if uninspiring. That said, I made it all the way through without skipping so that’s worth at least a 3.
expected more
Second Elliott Smith album and have much the same feelings for this one; sad, brittle, honest, but something's missing for me that stops it from being great. And I just can't get on with the double tracked thin vocals, they do my head in.
Pain, sadness, nostalgia, regret, indifference. Elliott Smith beautifully demonstrates the full spectrum of emotions. And there is maturity in it. 6/10
Pictures of Me wasn't a single? There are some really good lines on this but there are also clunky poor me stinking thinking lines about being shit left after the street is cleaned.
Pretty whelming sound and album, not over- nor underwhelming:)
Didn't mind this one. One of the kids loved it.
Peak sadboy music (that is, a peak of the sadness itself).
Elliott Smith – Either/Or (1997) The album didn't provide any major highlights or something memorable enough to guarantee returning to it, but the production and overall experience was great the acoustic was intricate, but didn't move the needle for me personally. Great listen for one-time session and no standout track which gives a solid 3 for it.
Hmm. I can see the appeal to the teenage angst population but it’s not really for me. I enjoyed a few of his tracks but it got grating after a while. Right on the borderline of 2.5, rounded ever so slight up.
I like it, but I can’t help but always think of him killing himself when I listen to his music. Kind of clouds things.
something was a little annoying about this album. maybe chords? maybe his voice?
I never really understood the appeal to Elliott Smith, at least his music. As a person, I kind of get that he was this tragic musical indie folk hero or whatever. But, even before he died (suicide seems like an incredibly unlikely conclusion, by the way), he was regarded as this sadboy musical legend in the making. I never really understood that. Which is not say that his music doesn't have any merit; he does have a couple of songs I can get into. But, really, it's only a couple. The rest of what he's written, as far as I can tell, is pretty mediocre. I feel like Connor Oberst came along and did the whole Elliott Smith even better, and I'm not even really a massive Connor Oberst fan or anything. Anyway, this album is ok, but I can't see myself ever coming back to listen to it again. 6/10
Between the bars is :)
This is what I call excellent elevator-cafe-bookshop music. Ambient and peaceful, but none of the songs stand out hugely
not my style of music and i am inclined to not like this album from the get go, but this dude is talented
5/10
Favorite Tracks: “Between the Bars”, “No Name No. 5”, “Cupid’s Trick” Least Favorite Track: “Angeles” Mid 3.
Solid decent easy listen
Meh. Between the bars made the whole album, just becuade that song is a masterpiece, say yes and alameda also very good. Nothing groundbreaking but its ok
Revisit
This one passed me by at the time despite being the kind of thing I'd have listened to. (Perhaps more popular in the US than UK?) I'm really not sure what to make of it, it needs at least a couple more listens before I decide. Giving it 3 but it could be a 2 or a 4 with time!
Hadn't heard of this. Read Wikipedia and some reviews, listened to the album. It's interesting enough, reasonably pleasant to listen to, I don't mind the low but multi-tracked voice - but I don't get the hype. I listen again, try looking at some lyrics, ho hum. Start trying to pick my favourite song on the album - discover there's only three songs I'm sufficiently interested in to sling them a Like. I do like Ballad of Big Nothing (very balanced) and Cupid's Trick (a bit of rock thunder is refreshing, after so much down beat). The album overall - is Okay (Not Good) - 4/10.
Again, I should like this. Beautiful song writing. At least based on all the praise Elliot Smith is getting from the friends of mine. And of course the tragedy of his destiny. But still, it's not really reaching up there for me to fully dig it. I shall remain growing.
I had lots of friends who loved Elliot Smith and were devastated when he passed while I was on college. But he unfortunately never resonated with me. This is fine but I struggle to see what makes it excel.
I enjoyed the songs. He's a good songwriter and guitarist. But it's difficult to keep your concentration on the songs without your mind drifting onto how unlucky you have to be to get stabbed in the chest. Twice. For your girlfriend who happened to be in the next room to "pull the knife out" and then for the law to say you committed suicide. With luck like that no wonder he spent most of his life feeling miserable.
Elliott Smith just doesn’t do it for me but I get it on an intellectual level
Too breathy and sad imho. I enjoyed one or two songs, but the rest are too similar for my liking.
Overall: thoughtful and well‑crafted, just didn’t fully grab me or create that immersive pull I was hoping for.
5/10
Either / Or is probably Elliott Smith's most personal sounding album, and whilst his simple (in a good way) approach to the lyrics and themes is appreciated, to me it feels too light and airy to sink my teeth into it properly.
Revisit
7/10
Ehkä voisi kuunnella joskus uudestaan, nyt ei ehtinyt ihan loppuun saakka. Vaikea arvostella. 2,5/5.
I liked it! I’ve always enjoyed the odd Elliott smith song but not listened to full album, sad guy music for sure but there’s a place for that imo
Gets more interesting the more instrumentation is used. Still not entirely my vibe.
I’m sure this is a great album if you’re in a certain mood, but I’m not in that mood currently.
alright
That transition to really deep bass, heavier chords during No Name No. 5 is where the album starts to click for me. It's a D chord, that is super recognizable as the lowest chord in drop D tuning. Up to that point I'm pretty ambivalent about the album, but I really dig it from that point on.
Breathy rock, some what grungy. The top song from the CD is a nice change of pace in a playlist and catchy. This feels like an inspiration for Sufjan and other indie artists which came out in the early 2000s
Okay