Reviews (page 9 of 13)
Love some good melancholy, but unfortunately, that's all this album had to offer. And it wasn't emotionally capturing enough to feel like iconic melancholy, the type you'd want to listen to the entire album for or yearn for. Decent chill music I guess though.
I enjoyed this but probably couldn’t tell you much about it today.
Similar to his other album on here, there is clearly something there but it just fails to come through. I think it is his vocals that seem very tepid and fail to ignite the songs. Put some oomph into it lad!
No ray of sunshine, this one. It's as melancholy as sad bastard music gets, but it's well done.
I've never actually listened to this album, and only a few songs here and there. I know this is foundational indie for a lot of folks, but it feels pretty dated today. I love Angeles and the covers it has spawned.
Sadboiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Sounds fine, but I'm not in the blue period atm
Makes me feel melancholy. Notable tracks: Between the Bars, Cupuds Trick. ⭐⭐⭐
Cult classic but overall it's just fine
Very melancholic. I liked it but it’s for very specific listening environments.
Very melodic and singing reminder me of the Beatles.
Quite liked the overall vibe but it didn't grab all of my attention. Would need to listen again and pay attention to the lyrics to comment further
Not my cup of tea. Gave it a few listens and found the mumbling vocals too grating. A bit meh!
indie rock ASMR. i can appreciate that the intimate atmosphere is that makes Elliott Smith's music what it is, but i could never really get into the vocal production where it feels like he's whispering into both of my ears at the same time. the songs are pretty great though.
Miles better than the first Elliott Smith album I reviewed (Figure 8), but still really not my thing. Sounds like it's recorded in buddy's bedroom, and it's just so mopey. Cheer up! Favorite songs: Ballad of Big Nothing, Cupids Trick, Pictures of Me, Angeles, Alameda Least favorite songs: Between the Bars, No Name No. 5 3/5
Love Elliot Smith, but I still find this album a tough listen. Much of the music sounds...quiet. No matter how loud you turn it up, it seems like it's being whispered at you. Which is charming for a song or two, but becomes a drag across 37 minutes. There are a few big exceptions, notably Ballad of Big Nothing. Of the whispery tracks, Angeles stands out for me.
I think this is proto-emo
I kinda liked this.
#560. Slightly better than the other Elliott Smith album on here, but still nothing particularly amazing. 3/5: fine
Reflective with a pretty interesting mix of sounds. Slow-paced with an almost Josh Radin/Cary Brothers vibe.
I really don’t know what to say about this album. It is mellow, evocative, and interesting. The guitar and quietly delivered vocals are perfect to set the stage for the emotion that plays out. The style is not really my cup of tea but I can appreciate the sound and rawness of the lyrics. I like songs that create narratives I can relate to and the Portland Oregon references of street names and festivals put me into the song. Favorite songs are Punch & Judy, Alameda, Say Yes, and No Name No. 5
This definitely has the sound of a 90s soundtrack. I am a fan of a lot 90s cinema, but apparently not a lot of the soundtracks stuck with me over the years as much as the movies do, in this case, Good Will Hunting. Does that make these bands easily forgettable? Overall this is a good album but it had its ups and downs for me. I felt it had a weak opener, but then finished with a good track, almost like a closing credits song. Favorite tracks, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me and Angeles which felt like the most familiar track.
Peaks and troughs
This was not nearly as depressing as I thought it would be, so I guess that's a good thing. 3
this music will forever be "good will hunting" for me. It's very average for me all around. Lyrics, vocals, instrumentals. I'm sure on a sad day I'll revisit
I am not sure what to make of this album. There’s some good songs in there like Say Yes and Between the Bats. I know it’s a famous album among the music community but I can’t find the magic. Yet.
Some great songs. 3.5
Lovely but failed to grab. I don't think I'm done with Elliott Smith as at certain points it is perfect to listen to but I've never reached for it.
It’s an ok album. I can tolerate it it if it’s in. Prolly won’t be the one to turn it on tho.
He did his thing. I need to listen to this in a more relaxed setting, it’s not really a gym album.
I found this album repetitive. The only track that stood out for me was Bottle Up and Explode!
Sure
Guitar was great, vocals didn’t seem well mixed, could barely hear lyrics over the music.
I'd never heard of Elliott Smith. I liked a few of the songs, he had a really nice voice. But this album was so bland. Everything blended into 1 long song 3 ⭐️
Elliott Smith was extremely popular on fanmixes in the early 2000s. Basically the Snow Patrol/Death Cab of its time. Nothing bad here, but it's so mellow I don't get much out of it. Dashboard Confessional-y but not emo enough to evoke any real emotion. You get the picture.
Morose music for morose times. Thanks and God bless, Elliott,
Cool
Found this quite enjoyable. At times it reminded me of Beck. Some good tunes on here
So many wonderful ingredients, but I’m not sure it all really comes together for me. I suspect it would need multiple listens I just don’t want to invest time into at this age.
This guy picked a vocal tone/flavor and stuck with it for the entire album. The way the vocals were filtered/processed made them all sound the same. Pretty mid, neither good or bad.
I could get into this
What a mixed bag. There are some songs I really enjoyed (like 2:45 AM) and others that were absolute slog fests. Pretty middle of the road album for me 2.5/5.
All a little too soft and gentle for me. I feel like this probably has more lyrical worth than I was able to get my teeth into. I had 'Figure 8' as one of my first albums and that album felt a little less soppy with more life in it.
Not bad, not great.
Well this will be upbeat. Somewhere between a depressed Jack Johnson and a slower Smashing Pumpkins. It’s a sensitive young man’s record for someone who never really liked Poison.
3/5
So sad
Agradable . Sonido acústico
Didn't finish. Too boring for today. Maybe later.
If you asked me if I thought this album was good or bad, I’d say “Either Or.” It’s just a basic soft rock album, not my thing.
6.5/10 Favorite Tracks: Speed Trials, Say Yes, Pictures of Me Least Favorite Track: No Name No. 5
it was fine, didn't engage me
It's a bit boring and his voice isn't my favorite but there's nothing WRONG with it.
Well-made and melancholy but it didn't really grab me. Favorites: Between the Bars Least Favorites: Speed Trials
I feel like kids who I thought were cool in middle school would’ve loved this album. Reminds me of getting bullied, so plus one point for that.
I have had "Between the Bars" on a playlist for a while. However, I don't pay attention to lyrics well and I thought it was about werewolves.
Not bad as a whole. got a little boring towards the middle with some high highs and mediocre lows. The stripped awayness of it all kind of detracted and made it sound a bit repetitive. Pretty chill, easy to throw into background and will revisit
good album to fall asleep to i guess
Great Album but can’t listen all the time
ok
This was conflicting for me; it's clear that he was foundational to what we think of with indie for the next decade, but the whole album was a bit softboy for me. Maybe it's because I can never understand what anyone is saying when they sing, and I'm missing some major lyrical depth. More people should sing so I can understand them
Singer songwriter - he’s very quiet and whisper sings sometimes
Not really my kind of thing. I get the importance and the influence but I'm too old for this kind of indie emo now
Some pretty parts, some slow parts. His songs have always sounded a bit plodding and rigid to me. It is definitely an identifiable sound.
Folky and indie
1997….this isn’t so bad after listening to a few heavy metal bands
Fine
I mean I can see why people like him. He is talented for sure and there are some songs I liked as well. But the style of singing and music is just a bit too depressing for me 3.5
I don’t get it. At least not as much as the effusive praise it’s shown by critics and the general public alike. I thought the themes of loss and fighting addiction would pull me in, and they do on a number of songs, but I never fell in love with it. Looking at the songs I liked it’s actually quite a few and may suggest I should rare this a bit higher but I don’t know… I just don’t think I’ll be revisiting this one much. Not all classics are classics to everyone. It’s a three out of five stars. Songs that I did like were “Alameda”, “Between the Bars”, “Pictures of Me”, “Punch and Judy”, “Angeles”, “Cupid’s Trick” and “2:45 a.m.”.
I enjoyed this one more than the other Elliott Smith albums that we have had.
Very 90s singer/songwriter sounding. You could pick out the influences from the bands of the same era, with the same vocal styles, and the same instrument styles. The album is fine, but doesn't tickle me in any way.
I feel about Elliott Smith about the same way as I do about like, an injured wild animal. Very sad and pretty and somehow poignant. I definitely see the appeal and appreciate the softness, the guitar playing, gentle vocals, the pure emotion... but it isn't really for me. Someone give this guy a hug and maybe like a pina colada or something. That said, I think this album deserves closer examination than I was able to give it with one listen and I would listen again. 7/10
i do like a nice bit of Elliott Smith but XO is his best album by a million miles, why've we had this and Figure 8 but not XO. GET A GRIP
The album cover told me everything I needed to know about Elliott. This is exactly the sound I expected and I thought I wouldn’t enjoy another tortured soul crying about their traumatic past. But, I liked it. The more I listened, the more I liked it. Either Or starts a bit “either-ish” and slowly evolves into “orrrr”, or maybe this is actually good? Elliott makes it his own and tells his own stories of overcoming past wrongdoings - EITHER his own OR others. There’s a sneaky hope in Elliott’s voice, guitar playing and vocals. This album is a pack of Marlborough Red’s and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s with a long time friend you wish was still alive. RIP Elliott.
Good
Great Gutes album muss aber nochmal gehört werden
Okee Dokee.... I knew this day would come. I mean it has come already but I suppose ... Anyhow! I honestly felt that this album was kind of boring. Everything about it has been done before and frankly, done better. This is not meant to be offensive or mean-spirited, just basically honest. I think music has always worked this way. There are always tons of bands out there that either swim around in local circles or rise above, with a few -- worthy or not! -- that rise to the top. I had never heard of Elliot Smith prior to today. I am not surprised after listening because he is one of those lost in the crowd bands. Sometimes we call bands "underrated" and for good reason, other times... they just don't rise above enough.
Favorite Track: Rose Parade
OK
Mello
I like this more than I thought I would. Simple songs
Good easy listening. Mix between Sufjan Stevens and a softer Nirvana. Would absolutely listen to again. Favorites were Rose Parade and 2:45AM.
Sad bastard music but it's done well for sure. Say yes and pictures of me were highlights. Overall a good album but one I'm unlikely to revisit
Not my cup of tea, but I enjoyed it.
Really nice sounding album, quite enjoyed this one. Nothing really stood out to me but it was a nice listen
honestly tuned it out, so couldn't of been earth shattering
Emo, indie. Nice, but not for me.
Pleasant enough, but feels a bit forgettable to me. All quite melancholy and wispy. Enjoyed 2:45am
3.4 Not totally up my alley but I can see how others would appreciate it
Mehh
I dunno, mostly just not what I was in the mood for
Lo-fi singer-songwriting. Sounds "nice" but it leaves me a bit cold. I really struggle to say much more about it. A bit samey and background music for me.
Decent for sure. Would listen again.
Hat etwas grunge-ges, dunkles aber auch singer-Songwriter vibes, ist aber irgendwie langweilig. Tröpfelt so dahin. Ich bin nicht hooked. Kann aber so im Hintergrund laufen. 3.5 Sterne.
bit boring
Either/Or is enjoyable, and probably better than Elliott Smith's other entries on this list. But there are a lot of elements missing that could bump this up to 4 stars or higher. The melodies are technically fine – maybe a little meandering and unrefined at times – but it's the vocal delivery that really sabotages the entire sound. Smith's singing is breathy and out of tune. It sounds like he isn't trying at all, and that's something unforgivable in my view. (Billie Eilish commits the same sin, and I'm not a fan of her voice either.) Many of the 5-star reviews here speak to Smith's emotional vocal delivery, but I don't hear emotion so much as a sense of depression and hopelessness. Even as someone with a history of depression, I really can't bring myself to enjoy the atmosphere Smith's singing creates. Especially during the summer. (Darn.) That being said, the instrumentation – particularly the guitar playing – is consistently excellent. It's simple, enjoyable, and smooth. Great for background listening. The album has ups and downs, switching effortlessly between the groovy, early-Radiohead-esque Ballad Of Big Nothing and the sweet acoustic ballad Between The Bars. So, unlike a huge proportion of the albums on this list, Either/Or actually feels like a complete album experience. And Say Yes is a solid closing track. 3/5 Key tracks: Between The Bars, Pictures Of Me, Say Yes
This is my first time listening to an Elliot Smith project. I'll start by saying that the album grew on me significantly between the first and second listen. Perhaps it would continue to grow on me if I listened more. That said, my first impressions generally remained the same: the best tracks are also the biggest, for a reason. "Say Yes"/"Between the Bars"/"Angeles" feature Elliot Smith at his best, with simple acoustic backing, singing within his range (and with nicely layered vocals), and providing short, catchy melodies to singer-songwriter lyrics. Fav Tracks - Speed Trials, Between the Bars, Say Yes, Angeles Least Fav - Cupids Trick
I always thought his stuff was typical downbeat singer songwriter stuff and never gave it a go. I really enjoyed some of these songs and will definitely check out more
I've listened to this album a lot because Tim loves it. I don't think it was great for a Monday morning, more a Sunday evening kind of vibe. I have enjoyed this album in the past but I felt like too many of the songs were similar to eachother. Elliott Smith makes me feel a bit sad. If I want to be listening to a great male song writer and feeling sad I'd go for Nick Drake.
Tried so many times to get into Elliott over the years. Some lovely melodies. But I'm really not into that kind of soft, whiny male vocal.
Amazing how this can be such powerful stuff sang in a very quiet way - he was an incredible talent troubled by his past which comes across in his music. A good listen.
I had no knowledge of Elliott Smith prior to this. I am sure that I had heard of him - but I had no idea of genre or sound. I liked it. Didn’t love it.
I'm always afraid that I'll become overly melancholy when I listen to Elliott Smith. So I have this subconscious hesitation. Maybe without that I'd really appreciate more? Not that I don't appreciate it.
Please use your inside voice when singing about depression. 5/10
I've heard about this one before. I was quite surprised to discover that such a relaxed sound belongs to one of the coolest dang album covers I've seen in my life - I was half expecting this album to be grunge or sludge metal going in. The first half is quite good, but those remaining tracks pump the brakes and blend together a little too much for my liking. I've listened to this one twice now, and I'm inclined to give it more listens down the road. It was a good time all around.
Pleasant Sunday morning listening without especially feeling I need to investigate further, and two on the list is surely one too many.
Liked this album. Quite soft and nice dinner party music 7/10
Entweder nöd schlecht oder nöd guet? Sowohl als auch wohl eher. Also neue albumsnamevorschlag ‚as well as‘. Akustisch isch das Album a mir verbigseglet wie es Segelflugzüg lokale vom Flugplatz. Ein modernes Segelflugzeug hat eine Gleitzahl von über 40. Das heisst, mit 1000 Metern Höhe kommt man 40 Kilometer weit. Hochleistungsflugzeuge weisen sogar Gleitzahlen von 60 und mehr auf. Segelflugzeuge fliegen mit einer Geschwindigkeit von über 100 km/h. Das „Benzin“ für Segelflieger ist also die Höhe, die sie abgleiten können. Die umweltfeundlichen „Tankstellen“ sind Aufwinde, in denen das Segelflugzeug aufsteigt. Darum 3 Propeller fürs segelflugzüg, demits in zuekunft na biz meh power hed
Inoffensive. Just not the kind of music I particularly enjoy.
3.5
Interesting music. Always like hearing something different.
Nice melodies and lyrics. Quiet. A bit underwhelming. I know he was very popular and the soundtrack of many peoples lives who grew up in the 90s but I was busy parenting then.
A good album but I think I liked Figure 8 better. Definitely giving me Brendan Benson and Pete Yorn vibes again, his higher falsetto vocals especially stood out this time. He changes up his chords and tempo across songs and yet it felt a little repetitive to me. Maybe the first four songs are more varied and then later songs start to repeat some of the earlier formulas. I'd say my favorite tracks were Ballad of Big Nothing, Pictures of Me, Rose Parade, and Say Yes. If a few of the tracks didn't appear in Good Will Hunting would he or this album be as revered? I still like him as an artist, but this album is around 3.5. And I'm going to distinguish my rating from Figure 8.
Over the years, several people have tried to get me to like Elliott Smith, most recently my teenage daughter. Lately I've taken to saying to her, "Stop trying to make Elliott Smith a thing!" Well, I tried to give this album a fair chance and what it primarily did was cement my prior perceptions. First, let's start with his whispery singing style. I think that's one of the big barriers to me enjoying it - I think his singing is just not that engaging. Then there's the somewhat amateurish recording style. Some view it as immediacy - we just had Nick Drake's Pink Moon, which sounded like you were sitting right next to him, but Drake's songwriting (and singing) were just so much more engaging than Smith. The drums have a very acoustic, non-processed sound, which could be good, but adds to the amateurish sound of the album. It would also be nice if he'd vary the tempo once in a while. I swear almost every song has the exact same tempo. Basically left me very bored. Positives: Decent lyrics through most of the tracks and I appreciate his guitar playing. Favorite Tracks: Alameda, Pictures of Me (Beatles-ish - genius.com says more Zombies-ish. Either way, 60s Brit sound), No Name No. 5 (dragged a little in the beginning, but I really like the open tuning chords, and picks up energy at around 2 minutes), Rose Parade (the first song that didn't have whispery singing), Cupid's Trick (pretty much the only rocking song on the album). After I told my daughter I was going to give this album a 3, she first called me an "opp" and then said "you would probably like XO better." I decided I should give it a chance - the girl has been very open minded re: music I like, so much so that she's apparently now a Rush fan and was blown away by seeing BEAT (King Crimson) in concert. So, I figured I should give it a chance since she recommended it (and it's not in the 1001). The recording quality and the songwriting are so much better than Either/Or. More varied styles (and instrumentation), better vocal quality (less whispery, although certainly similar). Favorite tracks: Sweet Adeline (opening track and my reaction was this song is better than pretty much anything on Either/Or), Waltz #2 (excellent song with powerful lyrics and a driving rhythm), Baby Britain (fun sounding song w/ shades of Penny Lane and good lyrics), Waltz #1 (I like the vibe), Amity, A Question Mark, Everybody Cares Everybody Understands (particularly the powerful ending). I'd give XO a 4, so too bad it's not in the 1001.
i've tried many times over the years to like elliott smith but i always find that, even though i like many individual songs and love a select few, listening to full albums mostly feels repetitive and sleepy
Indie folk, acoustic guitars, a bit of a dark mood, and all throughout this album. I've heard worse, but definitely nothing I would care to listen to again.
6.5/10. A little slow for me but pretty close to unplugged material I like. Track 1 and 2 are very strong
Always liked Elliot Smith without really being able to narrow down why. His sound feels stripped and reflective, as if a soundtrack to inner monologues.
Didn't hit the spot. 2.5/5
Good album
uii was passiert bei Alameda harmonisch, sehr geil! Das Album hat einen angenehmen chilligen vibe und ist trotzdem nicht ganz uninteressant. Es haut mich nicht komplett vom Hocker, aber ich mag es und habe es zu meiner Mediathek hinzugefügt;)
Millenial emo music that all sounds the same. Tough getting this album the day after Kendrick dropped GNX. 3/5
En weer speelt de vraag of we smaak of kwaliteit raten. Ook dit album zet ik zelf niet graag een tweede keer op. Maar het zit wel prima in elkaar. Deze keer laat ik mijn smaak zwaarder meespelen. Ik ben het album op een gegeven moment echt wel zat. Het is me teveel van hetzelfde, er zitten teveel lege pop-klanken in. Rond ik deze maar naar beneden af. Zie je ook gelijk het verschil met het vorige album. Alles is relatief.
Some great songs from the good will hunting soundtrack
His voice was pretty and I would say some old school vibes with it
90's coffee shop vibes. kinda bland.
Boring, good music but boring to me
A bit boring
Ahead of its time
Didn't mind it, right mood to listen but a bit dull
Not uninteresting. Kind of unusual for that period.
I realized that I like a few of Elliott's songs but not all of them, was really surprised and feeling sort of like a heretic.
aggressively fine. even with the bonus star for BETWEEN THE BARS it still runs a 3.
I liked this more than I expected, but not as much as I wanted. I think it will need another listen to actually appreciate it. It might be much more interesting, or it may turn out to be utterly boring.
its alright not bad not the worst i give it 3 out 5 because dont really like sad songs. i like the beat the voice and thats it really.
3- Stars (7/15)
Music kinda catchy - but some missed explicit
Low key and never really hits any highs
Thankfully it’s only 37 minutes then I was able to move on…
A little to monotone for me
This is an ok album that transports emotions but the singing style and the instrumentation isn't as interesting on album length. Yet another entry on this list of an album that is good in principle but nothing I need to listen to before I die.
Beautiful bittersweet acoustic songs that I find a bit too sad.
Same as the other one, sad and sleepy. 3/5
Nice to have in the background. Many songs felt like they could be in a 2000s teen rom com
Lovely, soothing voice. I’m between a 3 and a 4, but honestly a lot of the songs didn’t do much for me. Favorites: “Between The Bars”, “Pictures Of Me”, “Angeles”, “Cupid’s Trick”
Not quite in a low enough state to really immerse myself in Elliott Smith rn.
“If I’m gonna be sad, y’all gonna be sad.”
I enjoyed a few songs, but ultimately grew very tired of his singing style. The melodies and background music to his songs were enjoyable and for the most songs I didn’t know where one ended and the next started. I think his voice style of whisper singing just isn’t for me.
this is definitely end of the night sadness album
Good one but a bit mellow. Nice sound though
Very mellow easy listening.
Nice and chill, probably a 3.5
Lovely singer-songwriter album with smart lyrics. “Rose Parade” was a standout track for me. And when Elliott Smith injects more rock into his music — like on “Cupid’s Trick” — the result is pretty potent. I’d love to hear more rock-leaning stuff from him. I could see myself really liking this album with more listens.
3.5
The Superbowl for depressed people who spend lots of time on the internet. It’s alright, there’s instances of good storytelling, a clear ability to inject his personality into the songs. I think this is sadly a case of the albums aura being heightened by the context of its artist. Soft 3
I like the instrumentation and the lyrics were interesting.
An interesting album - completely indifferent to some tracks yet some really leapt out. Standouts include Ballad of Big Nothing, Rose Parade and Cupid's Trick. Worth mentioning that I can definitely hear his influence in others - reminds me of Flyte in places and Jeffrey Lewis in others. Will check out his other albums. 6/10.
Whisper rock. Only liked a few tracks.
1st time listening 7/10
pretty chill but i also might have fallen asleep
It's pleasant but didn't grab my attention
Sounds very airy, could be the drum sound with the cymbals. Nice not as down as I thought it was going to be
Speed Trials 3.3 Alameda 3.6 Ballad of Big Nothing 3.5 Between the Bars 3.3 Pictures of Me 3.4 No Name No. 5 3.2 Rose Parade 3.4 Punch and Judy 3.2 Angeles 3 Cupid's Trick 3.3 2:45 AM 3.2 Say Yes 3.1 Score: 3.291666667
Not the biggest fan of the whisper singing but the album started out great, the songs near the end all kinda blended together. A little too melancholic unless you’re in the mood
Not much of a fan of the softer end of his range. Somewhat enjoyed the album overall though.
I think I like the idea of Elliott Smith more than the reality. When he gets it right it's perfect (Behind The Bars, Say Yes and especially Angeles) but the whole record doesn't really hit those heights for me.
Couldn't take all of the sad yesterday. It was an okay album.
Casual listening was nice background music for work
All I could hear is Good Will Hunting..
Fine for background music but kinda forgettable.
An artist I’ve never really explored properly although a friend bought me XO on vinyl a few years ago in an attempt to get me into him. This was good but not great, I’d need to listen again to see if anything hits me on second play, I feel like I want to like it
Started well but not quite the undiscovered gem I was hoping for. Undiscovered by me, that is, I hadn't heard of him. Some nice Beatles, Blur, Radiohead stuff going on with a bit of his native USA folk. Sorry that he died so young. But it didn't stand out to me.
Kinda boring but I liked some songs.
Good 90's emo/alternative album, but I expected much more given how popular this album is.
I can understand why people like this and why it’s still a well-loved album. I think had I tried listening to this 20 years ago, I would’ve liked it, but as it stands now, I’m not really into this singer songwriter thing very much anymore.
It's alright. It gets a bit repetitive at times.
Didn't get the hype to be honest
Meh. 90s whine-rock.
This felt a little like a Ballad of Big Nothing.
Better than the last Elliot Smith album I got on here, but just not for me.
Music like this is nice but it’s too melancholy for me - 2.5 However - <3 between the bars <3 love at first listen. 4/5 Also, say yes is really lovely.
This was decent, but cant fathom listening to him again.
Emotional, and the lofi production makes it personal on a level. However it feels a bit samey at moments, and sometimes a bit whiney.
The sound is pretty interesting, it's kind of a mixture of folk rock and '90s indie/alternative. But the lyrics on most songs are either really vague (I don't want to do poetry analysis when I'm just listening to a song) or really sad, or both. Not like sad and romantic or aesthetic, but just everyday depressing topics. Why would people listen to music like this? Music is supposed to be a way to either escape or process your feelings, or at least romanticize them. Just making the lyrics extra metaphorical doesn't count.
Please Elliott, you're bumming me out man
A little bit bland, but has a couple of interesting tunes. 6/10
Portland boy!
Was just OK. Maybe it's more of a grower. It didnt grab me on the first listen. I'll come back to it in the future for a 2nd listen but for now this would be a 2.5/3 for me.
3.5
July 26, 2024 HL: “Between the Bars”, “Pictures of Me”, “Speed Trials”, “Say Yes” One of those albums I feel like I should enjoy more than I do. Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers was a favourite a few years ago, and it’s clearly inspired by Elliott Smith. That isn’t to say he doesn’t strike a chord from time to time, particularly in songs from his later albums (“Waltz No. 2”) but Either/Or’s honest, conversational lyrics come with songs that aren’t as remarkable to me.
This was perfectly fine, but it didn't really grab me. 3.2
I know that Elliott Smith is a corner stone in the mopey xennial scene, but It just didn't grab me.
This fella can whisper like no other. I find it hard to pick out any standouts, but I do feel that I'm gonna be revisiting this one a little further down the line.
I knew more about the lore of his death than his music going into this. First listen, I was distracted by the production. Whisper vocals, insanely loud snare and overpowering guitar tone. Luckily I was stuck on a flight without wifi and had this downloaded so I listened to it 3 times. Each listen, I appreciated it a little bit more.
Whispering, soft, sad, prolonged. Interesting little moments but generally pretty samey introspective songstering. Can see why he has a cult following with 12 year old girls and slightly wet moody male teenagers. Nevertheless, good in places.
Pretty nice, will grow on.me
While the harmonies are pretty and the whole thing just drips in melancholy lovey dovey talk, it is simply not a place that my head can get to. Maybe when i was in high school or in some darker times in college, but not today. Still, I get the appeal.
There isn't anything I dislike strongly in this album, but I just couldn't get over how whiny it is. I understand it is supposed to be a sad album, and that Elliott Smith truly struggled in life. I don't mean to undermine that - I might just not have been in the mood for this kind of music. It felt very forgettable and I wasn't able to focus on any song in particular.
Angeles
I know most of his work is on the softer side usually, but on this album the loudest songs are my fave. Pictures of Me and Cupids Trick. But Say Yes is also great.
Extraordinario la cara de delincuente que tiene este hombre y como la musica que hace no se correlaciona ni un poco con su aspecto fisico. Say yes mi tema fav. Album muy chill y lindo para escuchar en el contexto en el que lo hice (estudiando) como con Different class, le daria un 3.5 pero no esta la opcion, tampoco creo que merezca un 4.
Liked Figure8 a bit more. This has never been my goto genre. His songwriting is great but there isn't enough meat on the bone
This album seems super sad. The vocals remind me of the whinier Jack Johnson songs. I didn’t love Either Or but didn’t hate it.
I couldn’t get excited about this one.
I found this one quite relaxing and enjoyable, some tracks were a little slow but I found “Pictures of Me” to actually be quite exciting. Very nice instrumentals and clever lyrics.
Easy decision to rate 3 stars or C. Nothing great but nothing bad just an okay set of songs.
A bit Badley Drawn Boyish. Pleasant.
Never heard of him....or didn't know he was the sound track to Good Will Hunting. Was good. Sounded like the Plain White T's.....chill folky acousticy backgroundy stuff.
I'm not really big on sad boy stuff. This does seem like the better of it though Will I listen to again: 25%
Ok, ça fait 4 jours que je l’ai écouté, messemble que c’était bon
Album de tono muy chill. Tranquilo, melodías de guitarra bonitas de escuchar, voz muy relajada y tranquila, por lo que para ponerse de fondo mientras haces otra cosa está genial. Por lo demás si bien es agradable, no es muy llamativo ni sobresale en nada en especial
Can't say I'm familiar with Elliott Smith. Immediately noticeable was the very subdued and somber delivery, almost like a whisper. It certainly matches the album's common theme too. The short run time (sub 40 min) allows for easily repeatable listens, though, and that allowed me to appreciate the content a tad more. I can see how this album (and artist) inspired some of the current lo-fi indie artists and acts. Still a little too subdued for me to get really immersed in at the end of the day, but I'm at least curious enough to check out Smith's other singles and work. Apparently he was featured quite a bit in the 1997 box office hit "Good Will Hunting", a movie I'm quite fond of. Guess that warrants a rewatch!
If this record didn't remind me so much of Good Will Hunting, I might view it differently. However, since it does, it's hard to separate the two and how much I truly love that movie. While bleak and melancholic, I still enjoyed this album.
Easy listening.
A decent, if largely unmemorable, experience.
Heatmiester was an unremarkable band. Not sure if Elliot Smith discovered Nick Drake or what happened but he was definitly much better as a singer songwriter. Unfortunatly this made every guy in every aggro 80/90s band think they could do it too.
Mediocre
Kinda slow and sad... It's okay, but probably wouldn't listen again. Fave song "Say Yes" 3/5
Pleasant but not memorable.
Weird vocals, sounded like they were recorded under water.
I’m sure this was sort of novel at the time but not really all that special. Not bad though
01) Speed Trials - 8,0 02) Alameda - 7,0 03) Ballad of Big Nothing - 7,5 04) Between the Bars - 7,5 05) Pictures of Me - 7,0 06) No Name No. 5 - 7,0 07) Rose Parade - 7,5 08) Punch and Judy - 7,0 09) Angeles - 7,0 10) Cupid's Trick - 7,0 11) 2:45 AM - 7,0 12) Say Yes - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,21 (72/100) To me, this sounds like more or less the same song 12 times in a row. Nice song, but again, the same song...
Un poco rollo. Le doy un 3 porque me gusta la música de este estilo.
Interesting album. Sounds like post grunge.
Un poco rollo. Le doy un 3 porque me gusta la música de este estilo.
Listened Before? N Mellow and laid-back. Probably before it's time as a lo-fi hipsterish album before those things became cool. A hipster to out hipster the hipsters. I enjoyed it, but nothing really stood out. I'll repeat what I said about "Super 8": Sounds like the soundtrack to an indie movie. I'll listen a second time and see how I feel but for now, a solid 3. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Angeles
Schönes, angenehmes Album, dass mich aber nicht vom Hocker Haut. Hinterließ keinen bleibenden Eindruck.
Sad but pretty good
Many of the songs on the album are good, but they’re not great. And the songwriting quality falls a little by the end. I guess I’ll revisit the album in the winter, cause there is something good going on here, but I’m not quite in the mood for it
Kände inte till honom sen tidigare och när jag läste om hans spektakulära död så ville man ju gilla detta. Även om det är bra så lyfter det tyvärr dock aldrig riktigt för mig. Hans röst fångar inte mig och det blir lite mellanmjölkigt hela vägen. Klar trea dock.
Very pretty and chill
Good, but why he whispering all the time?
Like other one in 1001 list. did not hate it, did not love is, just another album of the 1.000.000.000 on this earth. In a good mood, so 3 stars
Un poco rollo. Le doy un 3 porque me gusta la música de este estilo.
chill
It was fine
Nice.
In general this was a pretty decent album.
Passabler Indie Rock.
It’s fine, but not as profound as I think it is for others.
It's fine I guess
Ok
Not as good as I remember it but still pretty darn solid. A nice album to sit and ponder listening to. It does blend together, but that's not too bad because the base is really quite good Fav songs: - Ballad of Big Nothing - Between the Bars - Angeles - Cupids Trick
Perfectly fine album, nice and short. Made me a bit sleepy.
First impression of the album cover is that he looks like a young Alex Ovechkin. This was alright easy indie listening, but not my jaunt.
Oh man is this about to be sad af? Love needle in the hay by him but I'm not ready for sad music on a beautiful day like today. Really digging Alameda. Some of the guitar picking in it is top notch. The rest is kinda background as I was working. Some beautiful stuff in here no doubt but nothing that's crazy good to me.
Not bad, had a good vibe. I could listen again, but would need to be in the mood.
3/5 Heard many times, just don't get into it too much. Couple good songs....
Schön zum nebenbei hören.
Appreciated/Endured
Another album where the artist was new to me and another case where they died tragically young. This is very much in the vein of 60s singer/songwriters but some of the lyrics are definitely something that wouldn’t have appeared in those days. By all accounts this was more of a hit after Smith’s passing, making some of these songs sound very poignant.
New discovery for me. I like the voice, and the music is for sure not bad, but all in all a bit monotonous.
Either/Or (Elliot Smith) 1. Between the Bars 2. Ballad of Big Nothing 3. Say Yes 4. Angeles 5. 2:45 Am 6. Pictures of Me 7. Alameda 8. Punch and Judy 9. Cupids Trick 10. No Name No. 5 11. Rose Parade 12. Speed Trials
Angenehm zu höhren. erinnert mich manchmal ein wenig an die Beatles.
Somber, melancholic and calm. Very subdued singing and music that makes for a sometimes eerie effect. Beautiful compositions and melodies.
Balladen, teilw. ok
Some of this sounded familiar, and after reading the wiki info about some songs being featured on the “Good Will Hunting” soundtrack, I understand why. It also has a similar feel to some of the Shins music on the “Garden State” soundtrack. It was a relaxing listen, but the second half kind of seemed one note to me. I enjoyed Figure 8 better. 2.75/5 rounding up.
Nice listen. I think I liked this better than figure 8. Will save this one for next time I need a good cry with some sad music in the background.
Pretty good and I thought I was going to revisit over the weekend. I didn’t. And didn’t really feel compelled to do so. Maybe I just don’t get his genius. [shrug emoji] 3.25/5
Обаятельный Depression lo-fi но не выдающийся к сожалению. На данный момент неплохой середняк
1st half was better. Emo solo dude with some british pop/indie rock sounds Least faves: Cupids trick, Angeles Fave: Ballad of Big Nothing (i’d heard this before)
Accomplished songwriting, just not quite my cup of tea.
Enjoyed this, not as melancholy as I was hoping for.
I enjoy Smith's voice and the multi players vocals throughout which, along with the acoustic guitar and occasional drums, give the album an ephemeral feeling. Wish I could give it a 3.5, but alas a 3 it is.
It's all a bit sad - I think I am not really in the mood to be honest. I am sleep and want some fun tunes. Kinda sad boi but all a bit samey? Not sure - just not feeling it I guess
Either this is lovely late night melancholia or it is indulgent sad boy guitar wankery. Probably both - all a bit samey, I'm generally too positive a person to love this stuff, but nor do I hate it
very beautiful voice in a shallow packaging.
6/10 - It was pretty good. The chill vibe was nice but nothing major stood out to me.
Acoustic folk rock, acoustic guitar and subtle drums to reveal whisperry, quiet vocals with his own vocal harmonies. Hints of Nirvana's unplugged session, and CSNY, and some Beatles vocal harmonies. Between the Bars reminds me of Zombie by the Cranberries.
Ok album
-it feels like an exact replica/product of its time. As if it captured that late 90s nostalgia perfectly, where they can’t exactly sing but also can’t not sing -there is a specific 90s film I would bet my life these are in cause it invokes the feel of watching -it feels intentionally peeled back and watered down/raw about it, it just feels very human -When Bon Jovi said “All I have is this guitar, these chords and my truth” he was reviewing this album
This must be what all those emo sad boys that fueled the early 2000s must have listened to in high school alone in their rooms as they cried alone at night. This album seems to be a perfect bridge between grunge and emo rock but still carves out a very haunting minimalist sound all its own. I dig it, but there are some limitations to the style of music and it can get old pretty fast. Still I can always appreciate another bleeding heart sad boi.
Sad and mid
Not a bad album. The songs blend together and aren't super distinct but they have a nice, indie sound. I likely won't listen to it again but all in all not bad. 3/5.
This left me a bit underwhelmed on first listen. It would probably benefit from a bit of closer attention. Nick Drake came on immediately after and I was like aah that’s better. I want to give this 3.5
3.5 - sonically pleasant and pleasingly sad, woulda meant more to me if I had listened to it in my youth. Some absolutely stunning songs, sometimes gets a bit same-y.
Actually listened to this twice as i was sure i missed something the first time around. turns out, it just did nothing for me
It’s a solid album and I can understand the influence on current similar songwriting music more than I did before after listening. I don’t know that I would return frequently to it but I enjoyed it.
2/5 at work and 3/5 at home , kinda boring maybe it was revoluntary once now it sounds like a radio song I won’t change the station on but will never look up
I think this album is pretty good, especially for coming out in the 90's. It stands out as different for its decade and definitely inspired Sufjan Stevens, Rilo Kiley, and The Shins to name a few. I like his whispery vocals and introspective lyrics. Very vulnerable and melancholy, also a little haunting given his life story. This album is for anyone trying to cope with something, especially a moody teen. It holds up well, very emotive and beautiful. I dig it.
The art of the joyful melancholic. At first I was not into this album but as it went on, the style stood out as something I hadn't heard before. Smith is able to make a sad song sound also happy. Simple and smart writing. Pretty good stuff.
I think if I was more familiar with who he is as an artist I would have appreciated this more.
3.5
If you like listening to Indie folk rock while wrapped in a blanket while in front of a fireplace on a gray winter day, this album is for you. Oh, and I forgot...the blanket is heavy and wet, the winter cold seeps in from cracks around the window frame, and the fire's gone out. Yep, it's musically and vocally competent but there's no sunshine here folks.
pretty good
musica leve, quase melancolica, gostosinha
Pleasantly surprised!
Nothing to write home about, but it's fine.
I'm already PMSing and feeling down in the dumps and now you throw an Elliott Smith album at me? I've always found him overrated and depressing and I can't see my mind changing anytime soon. Nope, it’s not changed.
Too many notes
Half listened, went ok
First few songs on my first listen and I wasn’t too sure. The album got better as the album continued. 2nd time listening and it’s a solid album. Points of songs remind of Death Cab For Cutie and/or Reliant K. 3.5
Good, sad, a little simple, I like his following albums more
More like a -3, but ok
Didn't quite do it for me.
Somber and mellow, good for a rainy day and a blanket and coffee. RIP Elliot. I respect him but the constant need to double vocals on every track feels like hiding weak singing. The album is fine.
Again, it is mostly fine. I really enjoyed the last song, Say Yes, but not enough of anything else to pull this above the middle of the road three stars.
I never really connected with Smith's records. I realize there is something there for me, but i never quite catch it.
Had not heard this album or artist before. Nice album.
Elliott Smith's "Either Or" seems to answer the question, "what is the sound of one Beatle clapping?" Musically, nearly every song sounds like a remix of the other; same key, same -- I'm not sure what to call it, diminished modulation? -- chord progression trick, same vocals delivered through a string and tin can. Lyrically, I couldn't get into it at all. Look, it's not bad, and I can see how this would really be people's thing, but it's not for me.
It was fine, I could even see maybe liking it if I listened to it a few more times, but there wasn’t enough there to make me want to.