Reviews (page 3 of 13)
Peak.
I loved it. My bf showed me ellioth smith a while ago, but I enjoyed this album a bit more than the last one of his I got on here.
fucking love elliott smith, perfection.
another talented artist who left this world too soon; this album is incredibly solid, especially if you're looking for some indie rock that DOESN'T bore you. i was instantly hooked by some of the intricate and creative song structures; the more i listened to it the more i ended up loving it. clearly this is a guy who's really studied some of the greats from mid-century's past. it only makes it that more upsetting once you learn that smith passed in his mid 30s. it's beautifully haunting.
det bästa låtskrivandet nånsin?
I was a bit concerned hearing a full band backing on the first track, but it becomes quickly crystal clear that Elliott isn't just an excellent singer, lyricist and guitar player, but also knows his way around a full band better than most. Most songs have a great sense of dynamism on both a movement and a melody scale.
Incredible album. A pure gem
General impression: incredible songwriter. An album quite full of life for being someone’s final album before an early death. Detailed review: I’m ashamed that it’s taken me this long to listen to an Elliott Smith album. Especially because I just fell in love with it at first listen… This album is full of catchy and wonderfully written songs. I love Smith’s way with a chord progression. And despite being really well-produced, with all kinds of flourishes and depth and layers, this is an album that would probably be just as good if it was just demos. At least the production backs up the songs instead of getting in their way. “L.A.” is amazing and you can totally see Smith’s influence on people like Christopher Owens. This review isn’t really going anywhere, mainly because I’m just a little bowled over from loving the album. Deeper thoughts (context): I definitely want to listen to his whole discography now. Score: 5 Number of albums left to review: 957 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 26 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 18
I absolutely adore this beautiful record.
Probably Elliott Smith’s most accessible album - and by accessible I mean the one you can listen to without being super duper depressed after.
my name is donald trump and i approve this message
# Playlist track - Stupidity Tries # Notes - Was hearing to this in a very very busy week and ended up re-playing the album a bunch of time instead of moving over to the next one. - I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's sad, of course. Knowing it was Elliot's final album just makes it a bit sadder. Still, it feel heartfelt and sincere and it definitely is worth a listen.
Very beautiful album, definitely makes me want to dive into his other music.
incredibly versatile and emotional record, loved this one
Brilliant.
Elliott Smith is goated
Holy smokes, I've been feeling miserable lately so this hits real hard. Not my favorite by him, but that doesn't mean it isn't still fantastic. I've been real sad and gloomy, and this is the best and worst soundtrack one could ask for when it comes to living in a melancholic void.
Love it so much! Beautiful and sorrowful just like Elliott Smith with some heavier tones here and there. Really great album. My Top 3: 3. Junk Bond Trader 2. Happiness/The Gondola Man 1. L.A.
Good songs of my era!
really good
Acaso el mejor disco de los Beatles? Elliott Smith es la voz de los desalmados
Generational talent
Superb tunes
Very nice album! I like it!
The last album in his lifetime, here Smith struggles to recapture his apex of Either/Or, and it's clearly an evolution over a revolution. It feels different, it's almost upbeat, in it as intimate as before but the soul is still shining through.
An album I've heard several times. I adore Smith's voice and a great deal of his writing. For me he is at his best in faster paced songs such as the opening track "Son of Sam". The album drags in a few spots and feels like background music for a film with something more substantial to say in the moment. The arrangement of the album feels a bit hinky compared to either/or (for example). Pacing is a bit off. Figure 8 is an album that'll always be worth listening to...unless there is a livelier Smith album or compendium on hand.
I mean come on !!!
no longer my fav of his, but still the first half is perfect and the rest is amazing
Last year in English class, the kids had to do a presentation on their tragic hero. I never got the opportunity to do this, so I will treat this review as if it were my presentation. While other kids chose Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse, my tragic hero is Elliott Smith. Doomed since birth, his anguished childhood carried on through his adulthood until his untimely death. Although he is gone, this humble man will never be forgotten for his contributions to the indie-rock music community. Many people find comfort in his melancholy tunes and deep lyrics. One of those people is me. I found Elliott Smith a couple of years back. Although I can't say his music has saved my life or anything along those lines, I can say that his music has impacted me. His songs and albums have been with me through the best of times and the worst of times. It was easy to tell from the start that Elliott was a very talented individual. He was a musical genius and Figure 8 only proves this point further. If you are not familiar with his previous albums, then it is important to note that Figure 8 was a significant point in his career. It is his most Beatles-esque and rock album to date. It has a mix of many instruments, including piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and so on. From the solid start with Son Of Sam and through the rest of the album, you go on an adventure through a range of emotions until you end with the bittersweet Bye. Considering that the last track of the last album Elliott got to see the release of was called Bye, it can't help but make you wonder if that was Elliott's way of saying goodbye to all of his wonderful fans. I hope he's resting in peace now in his reverse New York, a heaven he could only dream of, where everything smells good and everyone is nice. The world will never be the same without his poor soul and he will never be forgotten as long as his devoted fans are around. And to my tragic hero, see you later if I see you at all. Favorite songs: Somebody That I Used To Know, Happiness/The Gondola Man, Son Of Sam, and L.A.
I knew this would be at least 4 stars, but this listen moved me more than before. The beginning is awesome, but the ending with Can’t Make A Sound, The Gondola Man really got to me this time. Some of the acoustic songs aren’t my favorite later on, but those electric ones really hit!!
Perfect album 10/10
Elliot Smith es probablemente una de las figuras más trágicas de la escena alternativa estadounidense. Una genialidad sorprendente para la construcción de melodías y la escritura de letras sentimentales que relataban sus complicados estados de humor caracterizan la carrera de este "neotrovador" norteamericano. "Figure 8" es su disco más profesional, en el cual se nota que experimento con la libertad que entrega un estudio completo y todas las técnicas de grabación facilitada por un grupo de expertos. Al igual que sus trabajos lo-fi anteriores, este LP es perfecto y funciona como uno de los últimos bastiones del indie-folk de los '90s estadounidenses.
Still one of the best singer-songwriters and such a tragic tale
Heartbreaking, yet grandiose. A powerful finish for one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. His second best album probably? Hard to beat Either/Or, but this comes very close.
Twinkling piano, funky, distorted guitar, and earnest vocals (Especially on "Everything Means Nothing To Me.") Sounds like a windy day in November. "Figure 8" is neither as good nor consistent "Either/Or." Imo, the songs were a little same-y, but the album was enjoyable overall. I think "Pretty Mary K" might be my new favourite Elliott Smith song. I would've preferred the inclusion of "XO" too. It's a top-tier album. Elliott is an artsy man. I think I like him! (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)
If you like melody in your music then this album is for you. I don't know idmf it was the production the singer, the music or all of the above, but it was all just beautiful and well rounded. I heard hints of the Beatles, but it really reminded me of was 70's singer songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan. I loved it all.
i'm a big elliott smith fan, and this album is no exception. he shares a lot of influences with music that i adore, and also i love his songwriting. often i find even though his music is laced with sadness, i find it quite comforting. i don't think there's a bad tune in the bunch here, but my favorites are 'son of sam,' 'somebody that i used to know,' 'stupidity tries,' and, 'easy way out.' just a great album from a great songwriter.
Loved this.
Great record. The middle of the album is so incredibly strong it nearly overshadows the rest of the record. Smith has a really unique voice, and he was underrated as a guitar player. Great riffs and melodies all throughout
Five stars, and I’m not just saying that because as a 38 year old white person I am legally obligated to believe this is one of the greatest albums of all time.
Sweet gentle and tragic.
5/5 Reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel
😭
everythingmeansnothingtomeeverythingmeansnothingtomeeverythingmeansnothingtome
Un cinco bajo.
his best in my opinion
One of my favorite albums. Pretty stoked and a little surprised to see it on this list. Will gladly give this a listen today.
Classic album. This is one of his most refined albums. Elliott dreamed to produce songs in the same fashion as Beatles one day, and it’s quite clear he was going for it here. I can’t think of many other artists that portray melancholy so beautifully as Elliott. He played all the instruments, wrote all the lyrics… His story is tragic, beautifully immortalized in his music
This is an almost perfect record. I remember this making such a mark on me when I first heard it in high school. It'd been a really long time since I've listened to it and it's just phenomenal.
I guess I was born in a barn. I didn't know how this guy. But I love his work. I will probably go listen to all of it.
This is what I needed to hear today
One of my long time favourites. Highlights: Honestly, most of the album - Junk Bond Trader, Everything Reminds Me of Her, Everything Means Nothing to Me, Easy Way Out, Wouldn’t Mama be Proud, Pretty Mary Kay.
Another great album from Elliott Smith, who I only recently discovered. This one has more piano and orchestral elements, so it sounds more like some Beatles albums or Ben Folds. For me it has a couple of truly standout tracks (Son of Sam and Everything Means Nothing To Me), but the entire album is very solid. Maybe not quite at the level of Either Or, but still amazing.
Really enjoyed listening to this one. It has a different feel from Either/Or, but one that I also very much appreciated.
Oh yes, I very much like this album.
About 750 albums ago, Elliott Smith's Either/Or became a new favorite so I was more than happy to hear from him again. Figure 8 seemed not as woeful but just as appealing as Either/Or. I'll take it.
My boyfriend at the time of this albums release was a huge fan of Elliott Smith so this was a keystone to my turn-of-the-century soundtrack. It’s a masterpiece. The sadness and shock of the Smith’s passing still reverberate through this album which perhaps had prevented me from listening to this but today it was a warm and lovely place to be. RIP Elliott.
I’ve owned Figure 8 for about fifteen years, so I’m pretty familiar with this album. I can’t remember if I bought it because I heard about it through the 1001 albums book, or if I bought it because a friend of mine from high school really loved Elliott Smith. Maybe it was a little bit of both. I haven’t listened to this album in years, so I’m really excited to dig into it. Of Smith’s discography, I’ve only listened to this and Either/Or, which I don’t particularly care for. I knew heading into this review that I preferred this album, and that definitely hasn’t changed with time. The album kicks off with the excellent “Son of Sam,” full of wonderful piano playing with perfectly matching guitar playing, Smith’s trademark hushed vocals, and some great organ arrangements underneath it all. The songwriting contains some of Smith’s more abstract and mysterious lyrics, and it’s a great leadoff track for an album that really fires well on all cylinders. From there, the album winds through some other fantastic songs: the bitter and sombre “Somebody That I Used To Know” and the piano driven, heroin allegory “Junk Bond Trader,” before getting to my favorite song on the album, “L.A.” I absolutely love the guitar playing on this song, and how the main melody is interspersed with the twang of some additional guitar notes, but the best part for me are those clicking strums that occur during the chorus. The drumming on this song is great too, and it evokes a sense of shuffling through the streets of a busy city. The first half of the album is my favorite part, mostly because I really love the arrangements. However, the second half of the album really let’s Smith’s songwriting abilities shine. His lyrics range from on-the-nose and obvious to mysterious and subtle, but he always seems to hit the mark. Even though I don’t like the arrangements on the second half of the album as much, they’re still exceptionally done and beautiful. In my opinion, this album is so much richer in sound that Either/Or, and it’s a much more enjoyable listen. There are so many subtle musical elements that this album warrants multiple listens. This album might not be my favorite thing to listen to, but it’s an absolute masterpiece of songwriting and musical production. Full of haunting lyrics, and melodies that fluctuate between infectiously toe-tapping, and melancholy, this is worth a listen for any music lover.
Everybody may not agree. But this is one of the first albums I had no idea who it was AND never heard any of the music. I loved the album and immediately after the album was over, I wanted to listen to it again. that is the first time that has happened with a brand new artist. I realize that this artist is playing to what I like, but he hit it. Love the album and can’t wait to listen to it again.
Great songs and really unique style and voice. Would like to get more into his music if I ever catch up on these albums.
Wasn’t familiar with this record but love it. His vocals are so unique and interesting and such a great songwriter.
Figure 8 I listened to this 5 times. I love Elliot smith. He is one of my favorite lyricists. From this album “The imitation picks you up like a habit” “Boring as a drug you take too regularly” (Really everything in Junk Bond Trader) “And I gotta hear the same sermon all the time now from you people” “If patience started a band. I’d be her biggest fan” “The enemy is within. Don’t confuse me with him” “I heard you found another audience to bore. Creative thinker who imagined you were more” I love everything means nothing. I also love stupidity tries. Can’t make a sound outro is incredible. I love this album
10/10 some of Elliot’s best work I absolutely love every second of this — I highly recommend giving the deluxe edition a listen
really liked this one! i listened to it more than once, which is rare for me. just a very good album.
This is a version of Elliott Smith with a lot to love. His songs here feel mature and unleashed. He feels even less tethered to song structure, a lot of great through-composed moments. Lyrics are stellar. And I really enjoy the more focused, semi baroque rock sound. Makes that this was done at least partly at Abbey Road. Feel like I can guess pretty accurately which songs were tracked there. Now I’m imagining every tack piano, harpsichord, every tubular bell coming from that little closet in the side room of Studio B. It’s gotta be B, right? B for Beatles. Even the guitars have a little bit more George Harrison in them. Do the techs at Studio B ever get tired of being asked to set things up the way the Beatles did it? Damn, on “In the Lost and Found” you can literally hear someone walking up the stairs in B! Confirmed. Sorry for the huge digression. I’m a mega nerd for this shit, lol. His piano playing is pretty amazing, I don’t remember hearing his playing on other records! Everything feels cohesive and kind of adventurous and a little nostalgic and NOT what I was expecting for a mid-career, (sadly) last album. And come on, songs like “Somebody that I used to know,” he knew how to write a killer song. 5/5 I loved it! Grew on me a ton.
think this is my favourite elliott smith - his music, lyrics, production is all on point in this one
i dig it!
Never came across Elliott before, but really liked what I heard on this album. Son of Sam - grabbed me as a really interesting track. Nice mix of vocals / music. From folk, piano to rock guitar Somebody that I used to know - As good as Simon & Garfunkel in their heyday. Brilliant track. Everything reminds me of her - loved it Everything means nothing to me - wow. Overall an absolutely brilliant album. So awful to hear how he passed away.
Love it. So interesting and dark and beautiful and honest. Also check out XO. I think the songwriting on that album is even stronger than this amazing collection.
Fav songs: - Son of Sam - Junk Brond Trader - L.A. - Colorbars
I KNOW this is not for everyone. But it is perfect for me. To be candid, there have been times I have wanted to just drive off a cliff into the abyss, but sitting with Elliott Smith, in this album particularly, let me feel less alone. I do acknowledge that the first half of the album is much stronger than the later half but it is still a complete album listen for me, every time. His voice makes me feel haunted but at peace. My favorite songs are: Son of Sam Somebody That I Used to Know Junk Bond Trader Everything Means Nothing to Me L.A. The Lost and Found Stupidity Tries Color Bars
Aangename stem, mooie composities. Maakt benieuwd naar zijn andere albums!
Smith’s are beautifully written and the tone of his vocals and maturity of his compositions are a mark of his brilliance.
All of his albums were great. There was a time in college when he was all i listened to.
This is probably the Elliott Smith album I'm least familiar with, but it doesn't make it any less amazing. Like his other efforts that I am more familiar with, it's filled with pretty yet sad lyrics accompanied mostly by an acoustic guitar (though there are quite a few more instruments on this album than my more favorite of his offerings.) Going to make sure I listen to this one more often.
4.5
Amazing album from an amazing artist.
An absolutely beautiful album from the singer songwriter. While some people may prefer the more acoustic driven work, this album is a sonic masterpiece from start to finish. The production is top notch and I would dare to put this up next a Beatles album. With the starting track “son of Sam” to Happiness is a gandola man, each track offers something special and tragic at the same time.
awesome
fucking incredible
Right up my alley - sad but upbeat sounding songs - would probably give like a 4.6 but we round up!
Outstanding mood album. Nick Drake? The Shins? Beautiful sound. Will definitely help you figure some things out while questioning others.
I dont have many words to describe this album as a whole but one thing I can say is that the song Bye is one of the most perfect songs I have ever heard in my life. Loved the album. I was glued to the lyrics page during the entirety of it. Fun note is how he in the beginning parts of the album goes into the concept of artists and labels being "safe" and profit-motivated as opposed to prioritizing art and creativity. Side-note, apparently there are two bonus songs on the japanese release version of the album of which the song Figure 8 is among them, I recommend listening to it, its also really good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5iu4vURDWI Fuck man... Bye is so beautiful.
A wonderful album ! A great lost !
Paints a picture of a world where I want to stay in for a while.
Right up my alley, super easy to listen to.
I have such a history with this album. Its beautiful. Elliott Smith is one of the best songwriters and guitar players I think any of us will ever see. Rest in power.
Such sadness
Very good album. Always worth throwing on one of his and was glad to see this one in the mix here
Un cinco bajo.
Here's another apparently very popular musician I'd never listened to. Expectations were neutral going in. I was not at all prepared for how good this album is. Every single track is just straight-up quality. I love the voice, I love the song-writing, I don't love the style per se but I do love the execution of it. Definitely planning to re-listen this one and check out the rest of his music too.
wonderful!
I was expecting this one to be quite depressing, glad it wasn't. Beautiful, moving music. Elliott Smith was quite a talent.
This is a great album. I was a big Elliott Smith fan growing up and still listen to him every so often. He was such a gifted songwriter and this album has a ton of incredible songs on it. I've got to give it 5/5 just for the songwriting and my nostalgia for it. Standout Tracks: Son of Sam, Somebody That I Used to Know, Everything Reminds Me of Her, Everything Means Nothing to Me, L.A., In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)/The Roost, Stupidity Tries, Wouldn't Mama Be Proud?, Color Bars, Happiness/The Gondola Man, I Better Be Quiet Now
This album is legendary. To preface this, I listened to Elliott Smith’s albums last March (non-posthumous) and everything changed for me. I covered “Say Yes” from Either/Or on my YouTube and then kind of fell out of Elliott Smith. I realized his songs kinda weren’t for me because most of them were about topics I thought were taboo and didn’t wanna talk about. A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends (mind you, we’re both high school kids now) asked me for a 90s recommendation. I showed her Elliott Smith and gave her Either/Or, and I listened to it again for the first time in almost a year. It felt nostalgic and vulnerable. I loved it so much that I decided to cover “Rose Parade”. Well, that cover was literally the day before this one, and I got Figure 8 today. I was so happy and I realized how Elliott Smith is a master craftsman of what he does. This is my favorite Elliott Smith album for a reason, and that reason is because it’s so cohesive. It’s the full amalgamation that is Smith’s sound. 5/5 Favorite Track: “Color Bars”, “L.A.”, “Pretty Mary Kay” Least Fav: I have none
Muss man in Ruhe hören. Klasse! Für mich eine hörenswerte Neuentdeckung!
Loved it. A lot of my friends really enjoy Elliott Smith and I totally understand why. Fantastic lyricist with good melodies to boot.
Reminiscent of Beatles; good listening, the instrumentals are good but don't drown the lyrics. Many song with only guitar accompaniment. Good voice quality; lyrics can be understood. Must be about 15 songs on this album.
Just fantastic!
Un cinco bajo.
Elliott Smith doesn’t have to be musically depressing. Amazing work on this album.
A trip through 1001 albums with listening notes is nothing short of personal, and I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a five-star album in my catalogue, if not the very best of Elliott's releases. I've spun this more times than I can remember and I'm still gobsmacked by his impressive grasp of the most basic building blocks of pop music - the marriage of melody and harmony. He gets compared to the Beatles rightfully in this sense - but his unique vocal and undeniably sad story help set him apart as an artist that still seems singular to me, even 20 years on from his death. It could be my age and genre comfort speaking, but an album like Either/Or or Figure 8 feel to me pretty timeless - not a lot of era signposts giving away their age, and good melody never goes out of style. It gives the music grace and appeal. I'm constantly trying to emulate his economy of writing in my own songwriting attempts, and I'm still blown away that "Somebody That I Used To Know" gets in, roves through some supremely charming motifs, breaks your heart, and gets out in just over two minutes. A less-wise songwriter would be trying to get more mileage out of such tightly-crafted chord changes. "Stupidity Tries" remains one of my favorite Elliott Smith tracks, and "Son Of Sam" may well have been the first of his songs I ever heard - I even recall seeing a Figure 8 sticker on a lamppost on campus. Having watched replays of his short-lived show, it's apparent that Jon Brion must have been listening to Elliott demo "Everything Means Nothing To Me" when describing his utter bewilderment at the beauty of his songs in the Elliott doc Heaven Adores You. Only something so intricate and baroque could have so impressed a classically-hardened virtuoso.
Okay, I'm converted. Elliott Smith was a great composer and I honestly like his music. Really good album, bit more polished and optimistic (at least instrumentally) than the few records before. Easy 5 out of 5.
I bought this album when it came out. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to it all the way through, though. So that was nice. Some beautiful music on here and it’s such a shame he’s gone.
It’s absolutely shocking that I wasn’t obsessed with Elliot Smith when I was in college. 4.5/5
My favorite Elliott Smith album and one of my favorite albums of all time. Beautiful, heartbreaking, masterpiece of chamber pop.
Never really listened to Elliott Smith but wow. I missed out. Really great album.
BIG FAN!!! Listened to it twice yesterday and really enjoyed the first half. Not nearly as slow & depressing as I thought he’d be haha. I’ll def be listening to more.
I've been getting banger after banger so far dang!! I'm already an Elliot Smith fan, this was great, thumbs up
Wahnsinnig schön, vielseitig, melancholisch
I can tell I'll be coming back to this and will probably like it even more on subsequent listens. A great somber album.
Good stuff, nice to listen to
Something about this album was just... right. It's just such a good listen.
I love Elliott Smith although consider XO and Either/Or his best albums, so thought I'd be giving this 4. Listening with a fresh opinion was a joy though, I always enjoy his vocals and the guy's ear for a melody is just unrivalled. The guitar work is subtle but beautiful and each track I found myself thinking "Oh yeah this one is great too!". Guess I'll have to give those other albums 6 out of 5 when I come to them.
Great record, great artist.
This is actually my favorite album of his! I came to the Elliott Smith game a little late, so the full production and full band sound did not come as a surprise. In fact, I think I prefer it. Either way, he was a great songwriter. This album is full of amazing songs
December 2, 2023 Evergreen
This album sounds timeless to me. There’s influences from different decades, some of it sounds a bit 70s. Elliot Smith is an amazing songwriter who used interesting chords and harmonies. The lyrics are heartbreaking but the production is warm and satisfying. What an amazing underrated album, and reminder of what a huge loss it was to music when he died.
I'm still finishing up Cosmo's Factory as I write this. I'm about to dive into Figure 8, but I am writing this and giving it 5 stars before I even start. Curious to see how I feel about the rating in the near future.
Happy Elliot smith, still great tho
Incredible
Wow. What a great album. This one gives off a similar feel to Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake, another album that I listened to recently for this project. Honestly, I think I like this one a bit more. The sound of the songs themselves is great, with the singing and instruments complimenting each other quite well. The instruments in particular really stuck out to me as giving off the perfect type of sound for an album like this. What really elevates this album is the writing. This whole album is very self-reflective and very personal, which gives the lyrics a whole new level of gravity to what's being sung. This is just another expertly crafted album by another tragic artist that absolutely deserves to be on this list. 5/5.
10/10
Really good
Somebody That I Used To Know, LA, Better Be Quiet Now
GOAT
After only hearing the songs Speed Trials and Between the Bars by Elliott Smith, I expected a peaceful listen. But actually it was very energetic at some points, the sound of this album is very varied, and Elliott expresses himself in a very unique way. Every song is good and worth checking out, so you need to listen to this I guess…
One of my favorites
Yeah, this is right up my alley. It's a near perfect album.
musical excellence
Deeply moving. I really enjoy the writing.
Really enjoyed this. It's relatively upbeat for Elliott Smith (though I also like the downbeat stuff), and I liked the arrangements.
Elliott Smith's "Figure 8" is a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the enigmatic and deeply introspective nature of his songwriting. Released in 2000, it marked a significant point in Smith's career as it bridged the gap between his lo-fi acoustic beginnings and a more polished, orchestral sound. The album, tragically his last studio release before his untimely death, stands as a testament to his musical genius and lyrical prowess. From the moment you press play, "Figure 8" takes you on an emotional journey. The opening track, "Son of Sam," with its catchy melody and haunting lyrics, immediately draws you into Smith's world. His delicate, hushed vocals create an intimate atmosphere that invites listeners to lean in and listen closely. One of the album's strengths is its ability to blend melancholy and beauty seamlessly. Tracks like "Everything Reminds Me of Her" and "Somebody That I Used to Know" showcase Smith's ability to craft heart-wrenching yet achingly beautiful ballads. His intricate guitar work and layered arrangements add depth to each song, making them feel like musical tapestries. "Figure 8" also experiments with a more expansive sound. Songs like "In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)" and "Stupidity Tries" incorporate lush instrumentation, including horns and strings, providing a rich contrast to Smith's more stripped-down acoustic tracks. This dynamic range demonstrates his versatility as a musician and arranger. Lyrically, Elliott Smith was a poet of the human condition. His words often explore themes of love, addiction, loneliness, and self-doubt. "Everything Means Nothing to Me" and "Easy Way Out" are prime examples of his ability to convey complex emotions with a simplicity that resonates deeply with the listener. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Happiness." It's a poignant exploration of the elusive nature of happiness, and Smith's haunting delivery makes it a gut-wrenching experience. The chorus, "The more you try to erase me, the more, the more, the more that I appear," is a haunting reminder of his enduring legacy in the world of music. While "Figure 8" is a remarkable album, it's not without its darker moments. The haunting "A Fond Farewell" and "Can't Make a Sound" reveal Smith's inner turmoil and inner battles, making it clear that his personal demons were an inextricable part of his artistry. In retrospect, "Figure 8" stands as a bittersweet masterpiece, an album that showcases Elliott Smith's undeniable talent and poetic brilliance. Its complex mix of emotions, captivating melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics make it an essential addition to any music collection. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Smith's work, "Figure 8" is an album that continues to resonate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the indie folk and alternative rock landscape. It's a timeless gem that serves as a lasting testament to the enduring power of Elliott Smith's music.
I have already listened so many times...
I'd heard of Smith before, but this was my first time actually listening to him. This album feels like something I would have obsessed over had I heard it in my teen years. Real good sound, makes me a little sad, I love it.
Love him
“everything reminds me of her” takes me back to after me and girlfriend broke up and i played it on repeat :,) amazing album tho, i fucking love elliott smith
I really enjoyed this.Indie music I actually like.The instrumentation is varied and catchy and his voice is beautiful.Songs are concise with melancholy lyrics and catchy choruses.I’ll try to relisten to this albumReally good.Like a 4.6
I am thoroughly impressed. This is a very diverse and fun album, what the white album should have been. The Beatles influence is felt there. Some gorgeous piano pieces like Everything Means Nothing to Me, or unconventional melodies for pop-ish music like Color Bars, my fav track. Will definitely listen to again! 5/5
Haunting sadness, as expected. A more mature album compared to the previous. XO is still my favourite
Fuck I love this album
Someone gave Elliott a budget! I was afraid higher production values would detract from Smith's tender, heartfelt songwriting, but it works. Miss you dude.
All time great
прекрасно и невероятно красиво альбом забрал меня
I find it hard to pick favourite tracks of an album I've listened to many times for many years. I guess this album carries more weight being his last. Anyway, all that to say, this is a great album :)
Cult classic
10/10
My favorite Elliott Smith album. The electric guitar seems normal when listening to the album alone. But when listening to his catalogue, it seems aggressive and mad.
This was excellent, I am fast becoming an Elliott Smith fan
A freaking masterpiece! Elliot’s voice holds so much emotion. 10/10 perfect alt-rock somber, melancholic melodies. Favorite Songs: Somebody That I Used to Know, Junk Bond Trader, In the Lost & Found, Easy Way Out, Stupidity Tries, and Colorbars.
I love Elliott Smith, but I was kind of dreading this one and had to get it out of the way before it could make me melancholy for the rest of the day. He had a true gift for changing the mood of everything else happening with a few simple lines.
I’m a sucker for wistful indie singer songwriter stuff like this and this album really hit that sweet spot. I really liked son of Sam and lost and found but all of the tracks were pretty much good. Reminded me of badly drawn boy
- Heard this before many times - Elliott Smith is one of my favourite artists of all time and even though I think this is probably his 3rd best, it's still 5* - Hard to narrow down what my favourite songs on this actually are - Fav songs: Son of Sam, Happiness/The Gondola Man, Everything Means Nothing to Me
Really beautiful
I always feel like he was the heir to Nick Drake, and Smith’s work should appeal to most fans of Nick. Such a great album.
Getting a lot of the last studio album of an artist who died tragically early lately. I had never given Figure 8 a proper listen til today. The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel and Elvis Costello/Marshall Crenshaw influences are really apparent here. Loved the strings throughout, which I dont know that Ive noticed on earlier albums? I feel like the Shins took Smith's sound and ran with it. Man knows how to make chord changes stir distinctive and different emotions, the melancholy indie darling. Perfect record for a road trip. Can't think of anything that takes away from it. 5
Te amo, Elliott. Héroe de todos los hombres tristes, conquistador de la voz y la palabra. Humano, antes que nada, y por tanto tembloroso. Tus canciones son sobre todo incertidumbre; así como también, el triunfo del espíritu. Frágil evidencia, como tu vida y la nuestra, de que luego de atravesar la injusticia y el dolor, nos espera aquello que deseamos.
I wasn't expecting to like this better than Either Or. Not as consistent or emotionally dramatic, but so much more colorful and diverse, with strong art pop, psychedelia, and classical influences on his usual indie folk and power pop style. I can hear John Cale and the Beatles in both his vocals and instrumentation in many tracks. Tons of amazing memorable tracks. I fell in love with nearly every song in the first half. Mellows down from there but still enjoyed every song.
Classic
Call me easily impressed by the concrete. Smith's arrangements root the songs on this final project while their cores float uneasy in dreamland. Melancholy's expected with this artist, I guess, but even then the album hits and hits with only a little tapering. Peak Elliott Smith? The familiar seem to differ on that point, but from here the answer seems, unfortunately, to be yes.
Cuando descubría a Elliott Smith hacía muy poco tiempo que había desaparecido. Fue con la app de música Pandora (que ya no está disponible en España desde hace mucho tiempo) que funcionaba muy bien y supongo que lo seguirá haciendo. La cuestión es que este cantautor tenía ya unos cuantos discos publicados y descubrir esa voz que se duplica y solo quieres escuchar más. Tiene otro par de discos de 5 estrellas. "Son of Sam", "Somebody that I used to know", "Everything reminds me of her", "L.A.", "Easy way out" o "Color bars". Imprescindible y gran pérdida.
Phenomenal album
“Elliott Smith could make Abbey Road but The Beatles could never make Figure 8” Perfectly packaged emotion and tight songwriting. Powerful stuff, very moving! Faves: Better Be Quiet Now, Can’t Make A Sound, Stupidity Tries, Bye, Son Of Sam, Somebody That I Used To Know, Easy Way Out
Very “emo” lyrics, with beautiful music and Elliott’s haunting vocals. Loved this. Saved tracks: Junk Bond Trader, Everything Means Nothing To Me, In The Lost And Found (Honky Bach) / The Roost, Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud
Subtle but forward in a way his previous work just wasn’t. Smith uses far more sound and madness to cut through his messages. Lacking the acoustic twee of other efforts but still so poignant and in the exact right place the listener wants to be. That being the place Smith means them to be.
Top talent, too songs.
One of my favorite albums of all time!
Stunning
Rock inglês pra passar o tempo
richest 1
😍
Perfect album. Great production after many plain ES albums. If you really wanna hate yourself just listen to this.
The overall appeal here is that this piece comes across as bittersweet and delightfully gentle in places. Very good late night music.
Elliott Smith is the best! I'm and XO fan but this is also great.
i'll probably never get tired of this record
cool kinda sad though very nice
Classic.
Beautiful melodies and emotional and touching lyrics. The whole album felt like it was getting sadder and sadder with each track.
Excellent, I loved it.
Perfect album. I still miss Elliott Smith
Malinconia. Testi cupi ma che con un sottofondo di speranza. Profondi. Belle chitarre, begli incastri con gli altri strumenti. Molto orchestrale, tutto fila. Molto Beatles.
Beautiful Arrangements and Meaningful Lyrics, 5/5 Highlight- "Everything Means Nothing To Me"
A memorable album, beautifully constructed, charmingly delivered and haunted of course by its author’s tragic passing. An ironically more upbeat record than we’re used to from Elliott Smith and with a variety in tone and style. A pretty classic album.
The first notes are so melancholy and moving. A worthy start for one of the most talented American performers, taken from us way too soon and so tragically (https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/mar/19/popandrock.elliottsmith). I'm trying to remember which ex-girlfriend it was that introduced me to Elliott Smith. Might have been Sasha or maybe Erica. Probably it was Jen. But it was a long time ago, and the love affair with this music went on far longer than the relationship with her ever did (somebody that I used to know). Individually through the magic of Napster, I have quite a few of the individual tracks if Figure 8 in my collection, but there are unheard tracks here. Junk Bond. This is new to me and it swings. Guitars like church gongs in the first stanza. Easy Way Out = 💔. Damn. It's very hard not to like an Elliot Smith album. I've never heard anyone say oh I hate Elliot Smith. I think that's because you have to love music to even get introduced to Elliot Smith. And since anyone who really loves music loves Elliot Smith, no one really dislikes his music. A very quiet massive figure and this album is beautiful. Top notch. Bye.
Great album. Either/Or is his best, then maybe XO but they're all fives to me.
Elliott Smith was a phenomenal talent. But he was as phenomenal as his descent into mental illness, addiction, and paranoia was tragic. Thankful that his music lives on, at least, and that he continues to inspire a new generation of artists.
I am left a bit speechless. This is an excellent offering from Elliott Smith. Yet another album where a renaissance man composes and played almost all the instruments plus vocals. The one thing I know I like are his doubled up vocal tracks. Having his own voice more than once provides a comforting quality to the album. There isn’t a bad song on here. Truly a revelation.
Somebody that i used to know é boa. Everything Reminds Me of Her também. Everything Means Nothing to Me tem uma repetição. Riff do começo de In The Lost And Found é ótimo
just seeing the album cover has the opening bars looping in my head. i was decades late to elliott smith, but his few albums get regular play. i first heard elliott smith the same day i heard mars volta, and it wasn't till a bit later i was able to find these artists again
Utrop elliott
There's something touching about the way each song is so carefully composed. Unlike with most 'singer-songwriter' songs in which the accompaniment (be it by a full band, guitar or a piano) tends to provide only the bare-minimum harmonic structure statically, in Elliott Smith's songs the accompaniment is melodic (rather than simply being chordal) and mobile, providing counter-melodies to the vocal melody. It owes a lot to his guitar playing style which mixes picking and strumming and thus emphasizes the bass line melody (e.g. Somebody That I Used To Know, Easy Way Out, Better Be Quiet Now). But you can hear the same fondness for countermelodies in other parts of the songs too: the very brief backing vocal part during the first chorus of Can't Make A Sound, for instance, or the strings (or the synth or Mellotron?) that play during the chorus in the latter half of Everything Means Nothing To Me. He's like The Beatles, not just because of his knack for beautiful and memorable melody or sophisticated harmony, which this album displays in abundance, but because of his willingness / desire to infuse each song with as many musical ideas as possible. One small caveat is the drums sound a bit too perfunctory and by the numbers compared to other elements of the songs, but it doesn't really matter when the composition is this good throughout.
All the cute emojis girls in high school loved Elliott Smith and so I did too.
An excellent record of a troubled life.
5 stars
Un cinco bajo.
Everything means nothing to me
Parfait (ou presque) Prefs: Son of Sam, Somebody That I Used To Know, Junk Bond Trailer, Everything Means Nothing To Me, L.A., In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)/The Roost, Stupidity Tries, Easy Way Out, Color Bars, Happiness/The Gondola Man, I Better Be Quiet Now, Can't Make a Sound Moins pref: Everything Reminds Me of Her
One of the best albums I've heard in a little while, as I go on with this challenge. It was so damn good. Everything about it was so good. My favourite song has to be L.A
guitar-y pretty vocals easy alternative sad boy but not too sad, crowd pleaser in the lab
So sad and so lovely.
Depressing but not in an obvious way, the atmosphere is almost light hearted but like its hiding something underneath. Similar to the feeling I get when I think about adult actors inside kids characters like Teletubbies or Barney.
I cannot believe I never listened to this album before.
Liked this album a lot. Elliot has a greet voice and the music flowed well
Rating this before the album has even finished... This is a 5/5 Great album, loving it.
Elliott Smith with a backing band has a very Beatles-esque sound. The song writing is great, the musicianship and instrumentation is great, and the production is perfect. Instant classic
How have I not heard his before! This is why I do this list..
Perfection - one of my favourite albums ever
Solid the whole way through. I can’t believe I haven’t listened to this in so many years
My fave.
Absolutely one of my favorite albums of all-time.
A brilliant album. Loved it for many years. A stunning songwriter.
Very good. Listened twice and added to favourites
Thought this was just great. Even paced and interesting.
only listened to the first 2 songs but it sounded good
Masterpiece.
Mil estrellas de mil.
Este lo conocí en la carrera, solía trabajar con el en esas noches interminables de Maya o After Effects, me gusta mucho
Un cinco bajo.
Ya lo escuché
Je suis sur le cul. Tellement bon et je ne connaissais pas . Wow je recoute l’album et la discography. 5
Either/Or is my favorite Elliot Smith album. This one could stand to be a bit more concise, but there’s still alot to love.
Never heard of Elliott Smith before this listen, but I rather enjoyed the album. Nice, when you get something better than expected. Not sure what sets it apart, but the writing, singing, and production all seemed solid. I’d listen to him again.
Did I like this, or do I just love Joshua Radin, who was heavily influenced by Elliott Smith? I enjoyed it, though I think he walked so Radin could run.
Depressed motherfucker. Great songs, last one creeps me out
I never heard of Elliot Smith before. But I like his music.
A new artist to me but really enjoyed the album. A real mix of style but holds together well
I didn't know anything about Elliott Smith before today. But after listening to this collection of plaintive and unusual pop songs I'm wondering why. A very rare 4* for a first listen.
Really nice. Some precursor material for the 00s emo I was in to as a kid. There is some lovely songwriting. It almost lost favour for me due to my distaste for the "can't be bothered to sing" indie voice, which I sometimes really struggle with, but I think this delivery style is something a bit different. I definitely prefer it
I've never taken the time to get to know Elliott Smith, so this is a great opportunity. His reputation is one of pretty sad songs but Figure 8 contains so much more than that. There's an undeniable undercurrent of sadness in this record but it also contains songs that roar and songs that whisper. It's all dirges. Throughout the record, Smith makes use of much of the emotional range available to a guitar: bright, chiming acoustic strumming, infectious runs between chords, crunchy electric work -- he knows his instrument and what it can contribute to song structures very well. There's very little playing for its own sake, much like his voice is only used when he has words to convey. It's restrained but it's never drudgery. It even seems to contain moments of contentment. I don't know if this is a masterpiece or not. It's not addictive in the way of a lot of 5-stars I've given out. Ratings aside, you should check this out. It sounds like a lot of things but it's rare for anyone's vision to be executed so finely.
This album cuts deeply
mr melancholy knows how to make a good song. i never really listened to an album of his in full, but its so obvious how much of a blueprint he was for so much music i know and love. highlights: son of sam la in the lost and found (honky bach)/the roost wouldnt mama be proud cant make a sound
They gave Elliot some more instruments. It almost sounds like proto-Death Cab, which is cool. Still captures his classic cool, depressing sound, but it's a bit less raw than his earlier stuff.
as far as i'm concerned it's stylistically the same as the other elliott smith album, just with a slightly higher density of cool songs. favorite song is Everything Means Nothing To Me or Can't Make A Sound. Or Son Of Sam. soft 4
Rating: 8/10 Another great album in an incredible run by Elliott Smith. It's a long one with a lot of tracks, and feels pretty front-loaded. The front half is just filled with one amazing song after another. There are songs that rock so hard like L.A. and Stability Tries, they're such welcome tracks in the Elliott Smith canon of usual acoustic folk. Before Bye, Can't Make a Sound closes out the album beautifully.
Its clever and fresh, espacially at the start of the record, I really loved it. Unfortunately, by the end I was left with the same feeling of too many songs, going different directions, and more is not always better ans they are a few dudes here, songs I dont like pr that dont fit. It's a shame, but the record and his impression on me will stay on
Nobody makes the word "fuck" sound prettier. Too soon. 4.5.
Tragic.
I like an Elliott Smith album, what can I say. The man was very sad and he made good music, but this isn't my favourite ES if I'm honest.
This was always my favourite Elliott Smith album as a yoot. I always liked how it had a bit more muscle and drive than the other stuff while maintaining its fragility. Still holds up pretty well I think, even if the deep deep melancholy doesn't hit quite so hard when you're not a hormonal lonely teen.
emotionally moving. sad boy music.
So late on this that I got the next Elliott Smith album lmao (#33). At least I've listened to it enough to get a pretty good grip on all the tracks. Definitely the easiest listen out of all of his albums. Probably doesn't stick with me more than either/or, but love the added instruments. Works really well. Real shame we didn't get to hear this develop. Probably would have made something that I loved. Though I do love this album. Very excited to revisit the other one to see which one I prefer. I think it will be very close. 9/10
Track By Track Son Of Sam - starting with his signature sound, which I still can’t put my finger on but it’s so distinctive. This is what I call one of his bigger kinds of songs, with full band rather than stripped back. Good piano and guitar happening. It has the acoustic vibe but also elements of rock and folk in there as well. Very unique blend Somebody That I Used To Know - a classic acoustic Elliott number. I have heard this a couple of times before. Very sweet melody. His use of harmony is so singular. Really unique and idiosyncratic. Sad, perhaps a little biting. It evokes such a specific feeling of melancholy, very slightly tinged with beauty and hope. Junk Bond Trader - quite an epic one with the orchestration. Got a good groove to it actually. Fairly upbeat for him. Everything Reminds Me of Her - I like the intro. Sets the scene very well. A wistful, sad one. It’s an emotional one. Lovely chord changes and little inflections in the guitar. Everything Means Nothing to Me - this is quite nice. It could be straight out of ‘Eternal Sunshine’ or a similar film. Builds well at the end. L.A. - this is the most rock one so far. Good riffs. Didn’t love the melodies as much. And it seems almost too noisy in a lot of this one. In The Lost and Found (Honky Bach)/ The Roost - I do really quite like the piano in this. Kind of charming. Apt title. I feel that this was quite Beatles inspired. / I like the echoey guitar ending for this interlude-like track. Stupidity Tries - nice chords again. It’s got a very grand ending that I’m very much into. Switching to minor chords and some passing chords employed to great effect. Easy Way Out - I really liked this. Particularly the lyrics, quite affecting and I could hear the personal/universal in them. It’s achingly sad and a bit like a diss track. Love the strings. It recalls Miss Misery to me. Color Bars - He’s painting with the piano simultaneously very loosely and precisely. I like the little fills. There are very familiar Elliott melodic motifs spun throughout this track and I’m here for it. Happiness/The Gondola Man - I think this was a single. Can see it. It’s got a good structure and that climbing and descending progression I’m a sucker for./ quite nice little outro or transition/interlude. Like a vignette. Pretty Mary Kay - kind of nice. The lyrics and chords are pleading almost. Not sure what else to say about this one. Better Be Quiet Now - sad, very personal. Very intimate this one. It’s very him. The guitar seems to float and meander through the song very nicely. Can’t Make A Sound - a good one for near the end of the album. The lyrics also sound personal and unique to him. Bye - An echo, like a whisper. Ghostly. Seems to reference the whole album as well as being totally original and stand-alone. Nice instrumental closer. Overall Review: I enjoyed this a little more than I thought I would. I know Elliott’s music fairly well but have never dived deep into his stuff. There is a lot of energy on this album, and a sort of eeked-out passion, like a strained kind of beauty trying to communicate itself. I also love when an album has enough variety and innovation to make it engaging and this album has that. It’s a very high 3 for me, verging on a 4. 3.9/5 Favourite Songs: Somebody That I Used To Know, In The Lost and Found (Honky Bach)/The Roost, Color Bars, Easy Way Out
First time listening to this artist, sad to hear he passed away so young. I quite enjoyed this album, easy listening
Melodramatic and has a sense of eeriness with his cord choices and voice combination. Loved the outro to the album 4/5.
Genuinely good and the clear inspiration for many indie acts of the late aughts.
This was pretty good!! I liked the instrumentals and his voice had a good quality but could be a little monotone at times. The lyrics were pretty sad I think which is perfect for me. I could see myself liking this more with more listens as well I think bc I’m pretty tired rn and I don’t think I fully absorbed it. Like a 3.72/5
Pop music for sad girlies and sad boyies. RIP.
Veldig fin plate
Fine saker.
Sarte saker, kanskje litt for spakt til tider. Men ingen er som Elliot.
Excellent vocals, interesting melodies and competent arrangement. Sometimes it gets a bit cloying (meaning annoying,) but strikes a good balance for the most part.
First Listen; 4; Out of all the albums I've listened to so far, this one had the biggest jump in my opinion between the first and second listen. Delicate vocals without sounding wimpy or annoying, enough of an edge with the guitars on some songs to bring the energy up, but varies it with slower acoustic tracks. Favorite Track: Can't Make a Sound
No idea who this is. I like the intro to track one. Track two is my favorite so far. Track three feel like a “more of the same” kind of thing. I don’t hate it. It just might boring. I’ll see where this leads. Track 5 was great. If this were an 8-9 track album I’d have hope that I start really liking it. However at 16 tracks these better all be killer. Track 8 “stupidity tries” is another great song. It’s like I need a warm up. I like “easy way out” a lot too. “Happiness/Gondolaman” has such a nice bounce to it. Can’t believe I’m almost at the end of this. And still enjoying it. It was hit and miss in the beginning. This album really got good.
siento que un libro de sally rooney suena como este disco.
sehr nice album gsi, danke website. sehr abwechsligsriich, recht smooth meistens. i wör es 5/5 geh, aber för das fehle mer, zumindest nach 2 mol lose, die ultra bangers
Åh, äntligen nåt modernare. Behaglig lyssning
Solid 4.0. Favs: Son of Sam, Somebody that I Used to Know, Junk Bond Trader, Easy Way Out, Color Bars, Can't Make a Sound.
Liked it.
Oh gosh one of my favorites. Not my favorite smith album though. Things I’ve never done, cars parked in the sun … I view as a love letter to LA. Visiting the mural in silver lake while visiting my best friend from college is one of my favorite memories
Nice album I never heard of before. That was worth a listen or two!
A classic.
The label of "the sad guy" always kept me from really exploring Elliot Smith's catalogue. I always just assumed it was a depressed man with a guitar. His music is really rich though, and wasn't nearly as depressing as I've been lead to believe. There were a number of really great and rich songs on here!
had a high quality nap waking up to can't make a sound
how awful that he died so young, he must have had so many unwritten songs. 4/5
A gentle voice whose life was cut short way before his time. I've always had a soft spot for Smith's music, and I'm glad to have finally sat down to listen to a whole album rather than just selected tracks. Each song feels like you're in a dream, floating from one idea to the next in a rather fragmented way like vignettes. Simply beautiful. Thank you, Mr Smith. We miss you.
Not his best album, and yet still 4 ⭐
Figure 8 seems like a strange place to begin with Elliott Smith, who i've been recommended many times but never jumped into It's some kind of 4 but took a while for the arrangements to start landing with me, I think I'd likely prefer his earlier stuff
Fav song: Everything Means Nothing To Me
Muy interesante!
Hadn't heard of Elliott Smith before, so nice to listen to something new to me. Had to listen a couple of times to get into it, but second time really enjoyed it.
not save
cool sounds and progressions. Doesn't sound like bad songwriting either.
This is pretty good. Like James Blunt but with more talent
Surprised by this one....
Another really good Elliott Smith album. I don't think I liked this one quite as much as Either/Or (but then again that's probably his best album) but still certainly a nice listen.
elliot smit goted
My favorite Elliott Smith album - still has the great songs, but I much prefer the band treatment with him rather than just the acoustic guitar/vocals
Very well written with a kind of beautifully sad undertone. It isn't my usual kind of singer-songwriter music but I did very much enjoy it.
4/5
Spennende og fint
I like it
Great album, loved it
Way more produced than his early stuff - but I still like it.
RATING: 8.5/10 HIGHLIGHT: LA LOWLIGHT: Pretty Mary K
Couldn’t listen to it all the way through just yet because I was working and it was a bit too sad :( especially knowing what happened. but beautiful music.
for some reason, despite me LOVING so many of his songs, i cant give Smith a 5/5 on any album
Man…. Elliott means so much to me. And has since he was even alive. Figure 8 isn’t his top album, though I’m sure I’ll see that one later in this, but it’s still an amazing collection of songs.
I don't know much about Elliott but I believe he committed suicide shortly after this was released. He did have a talent judging by this but obviously he had issues. It's a pity as I believe hhe would have become a larger force in music in later years. Another one gone too soon.
Favorites: In The Lost And Found Somebody That I Used To Know Better Be Quiet Now* *#1
Smith takes an idea and runs with it like a policeman directing traffic. Or he might be the hitchhiker you recognize as you pass. He just keeps adding touches that draw you in. These are complicated longings for something easily a mystery to him and by extension us. It is heartbreaking to hear "last night I was about to throw it all away" and "I don't feel afraid to die." He was also asking us to stay with him, and stay with him I will through these contained little pop gems.
I love this. Hard to hear Elliott without feeling such sadness
Love the guy but this was weaker then I remember
Really enjoyed this. Beautiful music, with enough variation to keep me interested throughout. Even the misery in the lyrics couldn’t put me off. Reminded me a lot of Ben Folds, who was apparently heavily influenced by Elliot Smith. 8/10 Most Excellent
I need at least one more listen before I can start to rate this. For now 4/5.
This album is lovely :) While Elliott Smith remains one of the ultimate wielders of the acoustic guitar, I think this album might be my favorite of his due to the frequent lack of it's inclusion. It's very fun getting to hear how good of a musician he is, not only on the guitar. The opening of Son of Samson being such a good ass example of his broad musical talent, especiaaaally that jaunty ass piano. I do love that the very next song reverts back to acoustic only. It feels like a compromise (a fucking fantastic one) to anyone who was looking forward to the melancholy plucking that made him renowned. I especially love his piano playing on this album, Everything Means Nothing To Me is a great song, bringing the same somber tone he usually does through a different medium. Though, I do think this album overstates it's self a bit. Many of the larger arraignments feel as if they don't distinguish themselves enough from the others. In those songs his vocals sound like they are leading the progression of the song, rather than the instruments. I'd say a good example of the opposite is Colorbars, a really great song that sounds as if the piano melody was written first and the rest of the song was built around it. As opposed to something like, Wouldn't Mama Be Proud, with most of the backing instruments doing nothing but make the tune feel cluttered. I use that one as an example, but unfortunately I feel a lot of the later songs on this album make me feel the same way. It sucks that this is one of his final albums, my favorite and least favorite parts of this album are the moments where he experiments with different sounds from his norm. Which, lemme be clear, the acoustic joints on this record are masterful. I simply yearn for a world where he could have reached a similar level of comfortability with less ethereal songs. 4/5 gone too soon man
i liked it
Not my first Elliot Smith album, but it’s definitely more chill than the last one. Pretty spot on for a Sunday morning. Favourite track: Everything Means Nothing to Me
I've always wanted to listen to Figure 8 by Elliott Smith. Elliott Smith's life is such a sad story, and it's hard not to wonder what he might have gone on to create had he not died so young. His influence on singer-songwriters is still felt today, which made me even more curious to hear one of his most celebrated albums. Figure 8 is a beautiful record. It's melodic, thoughtful and full of understated emotion without ever feeling overdramatic. The songs are incredibly well crafted, with gorgeous arrangements and the sort of songwriting that reveals more with every listen. There's a warmth and calmness running through the album that makes it a pleasure to spend time with. What impressed me most was how effortlessly the melodies flow. The album has a rich, layered sound that feels bigger than much of Elliott Smith's earlier work, yet it never loses the intimacy that makes his music so special. His storytelling is excellent throughout, and there's a vulnerability in both his lyrics and his voice that makes the songs feel deeply personal. It is quite a long album, and there are a couple of moments where it could perhaps have been trimmed slightly, but that's a very minor criticism. Overall, I found it to be a beautifully written and performed album that I'll happily come back to. Favourite tracks: There are some wonderful songs here, particularly "Everything Reminds Me of Her", "Somebody That I Used to Know" and "Pretty Mary K". Least favourite tracks: Everything deserves its place, although if I was being really picky, the album could perhaps lose "Bye" without losing much overall. Album artwork: Great album cover. The famous Los Angeles mural is simple, colourful and has a really mod feel to it, which I love.
8/10
aaaa