Reviews (page 4 of 14)
I liked it more than the other Elliot Smith record I listened to
52# Love elliot smith and im excited to hear this
If I had a cafe that mainly served iced flat whites this is what I would play. I liked this
I didn't go in expecting to like this, especially hearing that he was Nick Drake adjacent who I think is just OK, but I ended up really enjoying it so that's a win I guess.
I've had several people recommend Elliot Smith to me, so I was expecting something great. I enjoyed this album overall - the instrumentation especially was beautiful. I wasn't the biggest fan of his voice but I do think it added to the mournful quality of the whole album
Elliott's music is so beautiful but it makes me sad, for all the obvious reasons. I liked XO and Either/Or more than this one but it is still great.
Singer-song-writer-stil uden at stikke ud.
Hmm
Pas mal manque quand même un peu de peps
Easiest 5 that ever 5’ed.
I like this, I know I should Like it even more, only not yet.
my goat
Only know a few songs by Elliot Smith from earlier. He has an easy recognizable voice, almost like there’s a filter put on it. To me it feels like it’s a bit limited in power and range. Still he has quite a few nice songs on this record. Best song: Son of Sam
You go white boy
Not something I would be able to listen to everyday, but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this. Soft, vulnerable and unique
Man this guy really knows how to suck you into his world and tug on your heartstrings. Neat thing about this album is its half bangers and half his usual melancholic singer songwriter tracks. My standouts maybe Colorbars, Son of Sam and Can’t make a sound, but it’s all pretty strong.
- I like the description by Pitchfork "muscular chamber pop" - I feel that on the more upbeat songs. - Some really pretty instrumental moments (I really noticed it on I Better Be Quiet Now) - I like the piano throughout. - The broody songs were just a bit too broody for me. - This album felt really long. - I'd say it's a 3.5, but I think I'll round down because I'm not that into about a handful of the songs (mainly the slower ones), and that's about a third of the album. I do like the other songs, but not enough to give it a 4, overall. - Having a song called "Bye" is pretty heartbreaking considering.
I really really wanted to like this but I just didn’t. Having heard so many artists I love like Phoebe Bridgers credit Elliott Smith as being a massive inspiration, I expected to find a similar love in his music and I just didn’t. I think the main thing holding me back is his vocal delivery. I really really don’t like this whispery nasally way of singing, I think it’s very grating and can ruin otherwise well written songs. But even to that point, I found the writing incredibly underwhelming. I don’t know, maybe I didn’t connect with the lyrics because of the vocals, but something just was t reaching me. Very disappointing.
This is one my highest 3s. The earlier albums are 4s for sure.
Figure 8 was a combination of the sixties Byrds/Zombies chamber pop and that early aughts indie genre. I liked hearing an older yet modern sound, but that was about it. I enjoy morose music, but there's something about Elliott Smith's morose that I don't vibe with. Maybe it's because I grew up during the indie rock phase and I'm over it.
Again, I'm nearing the end of this project so every comment I make sounds like a broken record at this point, but: did we really need two Elliott Smith albums on this project? In any case, this album felt a bit more mixed in genre than his other inclusion (Either/Or) did. It's all got that typical Elliott Smith vibe, but he balances the act quite a bit here between heavier sounds and more docile sounds. This album also does not feel as overtly sad as his other project entry. In the chamber pop aspect of this album, I also hear a lot more 60s pop inspiration, which he does a good job of breathing indie 2000s life into. I will say, the album seemed to lean more heavily into the slow chamber pop sound on the latter half, which made the pacing a bit weird. But all in all, I found this to be decent.
8/10 Best songs: Son of Sam, Junk Bond Trader, L.A., Can't Make a Sound I started getting into music right around the time of Elliot Smith's death, so I've always been aware of him but I never really dived into his oeuvre. Overall the album is a bit more rock than I was expecting, with some nice beats, but the emphasis is very clearly on his voice, lyrics, and guitar. There are absolute moments of genius on this album (the rising tension and climax of Can't Make a Sound are phenomenal, for instance), but some songs land a bit flat in comparison. Still, an excellent album, and one I see myself returning to in the future.
It wasn’t actively bad, but I have already forgotten about it. 100% vanilla.
Not bad, will listen to more I think.
He was brilliant and it’s a shame he left so soon
Yeah this one doesn’t really do much to me. A bit of a safe middle of the road album for me, with a safe middle of the road rating. 3/5
This is an Elliott Smith album, so the highs are goddamn high. 'Son of Sam' and 'L.A.' are both contenders for my favourite song of all time and there's many other wonderful moments. 'Happiness' and 'Can't Make a Sound' have an anthemic quality. 'Somebody that I Used To Know' and 'Everything Reminds Me of Her' could find a place in any coming of age film ever made. On 'Easy Way Out', the flow from verse -> prechorus -> chorus is so natural it's glorious. At this point of his career his songwriting has got so good, he's almost surpassed his own style. But, to be honest, the album suffers slightly for it. He's churning out songs and melodies which belong on tin pan alley, or in the great American songbook, but combined with the glitzy production it often feels disingenuous. It just doesn't really feel like an Elliott Smith album to me, which is why it is only four stars.
mid 5 we all know elliott as the sad drugs guys, but he was much more then that. he shows it on his album. this is his straight pop rock album. he always wanted to make albums like this and here he gets the closest. great songs with great production. he didnt want to make lofi albums. its his most like big star. so many classics on here. my current highlight is the instrumental on "stupidity tries" moving in to the chorus. chord pattern is as insane as youd expect. guitarists worldwide play millions of hours a day in standard tuning. elliott is one of so few who managed to pull extremely original things out of it on a regular basis. the only issue is that its a few songs too long. elliott wanted a double album apparently but the label wouldnt let him. he should of just gone with a standard length album
This album is honnestly really good. Certified bangers for the most part. Best Song: Junk Trader Bond/LA Favorite: LA/Happyness+Gondala man/Can't make a sound Least: Easiest way out/wouldn't mama be proud They feel like the same song and don't stand out the same way the other songs did Replayability: 9/10 Enjoyability:8/10
J'ai grave aimé ! Des bonnes instrus, un peu vibe Sufjan Stevens moins dépressif, c'est varié, c'était cool
Ça devait être super en 2000, ou pour une bande son de film mais je trouve ça assez fade dans l’ensemble… Ça ne vieillit pas bien, c’est plat je trouve Après ça chante bien, ça joue bien, mais c’est surcoté, ne mérite pas d’être ce top
Sympa mais sans plus
Decent 4,5
8/10
Better than Coldplay
There's probably another timeline where I was a huge Elliott Smith fan. This is not that timeline.
Figure 8 is pretty, but like cake with too much frosting, gets tiring quickly.
A very good album that sees some interesting expansion of Smith’s sound, with this probably his most tuneful. Son of Sam and Junk Bond Trader are the highlights of a strong first half that combine his emotional style with a more lively sound, with some folkier numbers still present. It gets a bit weaker towards the end, but still an excellent listen.
Elliott Smith’s untimely death is tragic not least because one gets the sense that he had barely started. This album definitely represents a sonic progression from his earlier work, though that’s not to say it’s necessarily better than his previous albums (I remain agnostic on that question). The sound is fuller, the arrangements more intricate/lush, with a palpable Beatles influence. Many tracks (‘Son of Sam’, ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’, ‘L.A.’, etc.) are brilliant, and several more are only slightly below that standard. Even the more ‘filler’ type tracks are pretty good. A very strong 4 stars.
So pleased to have this thrown up. Despite being a big fan at the time, I barely ever listen to Elliott tracks really. I think it's because there's not an obvious "I should throw on some Elliott Smith" occasion. It's not driving music, it's not chores music, it's not "impress people at my dinner party" music. It IS bloody good though.
Solid singer-songwriter record but most of the songs took me a while to get into and overall the album moved too slow for me. 5.5/10, Favorite Song: Everything Reminds Me of Her
Some solid tracks but a bit long innit
p863. 2000. 3 stars. Sounds like a missing McCartney album from the mid-70s, which ain't a bad thing. All that's missing are standout tracks. Point deducted for being bloody miserable.
Damp and moody, what I imagine living on the Pacific Northwest does to you. This album deeply suits the depressed, nihilistic, tearful guy who makes his personality drinking PBR and that’s okay . You’ll get her back one day (you definitely won’t) <3 RIP ES
3 because it's not my cup of tea. But it's a nice album overral, and perfect to leave it on background
Didn’t get the chance to listen to the full album but what I heard was a joy. I’ll re visit this one. For now it’s a 3
Listening session: march 16th, while commuting to internship Listened to before: listened many times to a few songs before Thoughts: I really like Elliott Smith’s music and I’ve never actually listened to this album in its entirety. While I still think I prefer Either/Or, this album has a lot of great tracks Favourite tracks: Somebody That I Used To Know, L.A. & Better Be Quiet Now
Great record, but not my first choice when it comes to listening to Elliott Smith. That doesn't mean it's bad in any way.
Boy, this guy is a Beatles fan. I mean, I didn’t hate it, but nothing moved me. I would love to hear him cover I’m So Tired. He has that vibe.
More upbeat than I expected. X/O is the only Elliott Smith I heard before and that’s pretty depressing. This is a solid 3. Nothing all that memorable about it, but a decent listen.
Surprised about this, actually rather good.
Sad boi emo rock, bit of a Dylan rip off, not bad though
This is such a good album. Color Bars is hugely nostalgic for me (it was the first Elliott Smith song I discovered back in high school) but I enjoyed every track a lot.
It’s better then I expected it to be. Still not 100% my music but a very pleasant surprise.
Either Or was one of my first 5 star reviews nearly 200 albums ago, and I said at the time that I was looking forward to listening to more of his music. Figure 8 is a much bigger, more heavily produced album. Somehow I think I like it even more. You can hear Ben Folds and Sufjan Stevens in it, but also the legacy of Nick Drake and others. I'm pretty sure a lot of it was composed from the piano as opposed to guitar (you can often tell, just based on how chord structures are shaped) and I think it suits the vibe of this album very well. I can't believe Elliott Smith is an artist I'd never heard of 6 months ago, his music should be absolutely everywhere (even if it is quite melancholic at times). I can only imagine what other beauty this man could've crafted if he'd had longer on this earth.
Really good, if a little samey
Love me some Elliott Smith, but (limited "but") (a) I've never listened to a full album of his at one time and it's a bit much, and (b) not sure this is his best album. Easy Way Out is an all-time though - some of the meanest lyrics this side of Dylan at his nastiest.
Play that damn guitar white boy His lyrics are obviously depressing, not always my thing but he has a great voice. I think people are too harsh in their critiques tbh. I did have to take a break to listen to megan thee stallion bc it was depressing me too much.
I've just never vibed with Elliott Smith. I just find his work very one-dimensional.
Intressant! Lyssna mer, väldigt Beatleskt.
Freakin’ love Elliot Smith but maybe not every track on the album
nothing about this says 'great album' to me
Excellent music and his voice is whispy and fun. My kind of music.
Not super consistent, but certain songs were surprisingly good and interesting. I like the honky tonk shit.
Nice one, didn't know what to expect, honestly didn't give it a critical listen, but enjoyed the vibe.
I liked junk bond trader and can’t make a sound. Had to relisten tbh, the songs kind of blend if I’m multitasking. But still good.
Yes!!! I’m glad this one came up because I love Either/Or - it is incredible- but the first time o listened to Figure8 I didn’t love it. It let me down, so overproduced. The songs aren’t as great as E/O at their peaks but at second listen this is a far better album than I remembered. I wish he was still around. He was a tremendous songwriter and it’s a shame we had so little of him to hear. I’d probably say 6.5 or 7 out of 10 but I’m feeling like a 4/5 feels more right than a 3.
It was just OK, but I feel like maybe a different day and I would give it a three.
I really liked this one! I’ve heard a bunch about Elliott Smith, but I hadn’t heard more than one or two songs. It was really cool to hear how he influenced some of my favorite artists that make music today. Very cool!
I feel like I’ll like this album more as I listen to it more. It’s super melancholy, which normally can end up being boring if I’m in a good mood. But an album like this, despite being so sad, doesn’t rely solely on the sad vibes to be good. It’s also just really strong instrumentally and lyrically. The lines “I’ve got a long way to go / Getting further away” from “Better Be Quiet Now” is the kind of longing in lyrics which can easily stir up emotions in me. It really sucks he died so young. I feel like he could’ve made some incredible albums after this one, and it’s really a tragedy his life was cut so short. Favorite songs: “Son of Sam,” “Somebody That I Used To Know,” “Better Be Quiet Now,” and “Can’t Make A Sound”
wenn ich h rauchen würde wär das der shit
had already listened to this before,Son of sam and everything reminds me of her are classics but the whole album is great LA and junk bond trader are major standouts too.This album just shows how ellito smith evlved as a musician with his control over multiple instruments
sufjan core
Solid album by Elliott Smith. I would rather have any of his earlier records before this one. 7/10 [SWAP]
I've never heard anything by Elliott Smith before, but I've heard of him. Phoebe Bridgers is one of my favorites, and I think it's well known how much of an inspiration he was to her, so I'm super excited to check out this album! I don't think It'll end up in my top faves, but I hope I like it well enough So I put this on while doing other thing, still paying attention to the lyrics and everything, just not taking notes. This sounds kinda different than I expected it to. I actually really really like the sound more than I thought I would. I debating putting this at 5... for my normal music taste, it's not a 5. it'd be like a 7/10. For this challenge tho... it's like a 9/10. I can see myself coming back to this pretty often. There's just something about it. Fuck it, why not. 5, but really 4.5
There’s something about listening to Elliot Smith in the shoulder months of the year, early spring and late fall that add a sweet sadness to the day. Love this one, the full band, the coupling of guitar and piano, and smiths doubled vocals. So gooood
I've heard the name Elliott Smith a number of times, so there was a certain degree of expectation awaiting this album. On the whole, it mostly lived up to the supposed hype, there's a certain way with words and simple delivery that makes for a very good album; one that will liekly grow on me even more.
One of a handful of "sad music for sad boys" albums that's actually pretty damn good. Great balance of softer chamber pop and louder, more straightforward indie rock. 8.5/10.
Goes on a little too long for me for this kind of drawn-out, tender rock. Might be nice for a long drive home.
7.5/10 I really like Elliott Smith's songwriting style and the sad mood comes across well with the production, I just wish his singing was a bit more interesting.
Meh
aburridooo y muy gringo ajsjaja
Lovely
Kannte ich gar nicht aber hat mich positiv überrascht. Sehr schöne wenn auch traurige Lieder. LA und Junk Bond Trader sind mir positiv aufgefallen aber das Album ist an sich sehr rund. würd ich nochmal hören.
Melancholisch Beatles x Red hot Chili peppers Ruhig & entspannt aber traurig
Son of sam - 5 Somebody that i used to know - 4 Junk bond trader - 4 Everything reminds me of her - 3 Everything means nothing to me - 3 L.a. - 4 In the lost and found (honky bach)/the roost - 3 Stupidity tries - 4 Easy way out - 3 Wouldn't mama be proud? - 3 Color bars - 4 Happiness/the gondola man - 4 Pretty mary k - 4 I better be quiet now - 4 Can't make a sound - 4 Bye - 4
Bra! Smith känns ju igen av sin röst och musik som är lite åt det melankoliska hållet. Jag tycker om det. Det är fint och avslappnande. Jag har faktiskt aldrig lyssnat på detta album förut, vilket jag kan tycka är konstigt för jag gillar Elliott Smiths musik.
I really enjoyed listening to this album. It made me feel peaceful and yet excited to listen to what track comes next!
Hermoso
favs: everything means nothing to me in the lost and found (honky bach)/ the roost stupidity tries happiness/ the gondola man pretty mary kay better be quiet now can’t make a sound rating 2/5
Some great tracks here - Son of Sam, Junk Bond Trader, and a few others. But his subdued, whisper voice and the fact that quite a lot of these songs sort of meander along in a sort of mid-tempo daze made this not as enjoyable as I had hoped after the first two or three songs.
I wasn’t a fan of his voice never was, but the music was fine. RIP tho, I am not trying to hate on him. It just didn’t sound that good to me.
one of the prettiest albums on the list
There was a time when I was obsessed with this album and I listened to it so many times. Elliot Smith is leagues ahead of any other songwriter. Very good album.
Stunning, i loved it
Easily an Elliott Smith stan after this. Going to do a deep dive on his discography now. No notes for this album.
Beautiful music. Reminds me of Belle & Sebastian. That's a compliment.
Liked: Son Of Sam, Junk Bond Trader, In The Lost And Found, Colorbars, Stupidity Tries, Better Be Quiet Now, Everything Means Nothing To Me, Can't Make A Sound Added: Everything Means Nothing To Me, Can't Make A Sound
8/10
Okay, but nothing special
The further into this album I got, the less I liked it. First couple of songs were fine, not amazing but okay. But by the time I got to Pretty Mary Kay, I was so done with the dreamy vibes and his voice. I had never heard of Elliott Smith and I now know why. This is not my thing.
Great beginning but drags on. 7/10 Best songs Son of sam Somebody I used to know Everything reminds me of her
A more than worth follow up to Either/Or. Solid 5 Stars.
I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. It’s not quite the dazzlingly human experience of “Either/Or”, but it’s a pretty good album regardless. Part of it is the length; this album is 16 minutes longer, and I’ll be the first to tell you that it’s too long. I don’t think there’s a bad track here, but I do think there’s some tracks that feel unnecessary, adding a little bit of bloat to an album that’s already kinda hard to parse at times, and one that usually leans towards the downbeat & the dismal. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as a sad album, but it never gets that happy. That’s the other part of it; I just don’t think it’s quite as lyrically tight as “Either/Or” was, or at the very least, it feels like it only reveals its themes closer to the end of tracks, making it a little bit harder to connect emotionally to what Elliott’s going for here. All of that said, I still think it’s got that humanity to it, but it’s rooted in much more self-doubt. A lot of these tracks seem to touch on the black hole of fame; an inability to really reconcile with being known by so many, yet unknown by the people that he lets in the closest to his life. Whether it’s about his mother, an ex-girlfriend, closer friends, his music label, or just any of the other shit on his plate, this album feels like it’s most directly a plea to be seen by those people, made for the world to hear, yet only for THEM to listen. Unlike “Either/Or”, there’s not as many moments here that reaffirm that it’s OK to go through this stuff, but just sort of an acknowledgement that it’s happened, and just a hope that the right people will reach out to comfort him. It is human. It’s just not as palatably hopeful, nor is it a mirror to the public. It’s a mirror towards himself. That’s partially why this album just feels a little harder to digest, and why I started to sort of drift away from it around tracks 11-13. They’re not bad, but they’re steeped in metaphor that feels tougher to touch on. Thankfully, the final 2 real tracks of the album are both lovely, and really redeem this thing back up to a 5. “I Better Be Quiet Now” is probably my favorite one here. Hence, a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. I don’t think I can really go track by track here in good faith, since I don’t think I quite got each track, but it’s worth trying to perceive them & come to some kind of reading about what they’re about. Elliott Smith’s imagery in its finest moments still shines here, and while the soundscapes are a bit more fleshed out than “Either/Or” in a way that takes away some of that intimacy, it still sounds pretty damn good throughout. I really liked the album, bloat & all. I’m glad it’s on the list. Rest in peace, Elliott.
This is quite a well-formed record. I tried to get into it for a while, I think I lived in Portland at the time. I couldn't quiiite crack it, but listening back now I can hear that it is a well-rounded representation of ...indie I guess? They guy can clearly write a song and has plenty of musical ideas to go with his lyrical ones. I can't really separate my memories of portland from it, even though I was there years after his death. A little bit folky for me, maybe? 3 stars seems frugal but 4 seems too many.
Good feel music
Touching, but sometimes a little repetitive 3.5+
Figure 8 and Because are stuck in my head — can't stop coming back to them even if I can't explain why they are so good. They just hit different? Well, the rest... Solid Elliott Smith, beautifully made! I really liked this album. But something's missing, can't put my finger on it. Left me waiting for more? still processing tbh
Beautifully depressing
everything means nothing to me temazo
Bit too soft for me but it's a decent album
Belle & Sebastian team up with Fountains of Wayne, George Harrison on guitar. Meany replays on this one!
A complicated blend of of storytelling through the filter of depression, sadness, and addiction. Though it's his highest charting record, Figure 8 is not my favorite of his discography. That being said, it's still a brilliant stroke of melancholic genius.
??? schon wieder vergessen top?
one of my all time favs
There are two Elliott Smith albums that mean a lot to me. This isn’t one of them. His masterful songwriting and sonorous voice are in full effect here, but it lacks much deviation from his typical style besides being a bit more produced. I was honestly left with more of a desire to go back and listen to the two albums of his I really love than to revisit this one.
My first time listening to Elliott Smith despite his ubiquitous proximity to me for over 20 years through my friends who were into him. I was pleasantly surprised. Each track is so interesting, especially the vocal harmonies. The lyrics are interesting and penetrating. And the arrangements were nice and organic sounding. A solid album that I’ll be listening to again.
This album was white noise. I barely paid attention. What I was more fortunate to have was a new Gorillaz album that released today. The Mountain. 10/10 made me cry.
I gotta really be in the mood for Elliot Smith…& I kinda was! Although, I’ll never try to defend this as “good.” Why would I ever listen to “Everything Reminds Me of Her” when “Always Something There to Remind Me” exists & is a banger? Also, of the few things I got after my best friend died, was an Elliot Smith vinyl So I have some sentimental/emotional something, even if I don’t love the music.
Never listened to Elliot Smith, just knew he stabbed himself twice in the heart. Not what was expecting and not my thing but I appreciate another singer/songwriter putting Dylan and Cohen to shame.
Too sad to write review
Man, what an album. From the first seconds of Son of Sam, I was absolutely in for this album. I had heard that song before, but the timelessness of Smith's brand of rock is just so easy to listen to and get absorbed into his emotions. He's pretty much the poster boy for tortured artist and this album is basically perfect. Somebody That I Used To Know, Everything Means Nothing, Son of Sam, L.A., and Colorbars, are some of my favorites here, but this whole album is truly great.
I think it’s too harsh to give it a one, but I only really liked one song. This is very much background music although very peaceful you would just put it on forget that you have it on so I may use it to fall asleep or when I just need to. Scroll through my phone to check emails or delete old photos, which is what I did while I was listening to this album two out of five
Glad to have heard this for the two Everything songs alone, that was a lovely stretch of five minutes. Can't Make a Sound was also nice, but that's about all that I loved.
Amazing. The guitar is so versatile and intimate as always, mixed in with piano and some other orchestral elements to great effect! Captivating storytelling, not sad sad but reflective and often angry. The best moments are the ones with energy and punch like Son of Sam but almost every song is unexpected and intricate.
How can such sad music make me so happy?
Really nice sound. Soothing vocals. Relistenable.
Mostly liked it. I'd forgotten how much I liked Son of Sam.
4.0 Quite enjoyed that. I tried getting into Elliott Smith a while back after loving Christian Brothers but both that album and Either/Or felt too slow/depressing to properly enjoy. This, however, had more going on. Started off very strong and slightly peters out in the middle, but overall it's a solid album. Definitely will be listening to it more.
My first Elliott Smith album and I'll say that I enjoyed this more than I expected to. There are the sensibilities of late '90s alternative rock scattered throughout this work, but there is also a deep appreciation for the singer-songwriters that laid the foundation for Smith. I will say, this wasn't as depressing as some other people told me Smith's work was, I've certainly heard more mournful releases from the likes of Sufjan; yet there was this tinge of melancholy strung out throughout the runtime. I think my favorite part of this release was the chord progression of Everything Means Nothing to Me, and the way the words "everything means nothing to me" serve as a refrain, especially leading to the build up in the back half of the song.
Mediocre
There are a lot of really great guitar hooks in this album. Smith was a really interesting singer/guitarist/pianist, all the parts are intricate and sound great. Gets kind of repetitive by the end though. That's what's holding this back from being pretty great for me, it stays in its lane too much. Standout tracks are "Somebody That I Used To Know" "L.A." - the only Elliott Smith song I'd heard previously - and "Stupidity Tries" Overall a solid 3/5 for me. Worth the listen, maybe spending some more time with it would elevate it and give you a chance to absorb the lyrics.
Ok, but not really my thing.
Sad man music, but with catchy melodies! Winner!
I hadn't heard of Elliot Smith before my ex played him a lot during our relationship. I like his voice, and a lot of his songs have that feeling of a very sad song set to somewhat happy sounding music. I also hear the Beatles influence and how Elliot Smith influenced Ben Folds a lot. There are a couple of stand out songs to me (Somebody That I Used To Know, Easy Way Out), and some that are annoying (Everything Means Nothing To Me). But I really struggle with a full album of such morose vibes. I know why his songs are full of depression, but I struggle with listening to a full album of it.
Perhaps the greatest “sad boy” songwriter of all time. Of his big three albums, this is actually the one I’ve spent the least time with, though I need to rectify that. I’ve always been partial to “Xo” which isn’t on the list. "Figure 8" feels like a marriage of the palettes of "Xo" and "Either/Or," and may be more accessible than both. It also has an iconic album cover. I admire Elliott Smith as a melodist, lyricist, and guitarist. His music makes me happy and sad at the same time. It's hard to explain why.
Hva gjør dette på lista? Ekstremt A4. Verdens mest gjennomsnittlige album??
Really good.
Great arrangements and songwriting. Beatles like. Way too long though.
Not previously familiar with this artist, but I liked it. It seemed familiar. Dark, brooding lyrics.
eh
Appropriate listening for a rainy day. I enjoyed Smith's vocals, and the songs were reasonably pleasant. But not something that's stuck with me deeply.
not too shabby 3.5/5
Yet a-fucking-nother blast from the past. This list has really been dredging up the oldies lately. I listened to Either/Or around 370 albums ago, much like what happened with Madonna's Ray of Light and then Like a Prayer, which was my previous album. I don't remember much about Either/Or, truth be told. I think the opening to the first track of that album occasionally pops into my head, but other than that it's been memory-holed. It was lo-fi, folky acoustic music if I'm not mistaken, which isn't really my thing. I've thought about revisiting that album in the time between these two albums, though I haven't felt compelled enough to give him a second chance. Maybe this final release will be the one to persuade me. Quite a pivot from what I remember of his previous album. The vocals are more or less how I remember them, but the instrumentals are a pretty big departure from the lo-fi, folky stylings of his previous album. I can appreciate this change of scenery, though I'm still pretty put off by this album. Much like with Either/Or, the vocals on this album frustrate me in a way which is difficult to articulate. He sounds oddly restrained on these tracks despite the competent songwriting and decent range. Holding back as a vocalist is the worst possible thing you could be in my eyes - even worse than an outright bad singer. The breathy, Nick Drake-esque sound frustrates me, too. The instrumentals are kind of cool. There's nothing in here which really sticks out to me, but they're greatly improved over the offerings from Either/Or. Many of these tracks are lively with and some nice electric guitar embellishments and a decent sampling of instruments/genres. Much of it does boil down to idle acoustic guitar strumming, however. Overall, while there's some decent aspects of this album which would probably work coming from an artist that I liked, much of this failed to resonate with me. Book time. Released after a period of hardship. Got an Oscar nomination for appearing on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack. Got picked up by the Dreamworks label, resulting in better production and mastering. "In the Lost and Found" was performed on the piano Paul McCartney used to play Penny Lane. That tidbit isn't influencing my evaluation of this album in any way - I just like neat trivia like that. Not that I really needed convincing, anyways. People still mourn this guy's death and he was pretty influential within 90s alternative music from what I recall. If he had lived a little longer, I think this guy could have wrenched out a third list album, though from my relatively uniformed perspective two Elliott Smith albums seems to be the perfect number for this list. I cosign this inclusion.
Never got his appeal
Very Beetles Esq
Power pop Son of sam LA Happiness
Last May I did a deep dive on Elliott Smith, considering him an artist I would probably love but had never really got into before. At that time I gave the album a 4, but I think its very close on the 3.5-4 border for me. I listened again fully without checking what songs I listed as my favourite before, and perhaps surprisingly they came out very similar. On my first listen I liked "Everything Reminds Me of Her", but didn't highlight "In the Lost & Found.." All the rest matched up. I have always thought this album cover is a very poor representation of the personalness of Elliott's music. Compared to the clearly gritty Either/Or cover this one presents like its going to be a generic 2000s pop album. Even though that is mostly just the artwork doing the art a disservice, I think there is some truth in it. The production here is clean, the vocal delivery is clear and confident - in contrast to the very intimate whispered delivery of Either/Or, which for me is a huge part about what makes it special. Some of my favourite songs on Figure 8, such as Junk Bond Trader, are essentially pop songs. However I find that I don't really love any of the songs on this album as I do "Behind the Bars", "Speed Trials", or even "Independence Day". The former two at least are unmistakably Elliott Smith, most of the tracks on Figure 8 don't feel that way to me. That being said, I don't think there's a bad song on here, so it does have a very high floor. I could understand if this was your favourite album. Fave Songs: Son of Sam, Junk Bond Trader, L.A., In The Lost & Found (Honky Bach)/The Roost, Stupidity Tries, Wouldn't Mama Be Proud 3.75/5
I mean, it’s pleasant enough but ultimately I found this quite boring. After a full listen I went back to 1 track ‘Everything Means Nothing To Me’ which I did enjoy, think it was the repetition of the chorus that I quite liked…
Just a LOVELY little assortment of sorbets here! Gentle sentimentality that damn near lifts me to the heavens, blended with moments of exuberant play, and two scoops of inner anguish exercised through swanky grooves and electric guitars. Not the vibe I typically reach for, but I find something intriguing about it... maybe I'm just gassy.
If you need me, I'll be reciting 'everything means nothing to me' on repeat like a sad boi who got put in time out for the rest of the day. Elliott Smith reminds me of many, many other early/mid-2000s hipster indie bands, however: 1. Did he do it first? Maybe. 2. Did he do it justice? YES. 3. Is it derivative? Of course, but I ain't mad about it. "Everything Reminds Me of Herrrrrrrrr" - the pleading vocals, it pulls at my heart strings in the best way. Vocal harmonies and plinky piano on "The Lost and Found" and a couple other tracks reminds me of The Beatles.
Liked this a lot. Had never heard his music before.
The songs on Figure 8 may be simple but they are not straightforward. It's a beautiful album, but also a sombering and haunting one.
We liked this alot. Already very familiar with Smith's work and this has a lot of his really good stuff on it. We had this one on repeat and didn't get bored.
not my genre
a bit pop to me but he's (was) good
I've had this Elliot Smith poster since I was a teen and certainly connect with the themes of his music, but never his music. Hadn't heard this one and I really enjoyed it. It's simple and to the point but just inventive enough for me to find interesting at each song.
This is an exceptional, emotionally driven album that hits even harder given the context of Elliott Smith’s death just years later. The songwriting is really interesting and varied throughout the album, and the emotive impact of many of the songs add depth to an already enjoyable listen. I’m not hugely familiar with Smith’s full discography but as an entry point this album really did hit the spot. This is a strong 9/10, nudging a 10/10 record for me.
Figure 8 wasn't a bad album by any means, but I feel that it just went on for too long. I enjoy the sound pretty well, although it is a bit depressing. I just don't think it deserved to so long, the 16 tracks just feels like a slog, especially with it not really being all that interesting/innovative to me. I did enjoy "Can't Make a Sound" and "Son of Sam" a bit, but I don't feel like I'll be putting it into rotation, once again, it's just too depressing. Favorite Song: "Can't Make a Sound"
Fantastic listen. Had never heard any of Elliot smiths projects before this. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
*2000. Chamber pop (which apparently means pop music that combines like orchestral and classic instruments like strings, horns, and piano, to make it a more complex sound) *I had never listened to Elliott Smith before - this was soft and pretty, and the classic instruments did make it sound really full and complex. *I wasn't much of a fan, but it sounded like if you know anything about music (I don't) then it's impressive. *Wouldn't be mad if someone played it, but wouldn't revisit on my own. RATING - 6/10
Rose parade
Eeeeeh, didn't like it that much
Emotional and sad indie/alt rock album. It’s a tough listen if you’re not in the mood to get in your feelings. But the music itself is ok enough, clear and catchy melancholy pop rock. Nothing here sticks out, though, and it’ll likely not be in my regular rotation. Reminds me of Good Will Hunting.
Could we not please thanks
Uncompelling. Fine music though.
Cute, but not my cup of tea. Either/Or packed a punch, this one doesn't. All in all I think I just don't like the acousting guitar/mellow vocals genre.
Enjoyed. 3.5 stars
nice sosngs...... but they too many
Unremarkable. Not too bad, but nothing stand out to me. I liked the piano on "In the lost and found".
Fun boppy album, gets stronger as it goes on, first real experience with Elliot Smith, pretty good.
Den første sang fangede mig, og jeg troede så lidt det ville være det samme resten af vejen. Men derefter føltes musikken for mig en kende kedelig og ramte mig ikke synderligt.
Truly nothing memorable. His voice wasn’t bad, sounded like a mix of George Harrison and other 60s singers. It was fine background music, and it wasn’t BAD.
Judging this on the music and songs rather than the tragic back story. Not really coast why this particular album was chosen. Not really any standout songs. The production is good and he's obviously very talented... but even after 2 listens i wasn't feeling engaged by the songs. Previous albums were so much better
Never listened to Elliott Smith before. Now that I have will explore more of his albums. Sad to read that he passed at a young age.
I can see how people love this, but for life of me i can't connect with it. And I've tried, many times.
Dull as dishwater. Kept thinking about Ben Folds, Deathcab for Cutie, and Modest Mouse and how much better they sound.
Don’t get it. Average at best.
Well if i am going to honest i am not a fan of this album my resons. Evreysong sounds the same. Very slow for my likeing And.it made me feel sad and depriest after But i think that what Elliott is trying to acomplish with this. Good points Lyrics very well put togeather You can defintly feel the pain and sadness he is betraying Would give it a 3 out of 5 So a avrege score i would.say
Not for me
Really excited for this one, I love Elliott Smith !! SUCH a cute album. Lovely guitar. I lowkey adore this wth. Such an incredibly long album though. First half of the album is way better than the second half. Fav song is ‘L.A.’.
Was kinda distracted listening to this album, but from what I heard, sounded quite good.
I showed this album to my best friend, she loved it. She'd play it on drives and even ordered me a copy of the album for my birthday. Now that we're no longer friends, I regret making this album such a big part of our friendship. On the other hand, sad man makes absolute heat and makes me burn inside. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck (10/10, 5/5 on this scale)
I do not understand the hype around this guy. This is the second album of his I’ve gotten from the list and once again I am underwhelmed. I know he has a cult following, and is critically acclaimed but it’s just not for me. I don’t like his voice, and his songs are boring.
Okay but unremarkable.
Yeah not really for me
This is great musically but too depressing for me to listen to.
Really, really powerful album. Always love Elliott Smith !! First 5/5 so far
The melodies and lyrics written by Elliott Smith on this album always make me feel lots of different emotions, whether it's sadness or happiness, his beautiful voice and the many notes he played don't fail to make my mind drift away to a place where these songs are all I think of.
Surprisingly never heard of Elliott Smith. Quintessential hipster singer/songwriter stuff. It started out ok and started to grate on me by the end when it became whiny and repetitive. (2)
And another one I already thoroughly enjoy. This isn't my favorite album of his, but I do enjoy it.
I never really liked the chamber pop trend that emerged in the early 2000s. Many of the artists and bands seemed to take inspiration from their idols and filter it into pop music that was formally competent but lacking in substance — essentially bland, nerdy imitations of Simon & Garfunkel, the Beach Boys, Beatles... etc. To me that's also the case with Elliot Smith...
I knew nothing about Elliott Smith prior to listening to this album. Got to about the half way mark and had to stop, I found myself annoyed and constantly thinking what else I could be listening to within my head. Incredibly annoying, what was described and haunting voice, was to me harrowing and whiney, like forced upper register vocals that just pissed me off. Not my music, at all.
About 400 days since my last Elliott Smith album appeared on this list. The general perception and the dark mood haven't really changed, although the instrumentation has been extended and the music is much more complex. I'm not sure about the Beatles' influence (due to the Abbey Road Studios), as I was more reminded of Art Garfunkel and the like (but in some kind of depressive state).
Liked but not nuts about
otro hombre blanco
scott pilgrim vs. the world vibes. very early 2000s hipster. pretty average. wasn't blown away
Stygg stemme
First time listening to Elliott Smith, but unlike the other new singer/songwriters I found in this project, he didn't do much for me. The lyrics felt adolescent, the songs faily simplistic. I could not get into the album as I felt 'meh' throughout. Not for me.
I wanted to like it more than I did
Chill
Loved this album, it felt so raw and so sad, later found out he took his own life and this was his last album. Had to listen to it again with a new persepctive and it changed for me. Very very sad but beautiful none the less.
I don't like being depressed but it's still good music.
Enjoyable yet melancholic album.
Very forgettable
Fanns någon okej låt men inte min stil
I liked this better that Either Or, which came up 550 albums ago at 8 on the list. And got a 2. This was OK. Still not really folky enough for me and it seemed to be a bit rambling again. But not unpleasant.
I'm kinda shocked at how much I liked this album. I've never really gotten into Elliott Smith and had pretty much written him off. Couldn't name a song by him. Apparently I listened to one of his albums last year, but it must not have left an impression. I think I'll actually come back to this one. Lots of Beatles influence throughout this album which is cool. A pleasantly surprised 4 stars here.
As a fan of Elliot Smith I never really gave this album too much of a listen before. It’s surprisingly upbeat considering it was the last album released while he was still alive. It’s not just more upbeat than his previous records, the entire tone feels very different. It’s a beautiful record and I almost feel embarrassed that I hadn’t listened to it closely before now. Elliot’s lyricism is truly top notch here, and his voice is haunting and familiar as ever. “Everything Reminds Me Of Her” hit me particularly hard. I can see myself listening to this record again and again in the future, and I’m glad this project was the catalyst for me to finally give it a fair shake.
Elliott Smith certainly has a very distinct sound, so props for that, and it's a mostly enjoyable sound. My biggest complaint is that the songs on this album pretty quickly start to bleed together, and also the way he sings and the way the album is mixed makes it really hard for me to make out the lyrics. Overall I liked this less than 'Either/Or'. "Stupidity Tries", "Easy Way Out" and "Happiness/The Gondola Man" were my favorite tracks.
Rösten var inte så fin, lite falsk och inte på ett snyggt sätt. Instrumental fanns det någonting att hämta i alla fall. Det når nog inte riktigt upp till en trea tyvärr.
Ganska positivt överraskad ändå! Har aldrig riktigt lyssnat på Elliott Smith, mest utifrån det jag hört om honom (lågmält och deppigt). Många av låtarna låter som en modern take på 60-talspop med Beatles och brit pop-vibbar, inte dumt alls, men det går lite upp och ner och ibland är det tråkigt.
Gillar det här ännu mer än Either/Or tror jag, men inte riktigt tillräckligt för en fyra. Junk Bond Trailer och L.A. (shoutout GH) är topparna!
Återigen lite upp och ner för mig, men landar i en ny 3a. Denna bitvis rätt stark och 4a-tangerande. Älskar ”L.A.”
Lite bättre än vad jag förväntade mig, kanske till och med bättre än den förra? Lyckades matcha mitt måndagsmorgons-humör ganska bra.
de e lite för emo för mig
Very nice.
this could be a 4, maybe closer to a 3.5. really good just have to be in a certain mood for it
Sad. Quiet. They all kind of sound the same after a while....
4,4999999949
Pas mauvais, quelques bouts intéressants mais la voix me rebute et dans l'ensemble ça devient vite lassant.
Great album, felt very nostalgic and a lot of the newer artists I listen to are heavily influenced by his sound. Need to listen to more of his stuff
I really money this album, it was a interesting surprise to really enjoy the intimacy of the songs, when the main focus is on the vocals an the guitars, it felt cozy and comfortable to listen to it. I’ve never heard of Elliott Smith, so really interesting listening session.
on first listen 25 years ago: meh current: meh pleasant enough i guess. i really tried to like it, gave it a couple listens this morning but its like even when i hear a riff or run that makes me perk up for a second it just descends straight back into meh
Never heard of this guy until today, and there’s a reason for that. Vapid, uninteresting and boring. For a while now I feel I’ve been too generous in giving albums 2 star ratings because for what they are, they are ok, but just aren’t any of my business. And this is the case here. This album doesn’t really need to be anyone’s business.
The generic model for go-kart tracks.
I find this album really nice, the instrumental is wonderful, but for me it's kinda dull though... I aded only one song, dont't find another song cathcy enough for my playlist
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this album, but I wanted to like it more. My main criticism is that unless you’re really sitting down and intentionally listening, his vocals tend to get lost. they’re beautiful and airy, but they often feel more like a supporting layer than the focal point. Because of that, I honestly couldn’t tell you what most of the songs were about, lyrically speaking. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by how many tracks were more upbeat and even feel-good from a sonic standpoint; I expected something far more consistently bleak. Overall, it’s a pretty record and a solid listen, just one that didn’t fully click for me. Favorite track: L.A.
Emo mess
Every note of this record was placed by its creator with such intention, sometimes it’s so staggering it’s almost too much to listen to. When the momentum of one line is reinforced by a shifted reflection, and then suddenly left to fend for itself, or shoved aside by an abrupt intrusion, I have to move with it. I am making the mistake of listening to this record when I absolutely do not have the time to give it, but I can’t help it. I’m taking a moment to remember myself. Love you Elliott!
not for me
I don't know if this is good or not. What I do know is that this is just not my kind of music. It's just a bit too boring and samesy. To each their own, I suppose.
Never heard before!
Was decent. Didn’t do too much for me but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Très sympa
Waaaa whiny white boy
Probably his best album
it was pretty good. i liked the music but nothing really stood out to me.
Wow!! I REALLY enjoyed this! The songwriting was good. His voice was great! Each song was interesting and had a lot going on. The whole album was varied and kept my attention. It was very Beatles-esque. Good stuff for the 2000's!
A lite enjoyable alblum. I enjoyed
All in all a decent album, but to me, it’s just middle of the road
Why was I under the impression this guy was around in the 70s or something? Anyway, meh.
I like this! It does make me wonder why this made the list. It has less gravitas than other must-listen records. Very aligned with emo vibes of the time. Beautiful acoustic guitar and singing.
I’ve had such a blindspot for Elliott Smith. First album I’ve actually listened to. It’s great.
10 out of 10.
Nice.
All time greats
5.3/10
Reminds me so much of 2015. Used to listen to Between the Bars a lot in college and never listen to his other stuff. Loved the vibe
Brate ne mogu da slušam ove pesme, lik tuguje i skini previše. Jebiga, takva mu sorta. Svakako, poštujem šta čovek radi, mora da zaradi za parče hleba. Ocena za album (iako nisam slušao ceo već samo par hitova) dajem mu najskromniju trojku 3/5
The album is okay, it’s just not music I would normally listen to. A little too slow. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
Just read into elliott smith and damn how could i sleep on such talent. Beatiful soft voice in a changing mixture of different genre and styles. With certain people you instantly realize how they understand music on a different level. Mastering all different kinds of instruments and blending different perspectives on music. Not only that, but Elliot is someone you realize has so much to tell you, music is his vehicle. Someone to defdinetly insulge in deeper when given the time.
I'm a bit biased😅 Elliot Smith is always a pleasant listen The only issue I have with this album and the artist in general is the odd vocal production. It sounds oddly subdued and echoey and not in a good way
not very fan of Eliott Smith
This was really good. Beautiful. Less sad/depressing than I was expecting. I’m not going to put it on my running playlist or anything, but I enjoyed it and will likely listen again. L.A. was a standout for me.
Wonderful album. Beautiful songs with great singing, fantastic instrumentation and lovely arrangements. Yes, the songs tend to be sad and tending to miserable, but they’re so good and sometimes you just need that feeling. 5 stars from me!
I don't dislike It, but there is no song on this album that stood out to me. So overall, a very meh listening experience.
The guitar is kinda relaxing but album as a whole is mid
I know a bunch of music from his Either/Or album, cool to listen to his older stuff
not my thing
i’m definitely going to listen to the rest of elliott smiths stuff after this
I don't like this type of albums to be honest.
it’s very tim burton-y
Maybe should have paid more attention it was good but working out which peppers looked the freshest took priority will have to listen again
easy to listen to
Indie artist where I connect more with his songs the less Indie they are - ie: liked the songs with bigger production values ("Son of Sam") as the ballads tended to depression rather than reflection ("Easy Way Out") Not the strongest of voices but well controlled production to ensure he isnt drowned by instruments Hadn't heard of him before but geez his Wiki page is hard reading....
Sounds like the Beatles if they were a single, depressed dude.
Didn't expect to like this one as much as I did. Not as sad and gloomy as the other Elliott Smith stuff I've heard, but it's got enough to be distinctly him in my opinion. Good music.
Sehr schönes Ding. "L.A." ist ein riesiger Hit, und sonst ist das Album voller melodieverliebter, emotionaler und zarter Songs. Immer wieder sehr beatlesk, das gefällt mir richtig gut. Bin auf den Rest seiner Diskografie gespannt, die Alben davor sollen ja deutlich roher sein.
Fairly pleasant, but don't think I'll listen again
Haunting Melodic Vibe shifting, reflective
Stupidity ties, everything means nothing to me, can't make a sound, son of sam and some other sogs on this album are stupendous
Awesome
Elliott Smith was such a capable and engaging musician/songwriter that this accessible album wasn't even his best. It was a more polished version of the sound and style established on his 1998 album. 'Everything means nothing to me' is a stand out track because of the nihilism of the lyrics, coupled with the journey of the music. But that said, most of this album is really listenable and great for being on the move, whether that's driving, cooking or decorating. If you're a fan of Neil Finn/ Crowded House and The Beatles, you'll find a lot to like about Elliott Smith
if this were maybe half as long it might've been a three from me, but this is sixteen tracks of increasingly monotonous depressive indie rock. i had a headache by the end of it and feel like i just existed a fugue state. it starts okay with the most early 2000s sad guy mid-budget drama film opening montage type shit i've ever heard, but it really doesn't go anywhere from there. maybe it should've gone to get some estrogen, i don't know. i find elliott smith's singing to be deeply tiresome. the whisper softness and the way it's processed in particular very quickly started making my eye twitch.
A terribly sad quintisentially 2000s indie rock album that I've somehow never really heard before. I think this genre is very hard to get right enough for me to enjoy, but I really "enjoyed" this experience if that's what you can call the relationship people have to listening to this kind of music. You can really feel the creeping mellowed apathy of depression that I'm sure many people who have chronic depression can very much relate to, and I wrote all this BEFORE reading up on his life and the backstory behind much of his music.
A tad angsty
An absolute king of melody, and this is one of his best. I resisted Elliott Smith for a while, writing him off for his amateurish vocals. Now, I’ve had a change of heart to the tune of: who gives a fuck, what’s coming out of his mouth and heart is solid gold. I don’t care what he sounds like! He’s always read to me as one of those artists who simply couldn’t stop writing music even if they tried. Even at his lowest, one of the only things he could do was create. Real good stuff right here. -Ruby Like Ruby, and for similar reasons, it took me a long time to get in to Elliot Smith. But now he’s one of my favorites. I prefer his earlier, more stripped down and acoustic stuff to this, but it is great fun to hear him rock out and it adds a new dimension to his sound. Love the Americana influence too — parts remind me of Tom Petty. —Noah
Felt like a 3, it was good, and there were some really great songs, but overall I don’t think there was much that would have me returning to this album a year from now. I went into this album expecting to like it more than I did. I much prefer some of his other work.
I’ve never heard of Elliott Smith, but this was a solid album. Not standout, but a few good tracks that I would come back to.
The contrast of the lyrics content and sound is initially quite jarring but in a good way? Sweet guy. It is a slightly repetitive-sounding album but I can put that aside
Raw, honest, human, but man is it sad. Some excellent songs on here, particularly those with a bit more meat in the arrangement, but many are too sparse and I can't get on with Smith's voice for the most part. Good, but wouldn't hurry back to this
GRIS
Son of sam, stupidity tries, everything reminds me of her, bye
3 stars
somehow I've gone 42 years without hearing or absorbing this dudes existence. I feel kinda like his slightly melancholic take on life as I think I've missed out on something. This is why I listen to the albums on here - to find this slightly angrier Ben Folds (which I dig). I enjoyed Son of Sam, L.A and Wouldnt Mama Be Proud
I'm not the biggest fan of Elliot Smith, his voice is a little annoying to me but I did like some of the rock songs on here like Can't Make a Sound
Not sure if it's my cup of tea, but it started off good. Idk how else to explain this experience.
Definitely not my first time listening to an Elliott Smith song or album, but first album of his on this list for me is Figure 8. Which has been an album I've been wanting to listen to because of my love of the song "L.A.", and because hearing that some other songs on there are similar to that. Funnily enough it was one of my choices for an album listening couple hours before the generator GENERATED this one. The only other Elliott Smith album I'd heard before this, was Either/Or - which I thought was pretty alright, but this one appealed to me more than Either/Or. Not sure why this one appealed to me over Either/Or, but it's all good; perhaps because there are more songs that sound like "L.A.." Highlight Song/s: "Son of Sam", "Junk Bond Trader" and "L.A."
This has Atanarjuat vibes. You know that movie where they show birds circling randomly in the air for minutes on end for no apparent reason? All these songs sound the same the first time you listen and still sound the same the third and fourth times as well. Interestingly (?) Elliott Smith said about the album title that he found something fascinating about the idea of figure 8s, trying to make something simple and repetitive as beautiful as possible. Perhaps try a metaphorical 9 or a 4 or something Elliott?
solid!!
top 3 - son of sam, junk bond trader, everything means nothing to me I really like his voice! It was difficult to pick out a top 3… amazing album overall from start to finish. Definitely something I would listen to often.
Vibes: 2 Instruments: 4 Production: 4 Emotional Value: 2 Storytelling: 4 AC: 0 Stand Outs: Son of Sam, Everything Means Nothing to Me Overall: 3.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't really like his voice, but I enjoy the instruments and the repeated ideas throughout the album. Nice.
Not my favorite Elliott Smith album, in part due to the more produced sound, but it does have some of my songs by him.
200/1001 :: Elliott Smith - Figure 8 Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Probably My least favorite Elliott album and yet it’s still worthy. Figure 8 starts off strong Son of Sam, Somebody I Used to Know and Bond Trader all bangers; I also love LA and Can’t Make Sound. But for me there’s some skips too (Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud). Cool thing about this album is the added instruments. I also think you really hear Elliott’s love of the Beatles on this album. Either way I miss Elliott. RIP.
Liked it was good
Had never heard of this man, but I enjoyed listening to this album. Pleasant singer-songwriter stuff with enough rock elements mixed in to keep my attention from wandering. Some really heartfelt songs, given extra meaning once you dig into his biography. The last 4 or 5 tracks on the album kinda fell apart, but the first 2/3 is really good stuff. This is a picture perfect 3.5/5, but since the rating system is dumb, I’ll be generous and give it a 4/5.
I enjoy the songs. But he really hit me with the nostalgia bat. Right across the noggin. I'll find a way to keep the title song, for certain. 3.5/5
очень красиво, мелодишно
Хороший спокійний і вайбовий альбом. Варто послухати його