20 Best Elliott Smith Songs

Elliott Smith’s music cuts straight to the heart. His whispered vocals and intricate guitar work create a raw, intimate sound. From Miss Misery to Between the Bars, Smith’s songs are like diary entries set to melody.

The late singer-songwriter’s collaborations were as poignant as his solo work. He worked with Jon Brion and contributed to Gus Van Sant’s film Good Will Hunting. Smith’s ability to capture complex emotions in simple melodies made him a favorite among musicians and film directors alike.

1. Between the Bars – Elliott Smith

Between the Bars by Elliott Smith, released in 1997, captures a hauntingly beautiful moment in indie folk music. Its delicate guitar plucking and Smith’s whispery vocals create an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into its melancholic depths. The song explores themes of addiction and longing, with lyrics that speak of a tenuous relationship intertwined with the grip of alcohol.

Critics and fans alike have praised the song for its raw emotionality and vulnerability. Many consider it a standout in Elliott Smith’s discography, often highlighting its poignant lyrical content and haunting melody. The song’s impact has endured, with numerous artists covering it over the years, showcasing its timeless appeal.

2. Say Yes – Elliott Smith

Say Yes by Elliott Smith, released in 1997, is a delicate masterpiece that showcases Smith’s knack for blending folk and indie rock elements. The song is stripped down, with a simple yet captivating guitar melody that supports his earnest vocals. The lyrics, touching on themes of love and acceptance, exude vulnerability and raw emotion, making the track resonate deeply with listeners.

In terms of musical composition, the song features Smith’s gentle acoustic guitar strumming, which creates an intimate and soothing atmosphere. The sparse arrangement lets his heartfelt voice and poignant lyrics take center stage. It’s a perfect example of how understated instrumentation can convey powerful emotions, highlighting Smith’s distinctive songwriting approach.

3. Angeles – Elliott Smith

Angeles by Elliott Smith, from his 1997 album Either/Or, stands as a stark representation of his introspective and melancholic style. The song features Smith’s signature fingerpicked guitar melodies intertwined with his soft, haunting vocals. Its sparse arrangement highlights the raw emotion embedded in the lyrics, creating an intimate ambiance.

Themes of temptation and disillusionment echo through the song’s poetry, underscored by its delicate acoustic instrumentation. The track explores the tension between the lure of the city of angels and the artist’s existential turmoil. Fans and critics alike praise Angeles for its profound mood and impeccable artistry, cementing it as a captivating piece in Smith’s discography.

4. Waltz #2 (XO) – Elliott Smith

Waltz #2 (XO) by Elliott Smith, released in 1998, is a hauntingly beautiful piece that blends alternative rock with folk elements. The song showcases Smith’s signature whispered vocals and intricate guitar work, layered over melancholic piano melodies. Its waltz tempo creates a mesmerizing rhythm, underscoring the emotional weight of the lyrics.

In terms of production quality, Waltz #2 (XO) exemplifies the lo-fi aesthetic common in Smith’s work. The raw and unpolished sound brings an intimacy that feels both immediate and timeless. Fans and critics alike have praised its honest and vulnerable atmosphere, cementing it as one of Smith’s defining songs.

5. Ballad Of Big Nothing – Elliott Smith

Ballad of Big Nothing by Elliott Smith, from 1997’s Either/Or, blends folk and rock with a raw, melancholic sound. Smith’s gentle voice and poignant lyrics touch on disillusionment and the search for meaning in futile places. With acoustic guitar at the forefront, the track’s simple yet profound arrangement emphasizes its emotional depth.

The song’s production quality shines with its intimate, lo-fi aesthetic. Smith’s meticulous mixing and layering of his own vocals create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Fans and critics alike praise Ballad of Big Nothing for its emotional resonance and the authenticity of its sound.

6. Miss Misery – Elliott Smith

Miss Misery by Elliott Smith from 1998 is a melancholic ballad that distills the essence of alternative folk rock. The song drips with vulnerability, featuring Smith’s gentle voice, fingerpicked acoustic guitar, and delicate piano lines. Its sorrowful yet beautiful composition epitomizes the lo-fi, introspective style that became Smith’s signature.

The theme revolves around heartbreak and the ache of unfulfilled love, reflecting Smith’s wistful storytelling. Fans connected deeply with its raw emotion, and critics lauded its authenticity and lyrical poignancy. Winning an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song after appearing in the film Good Will Hunting, it became one of Smith’s most celebrated works.

7. Clementine – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith’s song Clementine from 1995 is a haunting acoustic piece that encapsulates raw emotion and melancholy. The song falls under the indie folk genre, leaning heavily on Smith’s delicate guitar work and whispery vocals to convey a sense of intimacy and heartbreak. With lyrics that vividly paint a picture of lost love and nostalgia, it’s a track that resonates deeply with listeners looking for genuine emotional honesty.

Inspired by traditional folk themes, similar to the classic tune Oh My Darling, Clementine intertwines personal sorrow with a wider narrative. The production favors simplicity, permitting Smith’s poignant voice and expert guitar plucking to shine through without unnecessary embellishment. This stripped-down approach amplifies the song’s emotional weight, making it a memorable and impactful piece in Elliott Smith’s discography.

8. Somebody That I Used To Know – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith’s Somebody That I Used to Know, from his 2000 album Figure 8, exudes a haunting beauty. The song fits comfortably within the indie rock and acoustic folk genres, featuring Smith’s delicate vocal delivery layered over intricate guitar work. It’s a poignant exploration of lost love and the lingering pain that accompanies it, capturing the melancholic essence that defines much of Smith’s discography.

Live performances of the song brought an added depth, with Smith’s raw emotion resonating even more powerfully in an intimate setting. Playful yet somber, his interactions with the audience made each performance a unique experience. Observing Smith live, one could feel the palpable connection he had with his music and his listeners.

9. Son Of Sam – Elliott Smith

Son of Sam, a track from Elliott Smith’s 2000 album, balances melancholy with an upbeat tempo, creating a poignant yet energetic alt-rock masterpiece. Smith’s signature whispery vocals thread through lyrics that touch on themes of inner turmoil and identity, giving listeners a glimpse into his introspective storytelling. The song is built around jangly guitar riffs and a steady drumbeat, making it both reflective and toe-tapping.

Smith’s work often echoed the sounds of his influences, including the Beatles and the Beach Boys, and Son of Sam is no exception. The crisp production captures the raw emotion in his voice while keeping the instrumentation lush and layered. This blend of polished yet heartfelt sound has firmly rooted it in the hearts of fans and critics alike, making it a standout track in his discography.

10. Needle In The Hay – Elliott Smith

Needle in the Hay by Elliott Smith was released in 1995. It’s a quintessential piece of lo-fi indie folk that explores themes of addiction and isolation. The song is stark, featuring only Smith’s melancholic voice and a fingerpicked acoustic guitar, creating a haunting and intimate atmosphere.

The song’s raw and minimalist production highlights its emotional depth. Smith’s voice, almost whispering the pain and frustration, resonates deeply with listeners. This track has been widely acclaimed for its brutal honesty and has become a significant part of Smith’s legacy in the alternative music scene.

11. Pitseleh – Elliott Smith

Pitseleh by Elliott Smith, released in 1998, is a poignant exploration of heartache and introspection. Written in Smith’s signature folk-rock style, the song features hushed vocals and delicate finger-picking on the guitar. The intimate arrangement allows every emotion to seep through, making it a fragile yet powerful piece.

The song’s theme revolves around feelings of betrayal and sorrow. Lyrics like I’ll tell you why I don’t want to know where you are illustrate a sense of inevitable separation. Despite its melancholy tone, the haunting beauty of Pitseleh has resonated deeply with fans, cementing it as a timeless piece in Smith’s discography.

12. Speed Trials – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith’s Speed Trials from 1997 stands as a wistful exemplar of indie folk excellence. Sparse acoustic arrangements blend seamlessly with soft, haunting vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere. The song’s melancholic tone is perfectly mirrored by its contemplative lyrics, which touch on themes of internal struggle and existential uncertainty.

Musical composition here is notably minimalist. It’s driven by a gentle strumming of the guitar, paired with Smith’s aching voice. There’s a subtle undercurrent of bass and light percussion that adds depth without overpowering the central elements.

13. Everything Reminds Me Of Her – Elliott Smith

Everything Reminds Me of Her by Elliott Smith, released in 2000, is a gut-wrenching ballad steeped in melancholy. It’s a poignant piece with soft acoustic guitar melodies and Smith’s distinct, whispery vocals. The song captures a sense of longing and heartbreak, leaving a lasting ache in the listener’s heart.

The theme revolves around the haunting presence of a lost love. Smith’s lyrics poignantly express how everything around reminds him of her, creating a tapestry of sorrow and nostalgia. The simple yet evocative instrumentation lays bare the raw emotion, making it both a critical and fan favorite in his discography.

14. Everything Means Nothing To Me – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith’s Everything Means Nothing to Me from 2000 is a hauntingly beautiful track. Nestled within the indie and folk-rock genres, the song blends acoustic and electric elements seamlessly. Smith’s delicate vocals weave through a melancholic piano melody, rising into a climactic, orchestral finish that lingers in the mind.

The theme of existential despair is palpable, with lyrics reflecting a deep sense of emptiness and introspection. Listen closely, and you’ll catch lines that convey a haunting resignation. The production quality is impeccable, enveloping listeners in a lush, immersive soundscape that perfectly complements Smith’s poignant delivery.

15. Alameda – Elliott Smith

Alameda by Elliott Smith from 1997 is an indie folk treasure. It’s intimate and haunting, driven by Smith’s whispery vocals and intricate guitar work. The song exudes melancholy, painting a stark picture of isolation and inner turmoil.

Guitar and subtle percussion anchor the musical composition, creating a minimalist yet rich soundscape. Smith’s voice, raw and emotive, floats above the instrumentation, adding layers of depth. The simplicity of Alameda is its greatest strength, making every note and word resonate deeply.

16. L.A. – Elliott Smith

L.A. by Elliott Smith, released in 2000, veers into the realm of indie rock with a tinge of alternative folk. The song embodies Smith’s signature style—simple yet haunting melodies wrapped around introspective lyrics. His poignant vocals, married to the mellow strumming of an acoustic guitar, create a moody atmosphere that’s hard to forget.

Digging deeper into the song’s theme and lyrics, it becomes evident that Smith’s words paint a troubled picture of Los Angeles. He sings about the city’s dark side, touching on feelings of alienation and despair amidst the glitz and glamour. It’s less a love letter to LA, more a critique of its hollow promises and broken dreams.

17. Independence Day – Elliott Smith

Independence Day by Elliott Smith is a melancholic yet beautiful track from his 1998 album XO. The song blends acoustic folk and lo-fi indie rock, creating a delicate soundscape that complements Smith’s introspective lyrics. It’s a haunting melody underscored by a gentle guitar riff and Smith’s soft, poignant voice, painting a picture of personal struggle and fleeting hope.

One of the standout elements of the song is its lyrical theme. It addresses the complex feelings of seeking freedom and the inner turmoil that often accompanies it. Phrases like “Future butterfly, gonna spend the day higher than high” encapsulate both yearning and resignation, making it deeply relatable for many fans. The song’s introspective nature and raw emotion have solidified its place as one of Smith’s most beloved tracks.

18. I Didn’t Understand – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith’s song I Didn’t Understand, from his 1998 album XO, is an intimate ballad. It features rich, melancholic harmonies and a delicate arrangement. Smith’s whispery vocals, paired with the sparse piano and lush orchestration, create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

The theme revolves around confusion and emotional disconnect. Smith’s lyrics explore the complexity of love and relationships, delivering an honest, almost raw, sentiment. Despite its simplicity, the musical composition includes intricate layers that reveal themselves with each listen, making it a memorable piece in his discography.

19. Angel In The Snow – Elliott Smith

Angel in the Snow by Elliott Smith falls within the indie folk genre. Its folk-inspired melodies blend seamlessly with Elliott’s gentle guitar strumming and hushed vocals. This song, from his 2007 posthumous release, paints a fragile and intimate soundscape that gently tugs at the heartstrings.

The production quality stands out for its stripped-down, acoustic vibes. There is a raw authenticity, capturing every nuance of Elliott’s performance. This approach ensures each note and whisper feels profoundly personal, as if he’s sitting in the room with you, sharing a quiet moment.

20. Rose Parade – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith’s song Rose Parade from 1997 encapsulates his signature melancholy style, blending indie rock with folk undertones. The song paints a cinematic image of a disenchanted observer at a parade, weaving through emotions of disillusionment and somber reflection. Smith’s fragile voice paired with his intricate guitar work creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

The musical composition includes an acoustic guitar as the centerpiece, enriched by gentle drum beats and subtle bass lines. These elements come together to enhance the song’s introspective nature, making every note feel intimate and personal. The layered production allows Smith’s heartfelt vocals to stand out while maintaining an organic, raw quality throughout.