Elliott Smith Discography
Roman Candle (1994)
- Released: 1994
- This debut solo album showcased Elliott Smith’s distinctive, introspective style and acoustic-based songwriting. The album was largely self-recorded by Smith at his home in Portland, Oregon.
Track Listings:
- "Roman Candle" – 3:37
- "Condor Ave" – 3:34
- "No Name #1" – 3:03
- "No Name #2" – 3:34
- "No Name #3" – 3:13
- "Drive All Over Town" – 2:36
- "No Name #4" – 2:30
- "Last Call" – 4:38
- "Kiwi Maddog 20/20" – 3:40
Elliott Smith (1995)
- Released: 1995
- This album continued to build on the intimate and acoustic sound of Roman Candle, featuring intricate guitar work and soft, whispery vocals.
Track Listings:
- "Needle in the Hay" – 4:16
- "Christian Brothers" – 4:30
- "Clementine" – 2:46
- "Southern Belle" – 3:06
- "Single File" – 2:26
- "Coming Up Roses" – 3:10
- "Satellite" – 2:25
- "Alphabet Town" – 4:11
- "St. Ides Heaven" – 3:00
- "Good to Go" – 2:21
- "The White Lady Loves You More" – 2:24
- "The Biggest Lie" – 2:39
Either/Or (1997)
- Released: 1997
- This album is often considered Elliott Smith’s breakthrough album, blending elements of folk and soft rock with his introspective lyricism.
Track Listings:
- "Speed Trials" – 3:01
- "Alameda" – 3:43
- "Ballad of Big Nothing" – 2:48
- "Between the Bars" – 2:21
- "Pictures of Me" – 3:46
- "No Name No. 5" – 3:43
- "Rose Parade" – 3:28
- "Punch and Judy" – 2:25
- "Angeles" – 2:55
- "Cupid’s Trick" – 3:05
- "2:45 AM" – 3:18
- "Say Yes" – 2:19
- "A Question Mark" – 2:41
- "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands" – 4:25
- "I Didn’t Understand" – 2:17
XO (1998)
- Released: 1998
- This album marked Elliott Smith’s major label debut, featuring a richer, more elaborated production compared to his earlier works.
Track Listings:
- "Sweet Adeline" – 3:15
- "Tomorrow Tomorrow" – 3:07
- "Waltz #2 (XO)" – 4:40
- "Baby Britain" – 3:13
- "Pitseleh" – 3:22
- "Independence Day" – 3:04
- "Bled White" – 3:22
- "Waltz #1" – 3:22
- "Amity" – 2:19
- "Oh Well, Okay" – 2:32
- "Bottle Up and Explode!" – 2:58
- "A Question Mark" – 2:41
- "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands" – 4:25
- "I Didn’t Understand" – 2:17
- "Bye" – 1:53
Figure 8 (2000)
- Released: 2000
- This album is noted for its lush soundscapes and intricate production, showcasing Elliott Smith’s growth as a songwriter and musician.
Track Listings:
- "Son of Sam" – 3:04
- "Somebody That I Used to Know" – 2:09
- "Junk Bond Trader" – 3:49
- "Everything Reminds Me of Her" – 2:37
- "Everything Means Nothing to Me" – 2:24
- "L.A." – 3:14
- "In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)" – 3:34
- "Stupidity Tries" – 4:23
- "Easy Way Out" – 2:44
- "Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud?" – 3:26
- "Color Bars" – 2:19
- "Happiness" – 4:16
- "The Gondola Man" – 2:03
- "Pretty Mary K" – 2:36
- "I Better Be Quiet Now" – 3:35
- "Can’t Make a Sound" – 4:18
- "Bye" – 1:53
From a Basement on the Hill (2004)
- Released: 2004
- This posthumous album is envisioned as a double album but was finalized by Smith’s estate after his tragic death in 2003.
Track Listings:
- "Coast to Coast" – 5:32
- "Let’s Get Lost" – 2:26
- "Pretty (Ugly Before)" – 4:44
- "Don’t Go Down" – 4:33
- "Strung Out Again" – 3:11
- "A Fond Farewell" – 3:57
- "King’s Crossing" – 4:57
- "Ostrich & Chirping" – 0:33
- "Twilight" – 4:28
- "A Passing Feeling" – 3:31
- "The Last Hour" – 3:27
- "Shooting Star" – 6:00
- "Memory Lane" – 2:30
- "Little One" – 3:14
- "A Distorted Reality Is Now a Necessity to Be Free" – 4:32
New Moon (2007)
- Released: 2007
- This compilation album of previously unreleased tracks and outtakes provides a deeper look into Elliott Smith’s formative years, showcasing his development as a songwriter during the period surrounding the releases of Elliott Smith and Either/Or.
Track Listings:
- "Angel in the Snow" – 2:36
- "Talking to Mary" – 3:41
- "High Times" – 3:10
- "New Monkey" – 3:12
- "Looking Over My Shoulder" – 3:38
- "Going Nowhere" – 3:50
- "Riot Coming" – 3:43
- "All Cleaned Out" – 2:57
- "First Timer" – 2:40
- "Go By" – 3:44
- "Miss Misery" (Early Version) – 2:54
- "Thirteen" – 2:40
- "Georgia, Georgia" – 1:44
- "Whatever (Folk Song in C)" – 2:16
- "Big Decision" – 1:58
- "Placeholder" – 2:29
- "New Disaster" – 4:09
- "Seen How Things Are Hard" – 3:20
- "Fear City" – 3:29
- "Either/Or" – 2:27
- "Pretty Mary K" (Other Version) – 3:23
- "Almost Over" – 2:10
- "See You Later" – 2:54
- "Half Right" – 3:49
Conclusion
Elliott Smith’s discography is a testament to his unique songwriting style and introspective lyrics. From his early work on Roman Candle to his later, more polished albums like XO and Figure 8, Smith’s music is characterized by its intimacy, complexity, and emotional depth. Despite his untimely passing, Smith’s music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and fans.
FAQs
Q: What is Elliott Smith’s most popular album?
A: XO is often considered Elliott Smith’s most popular album, as it received critical acclaim and peaked at number 104 on the Billboard 200.
Q: What is the significance of Roman Candle?
A: Roman Candle is Elliott Smith’s debut solo album, marking the beginning of his solo career and showcasing his distinctive songwriting style.
Q: Why is From a Basement on the Hill considered a posthumous album?
A: From a Basement on the Hill was released in 2004, after Elliott Smith’s death in 2003. The album was finalized by his estate and is considered a posthumous release.
Q: What is the significance of New Moon?
A: New Moon is a compilation album of previously unreleased tracks and outtakes, providing a deeper look into Elliott Smith’s formative years and showcasing his development as a songwriter during the period surrounding the releases of Elliott Smith and Either/Or.