Roman Candle
Released: 1994
Roman Candle marked Elliott Smith’s debut as a solo artist, showcasing his distinctive, introspective style and acoustic-based songwriting. The album features minimalist recording techniques, largely self-recorded by Smith at his home. Its raw, emotional depth set the tone for his subsequent work.
Smith performed nearly all the instrumentation himself, including vocals, guitar, and harmonica. Roman Candle was originally released on Cavity Search Records and later reissued by Kill Rock Stars. It was recorded primarily in Portland, Oregon, throughout 1993. This album did not chart on Billboard.
CD 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
Released: 1995
Elliott Smith, his second studio album, continued to build on the intimate and acoustic sound of his debut. The album is characterized by its intricate guitar work and soft, whispery vocals, which would become Smith’s signature style.
Recorded in 1994 in several locations including Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California, this album features Smith on all instruments. It was produced by Smith himself and released by Kill Rock Stars. Elliott Smith did not chart on Billboard.
CD 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
Released: 1997
Either/Or is often considered Elliott Smith’s breakthrough album, blending elements of folk and soft rock with his introspective lyricism. The album gained significant attention and was integral to Smith being chosen to contribute to the soundtrack of the film Good Will Hunting.
The album was recorded from 1996 to early 1997 in several locations including Portland, Oregon. Smith handled all vocal and instrumental duties, with the album being co-produced by Tom Rothrock, Rob Schnapf, and Smith himself. Either/Or peaked at number 104 on the Billboard 200, marking Smith’s first chart appearance.
CD 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
XO
Released: 1998
XO marked Elliott Smith’s major label debut, released by DreamWorks Records. This album featured a richer, more elaborated production compared to his earlier works, incorporating strings, piano, and even a horn section. XO brought Smith widespread critical acclaim and exposed his music to a broader audience.
Recorded between 1997 and 1998 at studios in Los Angeles and New York City, the album was produced by Rob Schnapf and Tom Rothrock. XO peaked at number 104 on the Billboard 200.
CD 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
Figure 8
Released: 2000
Figure 8 is Elliott Smith’s fifth studio album, noted for its lush soundscapes and intricate production, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and musician. This album continued the expanded instrumental approach of XO and featured more polished and detailed arrangements.
Recorded in 1999 at studios in Los Angeles and New York, the album was produced by Rob Schnapf and Tom Rothrock. Figure 8 reached number 99 on the Billboard 200, making it Smith’s highest-charting album during his lifetime.
CD 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
Released: 2004
From a Basement on the Hill is the posthumous release of Elliott Smith’s sixth studio album, envisioned as a double album but finalized by his estate after his tragic death in 2003. This album is often seen as his most ambitious work, blending elements of folk, rock, and psychedelia.
The album was recorded over several years in various locations including Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, California. It was produced by Elliott Smith, Rob Schnapf, and Joanna Bolme. The album did not chart on the Billboard 200 upon its initial release but has since been critically acclaimed for its depth and complexity.
CD 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
Released: 2007
New Moon is a compilation album of previously unreleased tracks and outtakes by Elliott Smith. Spanning recordings from 1994 to 1997, this double album provides a deeper look into Smith’s formative years, showcasing his development as a songwriter during the period surrounding the releases of Elliott Smith and Either/Or.
The compilation was put together posthumously by Larry Crane, the archivist of Smith’s estate, and was released by Kill Rock Stars. The songs were primarily recorded in Portland, Oregon. New Moon was well-received critically and reached number 24 on the Billboard 200, marking it as one of Smith’s highest-charting releases.
CD 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