Elliott Smith – Either / Or

Either / Or, released in 1997, is Elliott Smith’s third studio album and the work that cemented his reputation as one of the most affecting songwriters of his generation. The album bridges his lo-fi beginnings and the fuller productions of his later records, combining confessional lyricism with carefully layered acoustic and electric textures. Songs like “Between the Bars,” “Alameda,” and “Say Yes” reveal Smith’s ability to render melancholy with delicacy, his whispering vocals carrying an intimacy that feels both fragile and timeless. Either / Or captures the moment before Smith’s leap into wider recognition, balancing solitude and ambition in equal measure. The arrangements are understated but intricate, every guitar strum and harmony contributing to a sense of quiet revelation. Its influence has endured across indie and folk circles, often cited as a touchstone for songwriters drawn to emotional precision and melodic grace.

Reviews

“Elliott Smith’s Either/Or remains one of the most beautiful and harrowing albums ever made about depression and human fragility.” – Pitchfork

“Smith’s melodies are unforgettable, and his songs cut deep without ever resorting to sentimentality.” – Rolling Stone