Elliott Smith – Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith (1995) is the self-titled second studio album by Elliott Smith, released through Kill Rock Stars. Recorded between late 1994 and early 1995, it marks a shift from his lo-fi debut toward a more emotionally raw, acoustically forward sound. On this album, Smith refines his voice — both literally and artistically — using sparse arrangements that let delicate guitar work, subtle harmonies, and his intimate delivery carry the weight of the songs. The opening “Needle in the Hay” immediately sets the tone: haunted and stark, it’s emblematic of the record’s tension between beauty and pain.

Across tracks like “Christian Brothers,” “Coming Up Roses,” and “Alphabet Town,” Smith balances introspection with melodic strength. The album feels confessional yet composed—its moments of fragility underscored by quiet confidence. Though dark in mood, it resonates with honesty and vulnerability. Elliott Smith stands as a pivotal work in his catalogue: the blueprint for what comes next, and a deeply affecting statement in its own right.

Reviews

“Darkly beautiful … its spare arrangements conceal worlds” – Pitchfork

“Elliott Smith is as stripped down as it comes … hauntingly composed vocals” – Sputnikmusic