Best Elliott Smith Songs: TOP 10 Greatest Hits

As I continue covering the folk and indie genres, this article is about Elliott Smith. An iconic figure, whose name is a must-know if you like this style of music. Unique voice, distinctive sound, a tragic life – all the necessary elements of a fascinating music story.

I’ve been Smith’s fan since I heard his song in the Good Will Hunting (1997) film. I can still vividly remember the ending of the movie with the car driving up the road and the song ‘Miss Misery’ playing as the credits start to roll. But Elliott Smith is not just a single song. He has plenty of other amazing music.

I picked the best songs out of his entire discography to create this perfect playlist. At least it’s perfect for me. These are the greatest Elliott Smith songs. Enjoy!

Elliott Smith’s TOP-10 Best Songs

These are the best Elliott Smith songs in my book. Every single composition showcasing his immense musical talent, unique intimate lyricism and beautiful whispery voice. There’s really no one like him. I hope you enjoy his music just as mush as I do.

Miss Misery
Between the Bars
Angeles
Say Yes
Rose Parade
Waltz #2 (XO)
Going Nowhere
Angel in the Snow
Better Be Quiet Now
Good to Go

Listen to the entire playlist right here via YouTube – hit the ‘Play’ to start:

Or experience it via Spotify:

A Tragic Story

Elliott Smith was an incredibly talented musician. Yet like many of his fellow artists he had his demons to fight. Despite his success he struggled with depression and addiction. Unfortunately he lost those battles. Elliott Smith passed away in 2003 at the age of just 34. His death was officially ruled as suicide, though there are still ongoing debates around the circumstances.

As it often happens that tragic event spiked new attention to his persona. More people found about Elliott after his passing. His music received almost a cult following. What can I say – he left a music legacy that still resonates with so many people. The raw, intimate, genuine emotional vulnerability of his songs will never cease to impress and touch us.

What Music Genre is Elliott Smith?

While Elliott Smith is often viewed as an iconic folk musician, his work included elements of other genres as well. Depending on the album you can hear the sound influences from indie, folk, acoustic and even indie rock. I have him on my Best Indie Folk Songs Of All Time list.

Putting labels on music is not something I consider important though, because it almost inevitably adds artificial borders and restraints to it. And with Elliott there was never anything artificial. On the contrary. His songs always feel real. There’s so much emotion in his quiet confessions, so much sadness in these stories that he shares with the listener. Beautiful soft melodies with lyrics that reach directly into the heart – that’s how I would describe his music genre.

Elliott Smith’s Most Popular Song

Elliott Smith’s most popular song is “Between the Bars”. The track has the most views on YouTube, it also has over 210 million plays on Spotify. And it’s easy to see why – it is an endlessly beautiful song. For sure his signature work that perfectly captures the honest vulnerability and the ability to deliver it. No matter how many times you hear it, it always has the same impact.