Elliott Smith Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Waltz #2Elliott Smith6rank/position

Waltz #2 (XO)

Elliott Smith, a singer-songwriter who emerged from the 1990s indie rock and alternative rock scenes, continues to influence countless artists.

Beyond his superb body of work—colored by an innate melodic sensibility and delicate emotional touch—the tragedy of his passing in October 2003 at the young age of 34 has also cemented his status as a legend well into the 2020s.

Among the many classics he left behind, let me introduce the 3/4-time gem whose title says it all: “Waltz #2.” Included on XO, his fourth album released in 1998, it’s a fan favorite that showcases Smith’s outstanding talent as a melodist.

From the simple drum intro to the strummed acoustic guitar and lyrical piano phrases, the song isn’t necessarily dark melodically—but reading the lyrics, which can be described as nihilistic reflections of Smith’s state of mind at the time, is heartbreaking.

Even so, the sheer brilliance of the music ultimately gives us something that outweighs the tragedy.

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King’s CrossingElliott Smith7rank/position

Elliott Smith – King’s Crossing (from From A Basement On The Hill)

A track by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith.

It is included on the 2004 album From a Basement on the Hill.

The track is inspired by Elliott’s lifelong struggles with drug addiction and depression.