Elliott Smith Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Miss MiseryElliott Smith1rank/position

Elliott Smith “Miss Misery”

While debuting as the frontman of an alternative rock band, Elliott Smith also carved out a unique musical world as a solo artist in genres like indie folk and lo-fi.

Alongside his work with the band Heatmiser, he released his solo debut album Roman Candle in 1994.

He gained widespread attention for contributing songs to the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

His sound—woven from whisper-soft, delicate vocals and multi-tracked harmonies—feels as if someone is speaking to you on a quiet night.

The album Either/Or received high praise from multiple music magazines as one of the “best albums of the 1990s,” and its poetic, painfully beautiful quality continues to captivate many fans to this day.

For those drawn to introspective music, he’s an artist you should definitely hear!

Angel In The Snow (from New Moon)Elliott Smith2rank/position

Elliott Smith – Angel In The Snow (from New Moon)

Elliott Smith, who was a member of the alternative rock band Heatmiser.

Although he has already passed away, his delicate and beautiful melodies and lyrics—so strikingly at odds with his wild way of life—leave a strong impression.

This track is likewise a delicate piece.

It’s unfussy folk music, so it’s recommended even for those who aren’t usually into Western music.

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Ryo

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Needle in the HayElliott Smith3rank/position

Elliott Smith – Needle In The Hay (from Elliott Smith)

Elliott Smith is an American singer-songwriter known for his whisper-like vocals and acoustic guitar tones.

This work is his first single, released in 1995, and it’s included on his second album, Elliott Smith.

Hopelessly cornered circumstances and self-destructive impulses are rendered with painfully stark realism within its quiet melody.

Many listeners will feel their hearts tighten at the portrait of a protagonist burdened by loneliness no one understands, standing at the edge of despair.

The song was used in a shocking scene in the 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums.

It may gently stay beside the pain that sinks into the deepest parts of the heart.

Sweet AdelineElliott Smith4rank/position

elliott smith – sweet adeline (lyrics in description)

The title of this song was inspired by memories of Elliott Smith’s grandmother, who used to sing at a club called Sweet Adeline.

It’s a track included on his fourth studio album, XO, released in 1998.

ThirteenElliott Smith5rank/position

Elliott Smith – Thirteen (from New Moon)

This is singer-songwriter Elliott Smith’s cover of Big Star’s 1972 song.

It’s a sweet, melancholy ballad that portrays pure young love against the backdrop of summer pools and school dances.

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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KOH-1

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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.