![On what should have been Elliott Smiths's 46th birthday, have a rummage through what we deem to be the 12 greatest tracks of his career.]()
On what should have been Elliott Smiths's 46th birthday, have a rummage through what we deem to be the 12 greatest tracks of his career.
![12. 'Somebody That I Used To Know': A wonderful example of Smith's unique and haunting vocal style, as well as proof that Gotye stole the heck out of the title's memorable line. His acoustic guitar gently guides you through his confessions.]()
12. 'Somebody That I Used To Know': A wonderful example of Smith's unique and haunting vocal style, as well as proof that Gotye stole the heck out of the title's memorable line. His acoustic guitar gently guides you through his confessions.
![11. 'Son of Sam': Figure 8 is a sonically rich album, and its opening track is an effective introduction to what will unfold. Smiths raw melodies combine with fast pianos and harsh guitar riffs to form a superb wall of sound.]()
11. 'Son of Sam': Figure 8 is a sonically rich album, and its opening track is an effective introduction to what will unfold. Smiths raw melodies combine with fast pianos and harsh guitar riffs to form a superb wall of sound.
![10. 'Say Yes': Memorable for its inclusion in Good Will Hunting, this is one of Smith's more optimistic and uplifting cuts. In an interview with Comes With A Smile, he said that it was written about]()
10. 'Say Yes': Memorable for its inclusion in Good Will Hunting, this is one of Smith's more optimistic and uplifting cuts. In an interview with Comes With A Smile, he said that it was written about "someone in particular. I was really in love with someone."
![9. Needle In The Hay: Another example of Smith's unique and breathtaking story telling style, the songwriter tells a tale of heroin addiction from the perspective of both the junkie and his enabler. Both beautiful and harrowing, it lingers around you for some time after.]()
9. Needle In The Hay: Another example of Smith's unique and breathtaking story telling style, the songwriter tells a tale of heroin addiction from the perspective of both the junkie and his enabler. Both beautiful and harrowing, it lingers around you for some time after.
![8. Waltz 2: Taken from XO, this folky number is littered with steel guitars and sweet pianos while Smith laments a past relationship.]()
8. Waltz 2: Taken from XO, this folky number is littered with steel guitars and sweet pianos while Smith laments a past relationship. "I'm never gonna know you now / but im gonna love you anyhow" echoes over a crashing finale.
![7. 'Pitseleh':]()
7. 'Pitseleh': "Before you do as the devil pleases / give up the thing you love." Smith is on fine lyrical form as he leaves every part of himself on the track through starkly honest statements. "I%u2019m not half what I wish I was."
![6. Angeles: The core melody of this dark lullaby is guaranteed to mine itself within your head for the rest of your day, and the writing is once again wonderfully open and stark throughout.]()
6. Angeles: The core melody of this dark lullaby is guaranteed to mine itself within your head for the rest of your day, and the writing is once again wonderfully open and stark throughout.
![5. 'Condor Ave'.: A masterful track, Elliott Smith delivers a story of regret and abandonment - the song concluding with a hit and run that leaves the listener reeling in a state of disbelief. There's a sense of urgency throughout that is almost overwhelming.]()
5. 'Condor Ave'.: A masterful track, Elliott Smith delivers a story of regret and abandonment - the song concluding with a hit and run that leaves the listener reeling in a state of disbelief. There's a sense of urgency throughout that is almost overwhelming.
![4. 'Miss Misery': Another cut featured in Gus Van Zandt's Good Will Hunting.]()
4. 'Miss Misery': Another cut featured in Gus Van Zandt's Good Will Hunting. "Do you miss me misery" echoed through a sea of A-listers when Smith performed at the 70th Academy Awards. It's a haunting piece of work.
![3. Junk Bond Trader: Taken from Figure 8, the rhythm of the prolific writer's verses on this track feels perfect, urging listeners to sway along with the sound of melting guitars and crashing drums.]()
3. Junk Bond Trader: Taken from Figure 8, the rhythm of the prolific writer's verses on this track feels perfect, urging listeners to sway along with the sound of melting guitars and crashing drums.
![2. 'Between The Bars':]()
2. 'Between The Bars': "People youve been before that you dont want around anymore / that push and shove and wont bend to your will / Ill keep them still." A striking, and beautifully delivered ode to growing up in the world.
![1. Roman Candle: Boasting eery electric guitar taps throughout, a sweet melody can't mask the darkness of Smith's inner monologue.]()
1. Roman Candle: Boasting eery electric guitar taps throughout, a sweet melody can't mask the darkness of Smith's inner monologue. "I want to give him pain / I%u2019m a roman candle / my head is full of flames." The image is vivid and simply unforgettable.
