Elliott Smith Popular Song Rankings [2025]

Angel In The Snow (from New Moon)Elliott Smith1rank/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.

Miss MiseryElliott Smith2rank/position

Elliott Smith “Miss Misery”

Directed by the masterful Gus Van Sant—who rose to prominence in independent cinema and continued to create masterpieces in Hollywood with his distinctive style—and featuring Matt Damon not only in a starring role but also as a co-writer during his pre-fame days, the 1997 film Good Will Hunting earned high acclaim, winning the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Screenplay, while co-star Robin Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The film’s theme song was Elliott Smith’s Miss Misery, by an artist who at the time was known only to those in the know.

It’s a superb pop song built around a characteristically beautiful melody and introspective lyrics rich with layered metaphors—its selection as a film theme also feels quintessentially ’90s.

Elliott Smith, who died young at 34 and is now revered by younger music fans as a legendary singer-songwriter, had previously been active in the band Heatmiser and released only two solo albums on indie labels.

It’s striking how keen Gus Van Sant’s aesthetic judgment was in personally asking Smith to contribute to the soundtrack.

The song helped raise Smith’s profile and led to his move to a major label.

Whether that ultimately made him happy is hard to say…

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.

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.