XO cover

XO

Elliott Smith · 1998

44 min · 14 tracks · indie pop

Melancholic melodies intertwine with intricate arrangements, creating a lush yet introspective soundscape that defines Elliott Smith's artistry.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Waltz #2 (XO) — This track exemplifies Smith's lyrical depth and melodic craftsmanship, capturing the essence of longing and introspection that permeates the album.
  • →
    Baby Britain — With its upbeat tempo juxtaposed against darker themes, this track showcases Smith’s ability to blend contrasting emotions seamlessly within his songwriting.
  • →
    Independence Day — This song stands out for its raw emotional honesty, addressing personal struggles with a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Elliott Smith's XO blends intricate arrangements with introspective lyrics, creating a distinct sound that resonates deeply.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, while the second half shifts to more stripped-down arrangements.
  • The lyrics often feature introspective themes and personal narratives, with a notable focus on emotional vulnerability throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • introspective and reflective moments
  • delicate melodic explorations
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on August 25, 1998, XO was Elliott Smith's major label debut after years of critical acclaim on independent labels. This album marked a significant shift as he transitioned from lo-fi production to more polished and expansive arrangements, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and musician.
Stylistic neighbors
Nick Drake· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
New to Elliott Smith? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Independence Day

    A pivotal point in the song reveals a shift from nostalgia to acceptance of painful truths about relationships.

    The transition from reflective longing to stark acceptance emphasizes the complexity of emotional growth, marking a significant moment in Smith's narrative arc.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Sweet Adeline 3:15
  • 2 Tomorrow Tomorrow 3:07
  • 3 Waltz #2 (XO) 4:40
  • 4 Baby Britain 3:13
  • 5 Pitseleh 3:22
  • 6 Independence Day 3:04
  • 7 Bled White 3:22
  • 8 Waltz #1 3:22
  • 9 Amity 2:20
  • 10 Oh Well, Okay 2:33
  • 11 Bottle Up and Explode! 2:58
  • 12 A Question Mark 2:41
  • 13 Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands 4:25
  • 14 I Didn't Understand 2:17

What to play next

Figure 8
Listen next

Figure 8

2000
Either/Or
Go back to

Either/Or

1997
Full Elliott Smith discography Where to start with Elliott Smith Artists like Elliott Smith
indie folk indie pop indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata