Bands & artists like Elliott Smith

If you like Elliott Smith, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

Artists to try next

Nick Drake

Nick Drake

His delicate fingerpicking and introspective lyrics create a similar haunting atmosphere, blending folk with melancholy.

baroque pop folk music traditional folk music
Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens

Stevens' intricate arrangements and emotive storytelling resonate well with the gentle yet poignant style of Smith.

alternative rock baroque pop chamber pop
Iron & Wine

Iron & Wine

Guide

With soft vocals and acoustic instrumentation, Iron & Wine captures a similar sense of intimacy and reflective mood.

country music folk music
Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley

Buckley's ethereal voice and emotional depth in songwriting evoke a comparable tension between beauty and sorrow.

alternative rock blues folk rock
Damien Rice

Damien Rice

Guide

Rice's raw vocal delivery and sparse arrangements mirror the emotional intensity found in Smith's music.

folk music folk rock
Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers

Bridgers' confessional lyrics and minimalist sound create a haunting quality that aligns closely with Smith's aesthetic.

indie folk indie pop indie rock
Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst

Oberst's blend of folk-rock with introspective lyrics parallels the emotional landscape present in Elliott Smith's work.

alternative rock emo indie folk
The Mountain Goats

The Mountain Goats

Guide

Their lo-fi production and storytelling approach evoke a similar sense of vulnerability and narrative depth.

indie folk

Common questions

Who sounds like Elliott Smith?

Artists similar to Elliott Smith include Nick Drake, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine and Jeff Buckley. Each shares elements of Elliott Smith's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is Elliott Smith?

Elliott Smith is primarily known for indie pop, indie rock and indie folk. The music is characterized by gentle melodies woven through sparse instrumentation, creating a haunting tension between hope and despair.

Where should I start if I like Elliott Smith?

If you enjoy Elliott Smith, start with Nick Drake — their album "Five Leaves Left" is a great entry point. His delicate fingerpicking and introspective lyrics create a similar haunting atmosphere, blending folk with melancholy.