Elliott Smith's XO, released on 25 August 1998 through Geffen, is a masterfully crafted singer-songwriter album that showcases the artist's profound talent for storytelling through music. With a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album takes you on a journey of introspection and emotional depth, as Elliott Smith weaves a complex tapestry of sound and sentiment.
Featuring a diverse range of tracks, including the hauntingly beautiful 'Waltz #2 (XO)' and the poignant 'Baby Britain', XO is a testament to Elliott Smith's ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The album's 14 main tracks, followed by a selection of alternative versions, demos, and remixes, demonstrate the artist's innovative approach to songwriting and his willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles.
From the opening notes of 'Sweet Adeline' to the closing strains of 'Miss Misery', XO is an album that invites you to immerse yourself in its world of melancholic beauty and quiet introspection. With its richly textured soundscapes and Elliott Smith's distinctive, whispery vocals, XO is an album that will resonate with fans of singer-songwriter music and leave a lasting impression on all who listen.