Review Summary: A story for another time, XO takes no time in giving its listener one of the most important musical masterpieces they'll ever hear.
What if I told you
XO is the happiest album you’ll ever hear? Right now, without reading any further, would you believe me? I want readers to remember this question until the very end of this article. What we are about to discuss will be the most joyous conversation of your day.
XO is a bright-eyed look at alcoholism, addiction, and childhood trauma. We examine a lifetime of bleak outcomes caused by decisions out of our control. Impulses of the absent mind explained through metaphors and similes orchestrated so sorrowful. Elliott Smith puts the effort into making sure he puts the “fun” in dysfunction for
XO.
XO fundamentally follows Elliott Smith’s psychological observations of himself and others around him. Shifting perspectives allow listeners to observe the intimacy of the narrative Smith so impeccably penned. ‘Oh Well, Okay’ puts us in the point of view of a person trying to comfort a hurting subject, but they shut off. ‘Waltz #2’ has us analyze the life of another person throughout different portions of their life. ‘Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands’ presents an angsty portrayal of the grievance those trying to relate to you have. Elliott Smith went as far to say that
XO is ‘more hostile’ than his previous records, but we know he’s just joking. These are happy songs.
With
XO being the major label debut of Elliott Smith, fans already expect an updated version of Mister Misery’s usual style.
XO has a contemporary vibe to it and carries a unique charm to its music. ‘Baby Britain’ borrows from the Beatles and gives a lighthearted jam to those who journey deep enough. ‘Waltz #1’ wraps us into its deliriousness with a haunting backdrop and intoxicating atmosphere. The hypnotic piano, eerie guitar and enigmatic vocals are sure to entice those who enjoy a darker Elliott Smith. ‘Amity’ throws another laid back jam into the track with a vintage ‘60’s style and a smooth solo.
Elliott Smith’s sentimental writing shows throughout the record. Juxtapositions are commonplace throughout the record. Most songs seem interconnected, like ‘Sweet Adeline’ for example. “There’s a kid a floor below me saying, “Brother, can you spare sunshine for a brother, Old Man Winter’s in the air,” makes a reference to “sunshine.” Sunshine is referenced numerous times, notably during ‘Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands.’ Elliott Smith tells his story in a meticulous format and makes the lyrics all the more important. Waltz #1 and #2 are some of my favorite songs off of the record. I especially appreciate the line, “Tell Mr. Man with impossible plans to just leave me alone in the place where I make no mistakes -- In the place where I have what it takes.”
‘Waltz #1’ rivals its sequel with, “every time the day darkens down and goes away, pictures open in my head of me and you.” The waltz spirals through the airwaves and begs you to dance with your demons. The song curates an atmosphere with a symphony of sorrow and a hook of hopelessness. ‘Oh Well, Okay’ is another hidden gem to appreciate off of this record. I would count it as one of the most vital songs featured. The mood and style are simply astonishing. “With the one I keep where it never fades in the safety of a pitch-black mind. An airless cell that blocks the day,” hits like a ton of bricks when the speaker describes the lengths he goes to repress the memories of the past.
XO is an underappreciated record that deserves more credit than given. Elliott Smith’s discography is close to flawless in many regards.
XO is original, enticing, and mesmerizing to experience. Nearly 45 minutes feels like hours wasted away in a surreal environment of miraculous misery. Nothing feels useless or unnecessary throughout
XO. All songs mesh together and aid in the overall trek. Remember earlier when I asked if you would believe me if I said
XO is the happiest album you would hear today? It’s joyful isn’t it? Such horrendous happiness disguised in discouragement. I knew
XO would be an important thing for us to discuss. Elliott Smith tries to teach us listeners to find the happiness through the haze, so why aren’t you smiling?
Standout Tracks
Waltz #1
Waltz #2
Oh Well, Okay
I Didn’t Understand
(Just listen to the album. They’re all good)
