By Jenell Taylor, Contributor

In this month’s edition of Listen If You Miss, late folk artist Elliott Smith is our focal point. Hailed as one of the 21st century’s greatest musicians, his discography proceeds him. As a self-taught guitarist and pianist, Smith captivated listeners with his distinct vocal inflections, falsetto and deeply personal lyrics. While many artists take inspiration, it is wholly understood that there will never be another Elliott Smith. But I have a feeling that this list does him justice and offers songs to fill that Elliott Smith-shaped hole in your playlists.

1.) “I Know It’s Pathetic but That Was the Greatest Night of My Life” by Sun Kil Moon

It is hard to say that there will ever be another voice and mind as talented and tortured as that of Elliott Smith. His lyricalism and sound were unique to him and his story, but this song by Sun Kil Moon comes very close to bat. In 2016, as part of an Elliott Smith tribute album, he covered “Condor Ave” in a much more technical and electronic approach. “I Know It’s Pathetic but That Was the Greatest Night of My Life” makes this list because of its delicate sound and slightly stripped quality.

2.) “Rev. John / Friend” by Greg Mendez

Much of Greg Mendez’s music has chords similar to what one might hear in an Elliott Smith song, especially “Rev. John / Friend.” He hails from Philadelphia, PA, and slips quite cozily into the indie rock genre. He sings with a tender inflection and in a way that shows great care and dedication for his craft. His self-titled album, which “Rev. John / Friend” comes from, holds this very same tender quality that Elliott Smith fans are sure to appreciate.

3.) “Jesus Christ” by Big Star

Big Star was an American rock band formed in 1971 in Memphis, TN, consisting of members Alex Chilton, Chris Bell, Jody Stephens and Andy Hummel. You may have heard the altered version of their song “In The Street,” which became the theme song for the hit stoner classic, That ‘70s Show. Alex Chilton’s vocals shine especially bright in their song “Jesus Christ” and reminded me so much of what I love about Elliott Smith’s voice. That slight draw and instrumentation is what makes it an absolute perfect fit for this list.

Read more: Lobsterfest 2025 Q&A: Rug

4.) “out of your mind” by Adrianne Lenker

Adrianne Lenker is a Grammy-nominated musician from Indianapolis, IN, as well as the lead singer for the folk rock group Big Thief. Her complex lyricism and unique tone make her a great fit for Elliott Smith fans, as well as solidifying her as a force in today’s folk music scene. The soft instrumental quality of “out of your mind” is juxtaposed by Lenker’s high pitch and pointed lyrics, in a similar style to Smith’s own work.

5.) “This Time It Will” by Jeff Hanson

This lovely track sits nicely on our list based off of its vocal runs, bright chords and bittersweet lyrics. Jeff Hanson was a Milwaukee born indie folk artist who, like Elliott Smith, was signed to the Kill Rock Stars label. Also in that same vein of similarity, Hanson passed away in his early thirties, just six years after Smith. “This Time It Will” holds the same impressive ability to tug at the heartstrings just like every song to come out of Smith’s career. Hanson’s unique falsetto also earns him this spot on our list, further proving his talent.

6.) “Snot” by Alex G

The Elliott Smith to Alex G pipeline is a phenomenon that deserves its own spot on our list. With both of them being two of my personal favorite artists, I feel qualified to make this addition. Alex G’s “Snot” is a dreamy tune with a guitar picking style and weary vocals that are quite reminiscent of Smith’s during his Roman Candle era. The combination of instruments and layered vocals that Alex G implores in his music is something that I believe die-hard Elliott fans will find themselves called to. (Honorable mention: “Change”) Fun fact: Alex G played guitar on Frank Ocean’s “White Ferrari.”

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6NSywbbNjc6326HiPiAagi?si=52859114d29e4564