Smith makes 'Misery' listenable on 'XO'

The end result of Smith's venture into the depths of a professional recording studio brought several exciting new sounds to "XO." With a veritable stable of instruments at his disposal, Smith added several intriguing sounds to the album. Instead of the traditional acoustic guitar and drum sound on which Smith built his reputation, this record includes piano, sax, vibes and strings, in addition to the uncharacteristic liberal use of electric guitar.

Best known for the sorrow-filled single "Miss Misery," which garnered the unlikely star an Oscar nomination (it was the hit from the "Good Will Hunting" soundtrack) earlier this year, Smith has become an unlikely rising star. The single also helped move more than 250,000 copies of the soundtrack off shelves this past year.

Despite his successes, some things haven't changed for the self-taught musician. As on past releases, Smith played most of the instruments, produced, recorded and arranged "XO."

For the horn and sting parts, however, he did bring in outside help. While old school fans might wince at the prospect of messing with a tried and tested formula, Smith manages to pull the whole thing off nicely. Songs like "A Question Mark" are shining examples of said new style properly executed. Smith's vocal range gets tested on a haunting pseudo-acapella track "I Didn't Understand."

The rest of the tracks are acoustic guitar driven, which is what Smith does best. Standout tracks include "Bottle Up and Explode," "Baby Britain" and the opening song, "Sweet Adeline."

Another departure from classic Smith style, "Waltz #1," is an unfortunately sharp thorn in the record's side.

Elliott Smith
XO Dreamworks 4 stars Reviewed by Daily Arts Writer Gabe Fajuri

But aside from that one strike against it, the rest of "XO" flows nicely. While definitely a transitional record for Smith, another release done in this musical vein will surely attain "classic" status.

Lyrically, things on "XO" are much more positive than they have been on past albums. "Say Yes," the closing track on "Either/Or" and a track on the "Good Will Hunting" record gave listeners a glimpse at this side of Smith, which, until now, had now been seen in his songwriting. "XO," some would say, picks up where "Say Yes" left off.

Upbeat and positive tracks characterize this record, and compliment a few dreary and depressed offerings that fans of the New York- based artist have come to expect and adore.

This record may Smith's finest work to date, but definitely worth the $9 it will set you back at the record store. It is a fine introduction to the work of one of today's most talented songwriters.

09-09-98