Either / Or

On 'Either/Or', Elliott Smith expands from his earlier lo-fi recordings by introducing more complex instrumentation, including drums, bass, and electric guitars, while retaining his signature whispered, double-tracked vocals and intricate acoustic fingerpicking. The album's title references Søren Kierkegaard's existentialist text, reflecting lyrical themes of alienation, addiction, and melancholy that are balanced with sophisticated, Kinks-inspired pop melodies. Its standing as a landmark of 1990s indie folk was solidified after several of its songs were prominently featured in the film *Good Will Hunting*, bringing Smith's intimate and raw songwriting to a much wider audience.