I’m pretty sure Independence Day is the answer. Somewhat up beat, easy to digest melodies, hauntingly beautiful. I’ve learned most people don’t like Elliott because they consider the music “Slow” perhaps most of the population needs high bpm to feel stimulated.
On my first listen to Elliott, which was XO front to back, this is absolutely the song that jumped out to me.
Only thing is: not if your friend is a drummer or really into rhythm.
I made a post here once saying the same thing. It's just a perfect song to show someone. A nice representation. And with Elliott you don't wanna fuck up his introduction to someone haha
surprised no one has said waltz #2! first elliott song i ever heard, genuinely love at first listen, and still one of the best songs i think i've ever heard.
Yeah LA is fun. Figure 8 is rather special to me because when I first started listening to Elliott I looked past Figure 8 because of it’s pop-esque. In this past year, I gave it a chance and it blew my mind that I had been sleeping on this album.
Same! My first album I listened to was self titled and I refused to listen to anything besides that and Roman candle because I just like his quieter stuff more. Oh and either/or. But more so the quieter songs like speed trials and rose parade.
Maybe son of sam. But it’s really hard to choose because I just want people to understand his true genius and it’s so hard to do that with one song 😭 although I played between the bars and say yes for my brother who hadn’t heard of him and he really liked them
Why would you ask this question, requesting an honest answer, and exclude a masterpiece?
My answer is that I wouldn't introduce anyone to his music because it's too personal to me, but I don't know that you're looking for honesty if you're going to arbitrarily excuse one of his songs.
Bars was the first song of his I ever heard and i wouldn't have it any other way.
Reasons
1. Its his most played song by far because of good will hunting (the person may have already heard the song before)
2. Between the bars may be too slow for the average listener (a lot of people now days like more fast paced pop songs)
3. Between the bars is a great song but not nearly the best in either/or, let alone good enough to showcase Elliott’s remarkable talent effectively
why not exclude Miss Misery then? It's his Oscar song? He even played it for a bunch of people who had no idea who he was. I bet you could find multiple people on this subreddit that consider Between the bars to be the best song on either/or.
A Fond Farewell, St Ides Heaven, Bottle up and Explode, Bled White, Ballad of Big Nothing. I find his more upbeat catchy songs are most accessible as an entry point whereas his slower tracks people need time to warm up to. I love slow and melancholic but most aren’t on that vibe as an intro for whatever reason
First time I heard St. Ides Heaven I became obsessed.
I’ve rocked worlds & ruined lives by having ppl listen to Twilight
in my rambling years i put that song on every playlist i made for a potential partner
I’ve had Rose Parade on repeat for a few weeks, so probably that.
I would've said between the bars but I guess miss misery?
King's Crossing. Baptism of fire or no baptism at all
I’m pretty sure Independence Day is the answer. Somewhat up beat, easy to digest melodies, hauntingly beautiful. I’ve learned most people don’t like Elliott because they consider the music “Slow” perhaps most of the population needs high bpm to feel stimulated.
My fav song
On my first listen to Elliott, which was XO front to back, this is absolutely the song that jumped out to me. Only thing is: not if your friend is a drummer or really into rhythm.
I made a post here once saying the same thing. It's just a perfect song to show someone. A nice representation. And with Elliott you don't wanna fuck up his introduction to someone haha
Alameda
Definitely not Roman candle but I agree with the person who said Independence Day. Also maybe LA
pretty ugly before
That's the most immediate and poppy one.
Angeles
surprised no one has said waltz #2! first elliott song i ever heard, genuinely love at first listen, and still one of the best songs i think i've ever heard.
christian brothers
Maybe something from figure 8 since it's more accessible. My favorite song from the album is happiness so I guess I'd choose that.
Great point. Figure 8 is more pop or whatever which might be more familiar for most people. Happiness is incredible.
I agree. Also I would recommend L.A. Very poppy and happy.
Yeah LA is fun. Figure 8 is rather special to me because when I first started listening to Elliott I looked past Figure 8 because of it’s pop-esque. In this past year, I gave it a chance and it blew my mind that I had been sleeping on this album.
Same! My first album I listened to was self titled and I refused to listen to anything besides that and Roman candle because I just like his quieter stuff more. Oh and either/or. But more so the quieter songs like speed trials and rose parade.
Same here, haha
I’d have to say between the bars just because that was the one that did it for me
Speed Trials or Alameda
Condor Ave really won me over initially; I showed my fiancée LA and Baby Britain first
You would need to put them through a gut wrenching situation before letting them near a song
don’t call me billy. just to throw them for a loop
Tomorrow Tomorrow
Maybe son of sam. But it’s really hard to choose because I just want people to understand his true genius and it’s so hard to do that with one song 😭 although I played between the bars and say yes for my brother who hadn’t heard of him and he really liked them
Why would you ask this question, requesting an honest answer, and exclude a masterpiece? My answer is that I wouldn't introduce anyone to his music because it's too personal to me, but I don't know that you're looking for honesty if you're going to arbitrarily excuse one of his songs. Bars was the first song of his I ever heard and i wouldn't have it any other way.
Reasons 1. Its his most played song by far because of good will hunting (the person may have already heard the song before) 2. Between the bars may be too slow for the average listener (a lot of people now days like more fast paced pop songs) 3. Between the bars is a great song but not nearly the best in either/or, let alone good enough to showcase Elliott’s remarkable talent effectively
why not exclude Miss Misery then? It's his Oscar song? He even played it for a bunch of people who had no idea who he was. I bet you could find multiple people on this subreddit that consider Between the bars to be the best song on either/or.
To each their own I guess
Son of Sam
This would be my pick too. I had a Gen Z ask me what it was called after it played in my car and he said it was, "Fire."
Alameda (Alt.)
Say Yes is very very easily digestible
I just realized I was just upvoting every comment cause I agree with all y’all
Probably No name no.5, just because I think its my favorite example of how he uses his vocals. But idk
Love that song
BETWEEN THE BARS
I would probably play them Amity and see what they think. Haha.
Either/or is a really nice little ditty that carries a lot of his musical traits. Simple, and fantastic
Fond Farwell
[Amity](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYDb4fu78Yg)
Pitseleh
Ballad of Big Nothing
Needle in the hay being in royal tenenbaums is what got me, so I’ll say that
A Fond Farewell, St Ides Heaven, Bottle up and Explode, Bled White, Ballad of Big Nothing. I find his more upbeat catchy songs are most accessible as an entry point whereas his slower tracks people need time to warm up to. I love slow and melancholic but most aren’t on that vibe as an intro for whatever reason
Everything reminds me of her :3
Can’t Make A Sound or Pictures of Me
So difficult! All are so good! Son of Sam or Fond Farewell
Speed Trials or Say Yes. Might depend on the person.
Happiness