Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy some beautiful scenery. It's only fitting that this period of relaxation should come with some relaxing music suggestions. The music of the late Elliott Smith is some of the most relaxing out there. His soothing melodies, beautiful voice, and intelligent lyrics are really something special, something that can really be listened to at any time of the year. However, I've always gotten the most out of his music during the summer months, probably because that's when my stress levels are ironically at their highest. It's great music to take a peaceful walk to, and I try to tell everyone I can about this unique songwriter. Here are five great Elliott Smith tunes that can be enjoyed during peaceful summer relaxation.

1. "Waltz #2 (XO)"

This song, released in 1998, is considered to be one of Elliott Smith's well known staples, and it's also one of my favorites. As the title implies, the song is written in 3/4 time, and has a very majestic and pretty sound to it. If it was a little happier sounding, I'd have zero issues dancing to it. Smith shows off some of his classic lyrical wordplay, as well as his piano skills. To this day, I'm still not completely sure what the lyrics mean, but that's part of what makes this song so great. I often walked to class listening to this song at the beginning of my sophomore year in college, when the trees were still green and the weather was still warm. You should absolutely do the same.

2. "Christian Brothers"

There are two versions of this song, one recorded solely by Smith, and another recorded alongside his former band Heatmiser. Both are fantastic. The solo version is has a very lo-fi folk sound to it, and shows that Elliott Smith was truly a fantastic guitar player. His whispery delivery fits very nicely. The Heatmiser version is just as good, if not better. Smith was never one to really belt out lyrics, but when he did, it was always incredible. He does just that in this version, and it's quite a contrast from the solo recording. Both versions are great to take a walk, or even sunbathe to.

3. "Alameda"

Released in 1997, "Alameda" is a great example of Elliott Smith's ability as a songwriter. The whole feel of the song creates an atmosphere and image of Smith walking down the streets of a city he's staying in, which I assume based on the title, is Alameda, California. The melody has a lot of different aspects going on, including a wide vocal range and constantly changing rhythms, which is really hard to do when trying to write coherent and meaningful lyrics. Unsurprisingly, Smith is able to pull it off. Whenever I listen to this song, I always think of a peaceful "walk down Alameda."

4. "Pictures of Me"

Like "Alameda," this song is also off of Smith's 1997 album "Either/Or." This is another one of those songs where Smith abandons his whispery delivery in favor of belting, but makes it work. Driven by a very percussive beat structure and use of full instrumentation, Smith is able to create an extremely catchy tune that still captures the anger and frustration that the song is about. He is upset at the false perceptions people have of him, and when he calls them out as being "completely wrong, totally wrong," you can help but belt along to it. The song reaches a high point when Smith plays a fun little guitar riff going into the final chorus section of the song. Most people don't think of an Elliott Smith song as one that punches you in the face, but that's what I like about it. If anything else, it's a great energy booster walking to class.

5. "Say Yes"

Often considered to be Elliott Smith's most accessible and well-known song, it would be foolhardy of me not to include the closing track of Either/Or on this list, especially for people completely new to Smith's music. "Say Yes" is a song that needs no introduction, as it truly is a staple of melancholy lo-fi music from the 90s. So many people have been inspired by this song, including people you wouldn't even expect (Jack Black, anyone?). If you're making a playlist of Elliott Smith songs, you need to have the short and simple tune about love for a girl and the hope that she says "yes." It's truly a magical experience to listen to.

The list should not stop there, as this is just a starting point. The music of the late Elliott Smith is great easy-listening for enjoyment of the summer scenery or just simple relaxation. Even though Smith tragically passed away in the fall of 2003, his music will always have a timeless place in the hearts of listeners everywhere. You should definitely check out his music and see what you get out of it.