Roman Candle, Elliott Smith’s debut solo album, stands as a deeply cathartic and intimate work—written, recorded, and performed entirely by Smith himself. Conceived as a private refuge from his then-band Heatmiser, the album blends raw, lo-fi folk textures with minimalist arrangements, launching Smith’s emergence as a quietly introspective songwriter. Though not initially intended for release, it became his defining solo debut, revealing his fragile yet deeply resonant signature sound. The 2010 UMC reissue, remastered by Larry Crane while preserving Smith’s original mixes, unveils greater clarity without sacrificing the album’s haunting authenticity.