Horses

This is a foundational album of punk rock. Patti Smith will always be iconic, and she came out the gate swinging with Horses. I think one of the issues people might have with Horses, is its punk in the same way Velvet Underground and Lou Reed are rock. For a mainstream audience its too artsy, or too different from the expected sound. Horses is part punk rock, part spoken word, pure poetry and filtered through a minimalist approach to the actual music. I don't think there's a bad or weak song on the album, and love ever second of it.

OMG I LOVE THIS. I definitely need to read just kids next and I also need to see her at Roskilde festival… THIS HURTS THE WALLET. Anyway! I really like the sound and she’s giving a little bit of Stevie nicks vibes and I love it! Very 70s in the best possible way. It’s truly wonderful how the sound is magnificent if that’s what your listening for but the lyrics are so good as well. Fav track (I think): break it up

Great work ❤️

Är en femma fram till sista två kanske men om jag verkligen skulle hänge mig är de också säkert femmor. Varför inte? Ordentligt ballt.

Awful. What the fuck. Can’t understand anybody listening to that more than once, I barely made it through

I don't know much about Patti Smith. I've always had an inkling she's a bit weird and a bit scary. This album confirmed those suspicions! Interesting in parts, and obviously influential on artists that have followed her, but not one I'll be adding to my playlist. For me, a 2 for enjoyment.

I went back and fourth on this as there are some really great songs such as Free Money and also songs that just wander along seemingly going nowhere, like Birdland and the Horses medley.

Another must, Patti

Kind of unhinged, but somewhat interesting nonetheless.

Listenable but absolutely not my style

Couldn’t finish it. I don’t really understand her voice and all the inflections, even though I love Diamanda Galás and other extreme singing. Just really don’t understand it. I don’t understand how this had such a big impact on music back then, but maybe I had to be there to appreciate it? Cause I don’t hear what’s so special about the songwriting or poetry either, seems pretty generic to me. Overall just not my thing.

didn't love this as much now as I did when I was 15

Patti Smith is punk as fuck, in the real sense. You can tell because her debut album here is weird (affectionate) and sounds kinda silly at times (affectionate) and a bit scary (affectionate). Definitely an album/sound I appreciate more than like, and I feel like I'll need to give this record a couple more spins for the whole package to properly grok, but for now it deserves four stars. Fav tracks: Gloria, Free Money, Elegie

Se le quedó corta a Kate bush

The random selection is favouring me this week. Straight after REM Automatic For The People comes one of my absolute favourite albums of all time. This is always in my Top 10 list. It’s simply an amazing album. I was fortunate enough to see Patti Smith in London last year performing this album in full for its 50th anniversary. Following on in the spirit of the Velvet Underground the album opens with a reworked cover version, the definitive version of Gloria. John Cale’s fingerprints over the instrumentation. Redondo Beach is probably the track that dates slightly worse than anything else on the album with its reggae beat, the upbeat music is at contrast with the darkest of lyrics. Birdland is a beautiful almost spoken word free association poetry against a simple percussive but increasingly violent piano. I think this song is probably the litmus test of the album, if you love this, you’ll love this album. If it leaves you cold then the whole album is going to leave you feeling what is this. For clarity, I absolutely love it. Free Money is the closest this album comes to a straightforward rock song, a love song to boot. Again starting with just vocals and piano, it builds as the band comes in. The drum fills build and build and propel the song into its chorus. Skipping on a couple of tracks as I promised myself I’d stop doing track by track reviews Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de) gives the album its title and is the sprawling masterpiece of the album. A nine minute epic in three parts. Poetry, rock and roll, psychodelia it builds tension and releases throughout the track. At times it resembles a conventional rock and rock track at others it dissolves into barely controlled chaos with multiple ideas running over the top of each other. I don't have the words to really describe how much I love this track and album as a whole so 5 stars will have to do If you enjoy this album I would also recommend checking out the movie In My Fathers Den that features this album prominently

Not for me at all. Didn’t finish

This was my first time listening to Patti Smith intently, and I really enjoyed this album. The only reason it's not a 5/5 is because some songs didn't flow well in succession. In the context of the era, I think this is important, and with some tweaks, it would easily be a 5/5.

This is the definitive cover of Gloria. It drops off that opening track for me at least. I have a couple other Patti Smith albums, none of which I have felt the need to listen to in a long time.

Classic!!!!

Loved Blinded

Classic

Banger!

Some of these songs annoyed me

I don’t like this as much as her other record on here but it’s improvisational energy is definitely something, especially after the first few tracks which I wasn’t digging as much.

It's 4.5

Mixed feelings on this one, some of the songs are fantastic compositions where the music matches the vocals perfectly. Then some of songs were just a cacophony, where Patti’s voice sounded grating as fuck to add to the shit show of a sound. I felt like Patti must’ve been a massive influence on PJ Harvey, a lot of the songs I felt would sound great as a PJ song, or an unrefined version of one of her songs. I actually did some research after having this epiphany, and found that PJ Harvey has categorically denied Patti’s influence on her music, calling the link “lazy journalism”, despite that I don’t think she’s beating the charges

This is Patti Smith’s first record and it took the rock and roll world by storm. It has aa authentic gritty underground feel to it that I love. The lyrics are interesting and provocative as you would expect from a poet who decided to put her poetry to music. The vocals are strong and evocative and the music is excellent. The whole thing is by turns gritty, raw, and underproduced and beautiful, powerful, and engaging. You can hear her influence in a lot of what would become American punk.

I've only listened to Patti Smith a bit -- I own an lp copy of Wave, which I liked ok, but never really connected with. The first three songs on that album are really good. After that ... eh. I think I was too young when I listened to it. But now, listening to Patti as a more mature listener ... not sure how different it is, truly Apple Music named this to their top 100 ever list, and in the headnote raised the question of what does punk mean, exactly. I think that is an interesting question, especially when you think about the New York scene alongside the London one. Gloria is really interesting ... it seems to forge a direct connection between garage and punk. Redondo Beach and Free Money both sound like early Blondie, which comes as a surprise, but also makes a lot of sense. Birdland is a reminder of why I'm a Patti Smith skeptic ... it sounds like the more experimental side of Velvety Underground, if they swapped out Nico for a Beat poet. Not a big fan. (Musically, it sounds a lot like VU's Heroin, actually.) But on the second go round I liked it better, so maybe if I listened to this album several times, everything would be different. Who can say? Land is interesting. It combines all of it ... including the draw from Sixties pop that is a critical component of Blondie's vocabulary. It builds into a masterpiece of ... whatever you would call this. You could connect it to the better / jamming side of Them or the Yardbirds, or early Stooges, or ... not sure. It cooks, but doesn't constrain her verbal riffing, the reaching for what's just beyond the horizon side of her approach. Good album. In my earliest encounters with the PS Situation, I felt like a big part of her mystique was always that she was a Poet. That set her apart. Not just some civilian songwriter, but -- an actual, official Poet. But ... the first thing of hers I ever encountered was, of all places, on the back of a used copy of the lp Edgar Winter's White Trash which I picked up at Cheapo Records in Cambridge on a whim. The album was supposed to be good, according to the Rolling Stone Record Guide. I found it boring. On the back was a poem by Patti Smith, which seemed to me (I was 15, so -- who knows) like self-consciously Arty gobbledygook. And on this album (Horses), at one point, there's this thing in Kimberly about bats -- and the "violet, violent sky" ... that seems obvious and gimmicky to me. And a little bit representative of her writing. That's the Beat side of things for me. Not a compliment. Anyway ... I just find that the thing that's supposed to be her superpower is much dodgier than her reputation leads one to expect. That's what I'm trying to convey. It doesn't matter, really. But if you're not buying the poetry, then the whole enterprise shifts. Basically, I'm saying that Patti Smith tracks with Velvet Underground -- for me, I like certain songs, but I'm just not an enthusiast. My appreciation is more intellectual than felt. I can see why they're important to rock history and why people love them, but I'm just not really ever going to make that kind of connection.

I enjoyed this album for its spirit and bravery as opposed to hearing songs that I really love. It's funny, I had completely forgotten "Free Money" and as soon as it started I had a vivid recollection of a mixed tape from a long-ago beau, because he had put that song on it, and I never really liked the song that much, although I loyally listened to it a million times. I was very moved by "Kimberly," probably my favorite song on here.

Der er noget nostalgi, der trækker op.

I listen to these albums on my 46 year old hot dad walks around the neighborhood (ladies calm down, I'm married). If I find myself doing little two steps to the songs, it's closer to a 5. If I'm staring at my phone seeing how much longer I have to pound the pavement to the tracks, it's closer to a 1. This one I kind of just zoned out while Patti was speaking about God knows what but it went on forever. The whole album kind of felt like it was winged in the studio. Stream of consciousness style, especially with whatever "Land" is all about. There's enough musically that this got to a 2 but just barely.

As some point, you can hear the moment she went insane (pretty sure around song 10). 2 stars

RAW!!

Was a 3 for me until the final two songs, which are amazing!

"Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine." Damn, that's a great lyric! And perhaps one of the greatest opening lines for an album. It signifies that this album is going to break the rules of conventionality. The rules of what popular music, and poetry, are supposed to be are subverted throughout. A monumental achievement.

Don't love it

never listened to patti smith prior to this but i fully thought she was a folk singer lol. this was a bit too jarring for me today im afraid but some were okay

6/10… art rock / proto punk / *1975

I didn't like this! 2

She's from Deptford so thats cool, but the music isn't really for me.

Listened to this years ago and didn't get it at all. Was looking forward to a fresh listen but it still didn't land so I've concluded I just don't really like it!

DNF

It's horses by Patti smith there's little better still quiet a lot, but in the grand scheme of released music, little is better

Not for me

Já ouvi tanto esse nome, e já vi em tantos lugares a capa desse disco, que acabei criando uma alta expectativa. Às vezes não gosto do vocal dela, quando ela o estende em longos momentos. Parece uma Bob Dylan feminina. Porém… O disco não é composto apenas desses momentos mais “Folk”. Possui horas que o ritmo aperta, e guitarras impressionantes tomam conta, e a voz de Smith lança vôo. Nessas horas, o disco me conquista inteiramente. E esses momentos são tão bons que deixaram minha opinião do álbum sólida. Gostaria que o disco inteiro fosse assim! Quem sabe outro dela? Muito bom. 4/5

This album was an overload to my senses

She sounds like a human airhorn on „Birdland“ so that‘s got to account for something. No but seriously, very influential album.

I wont front like I had any intention to enjoy this album. The second I saw the album cover I was like 'this is gonna be ass' and I was right. Not a single good song, hated the singers voice, no musically impressive segments and writing tries to draw meaning from nonsense. Fuck it, 1 on the board for this dookie shit

Svårt att bestämma mig vad jag tycker, trots att jag lyssnat några varv nu. Svag fyra landar jag väl i till slut.

Stark trea! Gillar sound och drag, men var några låtar jag inte riktigt pallade.

I knew the name Patti Smith. I knew she was a musician and that’s about it, so this is my introduction. It is certainly different. I appreciate that she did what she wanted and made her own sound. Is this supposed to be punk? I don’t even know what that word means anymore. Ultimately I liked it. I’m not sure if I like it enough to check out more from her, but I like what it was for its time. 3.5 stars

Ok classic

- Tracks longer than 3:59: Yes -Long tracks interesting or special: Nit as far as I’m concern. -Album shorter than 58 minutes: Yes. -Will listen to album again: Not a chance -Overall: I always thought I didn’t like Patty Smith. I’m not 100% sure why, so I figured maybe this was going to be one of those albums that set me straight. It did not; I was right. I usually really try to listen to every song on an album even if I don’t enjoy the first few. With this one I simply couldn’t. Her voice was so grating to my ears I had to stop after track three. Looking at the review stats it looks like I’m in the minority. So be it.

Not really my speed but had some cool moments nonetheless

Initially didn’t like it and then it grew on me as I kept listening. I think if it caught me at the right moment I would love it, but this isn’t that moment. I thought it was at times enjoyable and at times repetitive and grating. Interesting to listen to but not something I think I’ll listen to again. Fav song: Break It Up Least fav: Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de)

Not the biggest fan of this. Liked the cover though Specific rating - 3.4 Fav song - free money Least fav - Land:Horses / Land of a thousand Dances

Sympq

no thanks

TL;DR: One of the greatest albums ever and a foundational work in punk. Truly essential listening. BEFORE: This is an absolute fucking masterpiece. One of the great, singular rock and roll albums. The result here is a foregone conclusion. AFTER: Yes every second of this is still perfect. The lyrics - both Smith's and those she lifts here and there - are unsettling and brilliant. The music is vital and cathartic, from the frenetic Gloria to the languid build of Birdland. It pairs the attitude of punk with virtuoso musicianship, genre experiments and Smith's searing vocals. HIGHLIGHTS: Everything. LOWLIGHTS: None whatsoever. VERDICT: 5 stars.

Wat een vreselijke muziek is dit dan?! Hoe kan je dit voor je plezier luisteren? Want een zeur stem van een dramatisch leven… bah bah bah.

Ik vond het niet heel vervelend, maar vooral niet zo boeiend. Soms kon ik mij irriteren aan de manier hoe ze bepaalde woorden uitsprak maar dat was ook niet altijd. Ik kan er niet heel veel negatiefs over zeggen behalve dan dat ik het niet goed genoeg vond voor 3 sterren. 2,5 voor mij.

Ik vond de albumcover er veelbelovend uitzien, zeker omdat t niet een een of andere hardrock album leek te zijn. Teleurstelling was daar wel, dat heeft met name met haar stem te maken, tis een beetje zeurderig, een beetje schel en een beetje flets, bij dat een na laatste nummer wat eindeloos lijkt te duren denk je af en toe, hoe je bek is heel ff. Muzikaal gezien vond ik t ook niet heel boeiend. Ook wel artistieke dingen gehoord maar de teksten een beetje langs me heen gegaan doordat ik haar stem dusdanig storend vond. wegens gebrek aan vibe twee sterren.

Didn’t care too much for this album, but her song from another album, Because The Night, is a banger!

patti does weird things and during the three first songs its kind of boring but then it gets really cool. fun listen, dont know if i will come back

7.5/10

Good

dark and intruiging

Patricia Smith, the punk icon!!! Had this album on my radar for a long time now. I love her poetic lyrics and the way she tells a story. The way she uses her voice is incredible, she is so good at bringing out that raw emotion and the spoken word bits add so much. I have her to thank for inspiring some of my favorite artists, namely Florence Welch(+ the Machine) and I can really hear the influence. Florence wrote a song about Patti Smith called "Patricia" that I really like. There's a part in Birdland that I swear Life Without Building was inspired by in the song "The Leanover" (I have no proof). Redondo Beach gets stuck in my head regularly and was in one of my favorite movies ever Perfect Days!!!! Such a fun bass line and great song. <3Redondo Beach, Free Money, Birdland, Break It Up<3

We are so back. I was unfamiliar with Patti's work but sheesh shes so talented and does like every facet of art?? Listened to half of this at work and the other half on my drive to albs and i'm happy to report, its a great soundtrack for work AND driving while anxious. Go off queen. Favs: Gloria, Birdland and Break It Up. Also in the deluxe album, the live version of Gloria & Birdland is fweakin amazing.

top

Excellent punk vibes

This album was fine enough and I enjoyed it but nothing really stuck out to me I don’t feel like I need to listen to this again I do like Patti smiths rugged voice throughout the album 2.5/5 Favorites: Gloria, kimberly

Wow such a cool album. Out there for me but I’m so glad I listened

I can see why people love this record, I can see why people hate this record, to me it's uneven but it's of a piece at least. Gloria, Land and the closer stand out, although Land doesn't match the amazing first minute of build up throughout. Birdland did nothing for me, boring enough. It's definitely an album that should be on this list though. 6/10

Klarar inte rösten! Inte alls intressant musikalist heller 1/5

what a debut!

Great lyricism and unflinching weirdness through and through

look at me everyone i'm an artist doing art has songs representative of every star rating. depends on just how insufferable she feels like being at any given moment. feels like both a harsh and generous three. idk what else to do with it. it is great, and it sucks, but it’s also mid, good, and bad, too.

Ok

Very much like.

5 (Biased)

On Horses you don’t hear Patti Smith sing lyrics as much as gutturally spew words and yawps that leap from her chest in anguished spits and snarls. Smith delivers with such fervor as if possessed and Lenny Kaye is with her every step of the way with matching riffs and flourishes. This is a timeless album of grit and poetry and rock and roll that put her right up there with the rest of NYC’s mid-70s heavy hitters.

The live experience is the best, struggle to get into her albums. Some solid numbers in here tho

⭐️Birdland

I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I guess you don't get PJ Harvey without this - and a lot of others. I thought it had nice moments but never really had a hook that grabbed me after the opening of the first song.

Wasn't a fan of this. I found her voice good, but her vocal delivery grating and trying too hard to show emotions. The whole thing left me pretty cold. 2

Amazing album loved it.

Free money ! , gloria, all album is good. Punk rock 3.5

Pretty bad!

The more times I listen to this album, the more I love it. She’s like the middle-sister between Bruce Springsteen and Iggy Pop!

Even better the second time around; full of emotion and variety of energy.

i used to not rlly love this album but on this relisten i take it back it’s so good

Interesting. Not all songs and not every part of every song, but definitely interesting

A bit boring for me. I can see why some people would be into this tho.

I've really tried with this album. This is my 3rd try, and I listened at least two, full times. I still don't get it. First track is great (hence the 2). Rest is a challenge.

This is bad, and if you weren’t old you were supposed to like it, you’d recognize it as a woman who can’t sing yelling for too long about nothing in particular.

This is quite a varied album, and really showcases a strong vision from Patti Smith. At times the album feels cold, and sometimes too bare for me to really love it, but it's a solid album nonetheless.

Да, это определенно было интересно, классные песни, и, не знаю, просто хорошо, буду больше знать о ней и теперь я понимаю насколько разным может быть рок

Having read Patti Smiths book, and never her music, I was intrigued by what this would sound like. It sounds exactly like how the book sounded in my head. Angry, but tender. She is a great story teller, and I really like the female rage of this album. I think it captures that feeling so well. Would listen again, and I am intrigued by her more so as an artist

This was alright, wasn't particularly moved by it.