Reviews (page 11 of 12)
Ненавижу хиппи. Что это блин за голос. Леваки ненавидят красоту. И откуда я знаю этот альбом, где каждая песня звучит как предыдущая? I hate made-up voices Это невозможно слушать Когда начинает себя бить в грудь, просыпается желание убивать. Ноль звезд
Favoritas: -Free money -Break It Up
Siento que en partes muy gritado y con poca producción, no me pareció nada del otro mundo
The only people I ever heard praise her to the heavens were rock critics and media friendly musicians, so I was always somewhat skeptical. I was only familiar with her version of a song Springsteen gave her, and a song she collaborated on with R.E.M. on their last album with drummer Bill Berry. Turns out I should have jumped in sooner. This has one of the all-time greatest album opening lines (on a debut, no less. It tells you everything you need to know about the artist and album you're about to listen to), two incredible covers, and a style to that builds in unexpected ways. Patti Smith may always be a bit overrated in my book (she doesn't exactly have a vast body of work, just this album and a handful of follow ups). As great as this album is, I'm not ready to rank it as one of the 100 greatest rock albums, a hill Rolling Stone is apparently willing to die on. But Patti Smith gave us this album, and inspired PJ Harvey and Michael Stipe. So I'm fine with any accolades she receives.
There was a period in my life in the late 90s in college when I listened to this record at least once a day.
Much respect. Just not my thing almost 50 years later.
I love Patti Smith! Happy to see this album on the list :D
i love horses, best of all the animals, i love horses, they're my friends! https://youtu.be/lA13V84zOPI
Pat my cock. The whispering seduction makes me leap out of my leather trousers and into the paddling pool. She can touch my neck hair with her vulva.
A thunderclap of mediocrity
Never listened a full album, it´s however like i expected, solid, raw, passion. And indeed... like a renowned reviewer already mentioned, it´s a bit like PJ :)
Patti Smith made many great albums but this is still her best in every aspect.
The raw sound reminds me of PJ Harvey.
I love this record. In particular I love the version of it that I have which includes the live recording of My Generation with John Cale. I've listened to this album numerous times and the thing that struck me this time around is that, while I truly enjoy this record I never went beyond it with Patti Smith. Sure, I've heard a few other tracks of her's here and there—things that would just be in the culture by her. But while this album is compelling, it did not elicit a curiosity or desire to hear more, different records from her. Was it complete enough in its own right? Does one just need a single Patti Smith record for life and this was mine? Did she draw me into her world in such a satisfying way I needed no more or did she not draw me into her world enough? It seems that I have more questions than answers with Horses.
It is the best album in the world. Poignant.
Had a lot of hopes with the first track. Clear voice, right amount of instruments. Then the next 5 tracks sounded just like track 1... Nothing memorable
Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine.
Didn't mind it the first time but then listen the next day with Patty and I did not enjoy it nearly as much. Little too much talk singing. Definitely a bit experimental. A few of the songs were okay.
Didn't recognize her name, but did recognize the top track! (Gloria). Next track was unremarkable and I had to skip Birdland after 3min. Talking is not singing. So much talk singing. Not really enjoying the rest of this album.
Good groove but I really dislike her style of singing
Hell yeah. Great songs and great vocals. She is another artist I've only heard the hits from and have slept on. I need to dive deeper into her discography.
Vill gilla detta. Vissa låtar låter bra men överlag inte bra tyvärrrrrrr
Screechy. Overrated.
I loved this album, and now understand Patti Smith better
Great album, Patti Smith really on top of her game
Album merits at least four stars for the opener alone
Ne razumem, kaj je tu tako dobrega. Mogoče je preprosto prezahtevna glasba za moj povprečen okus.
what an interesting album. i didn't really have much time to listen to it as it was a busy day, but i managed to squeeze it in at the end of the day while doing my physiotherapy for my fucked up knee. that doesn't really have anything to do with the album though does it. this girl has a fantastic voice. beautiful, especially with the poetic nature of the lyrics as well. i really enjoy this vibe. gotta say though, not ALL of these songs did it for me. it was a it hit or miss - good enough that i think it averages out to a 3/5, which is fine. a bit hard to follow some of these tracks since they don't always get broken up in the way you would expect a song to, they just sort of go on and on and on. i don't hate that! i actually really like the ones that get a bit structurally weird. like the one called "Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de)", which just seems to involve her rattling of lines of a poem for almost 10 minutes while someone pumps a bass underneath it. no fucking clue what it's actually about, i'm sure it's something cool lmao. according to wikipedia this album has 8 tracks, plus one bonus track from a cd reissue, plus an entire additional bonus disk with the same 9 songs but performed live this time. i didn't really have time to listen to the bonus tracks unfortunately, so i guess i'm basing this just off of the original 8 tracks. hope that's not a faux pas of some sort. oh well. fave track here is Break It Up.
This was pretty great! A great punk rock journey with some amazing songs, long but never boring. Favourite: Birdland
3.5/5
I loved this. I think it's absolutely amazing.
I can see some talent here. I bet some of her other albums are amazing. This one... not so much.
Couldn’t finish. Not mine.
She has a great voice, just found her lyricism and general song creation peculiar.
This. This is the Album where the first track caught me off guard, Confused something there. But now its gonna get a better rating than before and thats just as i wanted it.
Fell asleep to it. That doesn't say a lot, or maybe it does. I don't know, she was embracing that punk energy, but didn't feel like she had the chops to back it up. Maybe it was just me being tired, but it didn't hold my interest at all. Next.
Damn. Patti Smith is the male version of Bob Dylan. Forget all this first punk stuff. Yeah, I hear a bit of that, or a bit of precursor to Elvis Costello's sound, but even more I hear the indie sound of Velvet Underground (thanks John Cale?) and wicked lyrics combined with solid but subtle instrumental harmony (i.e., Bob Dylan). I hear PJ Harvey and Courtney Love and countless others that probably owe part of their style and success to Smith's trailblazing. The instrumentation could use some more depth or quality, but her lyrics are second to none. And her delivery is so raw and electric. The album has holes, but Patti Smith is badass.
This album really wasn’t my thing, but I can see how it would have a big impact on the early punk movement. I put this on twice, hoping that it hit me a little more the second time around but no such luck. I kind of liked “Redondo Beach” and “Free Money” so I’ll be generous and give this a 3-star rating since there wasn’t anything I really hated about the record.
Expected to love this and I didn’t
Dogshit, unfortunately
Started well but overall nah
Not good
Some cool songs, others not so cool - 3 stars
I'm sure I've tried to listen to Horses from Patti Smith before, because others have cited this as an influential album. I don't enjoy listening to Smith sing. I might like "Kimberly". It reminded me a little of the Talking Heads, but as if Gordon Gano sang about half of the lyrics. "Horses" was flirting with being "okay" too. I'm not mad that I listened to the album, but I don't want to do it again.
Another classic
Enjoyed. Have forgotten already.
eh. maybe im not in a good mood today?
I listened to a good bit of punk when it was happening and current but somehow I never got to this album. It's a small regret in a lifetime of them but this one's a keeper. Adding it to the collection.
I did not find this that enjoyable to listen to. The songs did not really seem or sound a lot like music to me.
muy buen álbum punk, ni se nota que es de los 70. quiero ser amigo de patti smith
Not a single horse
Quite interesting
67/100: Not a huge fan of this album. It didn't sound all that unique, and definitely won't stick out in my memory. Honestly, I can't even recall any songs that stuck out in my mind. Overall, incredibly forgetful, so much so I think I've already forgotten it. I certainly will not revisit in the future as I likely won't think of this album ever again.
Simply stunning - the drive, the propulsion, the energy. Smith’s evocative lyrics, elusive but absorbing, encourage repeat listening and then music is pulsating the whole along. The inspiration this album provided is extraordinary. Is it punk? It’s too focused for that. Punk breaks things. This inspires and leads.
This was a strange listen. I couldn't tell if this was derivative or ground breakingly original.
Not half as punk as I thought it would be. Some cool moments but mostly not my bag.
A bit too weird for me.
Interesting, weird but emotive. Not life changing but goes somewhere. Has great examples of vocal chord versatility. Solid 3 :)
Patti is an icon but I dont like this album that much
Thought it was quite good, didnt blow my mind though or anything
Patti SMITTTH G L o R i Aa
really enjoyed it - gonna give it another proper listen and hopefully I can change this review after : P
What a solid listen from start to end
ok. Cannot see what is so amazing about this ...
Blah
wow! it's like The Doors in a woman, perhaps because of GLORIA, but lovely. so glad to hear her album, never woulda found it except this site
Who doesn't love a song where they spell out the lyrics for you? R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Didn't care too much for the carribeanesque Redondo Beach. A little bit too far out there for me.
Passionate and raw. A beat poet mixed with punk attitude. Entertaining and snarly. Found this to be really engaging, with good pacing and variety that carried throughout the album.
Punk de arte (sí es un subgénero) que es una clara referencia y origen de artistas como PJ Harvey y Savages además de ser un referente en general de la música. Este disco suena atemporal, pues podría ser de la década de los 80s, 90s o de hace 3 años porque seguro hay alguien haciendo música semejante. Aunque el punk no me encanta, este sí es uno de esos discos que creo que todos deberían de escuchar alguna vez en la vida por toda la música y artistas que de aquí se descuelgan. Aunque la música no me vuelve loco, sí se merece una calificación más alta de lo que le pondría por su importancia histórica, aunque no a todos los discos de esta lista me nazca aplicarles el mismo criterio. 3.5 que sube a 4.
Es un disco adelantado a su época y cuesta trabajo pensar que es un disco debut. Adelantado porque, aunque podría ser catalogado como Punk, seguro en su momento causó conmoción y sigue siendo influencia de qué y cómo suenan hoy las mujeres que quieren hacer algo distinto al Pop. Hasta la portada se ve como algo más nuevo que 1975. Rifadísima la versión de Gloria. Por otro lado, el que sea Punk o innovador no lo hace fácil de masticar. La verdad es que hacia el final se pone tedioso. Con todo, le alcanza para un 3.5 que redondea para arriba.
Independent, rule breaking, punk AF, majestic voice. I get it and love it.
Ok. I really wanted to like this album because it's so influential. But I just don't do well with meandering lyrics and song structures. It makes sense that she toured with Dylan a lot as they both have very poetic styles. I do like her voice, so maybe I'll try a few other albums to see if they have more structure.
What a voice. So raw, authentic, so undeniably evocative of the person in the era. I’ve never listened to this, even though I’ve heard about it a lot.
4th November 2022 Listened in the day while getting the house ready for Surfrisday to come and stay. Loved it, Patti Smith is raw energy and fight and this is epitomised here.
Great album. I love the poetry.
Good blend of genres
I always thought Patti Smith was awesome, but never could find a record I liked much - so much so, that I started dismissing her - until I absent-mindedly drifted to a show of hers - and whoa... her live shows are wonderful - poetry with teeth, powerful music and Patti oozes charisma like no one else - even today. The record still don't capture and bottle that wonderful fleeting moment of watching a Patti Smith show - but now I can see them in context. Obviously Horses is the quintessential Patti Smith album - and once you know that she is a deeply talented poet with a backing band - it all makes sense. And the context in which this album is released and her grip on the rock'n'roll canon is impossible to ignore. This is a great album.
What an album! This review comes from an oftentimes punk hater and a major lyric enthusiast. Patti is clearly the godmother of punk and a genius at combining poetry and punk. That opening track and even opening line is absolutely glorious!! I don't know how but she makes me love punk and as a result love her. What an exciting, spicy, punchy album of twists and turns and well under an hour in length, what's not to love?!
'Gloria' strikes such a chord in me
Well I have to admit I don't know Patti Smith that much and whilst I enjoyed a good section of this, I have to say I didn't some of it. I guess I could see where it was going and the style but it just wasn't all my bag. Maybe it needs a relisten. Soz James don't @ me
Well it's a bloody tour de force isn't it. One of my all time favourite albums. Just phenomenal. Birdland is beautiful, long and excellent. Gloria is just excellent. I love Free Money, always gets me going. What an album.
Nervig.
I’m not really vibing with this album, but certainly has a vibe of its own. I’ve been in a place to really appreciate this, but it’s not right now. A few more plays of this…I feel like it would grow on me.
weird and gay, i liked it
I love this album from the very first line that "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine". The excitement in this music is still vibrant. The poetry and emotion and raw rock. Free Money and Redondo Beach are favorites but the whole record sparkles and crackles.
I've never heard of this album before not really my kind of thing but i can respect it feels like it could of been made today
It's interesting that Patti Smith was among the first, if not the first person from the New York punk scene to put out a successful album. It's easy to see how her style was influenced by the other bands in the scene, despite the fact that it would be hard to label this album as punk now. It has a really cool stripped down style that compliments her lyrics and vocals well. Having John Cale from the Velvet Underground certainly helps the album, as the production is excellent. The album flies by pretty fast. It doesn't feel like there is any filler in the album. 4/5
how do people actually listen to this hoyl shti
I hear Gwen Stefani meets Lou Reed.
Some great highlights and some below parity.
Very experimental with good energy in places.
-S Tier- Birdland -A Tier- Gloria Free Money -B Tier- Kimberly Break It Up Elegie -C Tier- Redondo Beach Land: Horses AVG SCORE: 3.25 / 5 - - - Patti’s voice is just haunting. Birdland brought me to tears.
Weinerliche Stimme
Great sound. Great lyrically. No criticism.
Somewhat similar album to yesterday's Minutemen record - very original, experimental, but at the same time it doesn't lose any of the value by trying to be over the top. Entertaining release by Patti Smith, who is a very unconventional singer in my opinion and for sure someone that can be very divisive in how she's perceived by others. For me it was 50/50. In some songs, like in opening "Gloria", her voice sounded amazing together with funky/rock work from her band, fast-flowing, very upbeat. But at times, in longer tracks, her voice sounded too mundane and was even irritating, like in the 9 minute composition "Birdland". Instrumental-wise, the album is rather simple, but it works really well with "more complicated" style of Patti. It's a really nice album and I can understand that it was some sort of an innovation, or a setting stone for a new generation of music.
The OG punk poet priestess whips is all into an ecstatic state. May not be a repeat listen, but essential nonetheless.
Somehow I'd never listened to Patti Smith before. I don't know if I'd listen to this again but I did enjoy it. "Gloria" was the standout track for me.
CD
Punk
Patti Smith rules. I had never listened to one of her records before and this just seriously rocks.
The nice thing about this website is that I’m getting an opportunity to listen to albums that have been sitting on my radar for too long. Horses is one of them. I’ve been aware of it for years and it should’ve been right up my alley: I love the 70’s NYC art/punk scene (Television, Richard Hell, Ork Records), The Frogs aped the cover of Horses for “It’s Only Right and Natural”…more than enough reasons for me to have checked this out. Now here I am, 41, wondering why no one sat me down and forced me to listen to this record A Clockwork Orange style. It’s that good. I’ll put it this way, if you were to listen to Horses and Television’s Marquee Moon back to back, you’d automatically be the coolest person in whatever room you walked into afterwards. If you like the NYC art rock scene (Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, Television) and haven’t heard this record…don’t be like me, go listen now. Horses is one of the rare records on this list that I hadn’t heard and actually needed to hear before I die.
brb listening to a whole bunch more Patti Smith
Fricken badass
Genius version of Gloria. Indeed this is all good and also interesting. Overall I enjoyed it more than I expected too, especially the first and last songs. 3.5 rounding up for the perfection of the album cover art.
This was incredible
Definitely not my thing.
Patti is so damn cool.
Gotta give it up for Patti
I like her vibes and her politics but jesus you can smell the condescending arrogant "I'm cleverer than you" new york art scene of the 70s bullshit dripping off every one of her tracks.
Really boring. Bizzare songs with bizarre lyrics that last forever and feel like they're about nothing. Would be a 1.5 if I could give it that.
Slayed
It was wack
Apparently very good punk rock? I don’t hear it
I can see the influence, and love the crooning. Not so crazy on the poetry.
Listened to it a few times in the past and a relisten today confirmed that this album is not for me. Most songs are too long and however much of a poet Smith is, I just hear moaning.
This is great early punk some really weird song structures
C’est moyen pour etre franc. Precurseur du punk… pascertain. 3
The album is interesting but doesn’t really hold you or make you really pay attention. Nothing inherently memorable.
totally put off by the vocals and not a fan.
Its, soso...1
I can see a lot of modern acts that have been influenced by Patti Smith. With her powerful rock/punk to the punchiness of her spoken word, she is definitely a seminal artist in the punk rock scene, particularly in New York - even beating The Ramones on this release by 5 months. Patti's style has never gone out of fashion, and has set the tone for smart, unbending female rockers of generations since, and undoubtedly will into the future. Best: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo Worst: Elegie
It's great how most of the tracks start quiet and build up, plus there's plenty of punk attitude in the vocals. A decent album that probably needs a few listens to be truly appreciated.
Great proto punk from the Patti meister. Can hear a bit of PJ in there as well as all sorts. Patti has a great way with words and being pissed off both things I enjoy.
Great album, full of punky anger and eloquence
Pleasant
Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Giving it a 3.5, but reckon further listens would bump it to a 4/4.5.
Big fan of all of that
bit too spoken word-y for my taste
not my kind of thing
quite liked this album, favourite track: Kimberly
Horse Girl Rock - twisted
Nice early Saturday morning album to accompany a cup of coffee and the latest awful headlines from the frontlines of neo-liberal collapse. A pleasant soundtrack to observing the early stages of an unfolding apocalypse from a relatively safe distance. Punk poetics.
Started the first track and it's pretty cool but my head hurts so much right now I gotta come back to it after painkillers.
I liked the song Gloria - definitely in the rock category
This was good, 3*
Really enjoyed this. a high 3 or low 4. Probably wouldn't be a 4 usually but feeling generous.
Don't like anything on this album.
she slayed on this one
Okay some speak singing stuff and fun guitar stuff. but I am not as into the abstract stuff without really interesting instrumentals.
Not bad by any means but it really didn't impress me much
This was interesting. Not exactly my cup of tea, but also not that far out there for me. I think this is a good album. But other moments had me thinking "I'd be happy to never hear this again". Maybe another listen would do it more justice. But I also wasn't compelled enough to consider another listen for the future.
Straight-up overrated, though the great opening line raised expectations perhaps unfairly. Being ironic about things like "Gloria" and "NIght of a Thousand Dances" really isn't that ironic, much less arch; and if it's a deconstruction exercise, is it worth the time? How this is an advancement on punk is just not clear. Would we feel differently about all this if Mapplethorpe hadn't shot the cover? Passion and commitment only get you so far.
that sucks
Couldnt do it. Her voice killed it for me.
Dark and lively, jivey kind-of-goth. Emotional to bits.
Just didn't interest me.
活力のある女性シンガーという印象。時代の最先端だったんだろうな、と思う。またゆっくり聴いてみたい。
Klassík. Snilldar plata.
Great Album, My first ever 12" single was "Gloria in Excellsis Deo" CW "My Generation" what a great version which I think at least equals Van's original with "Them" and The "Who" version I am sure Townsend was pleased when he heard this revamp. Love it to bits. Absolutely right for this list my favourites the aforementioned "Gloria" "Redondo Beach" and "Break it up"
Patti Smith is a fascinating artist. This album showed her punk and gentle sides, which I thought was cool. The album had a definitive late 80s and 90s vibe.
discazooo also el primero que me toca de una mujer así que perdón si soy biased pero puntitos extra por eso. 8/10
I really want to like this one. Patti is a serious rocker, and a couple of tracks (Gloria) show that off. Nevertheless, most of the material here is simply not for me. I don't understand most of them. Why is Land of 1000 Dances done this way? No idea.
Yeah aight
Bit shit
I rocking little number!
I can see why this sounded fresh at the time, so I'll give it an extra star for that. But this album was a nothing-burger-with-cheese.
I prefer music that is less atonal. It works as it is intended and it makes sense that it is included here. Just not my taste.
Punky Patti has a pretty keen poetic vision that translates loudly and proudly on her debut produced by the great John Cale. I prefer the more structured bits over the long two-chord rambles.
I was excited to finally give this a listen, but ended up respecting it more than really loving it. Somehow it stands apart from the music came before it (despite not really introducing any new sounds), and had a massive influence on what came after (despite not really sounding like what ‘punk’ eventually became). It also very clearly inspired Razorlight - make of that what you will. I like the energy and there are some thrilling moments but also lots of meandering in between. I don’t feel compelled to keep returning to this album. 3 / 3.5 for influence or whatever.
Eh
I love her energy.
You gotta really be ok with Patti Smith's voice to get through the entire album. I prefer it over Janis Joplin, but I can understand a similar criticism. Notable tracks: "Gloria", "Redondo Beach", and "Free Money".
I can hear a lot of bands that came after Patti in this album.
great
Not a fan of Patti Smith
Enjoyable, kinda mellow punk, the live version of my generation can get in the sea but overall enjoyed
The way that Patti sings "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine" is the best opening line ever. Patti is cool but her music is a tad overrated.
I love Patti smith
What can I say? It's grunge, it's passionate, it's noise, it's sometimes tuneless wailing. At its best it's deep and meaningful, at its worst it makes you think about opening a vein.
Glorious!
Punk's poet laureate, with her savage voice.
the instrumentals are nice
Aliens, sacrilege, stolen money, apocalypse in a major key, drowning sisters, a jet plane, I IV V chord progressions galore, and horses, horses, horses, horses. A masterpiece full stop. This SHOULD have been a late genre Post-Punk great, except for the fact that it predates even the Ramones' first album by half a year, leaving this artistic fever dream of Rock n' Roll ephemera as a crucial cornerstone of all Punk and anything Alt to follow.
Huge overrated and not nearly as powerful, poetic, passionate as it desperately wants to be. It works in moments, but not in any sustained way and it just sounds raw and exhibitionistic and overly emoted now. Who cares enough about "Gloria" to search for the irony or the deconstruction? Same as the imagistic dream of "Horses" morphing into "Land of a Thousand Dances." Its reputation seems vastly overblown all these years on.
I see why it's a classic, but it didn't hold my interest all the way through.
The longer tracks are great.
Meh, didn't do anything for me.
Definitely some interesting and important ideas that are communicated concisely and intelligently but the musical stylings didn’t totally do it for me
there’s something compelling here, but i found it hard to focus on the lyrics and didnt love the production.
Wasn't all that interested in, whiney voice.
Better each listen. Great mix of genres.
I am simply not a fan
Cut like 12 minutes off the runtime and this is at least a 4. Too many of these songs drag on way too long. Even still, a very good record
One of the most influential albums in history. Patti Smith is a poet, and although there's not much relation to the punk sound, her music represents the spirit of everything punk stands for. Immediately in the opening "Gloria", we get one of the strangest covers in history. Starts off with a poem with some truly iconic lines and use of pathos in her word choice. Jesus did not die for her sins: straight away we see how free spirited and expressive she wishes to be. There are references to her androgynous image by the ambiguity of the subject. And of course the only actual part of the song they cover is the "GLORIA" chorus. One of the most influential songs in punk for sure, be whoever you want, express yourself however you want, and fuck society's standards. "Redondo Beach" is a bit of a strange one. A favorite if only because reggae sounds cool. But it's reggae a couple years before Bob Marley made it mainstream, so seeing a reggae song here is out of left field. Ska and punk have a strong relation, and I guess this is where it started. But besides that, reggae music sounds happy, yet this song is about a girl drowing at the beach. "You'll never return to my arms cause you are gone gone" jfc "Birdland" is a disturbing 10-minute poem expressed by a piano, distortion, and her distraught voice, based on Steve Reich's Book of Dreams. "Free Money" starts off soft but immediately becomes the hardest song on the album, displaying her ability to swap between loud and expressive (very punk-like) and melodic and controlled. "Kimberly" is probably my favorite song, a very early example of New Wave with the groovy bassline and uplifting organ. "Break it Up" has Tom Verlaine on the guitar, which is why it sounds like something from Marquee Moon. By far the most chaotic track. John Cale worked in the production, and apparently he wanted strings. I agree with the decision not to, I can't imagine this to be a Paris 1919 copycat. "Land" is a 10-medley that serves as an ode to early rock n roll. I personally think this is the best song in her discography, excellent work on Cale's part between the use of two track vocals and the instruments coming in and out, having a strong garage style. I also enjoyed the solemn nature of the closer "Elegie" and the intense wild nature of the bonus cover "My Generation". Horses embraces itself in its minimalistic instruments, but I consider that to be its greatest weakness. The chord progressions and simple, which ties well with the punk diy model and puts emphasis on Patti's vocals and lyrics, and there's nothing wrong with that, but I wish the simple instrumental they did choose could be more interesting. This is more problematic in the first half. Otherwise, her lyric writing skills rival that of Dylan.
6/28/2022 - ALBUM #152 Today's Album: "Horses" by Patti Smith - This is hailed as a pioneer for it's influence in the history of punk rock music and it's avantgarde approach to songwriting and I have to agree with that report. This album did not impress me upon first listen. The simple chord progressions and eclectic vocals made the first song feel like a strange amalgamation of dramatic country and cracked up Alanis Morrissette. However, once I learned this was produced by The Velvet Underground's John Cale, I took the time to really listen to this album deeply and appreciate the subtle minimalism of this punk album. The way many of these songs start with dramatic and rich piano chords, but build with sailing guitars and melodic bass make each song have this punching impact that is only pushed further by her cracking and whining vocals. The track Birdland demonstrates this very well by telling this extremely strange story of a boy seeing his dead father in the belly of a ship and wanting to crawl inside of it. It's a really long experimental piece that is quite frankly hard to listen to, but it has such this chaotic and impressive build to it. I do think sometimes her vocals don't completely live up to the sound she is going for, but I think that also sometimes adds to the experience. I think the thing with punk rock it I would really like it more if there were absolutely any vocal effects added, but I believe it's part of the genre to have very raw vocals. It's something I really wish I could accept more than I do, but it does take away from many of these tracks that I just have to sort of tune out her singing to really enjoy it. The band is going absolutely insane on many of these tracks and as much as I would try to give that credit to John Cale's production, I think a lot of the fun of this album is found within the songwriting, which is all Smith. I love the soundscapes that Smith builds. though, with the end of Free Money ranking pretty highly in that regard. I like the sailing guitar lines on the track Break it Up as well and some of the percussive hits before the last chorus are captivating. I do think the track Land: Horses... is very impressive, but I also think it goes on just a tad long to be very enjoyable on an attentive listen. It's definitely more of something you put on in the background to observe casually. This album is pretty lucky that My Generation - Live is included on the first disk, because I think it acts as a way more exciting closer than the track Elegie, which kind of just ends the album on more of a shrug. My Generation is an incredibly fun and lively cover of The Who's My Generation and I think it exceeds the original by a lot. It's a great way to end this ultimately mixed punk album. Overall, this was a very good exercise in tolerating some pretty difficult, yet rewarding music. If you have the time to give this album a listen, maybe try to give it a few more spins if you don't immediately like it. It seems very clunky and awkward at first, but by my third listen I really have grown to respect what this album is going for and trying to accomplish. Give this one a listen if you want a challenge. Highlights: Gloria in Excelsis Duo, Redondo Beach, Free Money, My Generation - Live Score: 7/10 A strange and awkward punk album that grew on me over time
1975 - Punk rock; art punk; garage rock
I normally like unique voices but I just can't get into Patti Smith. My third time listening to this album and it still just feels like loud wailing and wavering from a voice that isn't super great to begin with. I get that a lot of people really love her, but it isn't for me unfortunately.
Альбом драйвовый и необычный. Круто звучит.
Ihan semi ok levy ja toisena päivänä olis vaan 2* mutta tällä kertaa taipuu kolmoseen.
Pattitudee, ihan jeekkis levy
Well that's interesting. Previously I've never enjoyed Patti Smith's work, but this time round I like it enough to add to my library. I might even like this a lot now.
Pretty good. I reckon PJ Harvey is a fan!
Not really a fan. I liked a couple of songs though.
One of my favourite albums of all time. It's an easy 5. If the ratings went any higher it'd be a 10.
Niet slecht
Unexpected
Not really my thing
Didn’t do anything for me.
It's alright 3
a bit whiny, have to like it
Good album, would give it another listen. Found the music to be interesting
it has been WAY too long since i listened to this basically perfect album
This might be a fun live show, but as an album, it falls flat. Honestly, I wanted to hate this more than I actually did. Best track: Kimberly
Really liked this, you can see why she's been so influential. Like a lot of these artists on 1001, the best stuff is the early stuff before they disappear up their own arses.
Another nice discovery. I haven't spent a lot of time with Patti but I do enjoy what I've listened to so it was nice to sit down with a whole album and would certainly like to spend more time with it. Faves: Gloria
Largely forgettable.
Can women rock? Yes they can.
proto prunk proetry
Patti Smith je legenda, također i ovaj album koji je u potpunosti producirao John Cale (The Velvet Underground). Dao bi 8,5-9/10.
Mumbling 80lvl
The Punk Godmother, I got Gloria on a 12" with Hey Joe on the other side. She was electric then and when she teamed up with the Boss to write Because The Night...Wow. Horses is a great album and My Favourite track is her interpretation of Van Morrisons "Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" Rightly On the list
Good album, just not for me
Uuujee tykkään kyllä! Hieno kokonaisuus joka antaa tilaa sille mitä on tulossa tämän levyn jälkeen! 3/5
Ei ihan mun tyyliä, vaikka hieno artisti onkin.
Musta on hienoa, että Patti Smith on olemassa ja yleisesti tykkään kyllä sen musasta. Tässä levyssä ihan siistejä juttuja, ja ehkä tulevaisuudessa nousee arvosana mutta toistaiseksi 3/5
It’s nice to hear that most of the female and some of the male voices of the New Wave and post-punk movement took their vocal inflections from Patti Smith. Iconic.
Pattis is a cool artists who actually cares. She was quite influential on, many artists I really like such as PJ Harvey. The punk OGs like the Ramones were also influenced by her but it's not like this album and the Ramones had the same sound. Not even close. This is an excellent debut album.
Over the years the critics rarely mention Patty Smith without mentioning this album in the same sentence, and especially her version of Gloria. I think her combination of (pre) punk and rambling poetry is a great one-two punch. There are brilliant tracks but some are a bit over the top for me, Birdland, for examples. I think her song-writing improved over subsequent albums, but this is a great debut and a milestone in the development of punk rock. The Robert Mapplethorpe photo is classic.
This is quite an audacious debut album and I think her rendition of Gloria surpasses Van Morrison’s in terms of passion and emotion.
This music has grit! I liked it.
What a vocal delivery! Such power and passion put into the words, with a unique blend of punk and improvisation. Felt like a concert throughout.
Not bad but for today's ears, the revolutionary and groundbreaking aspect of her music style has disappeared. A decent album without any real highlights
I can see how this influenced a lot of music, but it just wasn’t listenable enough for me to come back to in the future
Teksten die soms buiten het ritme van de muziek vallen: speciaal, maar op een of andere manier past het wel
Love this 👍
I want to like this more but just felt it to be alright and nothing more. 5/10
The sound of music reminiscent of that I already know is pretty common. What's rare is for that feeling of recognition to be tilted at just the right angle. Horses hit me that way and at exactly the right time: I heard an obviously seminal punk album but also something country, something city, just enough obvious weirdness to draw the ear deep in. Deep into a very rough recording, but I didn't bounce out, and I'm glad of that.
This opens like its from the 70s. Redondo Beach is a fun forward feeling song. Birdland is a strange song choice for the third spot, but if a spoken work poem is more your speed then its fine. It has fun dynamics at least. Break It Up is a cool ballad. I'm on the fence on if I want to hear this one again.
A classic for a reason, bolstered by two art-punk epics in birdland and land
What a voice! Such an interesting album.
3.5/5. Gets better every time I hear it.
leuk als achtergrond
Not my kind of music.
I'd rather listen to my grandpa shit in a can
Already listened
It's a good album from one of the mistresses of psychedelic rock from the 70s. I respect her a lot.
Can't listen to this. Her vocal inflection kills EVERYTHING!
Just alright
She cool
Reminds me a bit of early Nick Cave, though I'm sure that's the wrong way around. Highlight: Kimberly.
2/5 something was off
She's the coolest girl I know 😍 So clever with lyrics and style, easy 5.
This is one of those albums that are so career defining and important, it should be heard by everyone. When I bought this album back in the early 80's or so, I have to admit I didn't take to it right away. It's an intense listen and it's not for everyone, but again it should be heard. It's a "game-changer" in so many ways and changed the way feminism and woman's issues were viewed by mainstream culture and music. Another defining moment in the 70's. Enough babble, have a listen!
Fuck "Birdland". So long and aggressively annoying. The rest of the album was a mixed bag. Definitely one that's more important than it is enjoyable.
There are parts that are kind of cool, and parts that I hate. Birdland is a good example. Lyrics seem cool. I hate the singing parts - the style of barely forming words with your mouth and just making noises. I like the instrumental parts of Gloria, but I hate the way she spits out words like the worst kind of punk and/or grunge, especially in the first half of the song. This is also how I feel about the album in general: I like the instrumental parts and most lyrics, but I don't much like the vocal style. In the end, I feel like it's very close to something I would like. Parts of it remind of like...PJ Harvey or something (who can be extremely good).
Nothing really stood out about this. Other than it seemed like a lot of angst. Felt it got a bit too much by the end. Just a lot of unpleasant moaning
Meh, there were a few times where I thought things were getting better and then it just went back to feeling like spoken-word poetry.
Turns out I know this album less well than I thought; only a few songs are actually all that familiar. But definitely liking it a lot. Even the weird pseudo-reggae of Redondo Beach worked for me, somewhat unexpectedly (what was it about 80s new wave and strange reggae?!) Birdland a bit tedious, I guess. Free Money is great though. Break it Up too. And Horses is obviously amazing. Like Elegie too.
So she seems to go out of her way to make her voice as unpleasant as possible. I don't know why one would do that when your art form involves people listening to your voice. 'Free Money' was the only song that was kind of okay, though I didn't listen well to it since I was working. But it's what bumped this to a 2.
da familia smith e tals
probably good but not for me
It finally arrived on the lineup: An album that I acknowledge as genuinely good, but personally disliked. There's no good reason for me to dislike it, and I know that--but stylistically it's very far off from what I enjoy. This doesn't diminish the quality of the vocals, the songwriting, the melody lines, or anything else about it. It doesn't change the fact that this album deserves to be here. A little extra shout-out to my fave track, Gloria: In Excelsis Deo (the first one). Five-star quality here, but I'm docking a star because I didn't personally enjoy it. I know that's unfair, but life is unfair and that's just how it goes sometimes.
It's fine but not my favorite
She brought rock to poetry
3, was a nice listen
Not bad not bad 6/10
A doom-scroll through Patti’s Twitter feed circa 1975, which tends gloomily apocalyptic—“Jesus died for somebody’s sins but not mine,” “Little sister, the sky is falling,” and “Down by the ocean it was so dismal” setting the tone. As a real-life poet, her storytelling and language prowess is audacious. Not that you should expect to follow what she’s saying in a strictly logical sense. Forget narrative lacuna, these songs abound with non-sequiturs and sense-defying leaps that you’ll either find tantalising or infuriating. She doubles down on her prophet come-on with a crystal ball-gazing delivery, slurring and ululating and intoning in a way that’s frankly obnoxious. And there’s the rub. For all the meaning-mongering, this is rock music. Punk music, to be exact. Therefore, feeling—not logic—is king. Thumb your nose, cock a snook, be a brat. Be a kid, for god's sake. And lest we forget, kids come in all shapes and sizes, including moody and tenebrous. But what really sticks it to the squares is that all the posturing is shored up by a sinewy, febrile groove, resplendent with sizzling hooks, electric boogie, and Lenny Kaye’s whip-smart guitar.
Eh.
Weird
Alright, not sure I was a fan of her voice but some good rocking songs.
Some good punky elements at times, but it was both a bit scattered and kind of safe.
I can understand the influence this had and the songwriting is unique, but it was not pulling me in on first listen. Could definitely be a grower though.
Any review of "Horses" must cover at least the following: - Patti Smith invented punk, new-wave, and probably poetry as well. - "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine" is bigger than Jesus. - And it's even more impressive because she's a woman as well, you know. Much of the above is overstated, but still rings true in a sense... so I won't bore you all with it again here. But it must be said that listening to "Horses" as part of a series of 1001 albums to hear before dying, it stands out as a masterstroke. It was 1975! The 1970s had only just settled in, prog was about to die off, and Smith is here channelling the wild abandon of punk, the cool detachment of new wave, and sheer poetic beauty of the avant-garde. "Gloria" is the album in a nutshell, the track everyone should hear as a bare minimum. The solemnity of its piano intro (and yes, that opening line), the slow build of the guitars and the moment where the beat shifts from lilting swing to a sudden, propulsive straight rhythm. Eventually, after Smith yelps and howls her way through the verses, there's the catharsis of the chorus, a transformed beast from the Them's 60s hit. It's a perfect introduction to an icon of rock. It's true that there is some indulgence in the two nine-minute tracks ("Birdland" and "Land"), but it's played so damn well. The vocals are astonishing throughout both of these long pieces, moving from plaintive and held back ("it was as if someone had spread butter on the stars they started to slip") to a frothy-mouthed frenzy of machine gun rhymes. The band move perfectly to support her, even without relying on drums in the stunning "Birdland": they allow a listener to get completely lost in the momentum, and match Smith's intensity expertly. In between the three epics, the other songs worthy of praise are "Kimberley", where Smith displays a much needed softer, commercial leaning side, and the frenetic "Free Money", with a glorious snare breakdown and a slow build almost as electrifying as "Gloria". For an artist praised as looking ahead and signalling a hundred new movements at once, Smith is still lovingly indebted to rock which has come before. The closing "Elegie", for Jimi Hendrix (and lifting a couple of his lyrics) is Smith at her most sincere. Elsewhere, she takes delight in bastardising tradition, shaping pop standards to keep up with her restless vision and rapid vocalisation. "Gloria" and "Land of a Thousand Dances" are two such examples, and delivered with such originality that could only be admired. Most of this commentary is what any review could tell you. "Horses" is universally loved as an alternative album and will still be thought of as such 100 years from now. Objectively, it is of course a 10/10: but I'm going to have to dock slightly based on some personal preference. "Break It Up" is a collaboration with Smith's sometime partner and fellow CBGB's star Tom Verlaine- other than his signature guitar and an impassioned vocal performance in the chorus, it's fairly unremarkable and possesses the album's most mediocre hook. "Redondo Beach" is lightweight reggae coming in between the incredibly intense high watermarks of "Gloria" and "Birdland": as a result it almost feels too insubstantial, not enough substance. It also hasn't particularly aged well and is the most in-step with the 1970s of all the songs here. Even though "Land" is generally phenomenal and one of the most intense, vivid flights of fancy through abuse, penknives, wordplay, escape, dance and horses, it loses a point for its jam session which is the exact same chords, tempo and rhythm as "Gloria". As a bottom line, though, maybe I still haven't caught up yet. Giving "Horses" a 4 doesn't change my mind on its classic status, and it shouldn't change yours.
The music is fun and energetic and maybe catchy but pattis voice sucks ass. Also in a somewhat bad mood when I listened to this
One of those albums I felt so familiar with the existence of, it made me feel like I knew the album itself, but on listening realized I was slightly familiar with the first song and not at all with anything else. Honesty didn't care for it that much. The vocals are so absolutely the defiant "I'm not part of your system" arrogance of youth and I'm just too old for that shit anymore.
I respect what she was doing at the time but not my vibe
My go-to Patti Smith albums for enjoyable listening are Wave and Gone Again; Horses was new to me and I found it a harder listen. It's just so raw, so visceral. Which is true of the albums I know as well, and maybe it's just a result of being better acquainted with them idk, but Horses was a less melodic listen somehow. Ultimately, like others have said Patti is more edgy poet than musician, especially here, and some level of discomfort is perhaps the point. The standout tracks for me were Free Money and Birdland. I'll definitely listen to this one again.
The sheer greatness of the first track carries the rest of this thing when it occasionally gets a little too artsy for my tastes. Essential listening, IMO; even if you don’t love it, this is an important album.
Top album, zon prachtige stem en zo tijdloos
Listened to quite a few times before. Great early proto punk album.
Great album
Eh 2/5
Amazing early punk. Like a female Bob Dylan with an edge.
Powerful rock anthems!
Great singer of the '70s.
Even though this isn't an album I'd pop on any day of the week, I think the raw power on display is worthy of 4 stars. Also didn't realize how influential this album is in rock history.
My album notes didn't save from yesterday, but it's a 4
Goodness me that VOICE
Unique. I like a lot of it but it's not sub-genre of punk I'm excited about. Probably should have listened to the lyrics harder
A classy classic. And I really like the album cover
Meh
It was alright but I had a hard time paying attention. One recognized song
Me ha gustado mucho
Now that's what I'm talking about. An album that both changed music and kicked ass. Patti Smith, everyone!
That was rockin’! I dug it! I thought it would be more noisy, for some reason, but it was great as it was.
One of the things that impresses me the most about Horses is its highs and lows. This is an album that hits the peakiest peaks and rockiest bottoms. Songs rise and fall in shape, mood, volume, never ending where they start. Patti Smith enunciates (or doesn’t) as if she just needs to work this shit out for herself and doesn’t really care if you understand it. That means that, even if I can’t completely follow the through-line of the lyrics, every once in a while a phrase leaps out and keeps me curious, enthralled. (“Your soul was like a network of spittle…”) Of course I love Gloria and its opening line “Jesus died for somebody’s sins but not mine,” especially the second time when she is so quietly smug on “but not mine.” Birdland is an epic poem that starts with some nice piano and Smith’s sweet, almost girlish voice describing the funeral of a farmer and the son he left behind. “It was as if someone had spread butter on all the fine points of the stars, ‘cause when he looked up, they started to slip. Then he put his head in the crux of his arm and he started to drift.” And on the word “drift,” her voice slides into her more familiar growl, and we are beamed into space with the son, his farmer father, a raven, and some doo-wop. Incredible. Free Money starts again with delicate piano that is soon overtaken by relentless rhythm guitar and drums, ending in frenetic chaos. Kimberly is a 70s punk take on 60s girl groups, I think, and there’s something captivating about the refrain, “Little sister the sky is falling. I don’t mind. I don’t mind.” Like Birdland, the track Land is epic and made me all like, “Whoa!” There is so much here: “From the other ends of the hallway, a rhythm is generating.” “He pressed him against a lockah!” “He saw horses, horses, horses, horses, horses, horses, horses, horses, do you know how to pony like bony maroney?” (Holy shit. WHAT???) “…sperm coffin…” “Can’t you show me nothin’ but surrender?” “Except for one who sees his possibilities. What he sees is possibilities. Seize us, possibilities.” And in the middle of all that is some great rock and roll piano which, as we may have already discussed, I am a sucker for. Finally, the cover of this album is itself a work of feminist art and I am deeply in love with it. Can I give it seventeen stars?
I tried to like this album. I listened to it three times. Every time I felt like there were places where it felt like the song was going to get good and hook me, but it never did. I waited half a day for a third listen thinking maybe it was my mood or what I was doing in the day or something and expecting that I might hear it with new ears… but alas. This just didn’t work for me.
very simple punk rock
Poesía musicada de Patti Smith. Vinilo total.
Poesía musicada de Patti Smith. Vinilo total.
Bah, no me a encantado. Un poco igual y gritona sin ritmo.
Couldn't take her voice. I know she is well recognized. But not for me.
Who from our generation doesn't remember the building power of "Gloria". Raw and fun. That said, the rest of the album did not age well. Good; not great. She was great live. Saw my freshman year. Was in a line-up with Grateful Dead and some no-name down at UMass.
Its okay. I get the feeling this didn't age well, but it feels like the kind of album that would be acceptable to make brunch to. Giving it 2 stars feels and equating it to the flaming lips feels sort of harsh, so if 2.5 were an option that's where I'd go on this one. Might give the live version a listen
decent creative album, very unique
What?
Patti Smith's distinctive voice works perfectly with some pretty haunting lyrical themes. I found the album an ok listen.
listened
Fiona Apple but faster. Some of the guitar work sounds like the Strokes.
This isn’t my favorite style of music, but I can see the influence on future work and artists. This must have been jarring at the time.