Horses

This album's amazing. That's the start of the review. I'm running out of ways to start these things. This is Patti Smith's 1975 debut album Horses. I love it. This is definitely a landmark album in some ways. The fact that an album like this was released in 1975 is astonishing in the best way possible. The sound is excellent. The general feel is consistent, but each song's theming is distinct in a way to make each song stand out. Speaking of which, the writing of these songs is really good. The enjoyable sound is balanced by personal writing about things like growing up poor in the song "Free Money" or her younger sister in the song "Kimberly." The album's opener "Gloria" is just great. The singing is quite good. The progression of the album is perfect. As far as 70s debut albums from art punk acts that got their start at CBGB, I do prefer Television's Marquee Moon just a smidge, but there's no denying that Horses is an amazing first showing and an excellent proto-punk album that really stands out in a list like this. Horses is great. 5/5.

I've nothing to add. This is a permanent one.

Excelente

I'm a "music-first, lyrics-later" person, and accordingly, I've always had trouble enjoying the most theatrical and conceptual cuts on this album (like "Land" or "Birdland"), whether as background music or even as in more focused listening sessions -- probably because harmonically speaking, the music is very linear, or not very sophisticated when it comes to the chord sequences. After all, the first section of "Land" is basically a rehash of the album's opener, and it's not particularly striking music on paper. Likewise, Patti's voice can be grating if you're not entirely focusing on her lyrics. I've just played it while we were eating as a family tonight. And it was more static in our ears than a provider of an enticing mood for everyone involved. But maybe that's all for the best that this music still sounds inadequate in a bourgeois or "normative" setting decades after it's release. Because when you *do* listen to Patti's words and performance, oh boy, it becomes a one-of-a-kind epic, poetic adventure. Rare are the albums when the difference between the two listening approaches is so telling. And then, as far as the music is only concerned, the one on opener "In Excelsior Deo" (which I mentioned earlier), followed by the iconic cover of Van Morrison's "Gloria", definitely manages to equal the original source of inspiration, which is no small feat. Because as "unoriginal" as this music is, it also displays an energy that sounds like no other one on Earth. And so does the one of "Free Money" or "Break It Up". There, what might sound annoying or even grating on casual listens becomes a mystical experience. Especially Patti Smith's fascinating vocal performance. I mean, the line opening the album says it all, doesn't it? And so do the last moments of eerie closer "Elegie", filled with a sense of dread about the dead that borders on mysticism as well. Here was a new sort of prophetess, and you just can't deny that what Smith attempted to do on this debut was bound to be high art first or never exist at all. So yeah, maybe this record has been a tad bit overrated by the "critics" when it came out. But it's still so distinctive, and such a harbinger of so many great things to come -- mostly for female-fronted rock and punk bands -- that absolutely, it's got to be in this list. And also mine, I guess. 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 5. 9.5/10 for more general purposes (5 + 4.5) Number of albums left to review: around a hundred, as I've gone over the 1000 line and this generator is including albums from all editions of the book Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 441 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 260 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 319

Unique, interesting sound, love the poetic lyrics too

I've listened to this before and I'm not quite sure why I haven't listened to it more. The album starts off really strong and doesn't get much weaker after that. Gloria and Land are the stand out tracks, but it's all good.

Tell me that someone else can replicate even half of the frantic creative energy that Patti Smith put into this album and I’ll know you’re lying. She wears her influences on her sleeve and outdoes them in the process

A masterpiece of underground rock! Every song builds up to a utopic climax of singing, and guitar. Favorite Song: "Gloria"

As addictive to listen to as (what I imagine) sticking a needle of heroin into your arm or doing a shot of cocaine is like. Album is banger after banger, Gloria, free money, land and break it up are my favourites. Birdland I’d call the most notable track but it’s not a favourite as of yet. Not a bad song tho 5/5

Horses. Horses. Horses. Horses. The emergence of an important voice. Patti Smith is a human treasure.

Schöne Stimme, gefällt mir

One of the all time greats. Beautiful. Uses voice very creatively, like an instrument. Punk and avant-garde apparently. Some songs are quite theatrical. Very varied album, high re-listenability factor. Every song is different and interesting, twist and turns. Theatrical, surprising.

Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine. I love Patti Smith, especially Redondo Beach

One of my all time favorites. It’s big and theatrical and crisp as much as it is chaotic and messy. I love it.

Day285 - real raw rock and roll

Totally had Patti Smith and Patti Labelle mixed up. This was not what I was expecting in the best possible way! This might be the best find of this project so far (around 400 albums in). 4.9

Before I started I felt like I didn't have time for it but I decided to give it a chance. I was so wrong - loved every bit of it - I'm almost annoyed at how good it was.

This reminds me of Jack Black making ridiculous sounds in School of Rock, but it’s actually good. 10/10 instant favorite.

Horny

A very engaging album which feels both polished and raw in a great way. I really like Smith's energy, voice, and odd delivery.

Pretty powerful and a seminal album in the progression of the genre. This is New York underground rock and paved the way for many women performers to come.

Ok I totally slept on this album. Just awesome.

best album ever

“Jesus died for someone’s sins, but not mine”—I mean, god. Out of all the punk to come from the fertile garden of CBGB, no one had quite the poetic bent of Patti Smith.

One of the few albums that I already knew and loved. I listened to Horses after reading Patti Smith’s book Just Kids. Its no surprise that she’s an amazing writer. Her spoken work rock and roll music is unique, badass and truly worthy of her legendary status. Patti deserves all the praise. The fact that she is a genuine and good person is just a cherry on top of an already incredible career. 🤘🏽

Velvet Underground gave birth to a punk child.

Jedan od najboljih debija svih vremana

An all time classic. So many owe so much to Patti Smith.

Gloria Free Money Kimberly Break It Up Land: Horses/Land of a Thousand Dances/La Mer (de)

The variety on Horses is remarkable. From the New York punk of "Gloria : In Excelsis Deo" to the reggae of "Redondo Beach" to the almost spoken-word building fever of a performance in "Birdland," we see many sides of Patti Smith, and that's just in the first three songs. Like The Doors, the band is able to follow the ebb and flow of the lead singer's performance and match her point for point. A passionate work by all. "Break It Up" is a melodic highlight, and one can imagine the "Land of a Thousand Dances" section of "Land" sowing the seed to grow a future Karen O. This is performance art captured and preserved forever on tape.

Yup. 5 stars just for Gloria but the album keeps going and actually stays great.

I honestly don't even need to listen to this to review, but I'll gladly listen to it again. Probably the 20th time that I've revisted this album this year. Patti Smith's "Horses" is a raw, poetic masterpiece that transcends genres. Her cover of "Gloria" isn't just the best version, it's a reclamation, a bold statement of female power in a male-dominated rock scene. The album's fusion of spoken word and rock paved the way for proto-punk and cemented Smith's place as a vital influence on generations of musicians, especially women in rock.

I loved it, it is exactly my vibe. I love love the music and the music and vibe of the lyrics are fenomenal. I really liked it and had so much fun. female rage type thing

Patti Smith proves that Punk isn’t about the music, and all about the attitude. The snarling, acerbic intellectualism of the lyrics and music create an atmosphere that’s just as rebellious and anti-authoritarian as bands like the Pistols or the Dead Boys. Plus, and this really shouldn’t be a side note, Horses is just a fantastic collection of songs taking in everything from blistering lead guitar lines, to mournful piano, to funky reggae-inspired bass lines, all paired with Smith’s poetry. It’s a pretty unforgettable experience, and I really don’t listen to it enough

Classic! 5 stars Favorite track: Birdland (jazzy number in a punk album) other picks: Gloria, kimberly, land

how i wish how i wish you wouldnt miss me

Poetry.

Pazzesca

When I resumed my vinyl collection, one of the first ones I got was “Horses”. Impeccable. Raw. Timeless.

Is this the same sort of 5-star album like "Thriller"? Absolutely not. This is more a cultural change put to tape. I don't put this on so I can dance around the room ("Thriller") or rock out ("Marquee Moon"), but instead to peer into a moment in time when music somehow changed--I listen to it to seek that one thing where it all pivots. I haven't found it yet in this album, but I know it's here. Punk was born in this album, but maybe it just sounds like so much 1970s singer-songwriter stuff that came out around 1975 to some people (maybe even worse). But Patti Smith's authenticity and earnestness as a poet combines with New York musical grit on this debut. This is an OG punk and her band shoving off from shore and trying anything, as long as it's real.

I hadn't heard any of these songs before, but I quite like them! It's a bit strange and the lyrics paint some interesting pictures. The overall package is fairly enchanting. Favorite track: "Birdland."

This album wouldn't work with anyone else. Patti is just full of energy and charisma and passion on here and it works perfectly. Could write a million words about every song on here, the blueprint for punk before the Ramones or Sex Pistols came along.

I don't have too much to say. But this is a one of a kind record. It had a significant impact on me as a young kid discovery punk. Really opened my eyes to what being punk could really mean. One of the best album covers.

Agree fully with Charlie on this. SUPER fucking unique. I’ve never heard anyone go this direction before, other than maybe someone like Rickie Lee Jones, and even then, not this far and this much insane energy. Kind of iconic. A lot to digest here! I saw her play last summer, got this INSTANT regret that I was unfamiliar with her music as I IMMEDIATELY knew that I would be kicking myself, years later, that I enjoyed the show with far less context than I should be having. So it is! Wish to death that I had heard this beforehand. Musically really all over the map. Sometimes kind of intimate and beautiful, other times raucous and intense and very indulgent but in a way that doesn’t alienate you, just mystifying. She has a power over me when she delivers some of these lines. A missing puzzle piece artist for me if there ever was one! 1975 was a good year. There’s nothing really exactly like this, as intense and wordy and unapologetically Lou Reed-esque beat poetry but also aggressive and bluesy and fun. I’m gonna have to listen to this way more to get under the skin of the lyrics, but it was a WOW for me. Hedging my bets here that it’ll be a 5/5

"Horses" is the debut studio album by American musician Patti Smith. The musical genres listed are punk rock, art punk and garage rock. That's about right; I don't know if it neatly fits into a single genre though. The music on this album is known for its simple chord progressions and propensity for improvisation. The lyrics are personal often intermixed with imagery and dreams. Patti is the vocalist with Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, Lenny Kaye on guitar, Ivan Kral on bass and Richard Sohl on piano. The album was produced by John Cale. Commercially, the album hit #47 in the US. It was widely acclaimed and, in 2009, it was put into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its artistc significance. The album's opens with the two part "Gloria." Piano and Patti's famous statement that "Jesus died for someone's sins but not mine." The first part "In Excelsis Deo" starts slowly and builds intensity. They eventually are rocking out and a go into version of Them's "Gloria." Maybe, her biggest song. The band moves in a jazzy way in "Birdland." Piano and a jazzy guitar which gets rockin with a wah-wah style at the end. The song tells the story of Peter who's at his Dad's funeral and imagines getting carry away at the end by a UFO with his Dad as the pilot. "Free Money" is worth mentiong since it is the album's most rockin' song and another interesting story as Patti tells of growing up in a poor family and her Mother dreaming of winning the lottery. "Kimberly" opens the second side. Bass, drums and a droning keyboard sounding very much like Suicide. The lyrics describe Patti's younger sister visiting Jim Morrison's grave and dreaming of a winged Morrison trying to break free. The album ends with the stark "Elegie." It's a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. An appropriate echoing guitar. Patti has a distinct style singing, talking, and rapping and being edgy and emotional. Most of the songs tell stories with most being in a dreamy state. Patti's poetic voice and lyrics are the focus of the songs with the music following. In most cases Patti's voice and music build to the end. This is a great album, worthy of all its accolades.

Pure punk brilliance. Favorite track: Break It Up

I'm the person I am today because of this record.

Ms. Patti is an acquired taste, to be sure. It is easy to get turned off by her singing style. It’s certainly not intended to be easy. Ultimately, she sings with raw emotion; whining, raging, growling, snarling, and howling. Her voice can be as abrasive as the squealing guitar that often accompanies her. Her voice feels like tasting something bitter. First few times, it’s terrible. But after a while, you kinda love it. For as off-putting as she can get, her style and sound were liberating for young girls everywhere. Somewhere on YouTube there’s a video of Patti performing and talking to an audience of high school girls, from back when this album was released. It’s interesting to see how they responded to her and how tender she was with them. Anyway, this one is important, whether you like it or not.

Patti Smith is one of those artists I've always known about and always respected but never really jammed. This album is fantastic. She's so stylized and emotive and the music is friendly enough to actually listen to (I'm looking at you Punk Rock).

What a gorgeous record. I've never listened to it before and I'm so happy to listen to it now. Yesterday I complained about listening to a 2-hour DNB record but I listened to Horses three times.

Top 10 all time albums for me. An absolute rock n' roll clinic and a complete masterpiece. "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine."

I liked this one a lot! Cool 1970s vibes.

9/10 crazy good avant-rock there’s not much like this out there

Eru Patti Smith og Tom Verlaine sama manneskjan, nei ég spyr því þau syngja alveg eins. Meina það sem hrós, sko. Og svo er þetta virkilega flott plata. Mér hefur einhvern veginn tekist að hlusta aldrei á hana áður og átti ekki endilega von á ég yrði hrifinn. En hún fær fullt hús hjá mér.

Florence and the machine fans line up, shes Florences muse.

Wowsers. Never really bothered to check out Patti. Will need to rectify that.

Horses. Horses. Horses. An important and timeless proto punk tome with kickass playing thru our.

This is the first one, I think, that I had not listened to all the way through previously. I liked her "hits", and knew of her presence and influence, but actually listening beginning to end seemed like something I was supposed to do rather than wanted to. I think it was one of those things where you are pretty sure you already know what it's going to be so you don't have to, it's great, though. I was definitely wrong about half of that. The opening, "Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" which is part medley, part cover, part reprise, and all punk let's you know right off this start: this is not going to be what you expected. "Redondo Beach" then is an early (earlier than the London or her fellow NYC punk) exploration of ska (I know, but it's still an important milestone). She weaves again with "Birdland" a partly spoken word lyrical poem about funerals and UFOs. "Free Money", about growing up in poverty in Woodbury, NJ; "Kimberly" about her her younger sister; and "Break It Up" about visiting Jim Morrison's grave adhere to something like a more traditional punk musicality, though with this debut release predating the Ramones debut, there wasn't a traditional punk musicality to adhere to until now. The final song is split by "Land: Horses/Land of a Thousand Dances/La Medr(de)" another cover/medley/part spoken word epic before it closes out with "Elegie" about the death of Jimmi Hendrix, appropriately somber, the final track is the first time this album comes anywhere near to meeting preconception. This is an amazing album, and though I'm aware its relative unfamiliarity to me boosts in compared to some of the others I've reviewed, it is a masterpiece by any standard.

could i write poetry to this? y

This is incredible. I’ve never felt so positive about an album I’ve never heard. Usually, I’d need to listen to an artist for a little bit to distinguish songs from each other. For the most part, if you’re unfamiliar with an artist, it can be hard to tell songs apart at first. This project has so much range, it’s insane. I’ve also never heard so much inspiration coming from one album before. I can hear her influence in every song. So many great modern musicians are taking elements from Patti’s style. The writing is amazing. The vocals are just what is needed for every track. The instrumentation is impeccable. The production is perfect. It’s exciting from start to finish. Even during the near ten minute penultimate track maintains its energy throughout and kept me interested. I’m ashamed I never stopped to listen to this earlier. It is truly a masterpiece and I find nothing wrong with it. 5/5

not a big fan to start off, but by song 4 i was hooked. album saved and will be listened to again FREE MONEY

Possibilities

This is my favourite Patti Smith

A riotous avant-garde punk record anchored by a magnificent vocal performance, this is a classic for a reason

This is absolute greatness. It's one of the best albums I've ever heard. "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine." Brilliant. There's not one single bad track on the entire collection. It also contains some of my favorite songs: "Free Money" "Kimberly" "Redondo Beach" "Break It Up" etc. etc. etc. Everyone should definitely hear this album. It's fantastic.

Patti! Great epic album.

Love this album! I was just listening to it a few days ago.

Lyrics (Pros): One of the most striking aspects of "Horses" is Patti Smith's lyrical prowess. Her poetry-infused lyrics are both evocative and rebellious, reflecting the countercultural spirit of the 1970s. The album opens with the iconic track "Gloria," a reimagining of Van Morrison's classic, where Smith's poetic language and powerful delivery immediately captivate the listener. Throughout the album, Smith weaves a narrative that's at once personal and universal, tackling themes of identity, rebellion, and societal norms. The poignant "Land" and the introspective "Break It Up" showcase her ability to convey complex emotions through vivid and thought-provoking lyrics. Lyrics (Cons): While the album's lyrical content is generally strong, some may argue that Smith's abstract and sometimes obscure language could be a barrier for some listeners. The poetic nature of her lyrics may require repeated listens for a full understanding, which might not appeal to those seeking more straightforward narratives. Additionally, certain tracks, like "Elegie," might be considered overly somber and veiled, potentially alienating some listeners looking for a more upbeat experience. Music (Pros): Musically, "Horses" is a groundbreaking work that defies easy categorization. Drawing from punk, rock, and even elements of jazz, the album presents a sonic landscape that is both innovative and unpredictable. The band's tight musicianship, particularly the interplay between guitarist Lenny Kaye and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, is a highlight. The use of unconventional structures, as seen in the sprawling "Birdland," showcases Smith's willingness to experiment and push boundaries. The fusion of rock and poetry is particularly evident in "Horses," paving the way for future alternative and punk rock acts. Music (Cons): Critics may argue that the unconventional musical arrangements of "Horses" could be polarizing for some listeners. The album's rejection of traditional song structures and its embrace of dissonant elements may not appeal to those seeking a more mainstream sound. Additionally, the raw production style, while integral to the punk aesthetic, may be perceived as unpolished by those accustomed to more polished studio productions. Production (Pros): Produced by John Cale of the Velvet Underground, "Horses" benefits from a production style that complements its raw and rebellious spirit. Cale's decision to capture the band's live energy in the studio enhances the album's authenticity. The minimalist approach allows the essence of each performance to shine through, contributing to the album's visceral impact. The sonic intensity of tracks like "Redondo Beach" and "Free Money" is a testament to the successful collaboration between Cale and Smith. Production (Cons): For listeners accustomed to more polished productions, the raw and unvarnished quality of "Horses" might be jarring. Some may argue that the lo-fi aesthetic occasionally obscures the subtleties of the instrumentation, leading to a less accessible listening experience for those not attuned to the punk rock ethos. Themes (Pros): "Horses" is a thematic powerhouse, tackling a wide array of subjects with depth and nuance. Themes of rebellion, gender identity, and societal critique are woven throughout the album. Smith's exploration of her own identity, particularly in tracks like "Kimberly," resonates with authenticity. The androgynous cover image, photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe, further underscores the album's challenge to gender norms, making "Horses" a bold statement of individuality. Themes (Cons): Some listeners may find the thematic complexity of "Horses" to be overwhelming or overly intellectual. The album's emphasis on personal expression and poetic exploration may alienate those seeking more straightforward, radio-friendly material. Influence (Pros): "Horses" has had a profound impact on the music landscape, influencing a myriad of artists across genres. Its punk aesthetic, combined with Smith's poetic approach, paved the way for the emergence of alternative rock in the 1980s and 1990s. The DIY ethos and fearless experimentation showcased on "Horses" inspired countless musicians to break free from established norms, fostering a spirit of artistic rebellion. Influence (Cons): While "Horses" is widely regarded as influential, some might argue that its impact is niche, primarily resonating within the alternative and punk rock spheres. Its avant-garde qualities may limit its accessibility to a broader audience, and listeners more inclined toward mainstream sounds might not fully appreciate its groundbreaking nature. In conclusion, "Horses" by Patti Smith is a seminal album that defies easy categorization. Its strengths lie in its poetic lyrics, innovative music, raw production, thematic richness, and lasting influence on the alternative and punk rock scenes. However, its unconventional nature may pose challenges for some listeners seeking a more polished or mainstream sound. Ultimately, "Horses" remains a testament to the power of artistic expression and stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of rock music.

Such a riveting vocal performance. Patti's voice strains, belts, softens and chops. She interlaces poetry throughout her verses. The opener Gloria really set the tone and is probably my favorite on the album. Unlike your conventional song structure, the songs on this album are in poetry format. There are no choruses. Just lines of rhymes and storytelling. I highly recommend listening to this one along with reading the lyrics.

queen of punk

Gotta revisit

This is acknowledged as a proto-punk classic, so I was expecting it to be raw, lo-fi and angry. However, I don't hear a punk sound in it at all. It's a mature, refined and exceptional record. Everything that punk isn't, and all the better for it. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo Date listened: 27/11/23

So simple, yet so powerful. And it hit me hard, amazing album.

This was really great, I really loved it start to finish. Possibly my favorite opening line yet; it opens with "Gloria" and starts off "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine." Just totally sets the tone for what's to come. "Gloria" is raw and chaotic and awesome, and then it leads into "Redondo Beach" which is totally different but also beautiful and heartbreaking. It's basically a reggae song but the lyrics are just devastating. This is just great from top to bottom. Smith has a really unique voice that just captures the emotion of the album so well. The lyrics are pointed and real and honestly poetic throughout. "Kimberly" is a bit more poppy in the middle (almost sounds like a Blondie song or something), and then "Elegie" is just a beautiful conclusion. And then the unsung start is John Cale pulling it all together, this guy is incredible. He produced this (and a bunch of other stuff) after leaving The Velvet Underground and his fingerprints are all over this one. I guess Smith downplayed his influence on the album, but I don't think I buy it. Favorite song: Kimberly Other: Gloria In Excelsis Deo, Redondo Beach, Birdland, Free Money, Break It Up, Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de), Elegie 11/16/23

Oh man... Where to begin. This is my favorite album of all time. Patti means so much to me as a musician, poet, author, and a person. This album is truly incredible. To be able to merge her moving prose, her fiery intensive vocals, and the driving rhythms of her band brings me to a place only few musicians can do. To go from the raucous and rowdy cover of Gloria to the beautifully haunting Redondo Beach makes me tear up almost every time. The climaxing Birdland, with her frenetic spoken word, the story of a fatherless boy going through grief is powerful. Free Money is a great punk song. Kimberly is a live staple to this day. A good mix of prose and punk which she is known for. The soaring choruses of Break it up showcase the energy of Patti and her band.

Jesus died for somebody’s sons, but not mine Favorites: Gloria 4.5-5/5

I love Patti Smith, I love this album

Favourite: Gloria LF: Elegie maybe Mid 9

What a LEGEND! This album is such a ride an deserves all the praise it gets and more.

A stone cold classic for a reason. Is there such a thing as art garage rock? In any case, 'Free Money' is one of the best songs ever.

My first meeting with Patti Smith when I was quite young was on R.E.M.‘s “E-Bow the Letter” and I instantly fell head over heels for her vocals. Horses contains some of her greatest songs ever including “Birdland” and “Free Money”. Patti Smith is a legend in every right and Horses is the quintessential sound of New York City.

Can totally see why kit would have been seminal in its day and how much this has influenced bands that came after, right up until today.

Between this and the Laura Nyro album I listened to yesterday it's pretty apparent that women have done far more than men to push music forwards.

Such an amazing album. Horses and Land are epic journeys, but Kimberly is my favorite. Each song is inventive and daring in their own way.

This is a classic. Don't know what else to say about it.

Can’t believe this came out in 1973…it’s still so modern sounding

What happens when you mix Bob Dylan folk and ‘70s punk? A chaotic collection of classics. Patti is in full voice. Everything has an attitude about it and you can see where genres like Riot Grrl came out of HER ashes.

slept on Patti

Excelente. Un cambio de época

Beautiful, from start to end. Jezus died for somebody's sins but not mine. What a line to start your debut album. Raw, poetic and sometimes (Redondo Beach) even funky. Hear the album verywhere. Start lines of Gloria covered by Tricky as Somebody’s Sins. Redondo Beach covered/raped by Morrissey. Etcetera.

One of my all time favs

🤘 Effortlessly cool and badass. One of my favs of the 70s.

Fresh and young. I like that kind of young blood vitality

Best line ever in a song “Jesus died for somebody’s sins but not mine”

100% Classic! This album saved RnR when it was released. It is as historically as important as the 1st Ramones album and just as good (in a completely different way. It takes elements of The Velvet Underground and Bob Dylan and completely updates it to something that is still relevant today.

What an astounding piece of creative expression. Free, fiery, and avant-garde, this has every justification for it's towering reputation.

I hate how much I love the Warhol/Velvet Underground crew.

This is one of my first punk rock albums I’ve listened to.There wasn’t a song that I outright hated. Fav redondo beach Least fav Break it up

Patti Smith's debut is impactful, exciting and colorful. From the artwork to Smith's songwriting and style: everything is well-balanced and influential.

Album 49 of 1001 Patti Smith - Horses Favorite Track : Redondo Beach Rating : 5 / 5 I love this. Have to give extra points for it being a debut album and the influence it must have had on some to come after. Will be replayed many times.

WHERE HAS THIS ABSOLUTE QUEEN BEEN ALL MY LIFE

the best

I like this more every time I hear it.

With an immortal opening line in the groove and Robert Mapplethorpe on the opposite side of the photograph, Patti Smith made rock and roll her muse, her landscape and her bitch. Cutting an aesthetic that was as much a kick in the door as well as a breath of fresh air, the aspirant 20th Century Rimbaud wound up making an album that can very well be placed amongst the greatest debut albums ever and the greatest albums of all time. What else can be said other than that this is a sublime example of the zeitgeist aligning just right, the moment when poetry and rock and roll coalesced into a mighty diamond shining ever so brightly. If she had never made a musical note after this, no one would have blamed her; for this album places her amongst legends for eternity. So young, so goddamn young.

I love Patti Smith

stupendous

An epic album, especially considering the time is came out. I'm not sure how much insight I can add that has been said by countless reviewers. A great album that kept returning to

This was a really great listen. I feel like I need to come back to it again and dig in deeper. It is so different than other things with the punk label(maybe it’s more about a time and a place and less about musical elements or even aesthetics?) . You can also call this art rock or electric folk music- It’s a great album and she’s definitely a totally unique artist. I would’ve loved to see her live @CBGB’s in the 70’s.

God i love being a bad ass queer bitch

“Jesus died for somebody’s sins but not mine.” GodDAMN what a way to kick off an album. The opening song continues its quiet crescendo from that line until it explodes into a primal cover of Van Morrison’s “Gloria,” surpassing the energy behind Morrison on his rendition. Through and through, “Horses” is pure punk, beating the Sex Pistols to the punch by a few months. Though the raw sensibilities of Patti and her band are joined with the strangest choice of producer: John Cale of Velvet Underground fame. His production allows Patti to spread her wings more into the artsy-side of music; the result is one of the first art punk records, and its influence cannot be overstated. Even with a little bit of sag on side-B, this is a great album to turn up and scream to, even if it’s not as wild as the Sex Pistols.

There was a period in my life in the late 90s in college when I listened to this record at least once a day.

I love Patti Smith! Happy to see this album on the list :D

Patti Smith made many great albums but this is still her best in every aspect.

It is the best album in the world. Poignant.

Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine.

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.

I loved this album, and now understand Patti Smith better

Album merits at least four stars for the opener alone

This was pretty great! A great punk rock journey with some amazing songs, long but never boring. Favourite: Birdland

I loved this. I think it's absolutely amazing.

muy buen álbum punk, ni se nota que es de los 70. quiero ser amigo de patti smith

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.

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 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.

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.

Great sound. Great lyrically. No criticism.

CD

brb listening to a whole bunch more Patti Smith

Fricken badass

This was incredible

Slayed

This is great early punk some really weird song structures

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

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 love her energy.

great

Glorious!

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.

The longer tracks are great.

One of my favourite albums of all time. It's an easy 5. If the ratings went any higher it'd be a 10.

Unexpected

it has been WAY too long since i listened to this basically perfect album

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

Love this 👍

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.

A classic for a reason, bolstered by two art-punk epics in birdland and land

What a voice! Such an interesting album.

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!

She brought rock to poetry

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.

Amazing early punk. Like a female Bob Dylan with an edge.

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?

Poesía musicada de Patti Smith. Vinilo total.

Poesía musicada de Patti Smith. Vinilo total.

Love it

She did an exclusive Swedish gig on Lisebergs Big Scen 2014 and I regret so terribly that I did not go there 🙁

Nicht für jeden etwas, aber ich mags.

Whoa, where did THIS come from?! This was killer! The first track goes hard, and while not every song is as good as that one, it manages to keep up some pretty solid momentum throughout. Super good.

Practically perfect.

Thoroughly enjoyed it throughout, not much more to say other than that

Patti is giving me life today! This is an obvious 5. Iconic debut album. You love to see it: an amazingly talented badass woman at the helm of the punk movement. Fuck yeah!

Pretty flawless this is. It feels like one of those albums I should have been listening to for ages and regret not experiencing in my teens (early 20s now). Patti Smith's vocals and energy is entertaining and a good listen. I particularly love how the two songs covered are part of melodies, it gives them a twist and a perfect example of how songs should be covered (i.e. make it your own). Was also pleased with the instrumentation with this and pleasantly suprised to find Tom Verlaine on Break It Up. Apart from the two melody tracks, my favourite tracks were Kimberly and Free Money.

Her voice is so good

THE BEST

I grew up on the music of many musicians who cite Patti Smith as one of their most important influences, but I never really listened to her music. This is great stuff, both in its cultural context (totally get how and why this was so groundbreaking when it was released in '75) and as music that stands the test of time. I have no idea if she's listened to by today's teens and twentysomethings, but I have a feeling if they were to hear this album, they'd like it (not in the fuddy-duddy "music was better back them" way -- I sincerely don't believe that -- but in terms of the music and lyrics connecting with them).

Ich habe erst das erste Lied gehört und gebe schon 5 Sterne. Das war solo gut und sie ist eine Ikone. Bin mir sicher dass ich es mir nicht mehr anders überlege

she is perfect this is perfect i love you patti smith

a classic, and for good reason... horses horses horses horses horses

AMAZING. Danced while walking the dog. Love the spoken poetry. Love the live versions. Totally special.

Another I've owned for 25 years

I've been following Patti Smith on instagram for a year but I've never actually listened to an album before. But I really liked this! The lyrics were really powerful and it just made me feel a lot of things. Either a high 4 or low 5.

This is brilliant. Start of the album absolutely bangs, then the end is wonderfully weird. Gloria is an awesome song

I mean she made Van Morrison punk and made it sound good. Patti rules. She was not only one of the first female punk voices but also just one of the first punks in general. She was known for speaking her mind, being loud, not taking shit, and of course her incredible writing. While researching the album I saw that she was a poet, which makes perfect sense. On the past few albums we listened to when you saw an 8+ minute song coming up you knew it was time for that one weird, experimental track on the album. With Patti, all of her long songs (Birdland, Horses) felt like beautiful vignettes where you wanted to catch every single word. The "Gloria" and "My Generation" covers are fantastic and really show off the raw energy, abandon and commitment she gives to her songs. My other standout was "Break It Up." Punk started as an inclusive genre for those going against the grain but I feel like it bred a lot of big, douchey male personalities talking about what is and isn't punk. Its great to see it's origins in a poetic woman making songs for herself.

How I never knew of this woman is shocking. This album is life being lived now. How she sings of things effected, is much insight and I feel it.

The first 5 on my list! I loved this record!

One of the best debuts

Excellent.

wowow ive been sleeping on patti smith thus whole time

Groovy

Aggressive and anti-establishment. Hard hitting and very vocal

I’ve never heard of Patti Smith before, but from the first track I was very interested. Then the next couple tracks were a real backwards move. Both she pulled me back in with the latter part of the album. New York free verse poetry to some excellent musicianship is, in my mind, the best way to describe this. Several songs have a way of ramping up that makes for a varied and interesting experience. I’m absolutely going to look into more of her work. With the exception of Birdland, I really dig this.

Pretty horse girl (blushes)

When I saw the artists photo i wasn’t sure what to expect. Well now I know to not judge the cover photo before listening to the music. I thoroughly enjoyed this. 8/10

fantastic punk album that borders on post punk

gloria reminded me a lot of midori great album tho

4,5

Gloria oh my lord. Amazing album. Just the religious experience of growing up and knowing, knowing something about you is just out of reach, and if you could only run towards this one beautiful thing, away from your past and your fear, then you’ll never have to doubt yourself again, and then one day you stop running to see how far you’ve come, only to stop and realise you’ve been running from yourself the whole time

very cool

While I am vaguely familiar with this Patti Smith proto-punk classic album, it's been a really long time since I've heard it. And my appreciation for the genre has only grown since then. So naturally I enjoyed this a lot more than I had previously. The opener "Gloria', a cover of a classic Van Morrison Garage Rock track, seems only fitting, like a re-imagining of the genre that REALLY kicked off punk music all the way back in the mid '60s. It's an explosive opener, slowly unveiling its punk tendencies out of a Stones-esque country intro, until they've encompassed this entire track. Sounds like something Television would do, especially in its final moments. It only makes sense, I can see a lot of New York punk acts taking from this record, vocally it's very much in the same vein as a guy like Tom Verlaine. The song "Free Money" also gives those Television vibes, especially in the way the song starts spontaneously speeding up and those guitars come in, so damn good. Very few punk acts I know of could top this honestly. I find this record's "proto-punk legend" status is a bit misleading though. While I do think the ethos is certainly there, in the same way as a classic VU album, it's no Stooges record. Cuts here like the slowly growing "Birdland', with this cacophonous guitar growling in the background and hypnotic piano lead, doesn't sound particularly punk, but does have some parallels with the genre, and it's just a great song in its own right and an absolute album centrepiece. "Kimberly" sounds like it skipped right past punk and into early '80s new-wave, just a super catchy little riff with these nice shimmering synth backing. And the other giant track here ‘Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand’ Dances' has more in common with early '90s alternative than anything, impressive in its own right - early PJ Harvey comes to mind with this one. The muted scarcthes on the guitar on the second part especially have this interesting timbre that's very predictive of a lot of post-hardcore groups. A record that has probably influenced more people than I can even begin to imagine, and it really sounds like it. When I say that this album, that pre-dates punk rock as a prominent genre, sounds like it skipped about a decade into punk's development, I really mean it. And it's not just defined by its influence either, the writing, vocals, and playing on this thing are all top notch. Great album.

Very enjoyable, birdland was great, the energy is just unique.

I’m predisposed to like this because my partner is a big Patti Smith fan. I recognised and liked the first couple of tracks. Both “Free Money” and the Horses one have bits you would think would be the chorus but only appear once. Usually this would be a three star for me. But there’s a vibe that makes it a four. I’ll probably play it again.

Decent.

It’s pretty rock and roll. Honestly, 3.5.

I haven't seen such polarized reviews of an album in a long time. For half of the listeners, it's a mega-influential rock masterpiece, and Patti Smith herself is as much the mother of punk rock as Iggy Pop is its father. For the other half, it's pretentious poetry over the awkward strumming of an artist who can't sing. The truth, as usual, is somewhere in the middle, and despite Patti's truly not a very good singer, her vocals fit the atmosphere of the album itself: in some places, they're upbeat guitar thumpers with obscure lyrics that, however, don't evoke the scribblings of an unattractive college student, while in others, they're more poetry recitation than music (and those moments are a bit boring). It's not Joan Jett, but fortunately, it's not Yoko Ono either. You can only classify this album as punk rock if you consider bands like Blondie or The Police punk rock. Regardless, it's really, really good!

Love Patti Smith, I’ve seen her play live in two major US park systems, Golden Gate Park and Central Park. It was an interesting comparison with yesterday’s Tom Waits, they’re both in the “beat poet” category. Which helped me with my Waits critique a bit more. I love tom waits to be clear. But there’s a play acting vibe coming from him, while with Patti it’s more organic and visceral. Like Tom could do three shows a night with his performance, which is why he’s a great actor, while Patti is leaving her body. 4.5 stars

This album feels vaguely familiar, having listened to some of Patti Smith's other albums from around this period. I did enjoy it and gave it about 3 listens in total. Favourite track: Break it Up.

this album was so gay I couldn't believe my eyes when I discovered she's straight

Entertaining

Goatskii

A really good album, Redondo Beach is the only really weak track, stylistically it doesn’t suit the album’s overall sound and vibe. 3.7

3.7/5. Mixed, but some really great tracks on here..

didn't expect to like punk but this lowk bangs

Delightful brand of weird. Really enjoyed and would listen again :)) 4/5

It's been a long time since I listened to Horses. Portrayed as the first punk rock album, it is raw and stripped back, with poetic, angry and compelling narratives.

Not many albums match the dramatic intensity of this one. Love how she effortlessly switches back and forth from music to poetry. An album to keep coming back to. 4*

Never heard of it. What an albumn. Will defo be listening to this again

WOW! never heard this before and i’m all for it. will revisit

An interesting album for sure. I think this one would benefit from multiple listens and more focus on the lyrics.

One of those albums that is in my collection somewhere but is perennially overlooked. I am really pleased with the 1001 list bringing it back to my attention as it really deserves it. So many debts of inspiration owed back here from a host of artists I have listened to in the years since.

Excellent and unique punk + spoken word.

Patti Smith is a storyteller. I am not very good at listening to the lyrics of a song I hear for the first time, but I can feel that she is trying to tell me something. I think it is a good album, even if her bigger hits came later. Favourites: Gloria: In Excelcis Deo, Land

Big fan of this. Unapologetic in her lyrics and the music is so punky and creative.

I listen to most of these albums while commuting to work. This one requires that you listen in a place with no distractions in order to understand what she is saying. Brilliant work.

Really cool, definitely something I’ll revisit

The first time I looked into Patti Smith was for all the wrong reasons and I left unimpressed. This record is a much better place to start. It's easy to appreciate her vocal style against all these simplified rock based genres. It's a stunning piece of work, but it's very artsy. I'd listen to it again the same way I'd revisit an opera. It's always going to be exciting, but I'm not going to be rushing back to it every day. I don't think a day or two is enough for the words on this record to seep into you. I feel like she's giving me everything I wanted from Dylan. A smooth poetic backing with an obvious rock and roll essence. I look forward to giving this an occasional spin in the future. 4.2/5

I’m a sucker for GLORIA

This album rocks. I especially love "Gloria: In Excelsis Deo". Kickass opener to an album and a really cool take on the Van Morrison song.

Undisputed classic

Horses opens with Patti Smith's version of Gloria, an instant charmer oozing with her own style of music. Then the album takes you to Redondo Beach to chill for a while and from then on it's mostly filler songs until the Land "trilogy" which is supposedly the album's magnum opus but far inferior to the aforementioned songs. Still, Horses is a unique album from a unique artist. I liked it a little less upon my second listening. Nevertheless, a must listen.

like it

Okay Patti, pop off

Ok

Effortlessly cool

It was a cool experiment hearing punk lyrics with toned down background.

"I’m relying on the historical significance, and my desire to continue listening, to push it over the line." -well put, other reviewer.

Great variety, I see the appeal. Not quite a masterpiece for me.

At first I was surprised this was labeled as punk, but after listening, I understood why. I enjoyed this and have a better opinion of Patti Smith now.

The vocals shocked me, they are vulnerable and powerful. I enjoyed the guitar and verses complimenting the emotional weight of her voice. I especially loved Break it up

Pretty dang good. Sounds great. Still has great energy after all these years.

Love this, own this, was pleased to have an excuse to listen again.

Very good. Not quite a 5 for me.

Punk/Rock Favorite Tracks: Gloria, Redondo Beach, Birdland, Free Money, Kimberly, Break it Up, Land Least Favorite Track: Elegie This album was a slow grower on me, but I throughly love the album. Some of the tracks starts off slow, but they get progressively faster as time goes on, hitting you with the energy that you would expect from an album like this. 9/10

Unique sound and talent. Fav tracks: Gloria, Redondo Beach Saved a song: Y RYM: Y (#474)

raw, unbothered, quite the rocker, Kimberly is my fave song so far... Elegie really reminds me of The Last Dinner Party, wonder if it served as inspiration

Cool!

okay that fucked hard

Really fun! Captured a similar energy to the violent femmes

A quite singular and charming sort of album. I know Patti Smith as a poet and guest on a few other people's songs, but have not listened to her work before. This was really enjoyable and on the right side of experimental without being too weird for my taste.

Pretty great album, even if Birdland is a bit too long, the rest of the tracks make up for it! Great lyrics and nice variety 4 Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes 77/307 (24%) Will I get: Already have

I like this album and understand why it's so highly rated. I like the way she uses her voice. Would be great as a Pitchblack Playback because of the imagery, although I hated the 8:44 track about the kid and his dad and going UP UP UP. Think it must have been really fun for her to perform but listening to it feels like getting dragged behind a car. Love Free Money and reminds me of night visions I used to have as a kid, that the shapes in front of my eyes would turn into presents during the night and I just had to capture as many as possible under my duvet. Groovy and danceable and cohesive.

This was solid. Plus I just moved to NYC.

Poetic (prog-)punk that reminds me of the Velvet Underground's atmospheric and spoken word tracks. It's fascinating listening to this as a result of how simple chords can be experimented with. I've always wanted to listen to this based on the cover, and now I get to do so. Opener "Gloria" was spectacular. I don't really hear that many songs that turn punk a few minutes later. As for the rest, the long songs didn't seem too lengthy; in fact the punk beats were trance-like. I think this still reinforces the fact that I'm more of a music than lyrics-person, as the words and their meanings went through their head. Next time, I'll pay closer attention the lyrics and understand more of the poetic side of this record (3.5-4).

Toen ik erachter kwam dat dit weer een rock album was van deze site, had ik er spontaan echt geen zin in MAAR!!! Ik ben nu bij het derde lied al (Birdland) en ik vind dit best leuk en uniek in het genre! Dit is niet per se iets wat ik vaak ga draaien op spotify, maar dit kan ik wel echt waarderen Tot nu toe vind ik het echt een steady 8/10

Overall: 3.56 (rounded to 4) Consistency: 3.75 Originality/Innovation: 4 Enjoyment: 3.5 Virtuosity: 3 1. Gloria: In Excelsis Deo - 4 2. Redondo Beach - 3 3. Birdland - 2 4. Free Money - 4 5. Kimberly - 4 6. Break It Up - 4 7. Land - 5 4. Elegie - 4

Finally listened to this after so many years. Sounded different to me the second listen than the first.

Goddess!

Great band, passionate delivery

enjoyed!

Okay the first time through I didn’t like it. The second time I did! Not my favorite of all time but definitely liked it more on a re listen. Marking as 4 so I’ll come back to it in the future.

Need to get more into the middle of the album. First two and last song already top

Does it live up to the hype. Probably however this is not punk. It's more like storytelling with a tune.

This one probably doesn’t get the greatest review from a lot of people, but I enjoyed it. Maybe it’s the Velvet Underground effect since John Cale produced it, because parts of it definitely have that same artsy, loose, half dangerous feel. It’s also the kind of punk rock album that’s so different from the usual idea of “punk” that it somehow confirms its punk credentials anyway. It doesn’t sound like a bunch of later copy and paste punk records, which weirdly makes it feel more legitimate, not less. And that cover of “Gloria” was pretty damn solid. Favorite song: “Gloria”

Bad ass. Can't go wrong with some early Patti Smith.

Es wirkt wie ein elektrischer Urknall: roh, literarisch, kompromisslos. Patti Smith schleudert Spoken‑Word, Punk‑Ahnung und Beat‑Poetik in einen Raum, der bis heute nachhallt. Wenn man dieser Schaffensphase imaginär „Because the Night“ zurechnet, gewinnt das Album eine zusätzliche Strahlkraft – als hätte sich die rohe Energie von Horses schon in Richtung eines kommenden, melodischeren Triumphs aufgeladen. „Gloria“ eröffnet mit ikonischer Frechheit, „Birdland“ schwebt zwischen Vision und Ekstase, und „Land“ bleibt ein fiebriger, hypnotischer Monolith.

her book "just kids" is really good

i know this album very well and i like it and i feel like i've always wanted it to be just a little bit better than it actually, truly is BUT HAVING SAID THAT there are some high high HIIIIIGHS here and it has possibly the best first 15 seconds of any album ever.

I haven’t listen to a lot of Patti Smith music so I enjoyed this dive. The lyrics more than the music drew me in.

Een dulle teve noa mien erte

Curiosamente me tocó escuchar el álbum el mismo día que se anunció que Patti Smith será galardonada con el Premio Princesa de Asturias de las Artes y puedo ver porqué. Un estilo único dentro del “rock/punk/alternativo (si es que ya se podía considerar el género en esa época)” con esas letras y estilo de canto. Mi favorita: Land. Ya me dieron ganas de leer su libro.

first time listening to this, what a treat. definitely need to run through a few times, but you can hear the punk sound emerge in real time as you listen through

I love the weary voice and punky vibe. Weirdly relaxing record.

Listened to it a couple of weeks ago, good album but not sure why it is considered a classic

female-led alternative rock music. despite many sites calling this punk, it's more like a mixture of art/jazz rock music. the album is essentially patti puking up every last thought in her head. it took me a bit to get into it, but as i focused i really started to get into how... simple it is, i guess. what else do you need besides a drummer and a guitarist playing a few simple chords? despite the sound being what it is, the material itself is absolutely not. i think this is an artist i'll pay attention to in the future...

I dig it - both as an artefact of its time where it fits nicely on the shelf next to Television and Velvet Underground, and as a birth mother of PJ Harvey and everyone who kept it gritty through the 80s and 90s.

The amount of ones on this one is honestly surprising. It's a solid album with a lot of soul. It's cool, it's lyrically well written, and it fucks

Enjoyable enough - I've never really listened to Patti Smith and feel like I've been missing out. Lots of energy.

Have I listened to this album before? No How familiar am I with this album? Somewhat familiar How do I feel about this artist? Nothing but respect for Patti Smith Favorite song(s)? Land: Horses/Land of a Thousand Dances Overall Thoughts: I enjoyed this just as much as I expected to, which was a lot. Birdland could’ve been a 4 minute song.

Pouco desenvolvimento instrumental e forte poetismo. É um pouco chapado? claro, mas as abordagens nas diferentes musicas são bem legais.

I thought this was great … genuinely an album I’m pleased to have heard before I died

so much character. proto pj harvey

diosss me enamoré

That was a fun departure. It felt kinda punk rock

4.5

A striking debut that feels raw in a very deliberate way. 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 isn’t about polish — it’s about attitude, presence, and a kind of poetic intensity that holds the whole thing together. Patti Smith moves between spoken word and singing almost effortlessly, giving the album a loose, unpredictable feel. Not everything lands equally, but when it works, it’s genuinely powerful.

One of Rocks most poetic album with some amazing RnR and singles

Never listened to this before. Talented but…

Que mujer. amo la locura del álbum. no la conocía desde este lado más experimental, dramático, sentimental, ruidoso.

This may have the most startling debut album opening track since the Beatles went "1 2 3 4". What a calling card! The cover photo, surly, defiant, tells you what you're getting.

cooool, like it

I always thought Patti Smith was considered punk rock, but that doesn't seem to fit here at all. Art rock maybe. Another artist I should have paid attention to at the time. This is very good.

Gloria: In Excelsis Deo — holy shit that's an opener. The opening line is confrontational and it means every part of it. Whole song is filled with rebellious energy. This is punk. That final chant and repeat of the opening line is a perfect climax. Redondo Beach — a sad story with honest lyrics. Doesn't shout as loudly as Gloria, but it doesn't hide either. The melody doesn't slouch either. Birdland — a very chaotically portrayed story of a boy losing his father and that grief driving him towards God at the expense of his mother and all women. Piety becomes a dehumanising force. Religion is depicted as birds that flock to the lonely boy, supposedly to convert him. The boy is constantly yearning to be taken to the ship, perhaps Noah's Ark, the first culling of heathens and the first saving of the believers, a chance for a new life in the next world under God. The vocals build and build and every call for the Ark feels climactic. While sometimes the lyrics and the performance go absolutely haywire, it adds to the internal struggle of the boy and the rebellious nature of Smith's songwriting. Free Money — really strong vocal perfomance here. More simpler lyrically, but they are still perfomed with relentless energy. That guitar riff throughout is also great. Kimberly — another song with strong imagery. I thought the end section dragged a little, but otherwise a solid song. The rise on "the sky is falling" is an earworm. Break It Up — that crying guitar is beautiful. The chorus builds and hits harder each time. Am starting to think she was just crazy though. Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de) — I don't even know what to think about it. Very chaotic. Does tie itself together (I think). The overlaying and overlapping vocals were very cool. Felt a bit too chaotic for me at times. Elegie — a sombre elegy for Hendrix. The piano was beautiful throughout and the vocal perfomance was emotive. Do personally find it strange when poetic language masks the real tragedy; why flaunt your poetic ability when you're grieving or trying to remember or honour someone. Favourite song: Birdland Worst song: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de) Overall: amazing album. Stunning lyricism and rebellious chaotic energy throughout. Sometimes the chaos was a little too much and sometimes the poeticism lessened the emotional impact towards the end, but there are many songs here I can imagine myself listening to more and more and enjoying more and more.

Emerging from the melting pot of New York's CBGB Club, Patti Smith combines poetry wrought from memory and a punk attitude before punk got its tenure. Patti Smith delivers one visceral performance after the other and not without substance, with some frankly excellent lyrics ranging from tragic tales to the human abstract. Horses starts off with a bang with Gloria, a song that thoroughly embodies the spirit of adolescence. With its changing swings in tempo, unappologetic denouncement of religion, and the hypocrisy of worshipping lust, the disillusion of the narrator comes to a boil as the song crescendo. Musically I would describe this a mishmash of punk, prog and rock & roll that serves to elevate the lyrics and performance. Redondo Beach tells the story of the tragic passing of a girl after an argument and sets it over a ska groove and somehow it works perfectly. A unique melancholly is present in between the mournful lyrics, pained vocals and upbeat 12 bar blues. Birdland is a 9 minute epic concerning the inner turmoil of a young boy after the passing of his father. The dreamlike imagery evokes a disconnect from reality that the boy feels and in a way be thought of as a detatchment from humanity. The heavy desire to not be alone is felt in the boy's wanting to go with the ship; the ship being symbolic of souls being taken away. The inhuman quality of the dead highlighted by the refrain is two-fold, we find that to be seen as inhuman is no different from being dead, a political sentiment that can be interpreted from lines in the song. On the otherhand, the yearning of the boy to go with the ship connotates death as freeing, possibly from the shackles of humanity. Patti creates a contrasting abstract of death as both a freeing and oppressive force which only serves to highlight the the boy's internal conflict. Free Money is a powerful expression of the obsessive desire to escape poverty, even if it means stealing. The desperation is built up as the song goes on, shifting from sombre to a manic climax as the singer repeats 'free money' over and over. Kimberly is a melodic punk ditty that is reminiscent of Lou Reed's song writing but still unmistakenly Patti Smith with her raw spontaneous vocal styling. Not the most interesting melody Break It Up interestingly is cowritten by Tom Verlaine and anyone familliar with Television will recognise his signature wailing guitar work. Honestly I'm not sure what this one is about though like other songs there is imagery of death. However, the passion is there with every passing chorus becoming more and more inflamed beautifully ending with the repeating group chorus. Land: Horse / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de) is the centre piece of album with its run time comparable to Birdland and includes the album's namesake. Split into three parts, though I don't have the time to parse the lyrics, they are chaotic cobweb with the vocals overlapping each other at times. The song is avant garde in its approach reminiscent of The Velvet Underground - a likely influence given that John Cale produced the album. Land of a Thousand Dances seeming to be the bulk of the track is bookended by Horses which seems to be the introductory section and la Mer(de) being a ending. Overall, I don't think I haven't spent enough time with this track to come to a conclusion with its seemingly impenetrable artistic scope. Musically its excellent with the unusual avant punk blend and Smith's unique vocals being the highlight. Elegie - the final track is a haunting elegy with instrumentation sounding like it resurrected. A fitting end to an album which has many themes touching upon death. Overall, horses is a spectacular album that defied my expectations. Even without listening to the lyrics, the album is written superbly with fantastic performances from Smith and her musicians. Lyrically the album is one of the best I've heard, seeming as I don't often consider lyrics too deeply is indicative of the poetry put to song. At times however some of the songs can become repetitive and the lyricism can burden the songs with their need to be heard. Thinking back to Land, it can be hard to become engrossed due to the lyrical density. Favourite Songs: Gloria, Redondo Beach, Birdland, Free Money, Break It Up, Elegie Least favourite song: Kimberly (if I had to pick one) and Land (if I had to pick two) Rating: 4.5/5

Patti Smith is an absolute badass. She can rock and bring the fire. Amazing first album with an opening line that absolutely cannot be beat. Gets a little slow and draggy at times. The only thing keeping it from a 5er

This is a very good album. A lot of emotion.

It's alright

3.5 rounded to 4. I understand the context for this album, but I just can’t really like the music. The album isn’t bad it just isn’t amazing to me. I enjoy hearing her voice, so that’s always a bonus. The album itself is defiant. Favorite song: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo

Patti walked so that so many others could run. I appreciate this album, and I’m sure after a few more listens I’ll want to change my rating to a 5.

Great album!

Punk and poetry are meant to convey a message, right? Communicate some sort of meaning? Or is expressing abstract emotion and feeling? No idea. And I've no idea what Patti is rattling on about. But she does it passionately and wildly and the music builds up and crashes repeatedly. Often rousing, rarely uninteresting. Definitely a unique album and worthy of a place on this list. Did I personally love it? Maybe not. But it's good. I expected more songs about Horses.

50 years old and still making great music. That deserves a compliment.

not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue

Punk rock classic that stands the rest of time braving spoken word and catch tunes

It's got attitude. Not gonna win any vocal awards, I don't think she cares! It has a cool punk droning type sound, can hear Jon Cale's influence throughout. The Gloria opener is blazing hot, then a bit of the ska feel in Redondo Beach (sounds like early Police songs). I know her spoken word poetry over experimental drone rock isn't for everyone but I really dug it.

Gut - sehr gut.