Horses

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

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.

Fun & fresh. Couldn't believe this album is more than 50 years old.

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

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.

konji

This is an album I respect more than I enjoy. I'm terrible at understanding lyrics, and that's the major appeal of this album, so a lot of it went over my head, but what I did understand I enjoyed. Something that will probably grow on me with another listen or two.

A great energetic and varied album. Patti is really emotive with the raw vocals, and the instrumentals are really solid throughout. “Gloria” is a great opener, I love the way it builds and explodes into the chorus. I’m not so much of a fan of the next track, “Redondo Beach”, the reggae style doesn’t do much for me and I think Patti can stray into sounding a bit grating here. “Birdland” is absolutely phenomenal, a 9 minute epic that starts with some soft smooth instrumentals with Patti almost whispering over the top. It builds slightly as Patti breaks into song. It’s over quickly though and we’re back to spoken word with the guitar dancing around in the background. From here it gradually builds, Patti and the piano picking up energy towards the climax and then fading again. Excellent. “Free Money” is probably my favourite track. The instrumentals just sound great on here, and Patti as well. I love Patti’s spoken word on “Land” with the furious guitar underneath. The sort of repurposing of Wilson Pickett’s “Land of 1000 dances” works surprisingly well. “Elegie” works really well as a haunting closer, the dark bass with the intermittent distorted guitar chords give it a lot of atmosphere.

Excellent album. Need to spend more time with it to digest it all, but I really dug it.

vibes, no creo que lo vuelva a escuchar

(87/100)

requires a certain mood

I’ve only known Gloria for years so good to finally do this one!

I had heard a lot about this album but never actually heard it. As a big REM fan I knew her from E-Bow the Letter and later on Blue. This was good but I was probably hoping for more from hype.

unexpected Banger - erinnert mich lowkey an bcnr und dire straits. Kann nur vom sound reden und free money ist crazy song wirklich, ziemlich antikapitalistisch, auch für diese Zeit sehr beeindruckend.

Oh this was a good one. Loved every minute! You can tell how influential she was as well as who was influencing her.

solid 70s rock album, started off strong and kept me engaged through the whole thing

Very poetic, would listen again

Hell yeah, Patti Smith. Such a solid album.

Love horses in art.

A beautiful album i barely even understand as its true narrative is hidden deep in its lyrics and spoken word passages, pretty sure it’s about personal freedom though, could be wrong. My standouts would be Break it up for being a clear banger and also Birdland and Land: Horses for being more spoken word.

4. Good and unique

Красивый альбом

JESUS DIED FOR SOMEBODY’S SINS BUT NOT MINE!!!! 🗣️ raw, poetic and so so influential. Patti is one of the OG cool girls chanson préférée : Free Money P.S. ça fait trois albums déjà (Physical Graffiti, Neon Bible et celui-là) qui ont une toune « plage » pis je tiens juste à souligner à quel point j’haïs ça. why is this a thing

Always a good listen. So many styles, timeless.

Pretty fun, the opening track is energetic as anything. 'Free Money' is a banger. The rest of the album unfolds rather nicely. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

4/5

4.5 (43:10, 8 tracks, debut, 1975) Punk (Art Punk) Should this album be part of this list - 1000%, one of the most influential albums of all time. Do I love this album, not really, I love punk but it's a bit too artsy and not enough 'punk'; however I respect the hell out of this album. It's like a non-Christian reading the bible just because of how many cultural references and literary allusions point to bible passages. Not listening to this album before you die would be a shame for any audiophile. This album, more so than any other (this is #202) is the most important to have 'listened to before I died.' Still I give it a 4. It's just not a classic. If I was given 100 albums to take to the deserted island and which I'd never get off . . . this wouldn't be one (though if I did take it, I bet I would learn to love it more.) RESPECT! The album cover features a black-and-white photograph of Patti Smith slinging a jacket over her shoulder. Singles from Horses "Gloria" Smith, supported by her regular backing band, recorded the album at Electric Lady Studios in September 1975, choosing former Velvet Underground member John Cale as the album's producer. The music on Horses was part of the minimalist punk rock aesthetic of the time. Smith and her band composed the album's songs using simple chord progressions, but also breaking from punk tradition in their propensity for improvisation and embrace of ideas from avant-garde and other musical styles. With Horses, Smith drew upon her backgrounds in rock music and poetry, aiming to create an album combining both forms. Her lyrics were alternately rooted in her own personal experiences, particularly with her family, and in more fantastical imagery. Horses was additionally inspired by Smith's reflections on the previous era of rock music—with two of its songs being adapted in part from 1960s rock standards, and others containing lyrical allusions and tributes to past rock performers—and her hopes for the music's future. Horses experienced modest commercial success and reached the top 50 of the Billboard album chart, while being widely acclaimed by music critics. Recognized as a seminal recording in the history of punk and later rock movements, Horses has appeared in numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time. In 2009, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation into the National Recording Registry as a "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" work. By 1974 Patti Smith and her backing band frequently performance live in NYC; a popular act in the underground rock music scene. Their highly attended two-month residency at the New York City club CBGB with the band Television created hype. Clive Davis, scouting for artists for his label Arista Records was impressed by her live performance. Davis offered Smith a seven-album recording deal with Arista. Smith had written poetry for several years before becoming a musician, and entered the music industry because she thought "the presentation of poetry wasn't vibrant enough". For her debut album, her primary aim was to merge poetry and rock music, which then developed into a "larger mission" to "pump blood back into the heart of rock'n'roll". The title Horses reflected Smith's desire for a rejuvenation of rock music, which she found had grown "calm" in reaction to the social turmoil of the 1960s and the deaths of numerous prominent rock musicians of that era. "Psychologically, somewhere in our hearts," she stated shortly after the album's release, "we were all screwed up because those people died ... We all had to pull ourselves together. To me, that's why our record's called Horses. We had to pull the reins on ourselves to recharge ourselves ... We've gotten ourselves back together. It's time to let the horses loose again. We're ready to start moving again." Smith later reflected that she had envisioned Horses as a record bridging the "great artists that we had just lost" and the next generation of rockers, who she hoped would "be less materialistic, more bonded with the people and not so glamorous", and that from a more humanistic perspective, she had also aimed "to reach out to other disenfranchised people" like herself. Smith said, "I was consciously trying to make a record that would make a certain type of person not feel alone. People who were like me, different ... I wasn't targeting the whole world. I wasn't trying to make a hit record." At Smith's suggestion, the label planned to book with producer Tom Dowd at Criteria in Miami, but Dowd's close association with rival label Atlantic Records stalled these plans. Smith had a change of heart and instead set out to enlist Welsh musician John Cale, formerly of the New York City rock band the Velvet Underground, to produce Horses after she was impressed by the raw sound of his solo albums. Horses was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, with Smith retaining the same backing band with whom she performed live at the time. They recorded several songs that were already fixtures of their live sets, including "Gloria", "Redondo Beach", "Birdland", and "Land". Allen Lanier of Blue Öyster Cult and Tom Verlaine of Television participated in the recording sessions as guest musicians, performing on the songs "Elegie" and "Break It Up", respectively. Cale recalled the band initially "sounded awful" and played out of tune due to their use of damaged instruments, compelling him to procure the band new instruments. Cale wished to augment the band's approach on certain songs with string instruments, but Smith vehemently opposed this idea. For several years after the album's release, Smith often downplayed Cale's contributions to Horses and suggested that she and her band had ignored his suggestions entirely. My picking John was arbitrary, I looked at the cover of Fear and I said, 'Now there's a set of cheekbones.' In my mind I picked him because his records sounded good. But I hired the wrong guy. All I was really looking for was a technical person. Instead, I got a total maniac artist. I went to pick out an expensive watercolor painting and instead I got a mirror. It was really like A Season in Hell, for both of us. But inspiration doesn't always have to be someone sending me half a dozen American Beauty roses. There's a lotta inspiration going on between the murderer and the victim. And he had me so nuts I wound up doing this nine-minute cut that transcended anything I ever did before. Cale said in 1996 that Smith initially struck him as "someone with an incredibly volatile mouth who could handle any situation", and that as producer on Horses he wanted to capture the energy of her live performances, noting that there "was a lot of power in Patti's use of language, in the way images collided with one another." He likened their working relationship during recording to "an immutable force meeting an immovable object." Smith would later attribute much of the tension between herself and Cale to her inexperience with formal studio recording, recalling that she was "very, very suspicious, very guarded and hard to work with" and "made it difficult for him to do some of the things he had to do." She expressed gratitude for Cale's persistence in working with her and her band, and found that his production made the most out of their "adolescent and honest flaws". 1. "Gloria" 15:15. "Gloria" relies on a simple progression of three chords (E major, D major, and A major). Smith characterized Horses as "three-chord rock merged with the power of the word". Consequence's Lior Phillips noted that the minimalist quality of the album's music "matched the tone of" the nascent punk rock genre, which had emerged in NYC in the mid-1970s, and counted Smith, Television, and fellow CBGB regulars such as the Ramones as practitioners. William Ruhlmann of AllMusic cited Lenny Kaye's rudimentary guitar playing and the "anarchic spirit" of Smith's vocals as being representative of punk. Tarr wrote that the band "proudly flaunted a garage rock aesthetic" on Horses, while Smith "sang with the delirious release of an inspired amateur", emphasizing "honest passion" over technical proficiency. Smith's vocals on the album alternate between being sung and spoken, an approach that, according to Peter Murphy of Hot Press, "challenged the very notion of a demarcation" between the two forms. AllMusic critic Steve Huey observed that Horses borrowed ideas from the avant-garde, with the music showcasing the band's free jazz-inspired interplay and improvisation, while still remaining "firmly rooted in primal three-chord rock & roll. . . essentially the first art punk album." Smith and her band's musical improvisation differentiated them from most of their punk contemporaries, whose songs rarely diverged from straightforward three-chord structures. Throughout Horses, they also tempered their punk sound with elements of other musical styles, balancing more conventional rock songs with excursions into reggae ("Redondo Beach") and jazz ("Birdland"). Fiona Sturges of The Guardian described Smith's lyrics on Horses as being steeped in "intricate phrasing and imagery" that "deliberately blurred the lines between punk and poetry", while CMJ writer Steve Klinge found they recalled the energy of Beat poetry and the "revolutionary spirit" of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, one of Smith's primary influences. She left the genders of the songs' protagonists ambiguous, a stylistic choice she said was "learnt from Joan Baez, who often sang songs that had a male point of view", while also serving as a declaration "that as an artist, I can take any position, any voice, that I want." Smith's experiences with her family inspired specific songs on Horses. "Redondo Beach", whose lyrics concern a woman who commits suicide following a quarrel with the song's narrator, was written by Smith after an incident involving her and her sister Linda. The two had gotten into a heated argument, prompting Linda to leave their shared apartment and not return until the next day. "Kimberly" is a dedication to its namesake, Smith's younger sister, and finds the singer recounting a childhood memory of holding Kimberly in her arms during a lightning storm. In "Free Money", Smith describes growing up in poverty in New Jersey and recalls her mother fantasizing about winning the lottery. Other songs were penned by Smith about notable public figures. "Birdland" was inspired by A Book of Dreams, a 1973 memoir of Austrian psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich by his son Peter, and revolves around a narrative in which Peter, at his father's funeral, imagines leaving on a UFO piloted by his father's spirit. "Break It Up" was written about Jim Morrison based on Smith's recollection of her visit to Morrison's grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery, as well as a dream in which she witnessed a winged Morrison stuck to a marble slab, trying and eventually succeeding in breaking free from the stone. "Elegie" is a requiem for rock musician Jimi Hendrix and quotes a line from his 1968 song "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)". It was recorded, at Smith's request, on the fifth anniversary of Hendrix's death, which fell on September 18, the final day of recording. Smith said that the song was also intended to pay tribute to other deceased rock artists such as Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, and Janis Joplin. Two songs on Horses are partial adaptations of rock standards: "Gloria", a radical reimagining of the 1964 Them song incorporating verses from Smith's own poem "Oath", and "Land", which features the first verse of Chris Kenner's 1962 song "Land of a Thousand Dances". In "Land", Smith weaves the imagery of the Kenner song into an elaborate narrative about a character named Johnny—an allusion to the similarly named homoerotic protagonist of the 1971 William S. Burroughs novel The Wild Boys—while additionally referencing Arthur Rimbaud and, indirectly, Jimi Hendrix, whom Smith imagined to be the song's protagonist, "dreaming a simple rock-and-roll song, and it takes him into all these other realms." The characterization of Johnny in "Land" was also inspired by photographer Robert Mapplethorpe—who was a close friend of Smith and shot the picture of her used for the Horses album cover—and his experiences in the New York S&M scene; in her memoir Just Kids (2010), Smith refers to Mapplethorpe and Burroughs, sitting together in CBGB, as "Johnny and the horse". The cover photograph for Horses was taken by Robert Mapplethorpe at the Greenwich Village penthouse apartment of his partner Sam Wagstaff. Smith, shrouded in natural light, is seen wearing a plain white shirt, which she had purchased at a Salvation Army shop on the Bowery, and slinging a black jacket over her shoulder and her favorite black ribbon around her collar. Embedded on the jacket is a horse pin that Allen Lanier had given her. Smith described her appearance as recalling those of French poet Charles Baudelaire and, in the slinging of the jacket, American singer and actor Frank Sinatra. She recounted that Mapplethorpe "took, like, twelve pictures, and at about the eighth one, he said, 'I have it.' I said, 'How do you know?' and he said, 'I just know,' and I said, 'Okay.' And that was it." The black-and-white treatment and androgynous pose were a departure from the typical promotional images of female singers of the time. Arista executives wanted to make various changes to the photograph, but Smith overruled their suggestions. Clive Davis wrote in 2013 that he was initially conflicted about the image, recognizing its "power" but feeling that it would confuse audiences unfamiliar with Smith and her style of music. He put aside his reservations and approved the cover after realizing that he needed "to trust her artistic instincts thoroughly". Feminist writer Camille Paglia later referred to the Horses cover photograph as "one of the greatest pictures ever taken of a woman." In 2017, World Cafe presenter Talia Schlanger wrote that "Smith's unapologetic androgyny predates a time when that was an en vogue or even available option for women, and represents a seminal moment in the reversal of the female gaze. Smith is looking at you, and could care less what you think about looking at her. That was radical for a woman in 1975. It is still radical today." Smith herself stated that she had not intended to make a "big statement" with the cover, which she said simply reflected the way she dressed. "I wasn't thinking that I was going to break any boundaries. I just like dressing like Baudelaire," she remarked in 1996. On September 18, 1975, the same day that they finished recording Horses, Smith and her band performed a promotional live concert at an Arista convention held at the New York City Center, where they were personally introduced by Clive Davis. They previewed five songs from the album: "Birdland", "Redondo Beach", "Break It Up", "Land", and, as their encore, "Free Money". Lisa Robinson reported afterward in NME that the "stupendous, truly exciting" performance was met with a highly ecstatic response from the Arista executives in attendance. Smith had originally requested for the album to be issued on October 20, the birthday of Arthur Rimbaud, but due to a shortage of vinyl, the release date was postponed, in what Smith described as a "magical" coincidence, to November 10, the anniversary of Rimbaud's death. Commercially, it performed respectably for a debut album, despite receiving little radio airplay. In the United States, Horses peaked at number 47 on the Billboard 200 album chart, remaining on the chart for 17 weeks. The album also managed chart placings in Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands, where it reached number 18. To promote Horses, Smith and her band toured the US and made their network television debut performing on the NBC variety show Saturday Night Live, then traveled to Europe for an appearance on the BBC Two music show The Old Grey Whistle Test and a short tour. "Gloria" was released as a single in April 1976. Smith's cover of the Who's "My Generation", performed live in Cleveland, served as the single's B-side. Horses was met with near-universal acclaim from critics. Music journalist Mary Anne Cassata said that it was roundly hailed as "one of the most original first albums ever recorded." Reviewing the album for Rolling Stone, John Rockwell wrote that Horses is "wonderful in large measure because it recognizes the overwhelming importance of words" in Smith's work, covering a range of themes "far beyond what most rock records even dream of." Rockwell highlighted Smith's adaptations of "Gloria" and "Land of a Thousand Dances" as the most striking moments on the record, finding that she had rendered the songs "far more expansive than their original creators could have dreamed." Jonh Ingham of Sounds penned a five-star review of Horses, naming it "the record of the year" and "one of the most stunning, commanding, engrossing platters to come down the turnpike since John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band". NME critic Charles Shaar Murray called it "an album in a thousand" and "an important album in terms of what rock can encompass without losing its identity as a musical form, in that it introduces an artist of greater vision than has been seen in rock for far too long." At the end of 1975, Horses was voted the second-best album of the year, behind Bob Dylan and the Band's The Basement Tapes, in the Pazz & Jop, an annual poll of American critics published in The Village Voice. Horses cemented Smith's reputation as a central figure of the New York City punk rock scene. It has frequently been cited as the first punk rock album, as well as one of the key recordings of the punk movement, appearing in professional lists of the best punk albums of all time. "Pipping the Ramones' first album to the post by five months," Simon Reynolds wrote in The Observer, "Horses is generally considered not just one of the most startling debuts in rock history but the spark that ignited the punk explosion." Horses has been described as a landmark for both punk and its offshoot genre new wave, inspiring "a raw, almost amateurish energy for the former and critical, engaging reflexivity for the latter." "intelligent and self-conscious, yet visceral and exciting" sensibility, identifying its influence on the alternative rock, indie rock, and grunge movements that followed the punk era. “I still feel the chill of Patti Smith's suspicious gaze when I look at the cover of Horses, but now I feel like I can explain it a little better." Various musicians have credited Horses as an influence. Viv Albertine of the Slits said that the album "absolutely and completely changed" her life, adding: "Us girls never stood in front of a mirror posing as if we had a guitar because we had no role models. So, when Patti Smith came along, it was huge. She was groundbreakingly different." Siouxsie and the Banshees frontwoman Siouxsie Sioux, naming "Land" as a recording she considered particularly influential on her, remarked that "apart from Nico, Patti was the first real female writer in rock." R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe bought a copy of Horses as a high school student and later stated that the album "tore [his] limbs off and put them back on in a whole different order", citing Smith as his primary inspiration for becoming a musician. Similarly, his R.E.M. bandmate Peter Buck cited attending the four Atlanta shows Smith played on her first US tour as the moment he started to seriously consider forming a group. Morrissey and Johnny Marr shared an appreciation for the record, and one of their early compositions for the Smiths, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle", uses a melody based on that of "Kimberly".[97] Courtney Love of Hole recounted that listening to Horses as a teenager helped encourage her to pursue a career in rock music, while PJ Harvey recalled hearing the album and finding it "brilliant—not so much her music but her delivery, words, and her articulation. Her honesty." KT Tunstall wrote her hit single "Suddenly I See" (2004) about how she felt inspired to embrace her musical ambitions after seeing Smith on the cover of Horses. Horses has often been named by music critics as one of the all-time greatest albums. Lars Brandle of Billboard wrote that the album had come to be regarded as "one of the finest in recorded music history." In 2003 and 2012, Horses was ranked at number 44 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time, later #26 in 2020. NME named it the 12th-greatest album of all time in a similar list published in 2013. In 2006, Time named Horses as one of the "All-Time 100 Albums", and The Observer listed it as one of 50 albums that changed music history. 1 "Gloria" is a radical reimagining of the original 1964 song by Van Morrison. It retains the iconic "G-L-O-R-I-A" chorus, Smith transforms it into a fierce anthem of artistic independence, religious defiance, and sexual fluidity. The song famously opens with the line, "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine," adapted from Smith's 1970 poem "Oath". This serves as a bold dismissal of her Jehovah’s Witness upbringing and a claim of personal responsibility for her own "sins". Smith described the track as a "declaration of existence," using it to both acknowledge and disclaim her musical and spiritual heritage. For her, the song represents the "right to create without apology" from a stance that transcends social or gender definitions. Though often interpreted as a lesbian anthem due to its female muse, Smith has stated she chose to keep the feminine pronouns to sing from a male perspective, a technique she learned from Joan Baez. This approach highlights her goal of being an artist "beyond gender". The lyrics describe a raw, almost feverish encounter with a woman named Gloria. This imagery subverts the male-dominated garage rock of the 1960s, reclaiming the narrative for a new, more explicit and self-empowered era. "Gloria" is widely considered a foundational moment for punk rock, influencing future icons like Michael Stipe and Bono. 2 "Redondo Beach" is a tragic narrative about a woman who dies by suicide by drowning following an argument with the song's narrator. While the upbeat reggae-inspired rhythm feels jaunty, the meaning is deeply rooted in grief and remorse. Smith wrote the lyrics in 1971 as a poem after a rare, intense argument with her sister, Linda. After Linda left their shared apartment near the Chelsea Hotel and didn't return by nightfall, a worried Smith spent the night at Coney Island. The song is a "morbid fantasy" born from that fear; in the song's version of events, the sister (or lover) never returns and is instead found "washed up" on the shore. Smith often introduced the song live by saying, "Redondo Beach is a beach where women love other women". This led many to interpret it as a lament for a lost female lover, an interpretation Smith encouraged even though the literal inspiration was her sister. True to her overarching artistic philosophy, Smith stated she was singing from a voice that was "beyond gender," allowing her to take any perspective regardless of her own identity. Redondo Beach itself—a city in Los Angeles County whose name is Spanish for "round"—was chosen as a symbolic, distant location for this emotional tragedy. 3 "Birdland" a nine-minute improvisational piece based on the 1973 memoir A Book of Dreams by Peter Reich. The song explores a child's grief and the surreal ways the mind processes loss. Peter Reich was the son of Wilhelm Reich, a controversial Austrian psychoanalyst who believed he could control the weather and harness "orgone energy". The song follows a young boy (Peter) at his father's funeral. In his grief, he imagines his father isn't truly dead but is instead returning in a UFO to rescue him. The title "Birdland" refers to a specific moment in the memoir where the boy sees a flock of blackbirds and, in a hallucinatory state, believes they are the approaching spaceships of his father. Smith and her band improvised the entire track at Electric Lady Studios. She has noted that she felt the spirit of Jimi Hendrix watching her during the recording. Smith connected deeply with the story because she felt like an "alien" herself as a child—tall, skinny, and disconnected from her family. Smith described the song as her message to a new generation of "prophets" who would "dream in animation" rather than just material success. Interestingly, the same book inspired Kate Bush's "Cloudbusting". 4 "Free Money" is a song about the longing to escape poverty through dreams of sudden wealth. While it is often mistaken for a traditional love song due to its "Oh baby" lyrics, its true meaning is deeply personal and rooted in Patti Smith's childhood. Smith wrote the song for her mother, Beverly Smith, who grew up in scarcity and frequently fantasized about winning the lottery. Her mother would make lists of things she would buy for her children, such as a "house by the sea," even though she rarely actually bought a lottery ticket. The lyrics reflect the anxiety of being broke, such as the memory of her mother closing the blinds to hide from debt collectors. The "free money" represents a miraculous salvation from the "burdens of reality". Some interpretations also link the song to her time in New York City with artist Robert Mapplethorpe. During their early years, Smith supported Mapplethorpe with her meager bookstore wages, and the song captures that shared dream of financial freedom. The track begins as a vulnerable piano ballad before exploding into a fast-paced punk anthem, mirroring the frantic, desperate energy of someone trying to "will a fortune into existence". "Every night before I rest my head / See those dollar bills swirling 'round my bed" – Illustrates the nightly fixation on wealth as a form of escape. "I'll buy you a jet plane, baby" – Symbolizes the desire to transcend their circumstances and reach a "higher plane". 5 "Kimberly" is a song dedicated to Patti Smith’s youngest sister (4th child). It blends a memory of a real-life event with intense, apocalyptic imagery. The song captures a moment from Smith's youth in New Jersey. During a massive electrical storm, Smith stood in the doorway of a barn holding her baby sister, Kimberly, while watching the sky. As the lightning struck, Smith felt a deep, protective connection to her sister. She described the experience as feeling like they were the only two people left in a world that was "ending" or being reborn. Unlike "Redondo Beach," which explores a fictionalized tragedy involving a sister, "Kimberly" is a pure, exultant tribute to family bonds. True to Smith’s style, the lyrics move from a simple memory into a hallucinatory space. She uses metaphors of "bats," "skulls," and "the wall of fire" to describe the raw power of nature and the intensity of the moment. The song's rhythm is driving and propulsive, mirroring the "shaking" and "breaking" of the world described in the lyrics—symbolizing the transition from childhood to adulthood. "The stars were like holes in the sky" – A classic Smith image representing a porous reality where the divine or the cosmic can leak through. "Kimberly, the world is moving" – This repeated line highlights the unavoidable passage of time and the shifting landscape of their lives . 6 The final three tracks of Smith’s Horses all explore rock'n'roll mythology in various ways. In her memoir “Just Kids” Smith says: “In ‘Break It Up’ Tom Verlaine and I wrote of a dream in which Jim Morrison, bound like Prometeus, suddenly broke free”. I had this dream. I came in on a clearing. There were natives in a circle bending and gesturing. I saw a man stretched across a marble slab. Jim Morrison. He was alive with wings that merged with the marble. Like Prometheus, he struggled, but freedom was beyond him. I stood over him chanting, break it up break it up break it up…The stone dissolved and he moved away. I brushed the feathers from my hair, adjusted my pillow, and returned to sleep. Tom Verlaine and I composed these words. Break It Up" is a visceral, collaborative track about the desire to liberate a trapped spirit. It is most famous for its connection to Jim Morrison and its co-authorship with Tom Verlaine (of the band Television). The lyrics were inspired by a dream Patti Smith had while visiting Jim Morrison’s grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. She began screaming, "Break it up! Break it up!" to set him free. The song serves as an incantation to release the "Gilded Bird" (the artist's soul) from the confines of death and physical form. Verlaine wrote the music and played the distinctive, spiraling guitar solo. Smith’s vocal performance starts as a low moan and builds into a frantic, ritualistic shout, mirroring the physical act of trying to break through a barrier. The song isn't just about Morrison; it’s about the struggle of any artist to remain "unbound." It deals with the tension between the physical body and the transcendent spirit. The imagery of being "chained to a rock" evokes the Greek myth of Prometheus, who was punished for bringing fire (knowledge/art) to humanity—a fitting metaphor for the tragic rock stars Smith admired. "I was dreaming I was dreaming / And I saw you there" – Establishes the surreal, subconscious landscape of the song. "Ice, it was ice / But it was melting" – Represents the thawing of death or the breaking of a frozen, stagnant state. 7 "Land" a 9+ minute epic, is a surreal, poetic journey detailing the "dream, life, death, and resurrection" of a character named Johnny. It explores themes of violence, sexual awakening, and spiritual transcendence, with references to William Burroughs and autobiographical elements. The song opens with a brutal, cinematic scene of a boy named Johnny being attacked in a school hallway. This imagery is often interpreted as a reference to a, possibly homosexual, experience, which links the character to a young Robert Mapplethorpe. As noted in this Dig Interpretations post, the song portrays a journey from a "beaten down" state to spiritual liberation, using the "coiled snakes" of Hermes as a guide, suggesting a transformation through suffering. The song breaks into a raw, cover-like version of the 1960s R&B hit, highlighting a sense of raw energy and rock-and-roll. It is a complex, three-part suite—Horses, Land of a Thousand Dances, and La Mer(de)—that blends surrealist poetry with raw rock and roll. The song's meaning is multi-layered, involving both literary allusions and personal tributes: The narrative centers on a character named Johnny who is physically attacked and raped in a school hallway. This triggers a surreal, metaphysical journey—what Smith called the "dream, life, death, resurrection and soap opera of Johnny". Johnny is a reference to the protagonist of William S. Burroughs' novel The Wild Boys. The imagery of "Johnny and the horse" also connects to Smith's close friend, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, and his experiences in the New York S&M scene. The song serves as an elegy for fallen rock icons, specifically Jimi Hendrix, whom Smith imagined as the protagonist dreaming a simple rock song that spirals into other realms. It also honors Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Brian Jones. By weaving in the 1960s R&B hit "Land of a Thousand Dances" by Chris Kenner, Smith bridges the gap between classic garage rock and avant-garde poetry, name-checking figures like the 19th-century poet Arthur Rimbaud along the way. Interpretations often see the song's "sea of possibility" and "black mare" as symbols of transcendence from the pain and pressures of society, though the journey ends in a disintegrating, "dreaming drowned man" state. 8 Usually spelled “elegy,” the song’s title refers to a poem of mourning or memorialization. In The Poetry of Mourning, Jahan Ramazani notes that elegy is “among the oldest and richest of poetic genres.” The alternative spelling in the song’s title is indicative of Smith’s general challenge to established poetic and artistic norms and her general penchant for putting a distinctive stamp on those norms in her work. Elegy and mourning are consistent themes in Smith’s work. Many songs throughout her career are dedicated to particular individuals (“Grateful” to Jerry Garcia; “About a Boy” to Kurt Cobain) and her album Gone Again is a long-form elegy to her husband, Fred “Sonic” Smith and her brother Todd Smith. An elegy is a poem or song of serious reflection, typically written as a lament for the dead. Derived from the Greek word elegeia (meaning "song of mourning"), the form has evolved over centuries but generally follows a specific emotional arc: In classical literature, elegies often moved through three distinct stages of grief: Lament: A direct expression of sorrow and grief for the loss. Praise: Admiration and idealization of the deceased person's life and character. Solace: A final shift toward acceptance, consolation, or the idea of an afterlife. Unlike a eulogy (a speech of praise given at a funeral), an elegy is a poetic or musical work focused on mourning and melancholy. They are usually deeply personal, reflecting the writer’s own struggle with loss. In Patti Smith's work, an "Elegie" (her specific spelling) is the final track on her 1975 debut album, Horses. It serves as a haunting memorial for rock icons who died young, specifically Jimi Hendrix. Smith even borrows lyrics from Hendrix's song "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" for the final lines: "I think it's sad, just too bad, that all our friends can't be with us today". Beyond Hendrix, the song honors other fallen rock legends including Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Brian Jones. The song was co-written by Smith and her then-boyfriend Allen Lanier of the band Blue Öyster Cult. Smith used this alternative spelling as a way to put her own distinctive stamp on a classic poetic form, challenging traditional norms. The lyrics use metaphors like "trumpets and violins in the distance" to represent memories and longing for absent friends, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and nostalgia. The theme of the elegy remained central to Smith's later work as well; for instance, her 1996 album Gone Again is considered a long-form elegy to her husband, Fred "Sonic" Smith, and her brother Todd Track Listing: Favorite Songs: Gloria and Land 1. "Gloria" (part one: "In Excelsis Deo" / part two: "Gloria (Version)") Patti Smith (part one)/Van Morrison (part two) 5:54 2. "Redondo Beach" 3:24 3. "Birdland" 9:16 4. "Free Money" 3:47 5. "Kimberly" 4:26 6. "Break It Up" 4:05 7. "Land" (part one: "Horses" / part two: "Land of a Thousand Dances" / part three: "La Mer(de)") Smith (parts one and three) Chris Kenner (part two) Antoine Domino (part two) 9:36 8. "Elegie" 2:42 Band Patti Smith – vocals Jay Dee Daugherty – drums Lenny Kaye – lead guitar Ivan Král – guitar, bass Richard Sohl – piano John Cale – production Robert Mapplethorpe – photography Tom Verlaine – guitar on "Break It Up"

Classic New York style punk, put me in a better mood listening to it

Strong album - Gloria is great. Enjoyed the journey of Land. Can see why and how this was so influential.

Старушка не брила подмышки, но мы ей это простим

parece ser algo mas melodico/pop, onda alanis morrisette, no le tengo mucha expectativa muy buen album la verdad, es como si adele cantara las canciones de pink floyd pero patti tiene una voz también con la rudeza de la vocalista de heart, me gustó mucho

I think this is incredibly cool, and that Patti Smith is incredibly cool. But I think I definitely need to spend more time with it. Let's get the easy stuff out of the way. Patti Smith is an incredibly cool woman with an incredibly cool aesthetic who was making like New York proto art-punk with the noise cellist (John Cale) from The Velvet Underground. This is a list of attributes that gets you pretty far with me. She was early enough to the game that she was still piecing punk together from constituent components. There's a focus on poetry and intricate songcraft and avant-garde influence that couples with more conventional punk touchstones here to create something that feels just as singular as the stuff from bands like The Stooges and The Velvets that came out a little earlier. I will admit, I haven't gotten fully to the bottom of it, but Patti Smith does end up somewhere a little different than those two bands. The least punk stuff on Horses ends up in a bunch of strange, occasionally sad little nooks. Redondo Beach is a *really* early incorporation of dub into punk, and Birdland is lengthy and fascinating. But my initial favorites are songs like Gloria: In Excelsis Deo, Free Money, Break It Up, Land, and Elegie. There are moments when these songs just *are* punk, but in a way I'm not sure anyone else has really duplicated. Horses kind of became a stepping stone on the way to the more generally accepted punk sound, so it feels more like a moment where it's components are in transcience than a settled sound. And so it never really got *fully* emulated. I will also say, that even on a first listen, these songs are *so* good. It really is the moment to moment simplicity combined with the intricate full pictures. It's also Patti Smith's lyrics (which I have *absolutely* underdiscussed) as well as her performances. It's also a very particular tension that runs through this album. Like the seasick intro on Elegie (my favorite of the less punk cuts). I can already tell that this is gonna grow on me like Dylan does. I *will* be back. It's undigested, and there are a couple songs I haven't figured out. But most of this is still just fantastic.

Before: Patti Smith, Yay! She was a little ahead of my time. In 1975, I only knew about bands they played on the radio and they definately didn't play anything by her in the smallish southern US town I grew up in. In my late years I've tried to develop an appreciation of her music but have not been successful to date. Maybe this time around I will. As of this moment I have only one track from this album on my favorites of 1975 playlist. During: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo is pretty good. I did not add that to my 1975 list because part of it is a cover but on my second listen today I decided to add as I think her version is quite different and much better than Van Morrison's. Birdland is, um, interesting. During my second listen I decided to add that to my 1975 list as well. By the time we get half way through Free Money I'm getting kind of annoyed. Kimberly is just as annoying. For some reason I "liked" it in my app at some point, only god knows why. Still, I'm determined not to skip through anything. I mean it is the punk rock goddess herself, I am blessed to be listening to today. Break It Up continues to annoy me further but I'm a gonna stick with it. Next up is the one track from this album that I added to my best of 1975 list prior to today, Land: Horses / Land, Of A Thousand Dances / La Mer(de). As an aside, I usually listen my album of the day in the morning and I have a lot of stuff going on in the mornings so there are often frequent interruptions during my initial listen. So during one of these interruptions, a song by The New Eves pops into my head and I'm thinking about how similar that song is to what I've just been listening to and wondering, would we have The New Eves today if it weren't for Patti Smith? They are clearly influence by her work, which they themselves have confirmed. So back to Land: Horses / Land, Of A Thousand Dances / La Mer(de), this definately my favorite of the album. I'll rate it a 4, I think it's my favorite so far. 4 Gloria: In Excelsis Deo 3 Redondo Beach 4 Birdland 2 Free Money 2 Kimberly 2 Break It Up 4 Land: Horses / Land, Of A Thousand Dances / La Mer(de) 2 Elegie -------------------------------------------------------------- 2.9 AVERAGE After: 3 - my personal rating 5 - suitability for this list 5 - relevance ------------------------------ 4 - composite rating

I know this one is touted as one of the first (maybe the first) punk rock albums and has a stellar reputation. I can see why, great energy and songs throughout.

Heard it before. Patti is completely feral and I mean it as a compliment. And "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine" has to be one of the best album opening lines ever 4/5

Amazing! I'm a massive pj harvey fan but I've never checked out Patti Smith. Who knew they were so similar. Also some great Dylan vibes here. Loved it

He Saw Horses 1001 Albums Generator 237 (2/27/2026) Here's an album I was excited to finally listen to. As a big fan of other bands from this New York punk scene (like Talking Heads and Television), Patti Smith's Horses is an album I've been aware of, but somehow, it has escaped me. I was surprised how prominent the piano is. I mean, is the epic Birdland even a punk song? It's more like a psychedelic piano rock song, and it's awesome. The other epic is the medley Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de), which starts out with an ambient soundscape with Patti losing her mind before it breaks into a cool punk song. Tom Verlaine does great guitar work on Break It Up. Also, Patti's voice is really interesting. I feel like later women in punk like Siouxsie and PJ Harvey owe a lot to her performance here. I think it generally works, although it was grating at points. Redondo Beach is a little bit silly. I know that reggae and punk have always had this surprising relationship, but I don't think this is the best example of it. Elegie is also a bit of a limp way to end the album. Besides that, Horses is a cool album. 4/5 probably. Favs: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo Birdland Break It Up Least Fav: Elegie

на вигляд схожа на шарлотту генсбур. нє, ну прикольно

that’s absolutely right ms. smith. I love this shit

she really shmeared her pussy on this album

muy buen album desde lo vocal en especial, eso me gusto mucho y me parecio muy interesante para la epoca, todo es genial pero destaco la voz de patti, dos o tres temas no resonaron mucho conmigo pero el resto si lo hicieron. 8/10.

This is good. One to play again.

This album is a great example of why albums are great. None of these songs individually stand out to me, but as a whole, it’s pretty great. Can see why it’s so influential.

239/1001 :: Patti Smith - Horses Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes A true poet and artist Patti Smith and this album is prefect for this list. Because people should listen to this before they die. This album is not the best album I’ve ever heard but it’s always interesting and a lot of these songs are not only challenging but very good. Gloria & Free Money specifically are both awesome. The only issue here is the spoken word songs are too long for an uninvested listener. They’re trapped on an album almost 50 years after their inception. I say trapped because they weren’t created to be experienced this way and I think that works against them. They were supposed to performed live in a shitty New York City bar where the drinks are flowing, the cigarettes burn and Patti is dipping in and out free form poetic passages. It takes a special someone to pull this off and that’s Patti’s magnetism. Lastly, everyone should also read Just Kids. Masterpiece.

I went into this album with a pessimistic attitude. Some years ago I had read her memoir “Just Kids” and found it annoying. Or at least it didn’t inspire me to really give her music a listen. But I ended up really liking this album and it’s proto punk vibe.

I think this is a classic and what is more punk than female rebellion if we are being honest. Every song sounds like it had defined an era. I literally hear so much the strokes, blondie, Pink Floyd, the Ramones,I even hear sultans of swing. I can just feel the oozing of artist who heard this record and its effect back then and made changes. I think for that alone and presentation it’s a 9 for sure The 3 song run from Gloria to Birdland wow Redondo beach is obviously so reggae but it’s also so strokes. Also also birdland singing is so artistic and really showcases the range even from the droning guitar I will revisit this one again

A bit embarrassed that I’ve never listened to this before. Some great songs, some ok ones but overall worth the hype and I should’ve listened much much sooner.

I love this record! I'd been listening to it just a couple of weeks before while reading Bread of Angels. Is it perfect? Of course not.

I really like this and it has clearly been so influential (I hear PJ Harvey, I hear Nick Cave and others) but something stops me giving this a 5. I think it’s that it veers into the self indulgent at times. Would have been great to see this live though

This was pretty good. Patti sometimes loses me when she goes full on beat-poet, but maybe that's just because I wasn't paying much attention to the lyrics. I could definitely see this one getting better with more listens. 3.5/5

Somehow never listened to this. I really liked it. It seems that Nick Cave really borrowed a lot of these sounds / singing style. Good job Patti 4/5

Слушал и думал о Джиме Моррисоне и всяком (всяких) прочем (прочих).

What can you say? Patti Smith is pretty good.

A record so original I feel most are afraid to take inspiration from it for fear that they might seem tone deaf in the attempt. Great lyrics and overall melody.

I love this slightly controlled chaos! 4/5

I love this album! It feels like a revelation and one I will definitely be listening to again and exploring more of. Patti Smith has such an awesome voice and such a wonderful way of playing with it. This album feels years ahead of its’ time.

A classic

This album is outstanding and has had a significant impact on both the punk movement and literature as a whole.

High concept and evocative lyrics. The instrumentation is more of a backdrop for the poetry, though.

8/10 I have to admit I probably missed a lot of details and I need another listen, but the songwriting is consistently great and I loved that opener a lot.

It had been a while since I last listened to Horses, but damn this album still hits hard. Gloria is a fantastic opener and it really doesn't dip after that. On this listen I found myself enjoying some of the longer cuts (especially Birdland) a lot more.

Pretty good! I've heard "Because the Night" before but not this album. I liked it, grungy and powerful.

I have to say, I was a little let down. I hyped it up too much in my head. Patti isn't much of a singer, but that's ok. The musicianship is very punky/new wavey and leaves something to be desired. The songwriting itself I find a little uninspired, but overall, it's ok. The only overwhelmingly positive thing I can say is the lyricism, because Patti is a true poet and you can feel every single of her words. All in all, a 3.5/5

Personal and defiant!

Never heard of album or singer. Starts off so good. Gloria is a great song all around. It’s a roc track with very unique vocals. I enjoyed it a lot. Rendondo beach is good not great. Good songwriting. Not as much of a fan of bird land but I appreciate the change of pace. Patti has a great voice. Good piano on this one. It just keeps going. And keeps getting better. Piano is so good on free money again. Love how it starts slow and turns into a real rock banger. Really like this song. Kimberly is a little goofy but not horrible. I like the organ and bass. Break it up is fine. A lot of the same good elements from the rest of the album, this one just doesn’t hit as hard for some reason. I will say I think it has the best guitar on any song. Land is a banger. What a background track. Vocals work so well over it. Élégie is ok. Good change of pace from land for sure but not my fave. It’s a good album overall and blew away my expectations. 3.9 stars.

Bra

Incredible voice

Great 70s album

This cover is what I aspire to look like. The album itself is pretty good: I am not 100% how I feel about it. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I think it's, ya know, all right. But Patti Smith is rad.