Horses

Gloria (part one: In Excelsis Deo / part two: Gloria (Version) 4 Redondo Beach 3.8 Birdland 3.3 Free Money 3.4 Kimberly 3.2 Break It Up 3.5 Land (part one: Horses / part two: Land of a Thousand Dances / part three: La Mer (de) 3.5 Elegie 3 Score: 3.4625

Don’t like her voice sounds fake and forced

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

I mean, it was alright…

I can hear the punk in there, but it isn’t enough for me.

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

I know it’s influential and stuff, but I don’t really enjoy it as much as others. I’ll still give it an extra star, though, because of its influence and uniqueness.

Gloria is a banger, but this is just not for me. I'm not saying it was not important or influential. It's just not for me. Because when you're checking the length of the track list during the third song to see how much longer you have to commit to an album, it's just not a fit.

Very experimental

3.4

Horny

Not a great background listen. I feel like I couldn't really appreciate this in detail. I will have to revisit while looking at lyrics another time. I can see there's a lot going on underneath the surface and the experimental nature of it makes it difficult to judge based on aesthetics. 3 for now as I wasn't captivated, but I will need to come back to it.

Powerful singing / vocals, I really liked it

Was about to form the opinion that the 70s were a pretty bland decade musically, but this is actually pretty neat.

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

Didn’t think I was a fan of Patti Smith’s voice but I actually quite enjoyed this. An easy listener, and a cool sounding record for its time.

A super diverse album reflecting that music is more than just one style and can be more than the usual stuff you hear in the radio. Like a musical rebellion reflected in Patty's unique and distinctive voice and the lyrics of each song. Definitely not an album you listen to whilst doing the dishes (it's a concept album)but an album you will listen to for a specific emotion. Great and refreshing, and so different towards a lot of music!!!

Interessantdoenerige zingzegmuziek van iemand die zichzelf heel creatief vindt en een jengelbandje om zich heen heeft weten te formeren. Speciaal gemaakt voor mensen die destijds graag ook heel interessant en creatief wilden overkomen.

Krachteloos. Wat doet dit nou weer in de lijst?

Een kruising tussen Velvet Underground en Joni Mitchell. Maar ook Blondie meets All Saints. Man man man, het zit niet mee deze week. Dat gekrijs van Patti is niet om aan te horen. Op zich klinkt de muziek bij de meeste nummers nog wel ok, dus ik zal er een 2 van maken.

Een beetje een vreemde vrouw met saaie liedjes. Nee, het wordt tijd voor een leuk album.

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

Ok I totally slept on this album. Just awesome.

I listened to this once years ago. None of it sounded familiar when I heard it today. I know critics love it, but I found it just OK. Sort of punk, but not quite energetic enough for my taste. Favorite track: Gloria

best album ever

I generally like Patti’s voice. Her lyrics lost me at times because she is more poet than traditional songwriter. It gives her music a different quality more like Bob Dylan. Thankfully she is a better singer than Dylan. I prefer the songs where she doesn’t drone on stanza after stanza for what feels like forever before hitting a musical break or chorus. Gloria is a little tiring to me for that reason and Horses definitely hits me that way. Great playing by the band. I just wish some of the songs were a little shorter or more sparse lyrically.

Nice enough

Just plain sucked, she still tours tho

What does a Horse and Patti have in common...... They both can't sing. How is this one of the top 1001 albums.

Yeah was aight. Cool poetic punk. I bet she got some nice armpit hair

Jim Morrison would probably really dig this The arrangements were quite nice and her voice is very pretty, but American prayer already has my heart.

I'm a few steps behind Andy on this one. Admire it for sure. Not quite with it yet.

I appreciate elements of this album, but can't get past Smith's anguished bleat of a voice. The lyrics are superior, the garage rock backing is energising and there are some genuine moments of sublimity here. But when it doesn't click, Horses has the potential to harrow.

dear Patti, Jesus did die for your sins, and for everyone’s

Teatral pocas canciones pero largas como piropo de tartamudo

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

This I defintiely need to listen to again. Not what I was expecting.

76/100

4.5

In my opinion, New York has never thrived more from a music point of view than when it was knee deep into the punk era of the 70s. And its underground scene was led by the momentum from the incredible CBGB music club. Patti Smith was one of the glowing stars from that club who ushered in a new level of creativity to rock that hadn’t really been seen yet. It’s unfortunately rare to see such an electric female figure in a scene like punk. But when they hit it right, you get someone as cool as Patti. What an interesting person. It really feels like you learn a lot about who she is just from these 8 songs. Her lyrics are personal, but also incredibly cryptic. So it may not be immediately apparent what she is speaking on. But so much of her personality just emanates from the lyrical content and delivery. I’ll admit, I do find it a little hard to speak on the actual music here. I was listening to it and thinking “What the fuck am I going to write for this?” I can’t really pinpoint what I like and dislike. It was difficult for me to wrap my mind around. But I know that I liked what I heard. Punk has never been my absolute favorite thing. And the roots of it don’t do much for me. Like for example, I think The Stooges are cool. But proto-punk really is just a devolution of something I’m already not big on. What I can get behind is what I’m hearing here. It’s the proto to the kind of punk I actually like. This isn’t at all a conventional punk album. In the same way that Marquee Moon very much wasn’t. Birdland isn’t my favorite song on this record. But it is undoubtedly a stunning performance from all parties involved. That combination of the uncompromising energy of punk with the avant-garde side of rock is what makes this a noteworthy album. Maybe not my favorite record ever, but I can’t take away what all of these beautiful people gave us in that city all those years ago, and everything that it led to. Rating: 7/10

This had a very "overstaying it's welcome" vibe. It wasnt terrible but I found myself starting to proverbially looking at my watch a lot.

Maybe I didn’t give it a fair enough shake, but I really just didn’t enjoy this album.

Great album. Uncomplicated, simple, but also complex and deep. Enjoyed this a lot.

This was pretty good overall, but a little uneven. Will probably try to listen to more of her work.

Patti Smith sounds like a drunk girl at a karaoke bar trying to sing Fleetwood Mac songs.

Another example of where the music is fine but the vocals are unbearable. Like Neil Young.

I’m sorry but I just don’t get what all the hype is about

Not interesting and way too pleased with itself

Enjoyed this will listen to more.

I have heard of Patti Smith before, but I only know one of her songs, which wasn't on here. I won't be listening to any of these songs again. Each song was too long, I could have saved 5 minutes if they were the correct length.

This was just really good. I love how many female artists I’ve discovered doing this who are bloody brilliant.

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

Spoken word over mildly interesting guitar and piano.

Didn’t like it at all

Velvet Underground gave birth to a punk child.

Aressting, singular and powerful. Not my thing.

Unbelievably first time listening to this 49 year old album. Good sound.

Jedan od najboljih debija svih vremana

I first listened to Horses about two years ago. Patti had once worked at the Strand Bookstore in New York, and so had I about twenty years after, so I felt some sort of arbitrary necessity to become familiar with her music based on that tenuous connection alone. I remember being really enthralled by the album, with the raw power and poetry, the transcendence of Birdland, the mashup of her own poetry with rock classics, like in Gloria. So, I was excited when this came up as my album of the day. Today, though, I must not have been in a receptive mood. What I’d interpreted as transcendence two years ago felt like forced transcendence this time around. Her voice which I’d found interesting last time, grated on me this time. I still enjoyed getting caught up in the surrealistic sweep of Horses (the song), and I understand this album’s place in punk history, but it’s certainly not an album for all occasions. Must the greatest albums be for every mood? No, of course not. But this one involves a patient mind who’s also ready to rock, and I was neither today. Maybe next listen this will be a five? Right now, it’s a three in my book.

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

Interesting music for it's time I guess. Kinda reminiscent of the velvet underground. Doesn't do much to distinguish itself for me. Medium 2.

Bueno

As a Brit, I always have to remember that the American definition of "punk" is far, far different from what I would consider to be punk. We had an anti-intellectual/ anti-establishment, far younger (late teens), rawer approach to this genre. The American scene was made up of older (late 20s) people who made music that was more "edgy" than "raw", often about subject matter that British punks would openly sneer at. Putting that aside, if I just consider this to be "garage rock", then it makes that slight annoyance easier to bear. It's a great album for sure, interesting to listen to, musically diverse, maybe even seminal. I hadn't heard anything from this album before, which is quite a disgrace I suppose. My one reservation here was that I was constantly being reminded of Nick Cave. But where Mr Cave's albums are often overwrought and lack any form of subtlety, this album was far more measured. I don't think I can quite see my way to rate this 5 stars, but it's an extremely strong 4 star album. I will probably grow to regret this decision on future listens, but my opinion today is 4 stars.

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

Patti Smith’s Horses is a compelling testament to raw emotion and musical authenticity. Despite Patti Smith’s unconventional vocal style, which might not be technically perfect, her expressiveness and engaging lyrics command attention. The band’s performance shines throughout and the walls and signal flows of Electric Lady Studios treat them well. The track “Redondo Beach” stands out with its ska/reggae rhythm, adding a dynamic layer to the album. “Birdland” offers a droning, meditative exploration of a simple idea, emerging as a personal highlight with its introspective storytelling. “Free Money” impresses with its Velvet Underground-meets-Neil Young vibe, driven by a chugging three-chord progression that builds to a crescendo. “Kimberly” showcases a more intricate chord structure and benefits from the subtle addition of organ, giving it a thoughtful, well-crafted feel. Richard Sohl’s piano work on “Elegie” is another album highlight, demonstrating impressive skill and emotional depth. Overall, Horses remains a significant and influential work. While it may not be an album I frequently revisit, it continues to offer a profound listening experience and a valuable place in musical history.

This one was alright, but I did get annoyed with the vocals after a few songs. I liked it better when she straight up sang. Birdland and Elegie were favorites.

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.

Well this was sort of challenging. I know I'm supposed to appreciate this, but did I really enjoy it? There were some songs that I enjoyed more than others, like Free Money. When I followed along to the lyrics, I could appreciate the poetry of them. She's an evocative writer. The band was good. Her energy and spirit was punk, kind of wild and feverish, even if the music didn't have a lot in the way of established punk conventions. I suppose in 1975, punk conventions hadn't been well established yet. I didn't enjoy a lot of her singing, although there were times where I didn't mind it. I've heard other songs from her's that I also didn't mind the singing, so I feel like when she pulls back a bit on the vamping and just sings it straight, it's better for me. All in all, I'm glad I made the time to listen to it, because I know this was groundbreaking for its time, and highly influential, so now I have it as a reference point.

Patti Smith is another singer that I've heard of for years,.but never really listened to. She has an interesting voice but this album didn't really grab me. Redondo Beach had an interesting Blondie type reggae-ish vibe to it. The sound is pretty stripped down, but I think that's one of the reasons it didn't grab me.

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

A diferencia de otros discos de esta lista, aquí sí puedes escuchar la influencia que repartió hacia el futuro.

I wanted to like this one more

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 liked it quite much, especially her raspy voice. It must have sounded so bold and different in the mid-1970s.

4☆/5 08.11.2024

Couldn't get into this. Can hear her influence on others, which was cool. But not really a great listen. 2/5

The only memorable thing about this album is her horrid singing style. I read about her and it says shes punk. Usually when something is punk I expect to be more annoyed at the topic at hand than whoever is singing, not that I can even discern what the topic is outside of the title. I dont get the hype.

I'm a little familiar with Patti Smith from her contributions to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Blue Öyster Cult. She's a singer/songwriter/poet who's considered an influential underground artist, with Horses being her debut album. Listening to this album, Patti's style is more "art punk" than "punk rock" with the added poetry and improvisation. For example, songs like "Gloria" and "Land" are medleys with covers interlaced between free-form compositions and spoken word. They still generally rock but take a more off-the-cuff approach to how they're presented. Other songs tend to experiment with style shifts such as reggae with "Redondo Beach", proto-punk with "Free Money" and "Break it Up", jazz with "Birdland", and the somber requiem closer of "Elegie". Patti's lyrics range from past experiences with family members to dedications to deceased musicians she knew like Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix, all well penned. The only aspect of this album holding it back is how bizarre and esoteric it can get at times. It's probably a bit over-ambitious for a debut album. Also, the spoken word could have been integrated better in some tracks. Still, I enjoyed Horses overall and give it a solid recommendation for those curious. Update 1/28/2025: I ended up listening to Horses again after over 200 albums into my journey to see if this album has grown on me. I will say my issues with this album were not well-articulated for the time. To say a debut album was "over-ambitious" does admittedly come off as a backhanded compliment. I was thinking about the song "Birdland" at the time when I was trying to figure out why this album wasn't immediately clicking for me, and now I realize that the challenge is kind of the point. Patti Smith's lyrics are meant to be a challenging listen, where her integration of poetry and musings on sexuality, death, and emotional connections are written in such a mostly abstract manner that still leaves enough breadcrumbs for the listener to follow along if they're paying attention. This sort of close listening is not a habit I usually do when I'm working in the office. If anything, my problem now with Horses is how the instrumentals sound basic for some songs. Again, Patti's words are more the focus without being overwhelming in the mix, but it would be nice for moments such as "Birdland" and "Break It Up" if the rest of the group could match the energy and intensity of her words. Still, this is rather impressive for a debut album from such a prolific singer-songwriter and I'm glad to have revisited it.

These songs were too long and boring for me.

Reminds me of some of the stuff from PJ Harvey. Overall I would say 2.5.

BL: completely blind listen, aware of one track from the Patti Smith Group but never listened to any of her solo work. AL: I liked this. This is absolutely an album experience, I don’t think I’d see myself coming back to many of these tracks on their own, but I will certainly be coming back to this album and dissecting it further. I think it did start to drag a bit by the end, there is only so much spoken word drone rock I can muster. But the overarching story provided compelling and the overall experience would totally be spiritual to hear it blasted out of a venue PA with rising instrumentals. FT: “Gloria”, “Land” 4/5

Thought this was good, but not great until Horses/Land of a thousand dances / Le Mer (de) I love what she's done with it.

I wanted to like this album much more than I actually did. Seemed to go on too long and wore out its welcome. 2.4

I really liked this one but probably wouldn’t revisit very often if ever

I did not like it

Another overrated NY Art Punk act that was far less about punk… or music, or art. Just yuck. I mean, in the 70’s, New York was such a shit hole, inhabited by overmedicated, self-indulgent brats. Give me California hippies any day of the week over these filthy fakes. Otherwise, not a bad effort.

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

I enjoyed this and it was deep and interesting. It seemed more poetry written to music, and not necessarily songs. I would like to listen a few more times and really pull apart the lyrics to get more of the deeper meaning.

I know that Patti Smith is a legend but I've never sunk my ears into her until this project. Glad I did! Expressive, original, creative and poetic songwriting. Especially liked Gloria and Free Money.

This album was pretty great. I love her voice and her energy and the music is cool and creative.

New album for me. Really really enjoyed and saved to favorites.

i don't fully get it but i'm open to listening again. it was a nice experience!

I can only imagine what it was like to listen to this album back in the mid-’70s when it first came out. It was truly one of a kind. I like this album because it has a laid-back feel overall. Despite being laid back, it has a stripped-down, raw energy that gives it a punk aesthetic. I also love the piano, which definitely adds depth to the music.

I really disliked it, the style didn’t interest me at all. It was like bad karaoke.

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

A classic

Goated

how i wish how i wish you wouldnt miss me

Poetry.

It's an okay album. I didn't hate it, but I wish there was more nuance and diversity of sounds. It felt like she was following a similar formula with most of the songs here. The instrumentation was good, and the lyrical content was vast. Although her voice is a bit wild, it adds uniqueness and personality to the album. Best - Gloria: In Excelsis Deo, Redondo Beach, and Land: Horses / Land of a Thousand Dances / La Mer(de) Worst - Kimberly and Break It Up 3.00-3.25/5

Pazzesca

Good foundation for the great PJ Harvey, but not my bag. Not a fan of the voice

I don’t get the appeal

70’s rock

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

Enjoyed this but not huge.

This is the moment in time when we start to see punk morph into something more serious. Though aligning with the CBGB movement, Smith is really in the same vein as Bruce Springsteen or Jim Morrison - a rock and roll poet. Lyrically, she is like the new wave artists (think Television and Talking Heads) who were artists first and, hence, whose lyrics were about more than cars, girls, and not giving a damn. Musically, however, she has all the rough edges and sonic boom of the punks. Her next two albums, Radio Ethiopia and Easter are more accessible and, arguably, better. Horses, however, is the first time punk dared take itself seriously.

I love Patti and I respect her art so much. I truly admire her, to the point that Just Kids is one of my very favourite books of all-time. But to be honest, I think I'm more drawn to what Patti represents as a cultural figure than what she has done musically. Sometimes it's great, other times not so much. All of her albums are worth it for a few good songs and Horses even has some iconic ones, but all in all I am more inclined to read her than to listen to her.

I had a good time, but I already forgot most of the songs. Good stuff nonetheless.

That's undoubtedly a classic that deserves its place on this list. However, I have a hard time getting into Patti Smith's music. I love her attitude and delivery, but the music isn't doing anything to me.

Interesting, but not amazing. Reminiscent of Siouxsie and the Banshees - she must have been a big influence on them.

"Anyone see the old hippie banging on a tambourine last night? Horses, horses ... horseshit" Johnny Rotten

She is pretty badass, but her music really isn’t for me.

Hell yeah dude, this goes hard. It's so raw and punchy yet also feels like there is so much musical depth to it, I love when punk music does that.

Love her bad voice

Começo do punk! Mas n gostei!

The storytelling on this album was excellent, which is probably one of the main reasons people love Patti Smith. The style reminds me of Bob Dylan but more punk inspired. I thought the vocals were mixed loud at times and some parts I found annoying. I do think that she definitely brings the passion and the energy that sells her storytelling. The fact that this is her debut album is crazy to me. Great record, but not for me.

She’s so cool, this album rocks

This will be a lame review because I heard the album 2-3 days ago so I don't remember it that well. On the whole it was fine but didn't grab me especially.

Glad I listened to this, even though it felt too spoken word to really be my thing. And I appreciate the through line to other artists I appreciate, like PJ Harvey.

interesting minimalistic album. Enjoyed the edginess of it.

I appreciate and respect Patti Smith but this album does not appeal to me at all.

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 like her energy and her style is certainly unique but unfortunately i think her songwriting is mediocre. 6/10

Listen, I get it. She's a punk icon and a poet, changed the world for so many young people. Doesn't mean I need to like her songs though.

While not personally a fan of Patti Smiths vocals I can understand this albums place in history as a revered album. On paper this album should be right up my street but there just wasn't much, in my opinion, that grabbed my attention and held it for longer than a few seconds. Patti Smith is undeniably a great lyricist but sonically this album didn't really do it for me and overall felt like it dragged on a bit and teased you with a potential musical break but never really delivered sadly.

Not for me.

Went much harder than I had anticipated.

A bit country but not bad.

She's so cool. Her band is amazing. I really appreciate this, but I'm probably not going to grab it for a casual listen. I don't have much of a penchant for the dark, goth-y punk sound.

- i cannot stand her voice i’m sorry

SNOOZEFEST

mun betra en mig grunaði.

It's clever and controversial and raw. All the things I usually love. But I've always intellectually loved this album, but been emotionally cool on it

Because the Night!

I had a hard time getting through it, but managed. I can sort of see how it might appeal to a certain group of people, but not enough to see how it would show up on a list of albums one must listen to before they die...

It's not really my thing, but I appreciate the musicality and historical importance of Horses. Having said that, it's really not my thing.

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."

Had a great time with this! I’ve known of Patti Smith for years but have never listened to her before. I’ll need to remedy that as this is mostly my jam. Two or three songs go on for too long. But half of this album is a complete banger. 4/5

Fine

Energetic music, but not really a fan of Patti's voice

A bit boring

Had some nice moments

Discontinuity between raw punk lyrics and various folk, pop, rock melodies.

I have read that Patti Smith inspired many, but this one was a bit of a slog.

This album is absolutely incredible. Not only that Patti is one of the greatest landscape creators in rock and roll history, and not only one of the best writers, she is also a captivating performer. The band is absolutely killing it as well. But above all the great things I've just said, the most important part is the emotional level. This album touches the heart like no other.

Not too bad after all these years

Good stuff, Patti. Good stuff

Very strong, this is the female version of Bob Dylan / Velvet Underground 4.3

Surprised. Celeste would love it

I'm having to skip most songs

Cool concept and it’s definitely raw. Not sure I love her voice for some reason.

Pattismith is ahead of her time, her music is unique and provocative and outspoken.

It’s simple: you mention horses, I’m IN

I thought she was a knock off of the Talking Heads, but turns out they’re a knock off of her

I forgot how wild this album is. It’s hard for me to make out Patti’s lyrics on most songs, but I’m assuming she’s casting spells and hexes. And it’s great.

Absolutely one of the coolest albums out there. Not perfect, but pretty damn great.

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.

A pretty stunning mix of rock n roll, punk and new wave. It’s a blend that doesn’t sound quite like anyone else. Patti Smith is a bold, wild performer. The production captures a raw, live feel. Looking at the credits, John Cale from The Velvet Underground produced the album. I can hear their influence on the music. Patti Smith’s style of rock is untamed and experimental in a way that reminds me of The Velvet Underground.

Soft, smokey, cool sound right to start, and great first lyrics. I've never listened to Patti Smith but she's been in the pop media world right now. I don't know the details but something about some wildly popular pop star saying that she loves Patti Smith and then Taylor Swift comes out with a record and name drops Patti Smith, in some kind of crazy cult fan base speculative antagonistic way towards the other pop star? I don't care to know the details but I know there's drama going on and I wonder if Patti Smith would have humored that mindless bs back in her day? Just by hearing her sound I can tell she has a cool devil-may-care attitude; one that wouldn't give a damn about the trivialities of today's pop music drama. There's something about her delivery that makes it hard for me to connect with and really understand unless I'm very actively listening. It's almost like some of the songs have music that is repetitive and laid back ("Redondo Beach", "Birdland"), but her vocals don't necessarily match that and are more in-your-face and edgy. It's not a bad thing, but something I noticed.

Honestly, this album started off pretty bland, but Free Money onward was a revelation. Patti Smith channeled the Velvet Underground on songs like Kimberly and then amped up the ante with her own style on Land... and Elegie. While it starts slow, it ends hot. Best Songs: Free Money, Land..., Elegie Worst Songs: Redondo Beach

Shes so cool

Not for me. It is too incohesive and too meandering regarding lyrics and music. No one star because of Gloria.

Mér finnst ekkert mikið til Patti Smith koma. Hún er allt í lagi en mér finnst alltaf talað um hana eins og hún sé í guðatölu. Þetta var allt í lagi albúm sem ég gæti hlustað á aftur en ég mun líklegast alltaf velja mér sjálfur eitthvað annað til að hlusta á af því að ég mun gleyma Patti og þessari plötu.

It’s a good album, and an iconic sleeve. Some great tracks but I feel the album got a bigger reputation than it deserves.

4.5

Just the female bob dylan? Music is alright but could not listen to the singing

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

Gear: Meze 109 PRO Album-Art: da habe ich mir doch glatt keck die Ärmel meines Business-Hemds hochgekrempelt - ich alter Rebell *tihi* Mix: klingt wie Caro-Kaffee bei der Oma Musik: pseudo-intellektuelle und -rebellische Lyrics mit uninspirierter Instrumentierung zünden so gar nicht bei mir Wertung: 🧷(🧷)/5

Patti Smith as a NYC icon is much more interesting than Patti Smith as a recording artist

Refreshingly ambitious, while a little unpolished. Regardless, he punk-style belting is a fun mix with the light accompaniment of instruments. Stripped to bear essentials, this is a powerful expression. Worth a revisit.

"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

This list continues to convince me that I don’t like punk music ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I've had high hopes for this album, and I'll be honest, I'm not totally sure why. Perhaps because I like the album cover, or the outfit Patti Smith is wearing, but I hardly knew anything about the music itself. So, going in and realizing it wasn't totally my cup of tea did hurt a little, as I really wanted to like this, but it never really grabbed me, save for a manic display of songwriting power here and there. It is good though, I can recognize that, it really does feel like "stream of consciousness" the album, and that can be a blessing, and a curse. However, as someone who generally fails to get passed the intial barrier of entry for proto-punk, you can do a lot worse than this.

As punk as slam poetry [read: not very punk]. A younger version of me may have been more convinced by this, but sometimes, an album comes into your life too late. My frontal lobe is too developed to fall for this, although there's moment that I do understand her role and her importance, and I can't help but bob my head, especially "Gloria" in its second half. Mostly, though, this album is a chore. Ironic, because on the surface, a punk queen who claims she's "beyond gender" would be my style, and maybe with time, it'll grow on me. But for now, smack dab in the middle for me.

Yo, this goes way hard. I've been sleeping on Patti. 4 boys sipping tea in the hallway out of 5 ☕☕☕☕

The title song was the only decent song on the album. Rest of them were painful to listen to.

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

Those who say this isn’t punk have a very narrow view of punk. Part poetry part coffee shop part shouting in the street. Patti’s pretty cool. Songs added to Spotify: 2

Definitely important, you can here the influences on rock music for the next 30 years. Amazing voice/emotion/power. A little too experimental for my taste. Glad she made it, I am unlikely to choose to listen to it.

Listened to the first song and it is a no for me

I like Patti Smith’s voice, and the overall sound, but I don’t actually like a lot of the songs individually.

Loves it. Raw and didn’t seem to have a lot of production. Gloria was a great intro to set the mood

Rock on

Great listen but i've never really come back to this album over the years. can't imagine this changing any time soon either

What an interesting album. I'm not sure I'd say I love it, but I respect the heck out of what I just listened to. It's pretty all over the place both lyrically and musically, but it's incredibly well-done. It's not something that'll go into my regular listen rotation, but I'm glad I got to listen through it. It was a pretty unique experience.

Pretty good.

There are some points of the album when i wanted to stop listening. I know she get a lot of props for this album. Maybe at the time it was influential but…Not a fan.

Different.

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.

Not for me

It's definitely an important album. Its influence and place in history earn it at least 3 stars. Overall, even though the music is "simple" (intentionally), it has an infectious energy and movement. There are some great tracks to revisit.

Powerful. That's pretty much it. And it's enough.

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).

Never listened to Patti Smith before but knew of her and her influence in the punk scene. Really enjoyed this and would go back for another listen.

Super cool. I’ve never listened to Patti Smith before. I really love her voice.

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.

Not for me.

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.

Horses is cool. Horses is unique. Horses is groundbreaking.

vocals so good. i can feel the GAE ANGST (ok she maybe she isnt queer but she is queer nawmsayn) SO CREATIVE WITH THE SPOKEN WORD ESQUE PARTS. songs are threaded well together; theres coherence but at the same time always interesting. chefs kiss

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.

There were some pretty good tunes on here. Thought it would be more folky but it wasn’t. This album album probably better with context.

Patti Smiths debut album, pretty cool and original but somewhat overrated

Couldn't get into it.

Solid vocals but nothing that captured me too much. Album title track was probably my favorite.

Haven’t heard anything from her and I’m very drawn in

I mean, how can you not think this is what she didn't serve here???

Someone please get your friend off the karaoke mic. She's clearly wasted

C'était correct, j'ai clairement manqué le délire culturel associé.

The album is a really enjoyable experience. Every song is different, all of them are fun to listen to. Sometimes she's speaking, sometimes she's talking or just making noises.

Overall, I didn't enjoy this. I did get into the last track, but I outright hated 2 & 3. I'd give it a 2.5 if I could, so I'm rounding up today

At one point it felt like “Patti Smith sings angry versions of other people’s songs”, but that’s OK. Thats the charm and the allure. Not really my thing so only three stars but I totally get why so many love this record. Glad I finally listened to the whole thing.

Absolutely shite

Meh

I really hate Birdland, which goes on (and on) for 9 minutes. The album is saved by the other 9-minute piece.

This is some early girl-punk and I'm absolutely here for it. Super fun album.

This is one of those albums that burns itself into your consciousness and is hard to shake after you've heard it. Raw, confident and jarring, with vivid lyrics that are worth reading on their own as poetry. Patti Smith is an acidic, authoritative vocalist, who can wring all the ugly emotion out of a lyric like few can. Fave Songs: Free Money, Gloria, Elegie, Redondo Beach, Kimberly

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

Удивительно странный альбом. С одной стороны я бы не стал переслушивать этот издевающийся низкий слабый голос, который еще и пытается не всегда удачно экспериментировать со своим звучанием. Но с другой стороны иногда эти издевки заходили, да и музыка рок-гитар драйвовая. Под такие песни можно, наверно, пойти гулять с друзьями по городу или поехать на пикник. Думаю, что альбом попал в этот список не случайно.

Horses is the debut album by American musician Patti Smith. This early punk/art rock album uses a bit of improv on its songs and features a minimalist aesthetic that made it an average commercial & critical success. Patti Smith's unique vocals could bounce from singing to spoken word and the backing music matched her vibes perfectly. The fact that the lead singer of a rock band (in 1975 during the blossoming of punk rock) was a woman also gained popularity points for this album. In the years since Horses has received more acclaim - appearing on many best of lists, inducted into the US's National Recording Registry in 2009 & the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021, and being certified gold in Australia & the UK. This was a beautifully artistic album of early punk rock music. Figuratively and literally, Horses hit all the right notes and made for a great listening experience. Listeners will not be disappointed with this.

A unique and uncompromising voice in rock music. Enjoy this classic.

Started great, grew bored, didn’t finish, saved nothing to favorites.

Sublime album.

Really solid stuff, Patti Smith is legendary for a reason, I don't think she's ever been overhyped

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

This was ok.

Jesus Christ no

Solid

Did not care for

Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood, but I had a hard time getting into this

The instrumentals were okay, but Smith’s voice is just annoying to listen to. None of the songs really captivated me and she sounds whiny. DNF.

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

She's saying a lot of words. The production is sort of empty as well. Most of the songs blended together for me, nothing stood out that much except for the opening line which everybody quotes. Kinda disappointed by this one.

This bounces from great to unlistenable and back again.

4+/5

Apparently Patti Smith is like Bob Dylan? More a poet than a singer? This was not my jam. I really really tried, but like Dylan, I just found this boring. Horses was ok. I get why that song has the most plays. Let's just say I wouldn't listen to it again.

what an opener

I had high hopes for this after reading how many artists were inspired by this album. I get that it broke barriers and such but it's just not an enjoyable listen.

Yeah its one of those albums that every grown up indie kid is supposed to like. But is a bit of a slog of uninteresting music behind a poet throwing religious imagery around. Mmmm...3

Wow! Super punk feel but I didn’t really enjoy it. Had the feel of listening to a live album with the looseness but wasn’t very fun to listen to. 2/5

I feel bad for not enjoying this, as Patti has been such a huge influence on much of the music I like. Her voice just really turns me off for some reason. She's clearly a good songwriter, and writes interesting lyrics, I just don't like her singing. Free Money was the first song on the album I found tolerable, and I almost turned it off before then.

I had zero expectations going into this one as I'm not familiar with Patti Smith. I took a chance of throwing this one on during a workout and it surprisingly worked out. The poetic, emotion-packed sing-talk lyrics paired with the rock melodies really drew me in. There were parts that gave me strong Pink Floyd vibes. I thought this album was great and I immediately put it back on when I finished to give the lyrics another listened. Highlights include Gloria, Free Money, Kimberly, Land: Horses.

An important part of the music scene.

Patti is an icon and an amazing writer and poet. It’s crazy that she made this album with little previous musical experience. I don’t fully connect with all of her music but admire her confidence and artistry. 3.8

Never really understood who Patti Smith was or why she was so revered. Supposedly punk rock, but it doesn't sound like it. Feels like something that could only come out of late 70s NYC. Not something I'd often listen to, but I get it. 3.2

Great album. Every song is a groove

Patti help gloria in excelsis deo- I love her voice. 6 or 7 Redondo beach- I like how the guitar makes it feel beachy. I also like how she talks about suicide. 6 or 7. Birdland- this piano better not be the whole 9 minutes. um 6 I wasn't paying attention to be honest free money- 6 kimberly- 6 ish ummm. yeah ♥ break it up- sounds like let it go 💀 yeah 6 ummm I don't have a lot to say 😭 land: horses- you can tell im on my phone rather than computer because of the all the emojis 👽. 9 minutes again. wait hold up 💃. Johnny. 7 or 8. I love how she layers things. elegie- it's interesting to end on. 6 favorite track is gloria or horses maybe

Solid album, good vocals and piano/guitar. Nice storytelling and lyrics. Sometimes a bit crazy

Excellent lyrics and her voice, oh my. Would love to see her sing with Melissa Etheridge, those two voices would rock.

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.

Never listened to Patti Smith for some reason so I had no expectations. This album was a real rollercoaster. I liked the experimental aspects of it, but probably need to listen to it a few more times when I am in a more receptive mood to find out if I could love it.

The album is neither fish nor fowl and certainly not something I would associate with punk rock.

Das hörte sich damals mal ganz neu an.

7/10

could i write poetry to this? y

Influential, important, and essential, "Horses" broke new ground in myriad ways. Lacking any hit songs, this album should be consumed whole. Four and one-half stars.

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

not really my thing, sounds unfinished

Journey of struggle

Had really big expectations for this one, and was excited when it came up! But in the end it was a dissapointment 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲 Played the album 3 times, i was bored and nothing really had my attention besides the album starting with "jeasus died", the whole thing felt theatrical and forced. Listened to Legacy Edition that had some live recordings in the second half, and i liked those a lot better than the first half, lives had a raw emotional feeling that the rest of the album was lacking.

Eat your vegetables 3-4-4

Possibilities

Not bad, but the songs and her style didn’t connect with me.

Probably 3.5 really

Bah, no me a encantado. Un poco igual y gritona sin ritmo.

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.

Listened to this while playing Under Falling Skies. I lost. I had heard Patti Smith's name before, but honestly was expecting a folk sound...not Rolling Stones-esque ramblings. I enjoyed the album only somewhat. The opening line is fantastic and sets the stage, but there were a number of times where the lyrics just didn't work for me.

I will come back to give this album more time. I really like Patti's voice and her general vibe. I've always liked 'Gloria' and a couple of the more obvious tracks ... but the more subtle, poetry led track deserve more of my attention.

Read one of her autobiographies but never listened to this album specifically. Groundbreaking punkish.

Sounds like a punk album with a softer side. Love it

very amazing punk album. omg this is so amazing. gloria is an amazing song. uhhh 8.5/10

Tykkäsin 70s tunnelmasta

Nix!

This bitch FUCKS

Bold and almost underground-esque, with Jagger-like vocal inflections used by somebody who definitely isn't Jagger. But Patti pulls it off convincingly, and with some really inspiring compositions to go with it. I had to do some reading on Wikipedia, and it seems this album was hugely influential on the rock, punk, and female musicians' scenes. I can definitely see that in Patti's music. Gloria is an excellent, exciting opening track, making heavy use of a three-chord power harmony. Free Money, Redondo Beach, and the title-ish track are also strong. It's not exactly punk, but that's fine. It's better than most punk anyway. There's just something a bit unpolished about the album that's hard to pin down. It's missing something that really creates relistenable, coverable classics. 4/5

Break it up Gloria

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.

Least favorite album so far. I will never listen to that again.

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.

Listened Before: N Absolutely killer. I knew she was a big deal in the punk world and now I see why. Poetry, spoken word, punk rock, stream of consciousness... so great. I loved every second of this one. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Gloria

really prefer this style delivered in shorter form tracks but i am very alphabet mafia about punk rock girls four stars

Idk. Thought I would love it more bc I like what this album influenced. Perhaps I’ll give it another listen one day.

Never really heard Patti Smith before, but I'm feeling this.

I had some appreciation for how her poetry merged with the music but for the most part I couldn’t wait for this to end

This album was ok, just ok. It didn't feel very "punk rock" to me, maybe the genre has changed since the 70's.

B- Gloria (part one: "In Excelsis Deo" / part two: "Gloria (Version)") 3 Redondo Beach 3 Birdland 3 Free Money 3 Kimberly 3 Break It Up 3 Land (part one: "Horses" / part two: "Land of a Thousand Dances" / part three: "La Mer(de)") 3 Elegie 4 When I saw Sophie Gindi on the cover, I didn't know how to feel, but this was actually really good.

Voice reminds me of Debbie Harry.

Unfassbar, dass ich Nina Simone gerade 2 Sterne gegeben habe, damnit Das Album hier sind 2 Sterne, ziemlich langweilig und unaufregend

First time listening to Patti Smith and I wasn’t disappointed, but don’t necessarily listen much of her in the future either