September 29, 2021
Music can act as an escape for anyone. Whether it’s rap or classical music, there is always something new to discover. Recently, I have been doing my best to branch out from my normal choice of artist. This month I found that I greatly enjoyed Patti Smith, more specifically, her album Horses.
Smith has a background in poetry and had several volumes published in the early 70s. Her lyrics shine through the hard sounds she incorporates in her music. Smith is also known for being one of the biggest inspirations for the punk music scene.
Horses, her debut album, was released in 1975 and was well received by the public. The cover is simple, just a photo of Smith dressed in black and white with a jacket slung over her shoulder. You wouldn’t be able to tell that this a punk rock album based off of the front cover. While her later work is also critically acclaimed, this particular album stands out to me the most. All of the tracks use high energy and beautiful lyrics to shape her sound. My favorite song would have to be “Elegie.” Smith pairs whining guitar and dramatic piano to capture the mood of the song. Though it’s different than most on the album, the variety of sound is what makes Horses so refreshing.
Patti Smith is still a staple name in the music world, but she has also dabbled in other arts. In 2010, she released her National Book Award winning memoir, Just Kids.
If you are a fan of punk superstars like the Ramones and the Dead Kennedys, you will love Patti Smith. Her music is still greatly appreciated and is considered some of the best to come out of the 70s.
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