ITunes Originals – Patti Smith
Patti Smith · 2008
91 min · 27 tracks · rock music
A raw and intimate collection that melds spoken word with stripped-down acoustic versions of Patti Smith's iconic songs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Because the Night — This version strips down the original arrangement to reveal the song's emotional core, showcasing Smith's vocal intensity and lyrical depth.
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Gloria: In Excelsis Deo — The live rendition captures the passionate spirit of Smith's performances, emphasizing her punk roots while celebrating a pivotal moment in her career.
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Pissing in a River (iTunes originals version) Start here — This track highlights Smith's poetic lyricism and personal storytelling, offering a fresh acoustic interpretation that resonates with listeners emotionally.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate storytelling in waves
- reflective moments of acoustic depth
- poetic exploration of complex themes
- dynamic shifts between tracks
- cathartic release through raw vocals
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — An intimate collection showcasing her journey, not a primary entry or breakthrough.
- Themes
- acoustic storytelling· New York punk legacy
- Career context
- By 2008, Patti Smith was a celebrated figure in music and literature, having released acclaimed albums since the 1970s. This album, part of the iTunes Originals series, showcases her reflection on her career as it includes reinterpretations of her classic tracks alongside personal anecdotes, illustrating her continued relevance and artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Velvet Underground· Joy Division
Tracklist
- 1 iTunes originals 0:06
- 2 I Can't Remember Ever Recording It Acoustically 1:23
- 3 Pissing in a River (iTunes originals version) Start here 4:41
- 4 It Was Our Most Popular Song 2:55
- 5 Because the Night 3:22
- 6 It Was Written in Memory of the Hopi Indians 1:29
- 7 Ghost Dance (iTunes originals version) 4:29
- 8 I Was Walking by the Sea Thinking of Him 1:11
- 9 Frederick 3:02
- 10 In the Face of Loss We Have to Be Strong 2:09
- 11 About a Boy 8:15
- 12 A Poem for Oliver Ray 1:43
- 13 Beneath the Southern Cross 4:34
- 14 I Wanted to Sing It the Way I Ride a Horse 1:31
- 15 Midnight Rider (iTunes originals version) 3:55
- 16 My Inspiration Was Mother Teresa 1:34
- 17 One Voice 4:04
- 18 I Always Look to William Blake When I'm Having a Difficult Year 1:49
- 19 My Blakean Year 5:14
- 20 This Song Came to Mind 2:17
- 21 Tara / Peaceable Kingdom (iTunes originals version) 6:33
- 22 We Became Instant Friends 2:15
- 23 Gloria: In Excelsis Deo (live) 6:50
- 24 It's a Very Alive Song 1:11
- 25 Soul Kitchen (iTunes originals version) 4:03
- 26 The Most Emotional Song on the Record 3:38
- 27 Smells Like Teen Spirit (iTunes originals version) 6:54
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Shares intimate storytelling and poetic lyrics with a raw, acoustic sound.
Diamonds & Rust
Joan Baez
Blends folk traditions and reflective narratives, echoing Smith's emotional depth.
Heathen
David Bowie
Explores themes of introspection and legacy with a rich sonic palette, resonating with Smith's artistry.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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