Outside Society
Patti Smith · 2011
79 min · 18 tracks · rock music
A raw, electrifying collection that encapsulates Patti Smith's poetic prowess and punk spirit across decades of her influential career.
Top tracks — play these first
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Because the Night — This iconic track features a hauntingly beautiful melody paired with heartfelt lyrics about love and longing, showcasing Smith's lyrical depth and emotional resonance.
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People Have the Power — With its anthemic chorus and empowering message, this song has become synonymous with social activism, exemplifying Smith's role as both an artist and a voice for change.
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Dancing Barefoot — The track blends infectious rhythms with introspective lyrics, capturing the juxtaposition of freedom and vulnerability that characterizes much of Smith's work.
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Gloria Start here — As one of her most celebrated songs, Gloria embodies the raw energy of Smith's punk roots while exploring themes of identity and transformation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The compilation captures Patti Smith's diverse range while reflecting her unique blend of rock and poetry.
What we noticed
- Tracks are sequenced chronologically, allowing listeners to trace her artistic development from the 1970s to the 2000s.
- Several tracks include spoken word elements, blending poetry with rock music, which is a hallmark of Smith's style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic ebb and flow experience
- poetic introspection with energy
- anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
- reflective moments amid urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek consistent pacing throughout
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A compilation that distills Smith's essence, ideal for new listeners.
- Themes
- poetic rebellion· New York punk scene
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Outside Society is a significant retrospective album that showcases Patti Smith's evolution as an artist. This compilation arrives after her acclaimed album Twelve and celebrates her enduring legacy while reaching new listeners. It highlights key tracks from her career, marking over three decades since her debut with Horses in 1975.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Velvet Underground· Joy Division
Tracklist
- 1 Gloria Start here 5:52
- 2 Free Money 3:50
- 3 Ain’t It Strange 6:35
- 4 Pissing in a River 4:50
- 5 Because the Night 3:22
- 6 Rock ’n’ Roll Nigger 4:52
- 7 Dancing Barefoot 4:16
- 8 Frederick 3:02
- 9 So You Want to Be a Rock ’n’ Roll Star 4:18
- 10 People Have the Power 5:06
- 11 Up There Down There 4:48
- 12 Beneath the Southern Cross 4:34
- 13 Summer Cannibals 4:09
- 14 1959 3:58
- 15 Glitter in Their Eyes 3:03
- 16 Lo and Beholden (radio edit) 4:19
- 17 Smells Like Teen Spirit (radio edit) 5:49
- 18 Trampin’ (album version) 2:52
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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