Peace and Noise cover

Peace and Noise

Patti Smith · 1997

52 min · 10 tracks · post-punk · art rock · proto-punk

A haunting blend of spoken word and rock that pulses with emotional depth and reflective lyricism.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflection
  • haunting atmosphere for solitude
  • gradual emotional build-up
  • thoughtful listening on quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek upbeat party tracks

Where this album fits

Themes
mortality reflection· post-loss reinvention· intimate communication
Career context
By 1997, Patti Smith was returning to music after a lengthy hiatus marked by personal loss, including the death of her husband, Fred 'Sonic' Smith. "Peace and Noise" is her first studio album since "Dream of Life" in 1988, signifying a profound artistic reinvention as she explored themes of mortality and connection.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen — Explores themes of mortality and introspection with a haunting, spoken-word delivery.
The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds — Shares a reflective tone and emotional depth focusing on love, loss, and intimate storytelling.
From the Choirgirl Hotel by Tori Amos — Combines personal loss with poetic lyricism and an atmospheric soundscape, echoing inner turmoil.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Waiting Underground 5:19
  • 2 Whirl Away 5:01
  • 3 1959 3:58
  • 4 Spell 3:17
  • 5 Don't Say Nothing 5:52
  • 6 Dead City 4:13
  • 7 Blue Poles 5:19
  • 8 Death Singing 3:44
  • 9 Memento Mori 10:34
  • 10 Last Call 5:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata