What makes Set Free by Patti Smith notable?

Though not as commercially prominent as her earlier works, 'Set Free' is notable for its exploration of live performance dynamics, particularly through the inclusion of '25th Floor', which captures the essence of her stage presence. The EP's critical reception further solidified Smith's relevance in the music landscape of the late 1970s, influencing emerging artists in both punk and alternative rock genres. By the time 'Set Free' was released in January 1978, Patti Smith had already established herself as a significant figure in the punk scene following her acclaimed debut album 'Horses'. This EP arrived during a pivotal moment when Smith was transitioning from underground icon to mainstream artist, showcasing her evolving sound and artistic vision.

How many songs are on Set Free?

Set Free has 4 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Set Free

Patti Smith · 1978

18 min · 4 tracks · rock music

An intersection of art rock and punk energy, blending poetic lyricism with raw instrumentation in a captivating sonic journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Privilege (Set Me Free) — This track opens the EP with an urgent call for liberation, encapsulating Smith's signature blend of poetic intensity and musical experimentation.
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Ask the Angels — Infused with a sense of yearning, this song showcases Smith's lyrical prowess while balancing a punchy rhythm that exemplifies her punk roots.
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25th Floor (live version) — The live rendition highlights Smith's electrifying performance style and offers listeners an immersive experience of her stage persona.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases a blend of punk energy and poetic lyricism, though its cohesion is less consistent across tracks.

What we noticed

The first track features a driving beat and layered guitar riffs, establishing an energetic tone that persists through the EP.
Smith's vocal delivery alternates between spoken word and singing, creating a dynamic contrast in her performance style.
The final track shifts to a more experimental sound with unconventional song structures and abstract lyrics, diverging from the straightforward rock of earlier tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — An interesting EP that showcases live dynamics but isn't widely recognized compared to her major works.
Themes: artistic rebellion· punk energy· New York poetry scene
Career context: By the time 'Set Free' was released in January 1978, Patti Smith had already established herself as a significant figure in the punk scene following her acclaimed debut album 'Horses'. This EP arrived during a pivotal moment when Smith was transitioning from underground icon to mainstream artist, showcasing her evolving sound and artistic vision.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Velvet Underground· Joy Division