What does Twelve sound like?

A haunting blend of classic rock covers infused with Smith's poetic fervor and raw emotional intensity. Rooted in post-punk and art rock. Start with "Are You Experienced?".

Is Twelve a good place to start with Patti Smith?

Yes, Twelve is recommended as a starting point for new Patti Smith listeners. A haunting blend of classic rock covers infused with Smith's poetic fervor and raw emotional intensity. By the time 'Twelve' was released in 2007, Patti Smith had already established herself as a pivotal figure in music with albums like 'Horses' and 'Easter.' This album marked her first collection of cover songs, showcasing her influence and respect for the original artists while reaffirming her presence in a new era of rock music.

Twelve works well if you're into poetic reinterpretations of classics, steady pacing with emotional peaks and raw vocal intensity throughout.

How many songs are on Twelve?

Twelve has 12 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Twelve

Patti Smith · 2007

56 min · 12 tracks · rock music

A haunting blend of classic rock covers infused with Smith's poetic fervor and raw emotional intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Are You Experienced? Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Gimme Shelter — This cover transforms the Rolling Stones' classic into an evocative meditation on shelter and survival, highlighting Smith’s vocal power and interpretive depth.
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Everybody Wants to Rule the World — Smith’s rendition infuses this Tears for Fears hit with a sense of urgency and introspection, shifting its youthful defiance into a more somber reflection on ambition.
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Midnight Rider — Her version captures the longing inherent in the Allman Brothers Band original, adding a poignant layer through her stark and emotive vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Smith's unique interpretations and vocal intensity create a distinct experience across classic rock covers.

What we noticed

Each track is reinterpreted with a distinct arrangement that highlights Smith's vocal delivery and lyrical focus, often diverging from the original melodies.
The album opens with a cover of 'Are You Experienced?' which features a slow build-up, contrasting with the more upbeat tempo of the original.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending poetry with music, particularly evident in her rendition of 'Gimme Shelter'.
The final track, 'Pastime Paradise', closes the album with a reflective tone, creating a sense of resolution after the preceding intensity.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

poetic reinterpretations of classics
steady pacing with emotional peaks
raw vocal intensity throughout
reflective moments for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
want immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in her catalog, showcasing covers but not a defining work.
Themes: youth disillusionment· chaos and shelter
Career context: By the time 'Twelve' was released in 2007, Patti Smith had already established herself as a pivotal figure in music with albums like 'Horses' and 'Easter.' This album marked her first collection of cover songs, showcasing her influence and respect for the original artists while reaffirming her presence in a new era of rock music.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· The Velvet Underground· Joy Division

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Gimme Shelter

The bridge introduces a chilling sense of urgency as the imagery shifts towards themes of war and refuge.

This moment amplifies the song’s emotional weight, moving beyond mere nostalgia to confront contemporary fears and societal issues.