Patti Smith

Patti Smith

art rock, post-punk, proto-punk

United States

"With a driving urgency that melds spoken rhythms with electric intensity, Smith's music pulses like a heartbeat, forever urging the listener to confront both the beauty and chaos of existence."

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The Patti Smith Masters

The Patti Smith Masters

1996
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Career Arc

Patti Smith's discography from 1974 to 2015

1974 1994 2015
Piss Factory (1974) Horses (1975) Pumping (My Heart) (1976) Pissing in a River (1976) Hey Joe / Radio Ethiopia (1977) Ask the Angels (1977) Set Free (1978) Privilege (Set Me Free) (1978) Frederick (1979) Because The Night (1983) Dream of Life (1988) People Have the Power (1988) Up There Down There (1988) Gone Again (1996) The Patti Smith Masters (1996) Summer Cannibals (1996) Peace and Noise (1997) 1959 (1997) Gung Ho (2000) Glitter in Their Eyes (2000)
Patti Smith matters not only for her pioneering voice in music but also as a cultural touchstone that intertwines the realms of poetry, activism, and punk ethos.
Patti Smith matters not only for her pioneering voice in music but also as a cultural touchstone that intertwines the realms of poetry, activism, and punk ethos. Her presence has shifted the landscape, encouraging generations to embrace authenticity and express raw emotion through art. In a male-dominated industry, she carved out space for female artists to explore themes of identity, rebellion, and vulnerability, establishing a blueprint for those who followed. Her approach is marked by an unflinching blend of spoken word and rock, where each performance becomes an act of catharsis. By merging her literary background with music, Smith creates an experience that's both visceral and cerebral, engaging audiences in a dialogue about societal issues while inviting them into her intimate reflections. This intersection of poetry and sound has redefined what it means to be a performer, emphasizing the importance of personal narrative in live settings. Smith often explores themes of love, loss, and existential questioning with a tone that oscillates between heartfelt sincerity and stark irony. Her storytelling is impressionistic, leaving space for interpretation while grounding her lyrics in poignant imagery that resonates deeply with listeners. This duality allows her work to reflect broader human experiences while remaining intensely personal.

Full discography

Patti Smith's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

30 releases • 15 albums • 2 EPS • 1974–2015
Discography may be incomplete (15 of ~19 albums indexed)
Type:

EPs ()

Set Free album by Patti Smith

Set Free

1978

Hey Joe / Radio Ethiopia album by Patti Smith

Hey Joe / Radio Ethiopia

1977

Singles ()

Redondo Beach album by Patti Smith

Redondo Beach

2005

Glitter in Their Eyes album by Patti Smith

Glitter in Their Eyes

2000

1959 album by Patti Smith

1959

1997

Summer Cannibals album by Patti Smith

Summer Cannibals

1996

People Have the Power album by Patti Smith

People Have the Power

1988

Up There Down There album by Patti Smith

Up There Down There

1988

Because The Night album by Patti Smith

Because The Night

1983

Frederick album by Patti Smith

Frederick

1979

Privilege (Set Me Free) album by Patti Smith

Privilege (Set Me Free)

1978

Ask the Angels album by Patti Smith

Ask the Angels

1977

Pumping (My Heart) album by Patti Smith

Pumping (My Heart)

1976

Pissing in a River album by Patti Smith

Pissing in a River

1976

Piss Factory album by Patti Smith

Piss Factory

1974

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Patti Smith sound like?

With a driving urgency that melds spoken rhythms with electric intensity, Smith's music pulses like a heartbeat, forever urging the listener to confront both the beauty and chaos of existence. Rooted in post-punk and art rock. Start with Horses.

What is the best Patti Smith album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Horses" (1975). It's the most representative of what makes Patti Smith worth hearing.

Who is Patti Smith for?

If you're into post-punk and art rock, Patti Smith is worth your time. With a driving urgency that melds spoken rhythms with electric intensity, Smith's music pulses like a heartbeat, forever urging the listener to confront both the beauty and chaos of existence.

How many albums does Patti Smith have?

Patti Smith has 30 releases in their discography, including 15 albums and 2 EPs.

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