The best Patti Smith albums

19 records, ordered by how much they reward a first listen — not by chart position.

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Horses

  1. 1
    Peace and Noise

    Peace and Noise

    1997

    A raw, introspective exploration of loss and resilience, blending rock with haunting poeticism and atmospheric instrumentation.

  2. 2
    Banga

    Banga

    2012

    A tapestry of poetic reflections woven through eclectic instrumentation and haunting melodies that capture a sense of longing and exploration.

  3. 3
    Trampin'

    Trampin'

    2004

    A blend of poetic introspection and raw rock energy that captures the restless spirit of its creator.

  4. 4
    Dream of Life

    Dream of Life

    1988

    A tapestry of poetic lyricism and rock fervor, blending artful melodies with anthemic calls for social change.

  5. 5
    Gone Again

    Gone Again

    1996

    A haunting blend of raw emotion and poetic introspection, layered with rich instrumentation and Smith's evocative vocals.

  6. 6
    Gung Ho

    Gung Ho

    2000

    A reflective blend of art rock and poetic storytelling that intertwines personal narratives with broader social themes.

  7. 7
    ITunes Originals – Patti Smith

    ITunes Originals – Patti Smith

    2008

    A raw and intimate collection that melds spoken word with stripped-down acoustic versions of Patti Smith's iconic songs.

  8. 8
    Land

    Land

    2002

    A raw and evocative collection of live and demo tracks that blend punk energy with poetic introspection.

  9. 9
    Horses

    Horses

    1975

    A fusion of punk energy and poetic lyricism, merging raw guitar riffs with introspective narratives.

  10. 10
    Outside Society

    Outside Society

    2011

    A raw, electrifying collection that encapsulates Patti Smith's poetic prowess and punk spirit across decades of her influential career.

  11. 11
    Twelve

    Twelve

    2007

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

  12. 12
    The Coral Sea

    The Coral Sea

    2008

    A haunting blend of spoken word and experimental soundscapes that reflects on loss and the passage of time.

  13. 13
    Set Free

    Set Free

    1978

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

  14. 14
    The Patti Smith Masters

    The Patti Smith Masters

    1996

    A raw blend of poetry and rock, merging punk energy with haunting melodies that capture the spirit of rebellion.

  15. 15
    M Train

    M Train

    2015

  16. 16
    Hey Joe / Radio Ethiopia

    Hey Joe / Radio Ethiopia

    1977

  17. 17
    Peradam

    Peradam

    2020

  18. 18
    Tell It Like It Is

    Tell It Like It Is

    1997

  19. 19
    The Peyote Dance

    The Peyote Dance

    2019