Classic Albums Review: Horses

You know those kind of artists that strike you at your core? Those special few who, with only their voice and a few instruments, transcend the stereotype of a rock has-been and knock you to the ground with riveting emotion? Patti Smith is one of those individuals, and Horses, her debut album, is a testament to not only those gifted artists but a testament to rock n’ roll. Released in late December of 1975 and recorded in the midst of Jimi Hendrix’s ghost at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, Horses is a landmark album of punk rock, and has influenced bands and artists ever since it was first sold in record stores. With Smith’s unique style of songwriting and vocal intensity, plus the varied style of instrumentation, there is a lot to praise about Horses, regardless of record sales or influence.

The entire album is filled with Smith’s awesome vocal style. In a mixture of irony, anger, lament, excitement, and even a hint of remorse, Smith delivers each song with such a distinct, razor-sharp vocals. With the longer songs on Horses (specifically “Birdland” and “Land”), Smith shines her brightest. While it can be a bit dragging with Smith essentially reciting short stories in said longer songs, no one can deny the range and dynamic of Smith’s voice is chilling but also comforting – a combination of derision and earnest despair.

Oddly enough, the lyrics are probably the least punkish aspect of the album overall. That is, the stories Smith tells are in sharp contrast to the fed-up, typically anti-government feeling over other punk legends like The Ramones of The Sex Pistols while her voice is undoubtedly punk at its best. But, as I said, the lyrics are not what makes this album classic punk – the instrumentation does. The simple, rugged, traditional rock set-up of instruments not only captures the raw essence of 70s New York punk rock, but also mixes in elements of reggae and regular pop music. Yet, the pop portion of Horses, which manifests itself solely in the track titled “Kimberly,” is not the best piece of work. The only two redeeming qualities of “Kimberly” are its pleasant bass line and, of course, Smith’s lyrics. Apart from that, the one hint of pop in Horses comes out a bit awkward.

I feel it necessary to mention that, while I find that there are certain elements of “Kimberly,” and in general all of the albums and songs that I review, are open to criticism, that does not mean they should be overlooked or berated. In fact, “Kimberly” is one of my favorite tracks from Horses, ironically because it is a more typical pop song. I only wish to elucidate that, from a personal point of view, even when criticism exists there is still a great deal of admiration and joy with all the music I enjoy. And, to you, the reader, I believe it is worth noting that it’s okay to dislike something, but it is no okay to completely banish it simply because of your dislike.

Now that that’s been said, I shall make one final comment on Horses overall. A recurring theme in many great rock albums is a sort of journey through the album. The production, as well as the pacing and tone of Horses, successfully achieves this “journey effect.” From the soft-to-hard opening track “Gloria” to the somber closing track “Elegie,” you are brought through many stories and emotions which are achieved through Smith’s poetic, even prophetic voice, the oftentimes breakneck and other times solemn instrumentation, and the wonderful production on tracks like “Land” and “Break It Up”.

While it may not sound like punk at first, Horses achieves an unparalleled style of punk rock and showcases the glorious talent of Patti Smith when she was in her prime. Through so many emotions and rhythms and tones, you truly get something special with Horses if you listen through the whole album. And everyone has their tastes and opinions with music, and I cannot stress that enough. But, with every album I review I likewise cannot stress enough how incredible these pieces of music are. With that said, if you’re looking for some classic punk, a flashback to 1970s New York, or you just want to hear a voice that smashes every conception of what “girl singers” are, listen to Horses by Patti Smith.