The Importance of Patti Smith's Horses 50 Years Later
Horses, Patti Smith's debut album, celebrates its 50th anniversary as an iconic symbol of rebellion, artistic expression, and punk rock. Half a century ago, Smith captured the untamed spirit of rock ‘n’ roll with this groundbreaking record that remains powerful and relevant.
The album represents outsider art—bold and challenging, exploring themes like religion and gender with both subtlety and force. In 1975, punk had yet to become a widely recognized genre, though an underground revival was underway.
Punk Rock's Early Roots
- New York bands such as Television, The Ramones, and the Patti Smith Group were regulars at CBGB, a dive bar famous for fostering punk music.
- Detroit's MC5 and the Stooges, as well as the New York Dolls and Velvet Underground, were important precursors to punk.
Patti Smith’s Artistic Beginnings
Smith carried the soul of a poet. Her early performances were mostly spoken poetry, accompanied by guitarist Lenny Kaye, and later joined by pianist Richard Sohl. In 1974, she independently released a single in this style.
“Patti Smith has the soul of a poet, and her early performances were mainly spoken recitations of her poems, with the backing of guitarist Lenny Kaye.”
Record executive Clive Davis discovered the Patti Smith Group performing at CBGB and signed them to Arista Records, his new label.
Production of Horses
Smith selected John Cale, former member of the Velvet Underground, to produce her debut. With his extensive studio experience, Cale brought structure to the sessions, balancing the band’s freewheeling energy.
“Cale had years of experience in the recording studio, and brought some structure to the sessions, counterbalancing the freewheeling spirit of the band.”
Horses remains a bold and poetic landmark that helped define punk rock before it even had a name.
Author’s summary: Patti Smith’s Horses revolutionized rock music with its daring poetry and raw punk spirit, standing strong as a defining album 50 years later.