Patti Smith is one of the most influential and revered figures in the history of rock music. With her unique blend of poetry, punk rock, and activism, Smith has been a trailblazer and inspiration to generations of artists and fans alike.
In this article, we will highlight the 10 best Patti Smith songs of all time, from her early recordings in the 1970s to her more recent work in the 2000s. These songs represent the breadth and depth of Smith’s artistry, featuring her soulful and powerful vocals, as well as her poetic and incisive lyrics. Each song showcases Smith’s unique ability to capture the essence of the human experience, from love and desire to politics and social justice.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Patti Smith or a newcomer to her music, these 10 songs are essential listening for anyone who loves rock music and the power of artistic expression.
1. “Dancing Barefoot”
“Dancing Barefoot” is a raw and passionate song by Patti Smith, released in 1979. The song was co-written by Smith and Ivan Kral, and it features Smith’s distinctive and powerful vocals, accompanied by a driving and energetic guitar riff.
The song captures the feeling of liberation and the sense of abandon that comes with dancing barefoot. Smith’s emotive delivery and urgent phrasing convey a sense of urgency and rebellion, while the propulsive rhythm section provides a sense of energy and excitement.
Overall, “Dancing Barefoot” is a classic of the punk and rock genres, showcasing Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its raw sound, emotive delivery, and rebellious spirit have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Smith’s live performances.
2. “Frederick”
“Frederick” is a romantic and poetic song by Patti Smith, released in 1979. The song was written by Smith and Jay Dee Daugherty, and it features Smith’s emotive and powerful vocals, accompanied by a simple and understated piano and guitar arrangement.
The song captures the feeling of being in love and the sense of wonder and joy that comes with it. Smith’s heartfelt delivery and poetic lyrics convey a sense of intimacy and tenderness, while the delicate instrumentation provides a sense of beauty and simplicity.
Overall, “Frederick” is a beautiful and timeless ballad that showcases Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its emotional power, understated arrangement, and poetic imagery have made it a fan favorite and a classic of Smith’s repertoire.
3. “Gloria: In Excelsis Deo”
“Gloria: In Excelsis Deo” is a dynamic and energetic song by Patti Smith, released in 1975. The song is a reimagining of the classic rock tune “Gloria” by Van Morrison, with new lyrics written by Smith herself.
The song captures the feeling of rebellion and freedom, with Smith’s fierce and unbridled vocals conveying a sense of urgency and defiance. The driving rhythm section and gritty guitar riff provide a sense of energy and excitement, as Smith’s sound seems to burst through the speakers.
Overall, “Gloria: In Excelsis Deo” is a classic of the punk and rock genres, showcasing Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its raw sound, powerful vocals, and rebellious spirit have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Smith’s live performances.
4. “Redondo Beach”
“Redondo Beach” is a haunting and poetic song by Patti Smith, released in 1975. The song was co-written by Smith and Lenny Kaye, and it features Smith’s emotive and distinctive vocals, accompanied by a sparse and hypnotic guitar riff.
The song captures the feeling of isolation and loss, with Smith’s evocative phrasing and poetic lyrics conveying a sense of longing and melancholy. The slow and deliberate tempo provides a sense of introspection and contemplation, as Smith’s sound seems to echo through the emptiness.
Overall, “Redondo Beach” is a beautiful and timeless ballad that showcases Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its emotional power, hypnotic arrangement, and poetic imagery have made it a fan favorite and a classic of Smith’s repertoire.
5.”Dream of Life”
“Dream of Life” is a dreamy and introspective song by Patti Smith, released in 1988. The song was co-written by Smith and her husband, Fred “Sonic” Smith, and it features Smith’s emotive and powerful vocals, accompanied by a lush and ethereal arrangement.
The song captures the feeling of hope and the sense of wonder that comes with dreaming of a better life. Smith’s emotive delivery and poetic lyrics convey a sense of optimism and longing, while the sweeping instrumentation provides a sense of grandeur and beauty.
Overall, “Dream of Life” is a beautiful and timeless ballad that showcases Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its emotional power, ethereal arrangement, and poetic imagery have made it a fan favorite and a classic of Smith’s repertoire.
6. “Ask the Angels”
“Ask the Angels” is a powerful and rebellious song by Patti Smith, released in 1976. The song was written by Smith and Ivan Kral, and it features Smith’s distinctive and raw vocals, accompanied by a driving and energetic guitar riff.
The song captures the feeling of defiance and rebellion, with Smith’s urgent and passionate delivery conveying a sense of urgency and determination. The propulsive rhythm section and gritty guitar provide a sense of energy and excitement, as Smith’s sound seems to tear through the walls.
Overall, “Ask the Angels” is a classic of the punk and rock genres, showcasing Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its raw sound, powerful vocals, and rebellious spirit have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Smith’s live performances.
7. “Birdland”
“Birdland” is a haunting and poetic song by Patti Smith, released in 1975. The song was co-written by Smith and her long-time collaborator, Lenny Kaye, and it features Smith’s emotive and distinctive vocals, accompanied by a complex and layered instrumentation.
The song captures the feeling of searching for something beyond the everyday world, with Smith’s evocative phrasing and poetic lyrics conveying a sense of transcendence and yearning. The intricate and unconventional arrangement provides a sense of experimentation and exploration, as Smith’s sound seems to soar into uncharted territory.
Overall, “Birdland” is a beautiful and timeless masterpiece that showcases Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its emotional power, innovative arrangement, and poetic imagery have made it a fan favorite and a classic of Smith’s repertoire.
8. “Free Money”
“Free Money” is an anthemic and rebellious song by Patti Smith, released in 1975. The song was written by Smith and her long-time collaborator, Lenny Kaye, and it features Smith’s emotive and passionate vocals, accompanied by a driving and energetic guitar riff.
The song captures the feeling of liberation and the sense of possibility that comes with the idea of free money. Smith’s urgent and powerful delivery conveys a sense of determination and rebellion, while the propulsive rhythm section and gritty guitar provide a sense of energy and excitement.
Overall, “Free Money” is a classic of the punk and rock genres, showcasing Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its raw sound, powerful vocals, and rebellious spirit have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Smith’s live performances.
9. “Because the Night”
“Because the Night” is a classic and iconic song by Patti Smith, released in 1978. The song was co-written by Smith and Bruce Springsteen, and it features Smith’s powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by a driving and energetic guitar riff.
The song captures the feeling of love and desire, with Smith’s passionate and urgent delivery conveying a sense of longing and intensity. The propulsive rhythm section and guitar provide a sense of energy and excitement, as Smith’s sound seems to build to a crescendo.
Overall, “Because the Night” is a timeless classic of the rock genre, showcasing Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its emotional power, energetic arrangement, and poetic lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Smith’s live performances.
10. “People Have the Power”
“People Have the Power” is a rousing and anthemic song by Patti Smith, released in 1988. The song was co-written by Smith and her husband, Fred “Sonic” Smith, and it features Smith’s powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by a driving and uplifting instrumentation.
The song captures the feeling of empowerment and the sense of possibility that comes with collective action. Smith’s passionate and urgent delivery conveys a sense of determination and hope, while the propulsive rhythm section and soaring instrumentation provide a sense of energy and optimism.
Overall, “People Have the Power” is a classic of the rock genre, showcasing Smith’s talent as both a songwriter and performer. Its emotional power, uplifting arrangement, and inspiring message have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Smith’s live performances, as well as an anthem for social movements around the world.