Patti Smith is a singer-songwriter, poet, and punk rock icon known for her powerful and raw performances, poetic lyrics, and fearless spirit. Since her debut album in 1975, Smith has been a trailblazer in the world of music, inspiring generations of artists and breaking boundaries in the industry. With a career spanning over four decades, Smith has released multiple albums and produced countless hits that continue to resonate with fans around the world. From her early days in the New York City punk scene to her later forays into poetry and activism, Smith has remained a fearless and uncompromising artist, using her platform to speak truth to power and inspire change. In this article, we will explore the best Patti Smith songs of all time, delving into their origins, significance, and why they remain timeless classics. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to remind you of the incredible impact and influence of Patti Smith and why her songs continue to be some of the most powerful and inspiring in music history. So, sit back, turn up the volume, and let’s take a journey through some of the greatest Patti Smith songs ever recorded.
1. Because The Night
Co-written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, “Because The Night” is a classic rock anthem that showcases Smith’s powerful vocals and poetic lyricism. The song’s driving guitar riff and soaring chorus make it a perfect example of the punk and new wave influences that shaped Smith’s music in the 1970s. With lyrics that celebrate the intense passion and connection of a romantic relationship, “Because The Night” remains a beloved and timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of fans.
2. Dancing barefoot
With its hypnotic rhythm and mystical lyrics, “Dancing Barefoot” is a standout track from Smith’s 1979 album Wave. The song’s dreamlike quality and evocative imagery create a sense of otherworldly beauty, while Smith’s vocals convey a sense of both vulnerability and strength. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but it remains an essential part of Smith’s oeuvre, showcasing her unique blend of poetry, punk, and rock.
3. Free Money
A highlight of Smith’s 1975 debut album Horses, “Free Money” is a powerful and incisive commentary on the commodification of wealth and success in American culture. Smith’s spoken-word delivery and the song’s minimalist instrumentation create a sense of urgency and intensity, as she imagines a world where money truly is free and available to all. The song’s message remains as relevant today as it did over 40 years ago, a testament to Smith’s enduring relevance and insight.
4. People Have The Power
In this anthemic and uplifting track, Smith celebrates the power of collective action and the ability of ordinary people to effect change in the world. With its driving rhythm and soaring chorus, “People Have The Power” has become a rallying cry for activists and social justice advocates around the world. The song’s message of hope and empowerment continues to inspire generations of fans, reminding us that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.
5. Smells Like Teen Spirit
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a quintessential grunge anthem that captured the angst and disillusionment of a generation. With its distorted guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Kurt Cobain’s raw vocals, the song became an instant classic upon its release in 1991. Its lyrics are cryptic and abstract, but they convey a sense of frustration and alienation that resonated with young people in the early ’90s. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains one of the most iconic and influential rock songs of all time, and its impact can still be felt in contemporary music.
6. Gloria
“Gloria” is a classic rock song by the band Them, fronted by the legendary Van Morrison. The song features Morrison’s soulful vocals and a driving rhythm section that create a sense of urgency and excitement. Its lyrics tell the story of a young man’s infatuation with a woman named Gloria, and the chorus (“G-L-O-R-I-A”) has become a popular sing-along at concerts and parties. “Gloria” is a timeless rock anthem that has been covered by countless artists, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its infectious energy and catchy melody.
7. Redondo Beach
“Redondo Beach” is a hauntingly beautiful song by punk rock icon Patti Smith. The song features Smith’s signature spoken-word vocals and a simple yet evocative guitar riff that creates a sense of longing and melancholy. Its lyrics tell the story of a woman who goes to Redondo Beach to escape the pain of a lost love, but finds herself haunted by memories of the past. “Redondo Beach” is a powerful and poetic exploration of grief and loss, and it showcases Smith’s unique ability to capture the human experience in all its complexity.
8. Patti Smith ” Rock n’ Roll nigg**”
“Rock n’ Roll nigg**” is a provocative and controversial song by punk rock icon Patti Smith. The song features Smith’s spoken-word vocals and a driving punk rock rhythm that creates a sense of urgency and rebellion. Its lyrics are a scathing critique of racism and the music industry, and they challenge listeners to confront their own complicity in these issues. “Rock n’ Roll nigg**” is a bold and uncompromising statement from one of rock’s most fearless artists, and it remains a powerful call to action for anyone who believes in the transformative power of music.
9. Patti Smith – Summer Cannibals
“Summer Cannibals” is a hard-hitting punk rock song from Patti Smith’s 1996 album “Gone Again”. The song features Smith’s signature spoken-word vocals and a driving rhythm section that creates a sense of urgency and rebellion. Its lyrics are a scathing critique of the media and its obsession with sensationalized news and celebrity culture. “Summer Cannibals” is a powerful and uncompromising statement from one of rock’s most fearless artists, and it remains a relevant commentary on the state of the media today.
10. Patti Smith – “Piss Factory”
“Piss Factory” is a spoken-word poem and the debut single from Patti Smith. Released in 1974, the song is a raw and unflinching look at life in New York City in the 1970s. Smith’s lyrics are a potent blend of poetry and prose, as she describes the boredom and frustration of working in a factory and the longing for something more. “Piss Factory” is a landmark work in punk rock history, and it established Smith as a singular talent with a unique perspective on the world.
11. Patti Smith – Pumping (My Heart)
“Pumping (My Heart)” is a synth-pop gem from Patti Smith’s 1979 album “Wave”. The song features a catchy melody and a pulsing rhythm that showcases Smith’s versatility as an artist. Its lyrics are a meditation on love and desire, as Smith sings about the physical and emotional rush of falling in love. “Pumping (My Heart)” is a departure from Smith’s punk rock roots, but it remains a testament to her ability to explore different musical genres and express herself in new and unexpected ways.
12. Patti Smith- Birdland
“Birdland” is a sprawling epic that spans nearly ten minutes and showcases Patti Smith’s poetic and musical prowess. The song features a spoken-word introduction, a soaring chorus, and a driving rock rhythm that builds to a cathartic climax. Its lyrics are a complex and deeply personal meditation on family, loss, and redemption, as Smith reflects on her own upbringing and the legacy of her parents. “Birdland” is a masterpiece of poetic rock, and it remains one of Smith’s most enduring and powerful works.
13. Patti Smith – Gloria
“Gloria” is a classic rock song by the band Them, fronted by the legendary Van Morrison. The song features Morrison’s soulful vocals and a driving rhythm section that create a sense of urgency and excitement. Its lyrics tell the story of a young man’s infatuation with a woman named Gloria, and the chorus (“G-L-O-R-I-A”) has become a popular sing-along at concerts and parties. “Gloria” is a timeless rock anthem that has been covered by countless artists, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its infectious energy and catchy melody.
14. Peaceable Kingdom
“Peaceable Kingdom” is a haunting ballad from Patti Smith’s 1997 album “Peace and Noise”. The song features Smith’s signature spoken-word vocals and a spare, haunting melody that creates a sense of intimacy and introspection. Its lyrics are a meditation on the nature of love and the search for inner peace, as Smith reflects on the struggles and joys of relationships. “Peaceable Kingdom” is a testament to Smith’s ability to combine poetry and music in a way that is deeply moving and emotionally resonant.
15. Patti Smith- Paths That Cross
“Paths That Cross” is a powerful and emotional song from Patti Smith’s 1988 album “Dream of Life”. The song features a soaring chorus and a driving rock rhythm that builds to a cathartic climax. Its lyrics are a meditation on mortality and the interconnectedness of all life, as Smith reflects on the fragility of human existence and the inevitability of death. “Paths That Cross” is a powerful and poignant work that showcases Smith’s poetic and musical talents at their finest.
16. Beneath The Southern Cross
“Beneath The Southern Cross” is a haunting ballad from Patti Smith’s 1996 album “Gone Again”. The song features Smith’s signature spoken-word vocals and a spare, atmospheric melody that creates a sense of mystery and longing. Its lyrics are a meditation on loss and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy, as Smith reflects on the death of her husband and other loved ones. “Beneath The Southern Cross” is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant work that showcases Smith’s ability to explore the depths of human experience through poetry and music.
17. Break it Up
“Break it Up” is a high-energy punk rock anthem from Patti Smith’s 1975 debut album “Horses”. The song features a driving rhythm section and Smith’s passionate vocals, as she sings about breaking free from societal norms and embracing the power of individuality. Its lyrics are a call to arms for a new generation of rebels and misfits, as Smith celebrates the power of creativity and self-expression. “Break it Up” is a classic punk rock anthem that remains a powerful and inspiring work of art.
18. Patti Smith – Frederick
“Frederick” is a romantic and dreamy song from Patti Smith’s 1979 album “Wave”. The song features a gentle melody and Smith’s ethereal vocals, as she sings about her love for the late playwright Fred “Sonic” Smith. Its lyrics are a tender and poetic tribute to love and the power of connection, as Smith reflects on the joys and challenges of relationships. “Frederick” is a beautiful and intimate work that showcases Smith’s ability to convey deep emotion through music and poetry.
19. Patti Smith – Glitter In Their Eyes
“Glitter In Their Eyes” is a driving rock song from Patti Smith’s 2000 album “Gung Ho”. The song features a powerful guitar riff and Smith’s fierce vocals, as she sings about the power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit. Its lyrics are a celebration of the power of art and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity. “Glitter In Their Eyes” is a powerful and inspiring work that showcases Smith’s ability to use music and poetry to inspire and empower.
20. Ain’t it Strange
“Ain’t it Strange” is a powerful punk rock song from Patti Smith’s debut album “Horses”. The song features a driving rhythm section and Smith’s raw, passionate vocals, as she sings about the struggles of everyday life and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and confusing. Its lyrics are a call to action for a new generation of rebels and misfits, as Smith urges listeners to embrace their inner power and push back against the constraints of society. “Ain’t it Strange” remains a classic punk rock anthem that continues to inspire and empower listeners to this day.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
