Horses

album by Smith

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June 17, 2026

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The album Horses, released in 1975 by Patti Smith, is widely regarded as her most authentic work. It captures the raw energy of her live performances, blending spoken-word poetry with rock music. The Library of Congress recognized its significance by adding it to the National Recording Registry in 2009. The album is noted for its provocative lyrics and Smith's unique delivery, establishing her as a pioneering figure in punk rock.12

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Patti Smith
Horses
…she released her first album, Horses, in 1975; it was produced by John Cale, the Welsh avant-gardist and cofounder (with Lou Reed) of the Velvet Underground. Often considered her purest, truest album, it replicated her live shows better than any subsequent LP. Its opening track, “Gloria,” begins with the infamous…
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…she released her first album, Horses, in 1975; it was produced by John Cale, the Welsh avant-gardist and cofounder (with Lou Reed) of the Velvet Underground. Often considered her purest, truest album, it replicated her live shows better than any subsequent LP. Its opening track, “Gloria,” begins with the infamous…
Read More

John Cale
Solo career
…by influential proto-punk musicians, including Horses (1975) by Patti Smith and self-titled debut albums by the Stooges (1969) and the Modern Lovers (1976).
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…by influential proto-punk musicians, including Horses (1975) by Patti Smith and self-titled debut albums by the Stooges (1969) and the Modern Lovers (1976).
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