"Gone Again" is the sixth studio album by Patti Smith, released on June 18, 1996, through Arista Records. The album's production was influenced by a series of personal losses that deeply affected Smith, including the deaths of her husband Fred "Sonic" Smith, her brother Todd, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, pianist Richard Sohl, and musician Kurt Cobain. These losses imbued the album with a poignant and reflective tone.
One of the notable aspects of "Gone Again" is its inclusion of the last studio performance of Jeff Buckley before his untimely death in 1997, less than a year after the album's release. Buckley contributed guitar on the track "Beneath the Southern Cross".
Upon its release, "Gone Again" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional depth and Smith's poetic lyricism. Rolling Stone magazine recognized its significance by including it in their list of "The Essential Recordings of the '90s" in May 1999.
Overall, "Gone Again" stands as a testament to Patti Smith's resilience in the face of personal tragedy and showcases her continuing influence as a pioneer in the realms of punk rock and poetry.
