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Wave

by Patti Smith Group

Released: May 17, 1979

Art rock, art punk, pop rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Wave" is the fourth studio album by American rock musician Patti Smith, released in 1979. "Wave" also includes notable collaborations with musician Bruce Brody and Smith's longtime band members, including guitarist Lenny Kaye and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty. The album features a diverse range of musical styles, blending punk rock energy with elements of art rock, folk, and spoken word poetry.

Inside the Recording

The album's production was helmed by legendary producer Todd Rundgren, adding a polished sheen to Smith's raw and visceral performances.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Smith's distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics are showcased…

Smith's distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics are showcased throughout the album, with tracks like "Frederick" and "Dancing Barefoot" becoming fan favorites.

It remains a favorite among fans of Smith's…

It remains a favorite among fans of Smith's work and a testament to her enduring influence on the rock music landscape.

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Essential Tracks

Frederick

Smith's distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics are showcased throughout the album, with tracks like "Frederick" and "Dancing Barefoot" becoming fan favorites.

Dancing Barefoot

Smith's distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics are showcased throughout the album, with tracks like "Frederick" and "Dancing Barefoot" becoming fan favorites.

Wave

"Wave" is the fourth studio album by American rock musician Patti Smith, released in 1979.

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Explore the Album

Patti Smith Group - Wave

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Reception

Following the critical and commercial success of her previous albums, "Wave" further solidified Smith's reputation as one of the most influential figures in the punk and new wave movements. While "Wave" received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since been recognized as a pivotal album in Patti Smith's discography, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to defy genre conventions.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Wave" is the fourth studio album by American rock musician Patti Smith, released in 1979. Following the critical and commercial success of her previous albums, "Wave" further solidified Smith's reputation as one of the most influential figures in the punk and new wave movements.

The album features a diverse range of musical styles, blending punk rock energy with elements of art rock, folk, and spoken word poetry. Smith's distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics are showcased throughout the album, with tracks like "Frederick" and "Dancing Barefoot" becoming fan favorites.

"Wave" also includes notable collaborations with musician Bruce Brody and Smith's longtime band members, including guitarist Lenny Kaye and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty. The album's production was helmed by legendary producer Todd Rundgren, adding a polished sheen to Smith's raw and visceral performances.

While "Wave" received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since been recognized as a pivotal album in Patti Smith's discography, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to defy genre conventions. It remains a favorite among fans of Smith's work and a testament to her enduring influence on the rock music landscape.