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Radio Ethiopia

by Patti Smith

Released: October 19, 1976

Rock, heavy metal, hard rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

"Radio Ethiopia" is the second studio album by the American rock band Patti Smith Group. Released in October 1976, it marked a shift in the group's sound, incorporating elements of punk rock and exploring more intense and aggressive aspects of rock music. Patti Smith herself was very involved in the creation of the album, contributing as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

Inside the Recording

The album was produced by Jack Douglas, who had worked with an array of other successful rock artists.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Other members of the band, such as Lenny…

Other members of the band, such as Lenny Kaye and Jay Dee Daugherty, also played significant roles in the creation of the album.

The album's most well-known single is "Ask the…

The album's most well-known single is "Ask the Angels," which showcases the band's energetic and unpolished sound.

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Essential Tracks

Ask the Angels

The album's most well-known single is "Ask the Angels," which showcases the band's energetic and unpolished sound.

Radio Ethiopia

"Radio Ethiopia" is the second studio album by the American rock band Patti Smith Group.

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Explore the Album

Patti Smith - Radio Ethiopia

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Then

Reception

Some esteemed it for its aggressive energy and raw sound, while others criticized it for what they perceived as indulgent songwriting. "Radio Ethiopia" did not achieve the commercial success of its predecessor, "Horses," but it received various critical responses. Despite the mixed critical reception, "Radio Ethiopia" has made a lasting impact on punk rock music and is considered a seminal album in the genre.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The album was produced by Jack Douglas, who had worked with an array of other successful rock artists. Patti Smith herself was very involved in the creation of the album, contributing as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Other members of the band, such as Lenny Kaye and Jay Dee Daugherty, also played significant roles in the creation of the album.

"Radio Ethiopia" did not achieve the commercial success of its predecessor, "Horses," but it received various critical responses. Some esteemed it for its aggressive energy and raw sound, while others criticized it for what they perceived as indulgent songwriting.

Despite the mixed critical reception, "Radio Ethiopia" has made a lasting impact on punk rock music and is considered a seminal album in the genre. The album's most well-known single is "Ask the Angels," which showcases the band's energetic and unpolished sound.