Horses opens with a declaration of rebellion, Patti Smith’s voice ringing out over a sparse piano line as she transforms Van Morrison’s “Gloria” into her own battle cry. The album radiates raw energy and poetic defiance, blending punk rock with the intellectual depth of beat poetry. Recorded under the guidance of John Cale of the Velvet Underground, the album’s stripped-down production mirrors its unflinching honesty, allowing every word and chord to hit with full force.

Smith’s lyrics weave vivid imagery and emotional candor, taking listeners through uncharted territory. “Land,” a nine-minute odyssey, channels both rage and ecstasy, merging her free-form poetry with searing guitar riffs. The record’s power lies in its fearless exploration of themes like identity, transformation, and creative freedom, making it a manifesto for the punk movement before punk had fully taken shape.

The album’s iconic black-and-white cover, shot by Patti’s close friend Robert Mapplethorpe, captures her androgynous style and rebellious spirit, becoming as timeless as the music itself. With Horses, Patti Smith shattered conventions, blending rock, punk, and poetry into a visceral work that inspired countless artists, from R.E.M. to PJ Harvey. Listening to it is like standing at the edge of a revolution, feeling the charge of an artist who changed music forever.