Patti Smith

Horses

First released1975

Horses, Patti Smith's debut album, was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City in 1975 under the production of John Cale, the former Velvet Underground member. The album was engineered by Jack Douglas and recorded with Smith's core band featuring guitarist Lenny Kaye, bassist Ivan Kral, and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty. Cale's production approach emphasized raw energy and minimal overdubbing, capturing the punk and art rock sensibilities that defined the emerging New York music scene. The recording sessions prioritized live, spontaneous performances that reflected Smith's background in poetry and performance art, with particular attention to her vocal delivery and the guitar-driven arrangements. Released in December 1975, Horses became a landmark punk rock album and established Smith as a major artistic force in rock music during a period of significant genre evolution.