Wave [Original recording remastered]

Patti Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 18, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B000002VQS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,353 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Produced by Todd Rundgren in 1979, Wave features Frederick; So You Want to Be (A Rock N Roll Star) and Revenge .

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The first three cuts make this a compelling set, March 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Wave (Audio CD)

Often dismissed by critics as Patti Smith's weakest album before her temporary retirement from the business in the late 70s, "Wave" is worth having just for the first three tracks. Had there been any justice, "Frederick" would have been a huge follow up hit to "Because The Night" from the "Easter" set. Its commercial potential couldn't have escaped listeners, could it ? But wait, the best is yet to come. "Dancing Barefoot" has got to be one of the most gorgeous melodies ever written by Patti and arguably the high point of the album. By the time you reach the impressively hard rocking "So You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star", you think this set is gonna top even "Easter" but sadly, this was not to be. With the possible exception of "Seven Ways Of Going" - the equivalent of the unlistenable final two tracks of "Radio Ethiopia" - the rest of "Wave" starting from "Hymn" isn't bad but not nearly as compelling as the three openers. "Revenge" and "Citizen Ship" actually grow on you if you let them and the title track is a little ethereal beauty. Don't let the critics put you off this album. "Wave" may be a little uneven and not quite the masterpiece that were its predecessors, but the highlights shine so brightly no fan of Patti's should miss out on them, particularly "Dancing Barefoot" which is absolutely brilliant.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A journey, December 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Wave (Audio Cassette)

For the first couple of years I owned this album I thought side 1 was the highlight. But the first time I really listened to what side two was saying it blew me away. The title track - Wave - might be her finest moment.

This is music at its purest. With all the posing and rock'n'roll masks stripped away. As spiritual as The Doors but simpler. To me, Patti Smith's oft quoted narcissism and self obsession is the mark of someone whose journey into themselves is a journey into the heart of everything.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars definitely get this one, March 9, 1999

By 

Sarah N. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wave (Audio CD)

DANCING BAREFOOT is one of the greatest songs of the past fifty years. This album is, in its entirety, as good as anything The Doors ever made, which is saying a lot.