Wave (Patti Smith Group album)


Wave is the fourth studio album by the Patti Smith Group, released May 17, 1979, on Arista Records. This album was less commercially successful than its predecessor, Easter, although it continued the band's move towards more radio-friendly mainstream pop music. It was produced by artist/producer Todd Rundgren.

History

The title track was a tribute to Pope John Paul I, whose brief papacy coincided with the recording sessions. The first single off the album was "Frederick", a love song for her husband-to-be Fred "Sonic" Smith with a melody and structure bearing resemblance to "Because the Night", the group's biggest hit. The second single, "Dancing Barefoot", has been covered by many artists.
The band broke up after this album was released, and Smith went on to marry Fred Smith. She spent many years in semi-retirement following the birth of their children, Jesse and Jackson, until her 1988 solo comeback album, Dream of Life. The 1996 remaster of Wave includes Smith's original version of "Fire of Unknown Origin." Blue Öyster Cult's version was released on their album of the same name in 1981. The back cover of the original LP bore a quote from the Jean Genet poem, "Le Condamné à mort:"

Reception

Upon its release in 1979, the album garnered mixed reviews, attracting either positive or negative commentary on its polished production and conventionality. Tom Carson of Rolling Stone was not favorable in his review of the album, negatively likening it to Radio Ethiopia. Simon Frith of Melody Maker was more appreciative of the album, praising Rundgren's hand in the production and considered the songs to represent a newfound focus for Smith and the band.

Track listing

Side one
  1. "Frederick" – 3:01
  2. "Dancing Barefoot" – 4:18
  3. "So You Want to Be " – 4:18
  4. "Hymn" – 1:10
  5. "Revenge" – 5:06
Side two
  2. "Citizen Ship" – 5:09
  3. "Seven Ways of Going" – 5:12
  4. "Broken Flag" – 4:55
  5. "Wave" – 4:55
Compact Disc bonus tracks
  2. "Fire of Unknown Origin" – 2:09
  3. "5-4-3-2-1" / "Wave" – 2:43

    Personnel

Patti Smith Group
Additional musicians
Technical

Certifications and sales

Release history