Banga - Patti Smith
Banga Image
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: Patti Smith's first album since 2004's Trampin' features guest appearances by her children Jesse and Jackson, Tom Verlaine, and Jack Petruzzelli.
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary Pop/Rock
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Jun 4, 2012
    91
    Banga feels like both a return to form and a renewal.
  2. Mojo
    Jun 26, 2012
    80
    Smith leads one of the best and sturdiest bands in rock... and their intricately scored psychedelia is a running high in Mosaic, the title stomp, with its yowling-wolf lick and Nine, an extended beguiling jam that suggests Smith fronting her own Doors. [Jul 2012, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The Wire
    Jul 24, 2012
    80
    A great part of the pleasure of Banga is revelling in the medium conveying the message. For the most part, the album is a smooth listen, its revelation couch within relaxed AOR-ish arrangements. [Jul 2012, p.64]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Q Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    60
    A low-light delight. [Jul 2012, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. AlexxTrusc
    8
    Patti Smith, who a few decades ago revolutionized punk rock is back with her eleventh in career, similar in style to the previous releases album entitled "Banga". This CD inspired by the topics as among others: death, love, nature and history is the result of observation and dreams - as the she admitted. Undoubtedly a big plus is diversion of motifs presented in works, evident for ex. by "Amerigo" - which is a combination of instrumental music and sung poetry inserts - thanks to whom though the initial impression of "normal" dimension - at a later stage songs shows us their true, valuable face.… Expand
  2. Thecomposer102
    8
    With some of the best songwriting of her career, Patti Smith makes a wonderful addition to her never ending list of achievements. Highlights: "Amerigo", for a perfect introduction to an album exploding with ideas. Her cover of "After the Gold Rush" (however I disagree with her children joining in at the end, sounds over the top)
    "April Fool", the best song on the record. Though Patti Smith is over 60 years old, the song's youthful yearning confirms that she will always be young at heart.    … Expand
  3. jimmyfresno
    6
    When Patti Smith isn't careful, she can let loose with ridiculous banter that comes across as sophomoric poeticism, or pointless rants that end with nothing won. I am a huge fan of hers, but her real fans have always known that sometimes Patti gets knee deep in her own pretentious bull ("my Blakean Year.")

    The most redeeming song on "Banga" is also one that is guilty of this same pseudo-profoundness, like Patti feels she's channeling the Koran; at least it comes across that way in a lyric which we are to find out is about Amy Winehouse, "this is the wine...of the house... it is said." It is said? This is the wine of the house, it is said? What is that even supposed to MEAN?    … Expand

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. The Complete Columbia Album Collection - Johnny Cash
    Metascore: 99
  2. Rumours [35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] - Fleetwood Mac
    Metascore: 99
  3. Live in Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 2 - Miles Davis Quintet
    Metascore: 92
  4. Jama Ko - Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
    Metascore: 91
  5. Like a Rose - Ashley Monroe
    Metascore: 89
  6. Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves
    Metascore: 89
  7. Your Turn - Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
    Metascore: 88
  8. The Graceless Age - John Murry
    Metascore: 88
  9. Minute by Minute - The James Hunter Six
    Metascore: 88
  10. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
    Metascore: 88
  11. Music For the Quiet Hour/The Drawbar Organ EPs - Shackleton
    Metascore: 87
  12. M B V - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 87
  13. Beautiful Africa - Rokia Traoré
    Metascore: 87
  14. LSXX [Last Splash: 20th Anniversary Edition] - The Breeders
    Metascore: 87
  15. Annie Up - Pistol Annies
    Metascore: 87
  16. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk
    Metascore: 87
  17. Rage Against the Machine XX [20th Anniversary Edition] - Rage Against the Machine
    Metascore: 87
  18. Without a Net - Wayne Shorter
    Metascore: 86
  19. In Time - The Mavericks
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »