Banga
by Patti Smith
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 5, 2012
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. Q Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    60
    A low-light delight. [Jul 2012, p.110]
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Jun 4, 2012
    60
    If only her music might just occasionally match the freeform, flighty, extravagant nature of her words.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. jimmyfresno
    Sep 4, 2012
    6
    When Patti Smith isn't careful, she can let loose with ridiculous banter that comes across as sophomoric poeticism, or pointless rants thatWhen 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?    … Full Review »
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Jun 18, 2012
    8
    Patti Smith, who a few decades ago revolutionized punk rock is back with her eleventh in career, similar in style to the previous releasesPatti 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.… Full Review »
  3. Thecomposer102
    Nov 6, 2012
    8
    With some of the best songwriting of her career, Patti Smith makes a wonderful addition to her never ending list of achievements. Highlights: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.    … Full Review »
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