Twelve
by Patti Smith
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Apr 24, 2007
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14

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  1. JohnP
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    Beyond good, absolutely fascinating. Not just a covers record, but something so alive and wonderful it could be the best album of 2007.
  2. andym
    May 2, 2007
    7
    First off, to address "Todd W," this album is NOT patti smith's comeback...her comeback started with the fantastic "Gone Again." She's not starting her comeback here, at all. Anyway, the album is just so-so. There are a few songs that stand out (smells like teen spirit being the best example), but most don't have the same charm or magic of her other covers (gloria, First off, to address "Todd W," this album is NOT patti smith's comeback...her comeback started with the fantastic "Gone Again." She's not starting her comeback here, at all. Anyway, the album is just so-so. There are a few songs that stand out (smells like teen spirit being the best example), but most don't have the same charm or magic of her other covers (gloria, Privilege, etc). It's nice to listen to - but nowhere near as great as an original album.… Collapse
  3. RayP
    Jul 29, 2007
    9
    Some of these reviews are totally off the mark. How anyone can claim a banjo version of Smells Like Teen Spirit is sticking too close to the original is beyond me.
  4. ToddW
    Apr 27, 2007
    0
    There's been maybe a handful of covers done better than their original through the history of rock-n-roll. So why would a Hall of Famer, and I use that term loosely, endeavor to pursue AN ENTIRE ALBUM of covers? Simpletons. She's washed up and needs the money. The sheep who drank the koolaid in wake of Horses will blindly follow Patti wherever she goes, even into the crapper. There's been maybe a handful of covers done better than their original through the history of rock-n-roll. So why would a Hall of Famer, and I use that term loosely, endeavor to pursue AN ENTIRE ALBUM of covers? Simpletons. She's washed up and needs the money. The sheep who drank the koolaid in wake of Horses will blindly follow Patti wherever she goes, even into the crapper. Which is where this album fits nicely. Patti was on to something working with R.E.M., then she had an unfortunate original thought that she could make a comeback. A lame cover's album is not a good place to start, darlin'.… Expand
  5. lesg
    May 2, 2007
    10
    Awesome! Best thing I've heard in years...fresh arrangements and interpretations of classic rock.
  6. snapdragon
    Apr 30, 2007
    9
    buy!
  7. StevenS
    May 10, 2007
    10
    Great CD
  8. JiriV.
    Oct 25, 2007
    9
    It is unbelievable that she managed at her age of (...) to return with such a strong album of covers. Covers of songs by Hendrix, Nirvana (must hear), Dylan or Wonder (the lyrics works!) are really memorable. Like covers? Try Nouvelle Vague!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Smith's rock poet muse is certainly alive on most cuts, her deep voice declaiming, yipping, soaring, and investing old lyrics with fresh dignity and rhythm.
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  2. The Guardian
    40
    At worst, Smith sounds like a bar singer bashing out oldies for the Saturday-night crowd. But at best, she pours herself into the songs.
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  3. Los Angeles Times
    100
    A bluesy, psychedelic witches' brew that feels like one long, complex incantation to keep us safe, to make us see there is indeed some kinda way out of here.
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