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Twelve
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  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Twelve Image
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: This all-covers album includes Smith's takes on songs by Tears For Fears, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, Paul Simon and Bob Dylan.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. 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.
  2. Q Magazine
    80
    Her most purely enjoyable album since 1978's Easter. [May 2007, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. AllMusic
    80
    Full of slow burning passion and emotion, Twelve is magnificent.
  4. Sputnikmusic
    60
    There is nothing radical or daring about the faithfully rendered tunes we find on Twelve.
  5. PopMatters
    60
    It may not be revolutionary—in fact, if anything, it’s too safe to feel any impulse to disagree with it—but Smith’s conviction is apparent, and her commitment is respectable.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    Almost nothing here evokes Smith's old "Go, Rimbaud!" chutzpah. [27 Apr 2007, p.139]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Pitchfork
    27
    The problem with Twelve isn't the staid song selection so much as this dogged insistence on staying faithful to the originals.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  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. lesg
    May 2, 2007
    10
    Awesome! Best thing I've heard in years...fresh arrangements and interpretations of classic rock.
  4. StevenS
    May 10, 2007
    10
    Great CD
  5. snapdragon
    Apr 30, 2007
    9
    buy!
  6. 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 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!… Expand
  7. 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." 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.… Expand
  8. 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, 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'.… Collapse

See all 8 User Reviews

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