Ask The Angels: Patti Smith Asks Questions Without Answers

Patti Smith’s Ask The Angels is a record about asking questions without ever finding answers. Released in 1998, it is the follow-up to her breakthrough album Horses, and it arrives with the weight of a woman who has spent decades staring at the wall between the world she lives in and the one she wants to create. The songs here are long, sprawling, and often built on repetition and noise. They are not easy listening, but they are not meant to be. This is an album about searching, about the space between faith and doubt, and about the music that fills that gap.

The record opens with “Walkaway,” a slow-burning opener that sets the tone for everything that follows. It is a track about leaving, about moving past the familiar and stepping into the unknown. The song builds slowly, layering guitars and percussion until it reaches a climax that feels both triumphant and exhausted. It is a strong start, but it is also a warning: this is not a record for the faint of heart.

Walkaway Sets the Tone

“Wing and a Prayer” follows, and it is the longest track on the album at 7:17. It is a song about hope, about holding onto something even when it seems impossible. The melody is simple, almost folk-like, but the arrangement is anything but. There are layers of guitar, a driving rhythm section, and a vocal that strains at its limits. It is a powerful piece, though it drags slightly in the middle.

“Southern Cross” slows things down further. It is a love song, but it is not romantic in the traditional sense. The cross in question is a symbol of faith, and the song is about finding comfort in something greater than oneself. The music is sparse, with just a few instruments and a steady pulse. It is a quiet moment in an album full of noise, and it works because it is sincere.

“About a Boy” is a departure. It is a pop song, complete with a chorus that could have been a hit if it had been released earlier. The lyrics are about a young man who is lost, and the song itself is a plea for guidance. It is catchy, melodic, and surprisingly straightforward. It is one of the strongest tracks on the record, and it shows a side of Smith that was rarely heard before.

Power for the People and the Title Track

“Power for the People” is a political anthem, a call to action that feels both urgent and timeless. The title is a reference to the civil rights movement, and the song carries that weight. It is a driving track, with a steady beat and a vocal that demands attention. It is effective, though it is not the most memorable song on the record.

“Ask the Angels” is the title track, and it is a prayer disguised as a question. The song asks for help, for guidance, for something to believe in. It is a short, direct track, with a simple structure and a clear message. It is not the best song on the album, but it is the most honest.

25th Floor Through On to Victory

“25th Floor” is a meditation on isolation. The title refers to a high floor in a building, and the song explores the feeling of being alone in a crowded city. It is a slow, atmospheric track, with a piano line that runs through the entire song. It is a strong piece, though it is similar in feel to some of the other tracks on the album.

“Pumping (My Heart)” is a change of pace. It is a dance track, with a driving beat and a chorus that repeats the same phrase over and over. It is a fun song, and it provides a welcome break from the seriousness of the previous tracks. It is not the deepest song on the record, but it is one of the most enjoyable.

“On to Victory” is a war song, a track about perseverance and the will to win. The title is a reference to the military, and the song carries a sense of determination. It is a driving track, with a steady rhythm and a vocal that pushes forward. It is effective, though it is similar in feel to some of the other songs on the album.

Set Me Free Through Gloria

“Set Me Free” is a release. It is a track about liberation, about breaking free from something that holds you back. The song is a plea, a demand, a declaration. It is a strong piece, though it is not the most original song on the record.

“Because the Night” is a cover of a song originally written by Bruce Springsteen. It is a rock standard, a track that has been covered countless times. Smith’s version is slower and more atmospheric than the original, with a vocal that is more fragile. It is a strong performance, though it is not the highlight of the album.

“Gloria (Pts 1 & 2)” closes the record, and it is a long instrumental piece. It is a tribute to the spirit of rock and roll, a celebration of the music that has defined Smith’s career. The track is a slow build, with a guitar line that repeats and repeats. It is a fitting closer, though it is not the most exciting song on the record.

Comparing the Tracks

The Verdict

Ask The Angels is a strong album, but it is not a great one. It is a record that shows growth, ambition, and a willingness to take risks. The songs are well-crafted, and Smith’s voice is as powerful as ever. However, the record is uneven, and some of the tracks feel like filler. The album is at its best when it is direct, and at its worst when it is repetitive.

The highlights are real. “About a Boy” is a standout, and “Power for the People” is a strong anthem. “Set Me Free” and “Gloria (Pts 1 & 2)” close the record with a sense of resolution. But the middle stretch drags, and some of the tracks feel like they are going on too long.

This is a record that rewards patience. It is not an album that you put on in the background while you work. It is an album that demands your attention, and it delivers something meaningful in return. It is a record about faith, doubt, and the music that connects the two.

1998 · album review · classic rock · Patti Smith · rock