An album of huge songs including Smith’s version of “Because the Night” which was an absolute monster of a hit and an anthem of frank and unapologetic desire. From there on the music is harsh and vital: performance art, punk, world music. Smith had learned to use her poetic gifts within an album of rock context without selling out and this record turned out to be the best compromise Smith achieved between her artistic and commercial aspirations.
File under: Rock, Punk/Label: Arista, Legacy/Release Year: 1978