Gung Ho

For those who feel that the music scene of today is in desperate need of both talent and substance, a dose of Patti Smith's own brand of intelligent individualism comes as a welcome relief.

There could hardly have been a more qualified woman for the job. Patti Smith has a history to make any wannabe alternative rocker green with envy. Since the 1975 release of Horses, her first album, she has collaborated with just about anybody worth mentioning. She has also become an accomplished poet, and, despite some chart success with Bruce Springsteen in the late '70s, has constantly held on to that elusive underground credibility.

Gung Ho is Smith's seventh studio album, and it does not represent a major departure from her earlier work. The music is straightforward rock with few frills. Smith has skillfully crafted a collection of tracks that offer, with few exceptions, further testament to her talent as a singer and a songwriter. 'Glitter In Their Eyes', a punchy number with Michael Stipe on backing vocals, is among the best. 'Libbie's Song' is a rather odd but interesting folky track, while the title track clocks in at just under 12 minutes. Lyrically, Smith is as strong as ever.

Ambitious and individual, this album is by no means easy listening. But give it time and you will reap rich dividends.