The “beautiful” 2013 song Patti Smith loved despite its naked bathtub video
Patti Smith once called Rihanna’s ‘Stay’ the 2013 song of the year, praising it as “beautiful” and “touching” despite its video showing Rihanna naked in a bathtub. Her choice reflects Smith’s openness to contemporary pop and how a song’s emotional impact can matter more to her than its image or genre.
The article places this admiration alongside Smith’s influence on artists including Taylor Swift, Florence Welch and Dua Lipa. Welch has described Smith as a “north star” for her creative life, while Smith has praised younger pop singers as “strong girls” facing challenges well.
- Patti Smith called Rihanna’s ‘Stay’ her 2013 song of the year.
- She found it beautiful despite its bathtub video.
- Smith’s influence spans generations of pop artists.
New here? Start with this
Patti Smith is a renowned American rock musician and cultural figure who has championed music across different genres throughout her career. She is known for valuing artistic quality above other considerations.
Rihanna's 2013 song 'Stay' is a pop ballad whose music video contains scenes of nudity. Smith has praised the song as beautiful and touching, showing that she prioritises emotional and musical qualities over the visual presentation of its video.
Smith's admiration for contemporary pop artists like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Florence Welch and Dua Lipa reflects her influence on younger musicians, many of whom have cited her as a creative inspiration. Her approach illustrates how artists from different eras and genres can find common ground through shared artistic values.