I must admit that I was not instantly enchanted by Patti Smith when I heard “Horses” in 1979. She seemed like one more in a long line of artsy New Yorkers of that period in our cultural history who believed their every word and gesture was profound and made a lifestyle of being arrogantly self-righteous. Over the years, however, I began to appreciate the talent of this unique individual as she matured as a poet, artist and singer.

That is why I gave “Banga,” her first musical release in seven years, a listen when a friend sent it to me. Released by Columbia Records in June, the poetic quality of her lyrics alone makes “Banga” noteworthy. Add the backing of a veritable who’s-who of musicians, including guitarist Lenny Kaye and renown bassist Tommy Shannon, “Banga” emerges as a really fine musical offering. By the way, Banga is a character in the amazing film “The Master and Margarita.” Find a copy and see this cinematic Russian masterpiece, subtitles and all.

For the uninitiated, please understand that Patti Smith is not some cutesy pop-princess from the Disney Channel. Her music is sort of like melodic folk-rock with a punkish edge. This is the music of a woman who has been around the corner once or twice and has the physical and emotional scars to prove it. Check out “Amerigo,” an imaginative, partially spoken look at the famous 15th century explorer and his encounter with the new world, as well as “Mosaic,” which is a little bit of a psychedelic hymn to abstract love.

“This is the Girl” is a tribute to the tragic, self-destructive pop singer Amy Winehouse, who struggled with drugs and mental illness before drinking herself to death in 2011. My personal favorites are “April Fool,” an ode to bohemian love that was, according to Smith, inspired by the writings of Russian author Nikolai Gogol, and “Fuji-san,” a rocking song that honors people impacted by the 2011 tsunami in Japan.

In short, if you, like me, initially dismissed Patti Smith in the past, give “Banga” a listen with your more mature ears and see if you don’t hear something you respond to now.

About the author: Jack Montgomery is a librarian, author and associate professor at Western Kentucky University where he handles bookings for musical acts in University Libraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professional musician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet called Watersprite. Visit him on Facebook.