The Velvet Underground & Nico

7/10

The terms “honest“ and “raw” get thrown around way too often when describing certain music. But I can’t think of a better description than that. Beautiful musical artistry by allowing the lyrics and instruments to paint a picture (nod to Warhol of course).

This record has some clear classics. It’s transcends its time for sure. I wasn’t into every single song, but still really solid record. Lou Reed is a master.

Legendary trippy album

'Heroin', 'Waiting for the Man', 'Sunday Morning', 'There She Goes Again' - absolute jams.   Never have and really don't understand the appeal of Nico though, 😕 5 stars if Nico isn't there......but then it wouldn't be "The Velvet Underground & Nico." Quite the conundrum - luckily she only leads 3 songs. This is for sure a classic, though.

It clicked. Still not as good as Zappa.

I’ll be honest I’m not the biggest fan of this style and sound of rock music so much of my time with it may be learning to listen to it. The album took a few songs to get the gears turning for me so I apologize in advance for not having the most glowing review of this classic album. Also shout out to Run Run Run for blowing out my ear drums at 10am. Favorite Song: Heroin

I will certainly give it props for how daring it is. In retrospect, its revolutionarily daring. I see why Warhol took special interest. Be it because my ears have been sullied by its progeny or I'm not giving it the fairest shake, it only teeters on great. Lyrically, I don't find Lou to be my favorite writer. Musically, this album just doesn't move me. Maybe it's a little too "proto." Not quite the defined alt sound I want and not quite the polish the band would quickly develop into. A "to each their own" moment I suppose. I acknowledge its importance to a lot of the musicians I praise and genres I enjoy, but my personal enjoyment trumps context. Rating: 7.7/10 Favorite Song: Heroin

Sunday Morning good is good, next one is alright. Femme Fatale I love. Love how unsettling Venus in Furs is. Love the energy in Run Run Run, and the ethereal nature of All Tomorrow's Parties. The tempo changes in Heroin are great. Fun 50s sound on there There She Goes Again. I'll Be Your Mirror is very cute. Love how unsettling The Black Angel's Death Song is. Great lyrics too. European Son - "You spit on those under 21"; "You want to make love to the scene" - iconic. Love the drumming change near the start. Too much filler after that. Loved all but 2 of them! Surprised and delighted.

I tend to (accidentally) spin albums all day on certain days, and this album caught one of those days. Kinda just let it go and it really grew on me! There's a raw, unfiltered vibe here. The record carries an experimental spirit; it's light and unpretentious. Like early (The) Doors, rebellion with charm. A simple listen that feels both genuine and a bit edgy. Spins: ??? Playlist Additions: - Sunday Morning - Femme Fatale - There She Goes Again - I'll Be Your Mirror

Didn’t really care for the last song but the rest of the album was great

Allting är redan sagt om den här skivan. Blir bättre varje gång jag lyssnar. Idag blir det 4 stjärnor

Certainly innovative, by the end. I still wish it was produced better and that Nico had more opportunity to sing. The influence cannot be dismissed. But it will never be a favorite of mine. 4/5

Incredibly influential - every minimalist indie band has listened to this. Lo-fi with hardly any processing on instruments or vocals, lyrics often address, romanticise even, drugs culture. I’ve owned this for years but listen to it seldom. I respect it, understand its significance, I like it but find it hard to love.

I liked a lot of it, wasn't wild about some of it. I think reviews that love it and reviews that hate it are both right. It's legend might be more interesting than the music itself, but there is still a lot to like

I liked this better than the other Velvet Underground album that popped up; overall, it was pretty cool. Highlights: Venus in Furs, Femme Fatale, All Tomorrow’s Parties, The Black Angel’s Death Song

Loved it. I've always enjoyed this album when I listen to it, however it's not something I always think about, or would choose to listen to.

A Jaime le parece la ostia, Nuria no tuvo el día

I owned this CD. Love this album. A classic… a go to… on a Sunday mornin… or any other really.

do you think lou reed and John Cale ever….

I can't see how this influenced so many genres including punk, garage rock and indie. I think it sounds too pop overall to be considered that influential on these heavier genres. It wasn't very well received back in the 60's so I don't really know how it becomes more and more popular since then. 'Heroin' is probably my favourite here. A 7 minute dark, loud, attack on the ears. There are interesting ideas here and unconventional song structures particularly when you remember this was released in 1967. I prefer the haunting vocals of Nico than I do the vocals of Lou Reed (I don't think I actually knew he was in this band), even though objectively Nico isn't exactly a 'great' singer. That being said, just because I can't see how it's as important as it is, doesn't mean I didn't like it. I enjoyed this a lot. I normally want to be that arsehole that hates popular things to be different but I couldn't help but like this.

Yep, good, I liked it.

It would be impossible for this album to live up to the hype, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. Parts of it are WAY ahead of their time and I genuinely can’t believe it came out in 1967. Not something I’m gonna put on all the time, but it deserves the praise.

Seeing this album had me like 'woah. here we go then' because it's these guys! Everyone knows how InFlUeNtiaL they are. It was interesting for sure, but I only loved one of the songs. I don't doubt the influence, and they were bold for sure but as a listen, it wasn't that memorable for me. Probably swayed a lot by my preconceptions, that said

Very pretentious bullshit. Good thing I like pretentious bullshit. Shoutout to heroin. 4 out of 5

Cool album and sets up different sounds explored by future bands. Even nickos bad vocal are great and well used.

Cool

I own this. It's pretty unique and cool. I really like the vibe and atmosphere it invokes.

The original hipster album? Sure felt that way. Everything surface-level about this feels like they were trying really hard to be cool. Associating themselves with a German singer that probably nobody in the States had heard of. The interactive Andy Warhol cover. The lack of a band name or album title on the cover. It just all feels packaged to make them seem like a bunch of hipsters producing music that was obtuse for the sake of being obtuse. But then you actually listen to the music. And you realize that they're another blues/pop/rock band from the late 60's and you know that there's a TON of those. You can see why they stuck out, and why this album has persisted. The cover draws you in, the music makes you stay. But for how long? Long enough to get a grasp on the album, anyway. It's a good album. Easily three stars upon first listen. The tracks with Nico are, in my opinion, weaker than the tracks without her. But that mean they're bad. "Femme Fatale" is a well-done song that got stuck in my head pretty easily. A second listen improved this to four stars for me. I was surprised because I didn't LOVE it the first time through. The Nico tracks made it worse for me, but I warmed up to them a little this time around. I don't think she's a particularly engaging singer but the songs have charm. Four stars. It has its flaws but it also has a little bit of the old x-factor that edges it to four stars. Glad to finally cross this one off my list. Don't know how I got through college without listening to it. Standout Tracks: Sunday Morning, I'm Waiting for the Man, Femme Fatale, Run Run Run, Heroin, There She Goes Again

I'm always conflicted with Lou Reed. He's got some good songwriting and a knack for great lyrics. But I mostly don't like listening to his singing. But DAMN does it work for Heroin. Great song and it keeps me from rating this album lower. I don't love the music on most of this album, either. Sorta cacophonous and the musicians don't seem all that talented. Nico might have benefited from a few singing lessons, too. She might have a good voice with a bit more coaching. But yeah, not particularly evident on this album. 3.5* rounded up based on the strength of Heroin and their clear influence on music down the line.

1967 btw.

Heroin, all tomorrow’s parties 👍👍

Lou Reed can’t sing and that alone can deter a person from giving these guys a chance. If you can get past the singing, you should find a relatable, foot tapping collection of songs at your service. It’s sloppy 70’s music, maybe it’s the 60’s…what do I know. Sloppy rock and roll that moves you along the rock and roll landscape with a gentle breeze. Once you accept that I know have to walk you off the ledge that is Nico and her voice. But if you get past that dying cat voice, her harmonies suit each song she is singing on. This album works. It’s not perfect but for the production, musicianship and singing, it’s a positively unforgettable album. Also, if you ever wanted to know what it felt like to be high without getting high, listen to Venus in furs with the lights off. Choice cut: Heroin

It’s a 4.

An album I've known and loved and agree that anyone who hasn't listened should give this a try before the dark veil descends. This would be a 5 except for consistency of rating with Ryan Adams, I have to doc it a star because Nico, whose voice I do love, apparently had some unsavory views around race and eugenics. It doesn't show up in the music, and her wikipedia page seems to down play it, so I'm a little conflicted, but eh, she still loses a star from me.

Weird and artsy, but worth a repeat viewing

loved this one. it had a warm quality about it, that was really welcoming. My standouts were heroin and sunday morning.

Surprisingly enjoyed this album, I didn't know they were from the 60-70's. Chill and pleasant and very very influential. Ranked #23 of rolling stones list.

A classic

If ever an album is overrated it’s this one. That said not many bands were doing this in 1967. Venus in Furs is a sprawling baroque psych fest, European Son is insane. Nico’s voice is still annoying tho. Maybe this album’s been ruined for me by every cool teenager but I can still enjoy it 4.25/5

Excellent album- heroine the highlight

loving it. its so druggy and weird the guitars are amazing and the vocals and ritual like instrumentals create such a weird but great atmosphere.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one despite not liking another album of theirs that appeared on this list. Pretty cool

Five star album velvet underground at their finest nico fits right in. One of the all time greats. Goof is cruel.

While not my favorite record, I happen to have listened to it four times before deciding on its rating. I quite like it.

Less is more - distorted og psykedelisk uden at det bliver for meget

A melancholic ride that rides the border of experimental while also showing how influential this sound was. I can hear a lot of different genres and inspirations in this album. Pretty astounding that this was their debut album. 8/10

After two spins I find it intriguing, but not quite legendary. Great side 1, need a little more time with side 2

It is some groovy 70's music. It can get a bit jangly for my tastes later in the album, but for the most part I thoroughly enjoy it.

Très belle découverte. Pas grand chose de plus à ajouter.

lowkey kinda good like the repetitive thingy in all the songs was annoying at first but like im kinda good now im gonna need to listen again i cant process it all also like heroin is so good like i might add it to a playlist 8/10??? like its pretty good idk don't have time today but gonna listen again tomorrow (me when I lie im just lazy)

I’m interested in the history of this band just based on the short description on Spotify. There She Goes Again feels like you’ve been time traveling google mapped into 60s London. The Black Angel’s Death Song sounds like you. Like a song you’d play a lot. Fucking love the bass at the beginning of European Son. There’s a lot going on in this track, I’m going to say too much for me at times, but it blends into this head clearing cacophony eventually because you cannot do or think anything if this is playing at any audible volume. 😄

4/5 Effortlessly cool. Timeless album. Certain peculiarities about the album can either rub people the wrong way or be charming and hypnotic. Simple, yet piercing. However there are times where it gets a bit much

An important album for its influences, it's just never really hit me as much as I have tried, the bits I like make me feel it's great, the rest not so much.

always cool, pioneering

Ok so I genuinely like this album. Yes, it is probably overrated. I think it's either a love it or hate it record, probably like most anything that Lou Reed has his hands in. I mean if it was largely paid for by Andy Warhol, you must know that it's going to be pretty weird. And I like that. Especially for the time, this was way out of left field. It maybe doesn't hold up as well today, but it still is miles ahead of a lot of records that came from the late 60s. I think this is certainly one of the albums that 'you are just supposed to like' and I don't really see it that way. I can see why it has its detractors. But for me, it's great and I listen to it fairly often. 4/5

Interesting album, I can see why it’s so influential. Almost like early alternative rock. A good mix of songs and feels. One thing I didn’t like the the gratuitous use of feedback in the latter half of the album. I hate when songs have noises that make my ears hurt. Still pretty good though.

3.8 stars

This album has always had me scratching my head over the years, I could never really understand it until now. The diversion of the status quo, the lyrical content (that was taboo during its time), and the overall themes it covered that was just wasn't seen in any other album making it so unique and influential as a result. With all that being said this is the most overrated album of all time and it just so happens to be a pretty good listen. Top 3 Favorites: Sunday Morning, Femme Fatale, and I'll Be Your Mirror Top 2 Worst: Heroin, and European Son 3.50-4.00/5

Some interesting guitar work on here, great vocals, variety - some crap. A good listen.

I see why this is influential…and it is a good album. I had seen the album art forever and heard of it. It was a good listen and I’ll listen to it again.

Love the vibe

Listened Before? N Good album. I see why it was not well accepted in the beginning. It was new and different. This record is a clear influence on thousands that came after it. Loved it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Sunday Morning

Ich wache i minere staubige 12qm Wohnig in New York uuf, immerno chli benäblet vom letzte Abig - wider scharf anere überdosis verbiigschrammt - zerst mal e Zigi, spöter es zmittag und koks date mit em Andy Warhol, denn direkt in Studio 54 go The Velvet Underground lose, dezue biz LSD. Life is good.

Es lied isch guet wenn s am monday morning glosst wird, as wucheend erinneret aber glich nöd de tristi wochestart representiert. Wenn ich gott wär und i de fluffy wolke chille wür, wür sicher s eint oder andere mal e track laufe. Transportiert e schwerelosi atmosphäre Quattro fromaggi vom neduzen

d‘vorfreud am morge woni‘s gseh han isch gross gsi, willi mer eigentli scho lang mal vorgnoh han s‘album in ganzer längi z‘lose grundsätzlich sicher en ganz wichtige und hochstehende biitrag… aber wenn mer ehrlich sind halt scho recht trümmlig… müesst sicher im ne konzeptuellere mood si alsi hüt gsi bin zum's fescht chönne gnüsse wür sich aber irgendwie trotzdem falsch ahfühle weniger als 4 stern z'geh? okay… warhol, s‘ganze drum und dra, "sunday morning" und "femme fatale" haueds use grad nomal d'kurve kriegt… schwein gha lou reed

Some transcendent moments, particularly with Nico.

I get that this album was extremely influential, but listening to it much later outside of the context of the time it was released doesn't really show that. I did enjoy it, but its not something I would seek out to listen to again.

It's about time I listened to this album. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this, especially because I haven't enjoyed rock very much when I'd listened to it previously. I really like the tracks with Nico, I don't even know how to describe why. The instrumentation with her deep voice is just awesome. I thought the last two tracks as well as Venus in furs were a little slower than I like, especially for a rocky album. I liked this album a lot. Fav Songs: Sunday Morning, Femme Fatale, Run Run Run, I'll Be Your Mirror

Bringing VU's quaintness to a chic fancy level

Brian Eno said that even though The Velvet Underground and Nico only sold 30,000 copies in its first five years, everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band. The issue is, I heard those bands first and I like them more than this.

Solid all the way through. I’ve come to appreciate Lou Reed more through this list and I found myself wanting more of him and less Nico on the album though the change of pace every few songs is nice. Late 60s NY isn’t quite as appealing to me as 70s NYC but still pretty cool.

4.0

No matter how many times I hear this album, it still stops me in my tracks

заслушано до дыр но всё ещё круто. хорошее софтовое звучание.

After a misleading intro, a great album full of surprise and ideas. Not really easy listening, but so much to unpack. Hard not to see how influencial it has been.

sunday morning tönt au wie es sunntigmorge lied, super waiting for the man isch sehr 60er jahr hani s gfühl femme fatale gsehni jz mal chli meh, wiso dass s album so speziell isch hahaha, recht cool und weirds lied VENUS IN FURS isch jz nöd mis lieblingslied aber ich lieb kiss the boots of shiny shiny leather hahahaah SEVERIN' SEVERIN' JA WAS ISCH MIT MIER s solo bi rum run rin findi fantastisch ja le länger s album gaht, desto meh verstahni s spezielle adem album ja european son isch uf de sack gange wnl endlich hanis mal glost und verstahn au de appeal vom ganze.. einigi lieder hendmer mega gfalle, qu will sie chli speziell sind, einigi hani de typisch ihdruck vo "weird spiele for weirdness sake" gha...via

Alright alright I guess I kinda get it now

I like it, there are some good songs there and Lou Reed's voice is sublime. The whole album has a great laid back feel and you can tell why it is has been so influential as it just oozes cool. Co-incidentally saw The Dandy Warhols and the Black Angels last night who are obviously influenced by this album in music, name and coolness! The former even had an album cover paying homage to their great heroes. The cover is cool but it does frustrate me that the banana is probably just past its best. It lacks enough killer songs, but it is definitely in my top 5 of all-time fruit based LP covers.

Started well, and tailed off. Sunday Morning is such a lovely tune, im giving it a 4. But I wouldn’t listen gain beyond track 4.

Yeah

good background music

it is so interesting to listen to the Velvet Underground. They are provocative and engaging, and their music is groovy. I am not sure about Nico. She certainly adds to this album in a wonderful way, but it isn't the most natural fit. Despite it all, this album shines!

Creative but some of it is experimental in a bad way 3.7

So unique. Hear Dylan in this. Each tracks seems to be its own universe that are all part of a bigger one. Had heard before many times. First time was college circa 2001. Can hear the echoes of these tracks in many later bands. Reminds me of Wes Anderson. Fave tracks Sunday Morning & I’ll Be Your Mirror.

It's almost perfect. I WANT it to be perfect. But it's Lou Reed. There has to be a performance art element and something to justify less than perfect so he could have his masochistic cycle with critics and fans alike. The foil he hated us perfectly balanced on this one in Nicco's voice and songs. Love everything here. And sometimes I love the full throttle nature of European Son. But mostly it's "why?"

Yeah I mean it was good I never get these hugely influential cult-classics: if they are so good, why do they never have any commercial success?

Favorite Tracks: Sunday Morning Femme Fatale Venus In Furs

A classic album I have listened to before. Soft classic rock with good melodies and vocals. 7/10

Altså pladen er jo legendarisk, måske den mest ikoniske på listen indtil nu. Og det ER fedt, selvfølgelig Sunday Morning ikonisk og Nicos sangstemme passer også super. Men der er noget lo-fi over lyden jeg synes gør den værre og ikke bedre, måske er det bedre i en remaster? Og så er anden halvdel af pladen en noget eksperimenterende lyd som jeg har svært ved at komme ind i.

I went into today's album expecting to dread the album based on my past listening experiences with Lou Reed ("Lulu" with Metallica was straight trash). But I was actually very pleasantly surprised with this record. The Velvet Underground pretty seamlessly blends a lot of elements of different rock styles here, from groovy jams of the 60s, early punk influences, and even some 50s doo-wop vibes. Reed's voice still isn't the greatest for my taste, but it coincides very well with the music on the album. I hadn't given this band a fair shake before, but based on this record, I may be inclined to delve deeper into their discography soon! Notable Tracks: - Sunday Morning - Femme Fatale - Venus in Furs - Run Run Run - European Son 7.5/10

Quite good. Not great, but quite good.

Wow - never owned this or listened to it fresh, and sorry I did not. A great album. I always thought it would be "Punky" or radical for radical-sake. bit it is a well done album. Easy to see how it influenced so may other artists. well done!

Decent

Solid and on my vinyl wanted list.

Nicee ja iconisch Had m al wel eerder geluisterd maar wist niet meer echt wat ik ervan vond Wel erg goed, maar ook wel weer erg random Ook wel gewoon erg experimenteel voor die tijd, dus dat vind ik er wel cool aan

Yoooooooo zeer goeie Andy Warhol album cover Femme Fatale en Ill be your Mirror, prachtige nummers, there she goes again en Sunday Morning ook Heroin blijft wel vaag

01) Sunday Morning - 9,0 02) I'm Waiting for the Man - 9,0 03) Femme Fatale - 7,5 04) Venus in Furs - 8,0 05) Run Run Run - 8,0 06) All Tomorrow's Parties - 8,5 07) Heroin - 7,5 08) There She Goes Again - 8,0 09) I'll Be Your Mirror - 8,0 10) The Black Angel's Death Song - 7,5 11) European Son - 6,0 TOTAL: 7,91 (79/100) Current ranking: 113/301

This is very much not what I expected - it's so dissonant and noisy. Clearly hugely influential on lots of stuff I enjoy. The vocals held it back from being a 5 to me.

Me and the Velvet Underground never vibed. I like John Cale and Lou Reed by themselves (or together on that Andy Warhol album, that should be on here it’s cute) but something about this album feels hollow. It’s good, I like it, but a lot of the songs kinda drag. I like Sunday Morning! I like Heroin! That’s kinda all that stuck with me though. The rest is almost like…there. It faded in the background very quick.

I think this could easily get to five stars for me eventually. It has the potential.

i love music that challenges everyone around you

MASTERPIECE

Fav: Sunday Morning Least Fav: European Son This album was worth the hype, and only faltered at the last 2 songs. I saw some people say they didn’t like Nico’s vocals but I enjoyed her singing.

I like this album but on this re-listen I was getting frustrated with it for some reason. I can't put my finger on it but I think I was expecting more of a flow, more of an *album*, that wasn't quite there. 3.5

As usual, we have those guitars that tickles, those feathery vocals, and the damp production. It's pretty good but it's quite overhyped.

Very good

Great album. Don’t think I can truly appreciate how much influence it actually had having listened to it decades after its release. So ahead of its time in lots of ways and love the punk feel on some of the tracks. When I first heard this in university wasn’t a fan of nicos voice but that has grown on me over the years. Really got into Venus in Furs this time. So many bands and whole genres are indebted to this for breaking new ground in a very fertile time for music.

The best ones are when Nico takes a break.

Really enjoyed this album. Pschycedelic Rock

Almost perfect

It feels like The Doors stole the riff on Run, Run, Run from the Velvet Underground to use in Roadhouse Blues. Certainly not the first or last time a band would steal some sound from this album. I can't really argue this book should have left this album out, as it was incredibly influential, even if this isn't my favorite album of all-time. I enjoy this album but I would never intentionally put it on to listen. There are really good songs here, followed by the album ending with two songs (The Black Death Angel's Song and European Son) that I just don't care for that much. European Son is absolutely just noise. Lou Reed had solo material that I cared for more.

Iconico. C'è qualcosa di adorabilmente sgangherato in ogni canzone, poi a me Nico fa impazzire. È bello ma non troppo e talvolta troppo graffiante, ma ci sono delle gemme

Really hard to fault this given the number of classics on there, but fault it I will because Nicos voice gives me the heebie jeebies.

I can definitely see how influential this album is, especially given the time it came out. It has a surprisingly unique sound, and was generally quite comforting to listen to, bar a couple of tracks such as “Heroin”, which proves that the album is definitely of its time, despite its influence.

The guitar kinda goes off at a lot points in a good way. Not sure this one fully resonates with me, but I'll probably try again due to the notoriety of this one. Will I listen to again: 99%

Art rock, experimental rock. Listen I get it. Everyone and everything rock related or punk related or industrial related etc. came from this album/band. But that doesn't automatically make this album perfect. It's good, great even, but not perfect. I understand peoples infatuation, and I do love this album, but it does test me at times. Which I guess is also good? Light 4.5/5

The album that made them legends, but even after a couple of listens, I can't find myself loving it to no end.

Refreshing style

Very good

3.5

Oh Nico. Why do you sound like you've smoked a thousand cigarettes and like you're faking your German accent? I like that your Wikipedia page mentions a quote from a music reviewer saying your voice "sounds like a cello getting up in the morning." Highly accurate description. What did Andy Warhol hear in your voice? How the fuck were you friends with Jim Morrison? I guess you get a lot of opportunities when you're a beautiful woman and nobody really cares that you sound like a cheese grater attempting to shred melted Muenster (get it? Cause she's German...and because I wasn't sure if Muenster cheese was actually from Germany and looked it up, now I know it is an American cheese made by German immigrants to be similar to Munster cheese which originated in France). Anyway enough about Nico because she actually isn't featured heavily on this album. She doesn't even ruin the songs she sings. She lends a strangeness to the album and after having heard her songs a few times, one might even start to enjoy them and find comfort in them. Here I go again writing about Nico. Ok, the rest of the album isn't bad. I enjoyed Sunday Morning, I'm Waiting for the Man, the titular Venus in Furs, Heroin, and even the Nico lead I'll be Your Mirror. It's a strange album with strange singers and strange musicians and strange banana pop art that sounds kind of basic but in a good way.

Visionary

The screeching in the song Heroin is awful, but I'm sure intentional. Same with the high pitch shrieks in European Son. The rest of the songs are great!

Enjoyed

Not my favorite velvet’s album but still pretty good with a couple of their classic songs and one of the all time great album covers. 3.5

Great album. Not really my type of music, admittedly, but Venus in Furs I really did enjoy - a 9/10, definitely. Rocky start (not that the first two songs are bad, per se, but not to my liking.) but gets the ball rolling quickly afterwards. Musicality: 7.5/10 Musicality: Excellent execution with noticeable skill and talent. Lyricism: 8/10 Strong, thoughtful, and engaging lyrics Production Quality: 9/10 Near-perfect; flawlessly mixed and produced. Artistic Expression: 8/10 Highly innovative and groundbreaking, with a powerful artistic voice. Cohesiveness and Flow: 5/10 Fairly cohesive, but not particularly memorable. Replay Value: 7/10 High; many tracks are enjoyable to revisit. Overall: 7/10

Great stuff. Last track goes on a bit!

They made my tattoo into not only an album, but also a fruit. Believe it or not I’m more of a ‘Loaded’ guy

Excellent. Another one I own.

Great VU album.

For me, listening to this album was about two songs: "Heroin" and "European Son". "Heroin" is pretty much exactly what I hear in my head when I hafta imagine The Velvet Underground. Stark lyrics getting at real experiences of doing drugs and living life on streets. The kind of lyrics you'd call "poetry." The arrangement is minimal, based around on chord and drums that're more being thumped than played. There's an atypical structure where there's no real chorus but it variously speeds up and grows in intensity to emphasize its words. And it's got those avant-garde-y noise elements in there as well. It's the kind of thing you listen to and give a small nod: "real music." In 2024, I don't really personally understand how groundbreaking all of this (aside from the lyrical content), but I still like it a lot. It's a bleak, harrowing listen, and the previously described way it goes up and down just appeals to me, I'unno. Then there's "European Son", which, as a closer, I think represents a lot of other things about this album. Not all of themm—Nico isn't on it, for instance—but for one, the first couple of minutes are way... Hookier than I expected it to be? Which I don't think is a bad thing. I like hooks, and I don't expect VU to be all all-caps "ART" like "Heroin" all the time. It's just a matter of expectation, y'know? Even if I do like them quite a bit. But then when it does get art-y, jamming out for the last three or so minutes, I kinda get this "noise for the sake it" feeling. Like, just play whatever you want as loudly as you want and call it "art." It's not as bad here as that description would imply, but it still leans in a little—so that's what I think about the art-y parts that I don't believe work too well. And the lyrics... I'unno, they're about somebody in Andy Warhol's circle. Or who was. As someone who has to take a second to start getting the lyrics, they're fine. As is the whole track—to paraphrase somebody else in my group, it's "a perfectly unconvential closer for an unconvential album." Speaking of closing, I suppose I should say something about Nico before I go. She's fine. I get this kind of New Wave-y vibe from her voice, and I'm kind of into that. I'unno why Andy decided she **needed** to be on here, but she's not a detracting factor. She does "I'll Be Your Mirror" very well—as I hope she would, after she broke down crying after how many times she had to record it. Overall, I can't give it less than a 4. I can't hear that special "makes you want to start a band" factor I've heard about that would make me give it a 5, but darn if it ain't good music all the same. Different from the norm, sure, though that's still what makes it so special to a lot of people. Y'wouldn't want it sounding any other way. Such as, for instance, what Billy Idol did to "Heroin". Serioiusly, if you haven't heard it before—goodness me, you're in for a trip. Recoil slowly and laugh.

I liked it a lot, but I’m just at a 4. Ultimately, I do think that lived up to the hype – it really picked up after the first 2 tracks, and I thought most of the album afterward was pretty damn good. It’s not like, world-changing to me or anything; I’m sure it hit a lot harder in 1968, since these tricks have since been done to death by a number of bands, but this is pretty fucking innovative for its time. Heroin, is of course, the standout track; that thumping drum that acts as a heartbeat, the swirling instrumentation growing into a full blown cacophonic panic, while the vocals go on without a care – it’s crazy to make that in 1968. I do think the last track kinda falls flat, but in a way, I like that it does; a very untraditional closing track for a very untraditional album for its time. I don’t have extremely glowing praise, mainly because I still think I need to dive deeper into the lyrics, but I did really end up liking this. It’s a very strong 4, and it could be a 5 with time for me.

It felt quite varied with some remarkable songs. I liked it

Almost 2 velvet underground albums in a row. I’ve had this one for a while now. It’s like I’m listening to some unique art. 4,0

as much as I like this album it's incredibly overrated. the poppy bits are pretty great but I don't care for most of the garagey rock (besides heroin and venus in furs). still pretty great, but I'd recommend the self titled album over this any day

I have listened before ages ago. Really enjoyed it.

I mean, it's super influential. Very rough and raw, and the production isn't great, but I suppose that's the template for all the other genres it spawned. Almost surprising how influential it was. Probably needed to be alive in the 60s to truly understand this one. 3.9

already listened, i like it a lot, feels ground breaking but not my favorite Nico performance by a long mile

Classic album I don't think I have heard the whole of. Stand out tracks: -Sunday Morning -Venus in furs -Run, run, run -All tomorrows parties -The black angels death song

Holds up well.

I've known this album is iconic and amazing for a while now. It's now that I'm getting the excuse to actually listen to it that I find that it is really good throughout.

It's all been said before. Arty. Influenced so much of what has since followed (particularly from NYC). Viewed objectively, a bit odd in places.

Deserves its place in the 1001, maybe even the 101, for its influence on popular culture and its creativity. Not an easy listen tho

the Pulp Fiction of experimental albums. every music fan listens to this for the first time and thinks it’s the best things ever. and that isn’t without merit, the album have aged pretty well and sounded ahead of it’s time in some places. the killer combo of lou reed and iggy pop mesh so well together, they match each others energy perfectly. 100% worth a listen for the actual content and for the history this album has.

This was a very interesting album. The songs were the definition of hit and miss for me. I also like the juxtaposition between Nico’s songs and the garage rock sound of the velvet underground’s songs. All in all I’d give it a 7.5/10

Undeniably an impressive album. Much of it isn't really my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed Sunday Morning and Heroin.

Have never listened to these before, will do in the future. Really good album. Was considering the 5 stars, but the last song was an absolute racket and dragged on forever. Perhaps with a few more listens the album could be considered a 5.

Came in with really high hopes. Liked it to start with, really enjoyed Heroin but it trailed off at the end. Close but no cigar

Never really listened before. Always thought I would like. I did.

Heard a lot about this one. Time to finally unpeel that banana… The last track leans too heavily on the irritating passages of noise the band chose to pursue more on their next album, but mostly there’s a good balance between raw experimentation and actual tunes. Venus In Furs, for example, manages to incorporate both pretty successfully. Still, I suspect the actual sounds were less revolutionary than the subject matters and overall gritty aesthetic. I’ll give it a 3.5 for enjoyment, rounded up for influence.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I didn't really like the first Velvet Underground album we listened to on this list, but I liked this one much more. Glad I finally gave such an iconic album the full listen to, and if I see this vinyl in the wild I'll probably pick it up. 9/10 if we were on that scale.

A bold debut effort.

Very acid like ad psychedelic, left the feeling of some old avant movie

Inaspettato

Iconico. C’è qualcosa di adorabilmente sgangherato in ogni canzone, poi a me Nico fa impazzire. È bello ma non troppo e talvolta troppo graffiante, ma ci sono delle gemme

Superb!

It was awesome!! Except for Nico's warble...

This was a better album that the Velvet underground album that I got a few days ago, it’s also better than the Nico album I got a few days ago.

Pretty good. Still enjoyable. Some portions still feel fresh. This feels like one of those albums that casts a long shadow through a lot of different music, but also at the same time I’m feeling “yeah, yeah, you changed music forever, I get it, but I’ve heard you a lot”.

Weird, moody, variable. I dig it.

Can definitely hear how this was influential. Overall a ton of fun to listen to, and enjoyed the range in the tracks.

heroin

I've never heard of this album before and so I had no expectations (as with most albums on this list to be honest). I really did enjoy it! It started quite strong and while maybe it got a bit weaker for me at the end, I think I would listen to it again.

lou reed

3.5/5. Good, but not as good as people make it seem. Maybe I have to listen to this more...

I think I may have had one of these guys' albums before. Nope. I guess not. Funny, one of the last songs on the David Bowie album, was Andy Warhol. I'm enjoying this album! I feel like I'm listening to different artists with each song. This one called Venus in Furs has a definite 60s sound but it reminds me of The Doors. Heroin reminded me of Bob Dylan for some reason. I really liked this album. Especially I'll Be Your Mirror. I sent it to Kimberly. 4 stars wish we could de half stars. It would have been 4.5.

What can I say? It's iconic, but I can't listen to it every day.

I don't really like Nico, sorry.

I've already heard "Heroin" off this album, which serves as a prime example of the psychedelic rock on display. The tone can swing from easy breezy pop to uptempo rockers and lyrics of sexuality and drug use. Your enjoyment of this album may vary depending on how much you tolerate the experimentation and the vocals as Lou Reed's deadpan delivery and Nico's contralto singing are not everyone's cup of tea. For those who can handle it, it's a solid recommendation.

Ahead of its time with a really interesting sound. I listened twice and it grew on me the second time. I think it will continue to get better with additional listens.

Interesting album. Never listened to them before.

3.75 stars. A very gritty and experimental rock album. Nico's voice is so beautiful. "I'll Be Your Mirror" is wonderful. You can definitely hear the influence of this album in different rock and alternative groups today.

This is so much better than the VU album that popped up last week. A few genuine classics on here which I'm sure changed some of the trends in pop music back in the day.

Excellent.

Очень сложно оценивать данную запись. Если не брать в голову ее историческую значимость, то это просто неплохой арт-софистик-поп. Но ежели мы все таки углубляемся в историю то выясняем что этот альбом породил такое количество групп и жанров что становится даже как то неловко. Брайан Ино как то сказал: "каждый кто купил хотя бы одну пластинку из первого выпуска продаж этого альбома позже собрал группу". Видимо в этом и есть значимость этой записи то что для меня звучит местами скучно и сухо хоть и изящно сыграно для слушателей того времени было откровением. По итогу, можно сказать, что эта пластинка тот случай, когда я вопреки себе поставлю 4 но это исключительно из благодарности за всю ту музыку которую она породила в будущем так сказать респект ветерану и спасибо за всё)))

Cool

In and of itself, this an earth-shattering album. I do get how this influenced so much to come after it though - the lines of Indie and punk are in there. Favorite songs are perhaps the simplest and closest to conventional - I'll Be Your Mirror. Sunday Morning, Femme Fatale. Run Run Run sounds the most of it's time. The rest get very experimental.

Casi un 5. Pero la última canción es muy pesada. Me gustan There She Goes Again y Femme Fatale.

I do really enjoy the attitude and textures present here. I also really enjoy the somewhat schizophrenic jumping between not only Reed's sneering croon and Nico's poe-faced warbles, but the cheery pop lullaby-esque cuts (Sunday Morning, Femme Fatale, There She Goes Again, All Tomorrows Parties, and Ill Be Your Mirror) contrasted with the more fuzzed out, droning rockers. (Waiting...The Man, Venus In Furs, Run Run Run, Heroin, Black Angel...Song) So in terms of balancing tone and creating atmoaphere this record is brilliant. But as a whole experience I have nevwr been able to completely get past my desire for some editing here and there. The monotonous drone stuff works on Heroin, Black Angel, and Venus in Furs. But Run, Waiting, and European Son kinda show all their cards in the forst 2:30 and I would be happy with a courteous fade out, frankly. Its a minor quibble, but one I can't look past given this records stature. Ultimately it is a very strange and affecting trip, but one that could be stronger with about 16-18 minutes cut out of it. Get it down to that nice 42 minute mark and it would be ALL killer. Dont do dope kids.

A classic album.

good! Really very weird for a classic.

Klassiskt omslag. Det är Nico som gör plattan vass!

good

I can't remember the first time I listened to this album, but I do know that I've probably listened to it like 100 times. Its noisy, and weirdly produced, but I love it. I love how it starts with the gem of Sunday Morning and then goes into I'm Waiting for the Man. I like how Lou Reed always sounds intense and lazy at the same time. Run Run Run is such a jam, while Heroine always gives me the chills. Its so visceral. I know it's heresy, but if there was anything to knock, it'd be Femme Fatale and Venus in Furs. I get what they were doing with Nico but I almost always skip her songs. This record can give you a headache or it can be the best road trip album of all time.

4.5 stars. I like this experimental/art take on folk rock. Just unconventional and weird/grating enough to be interesting but still highly listenable. Bob Dylan-esque singing and lyrics. "Run Run Run" different from rest of album but catchy and good. Standouts are "Sunday Morning", "Heroin", and personal favorite is "Venus in Furs".

Roh, zärtlich, pur, authentisch

classic, banana

yeah hell yeah

Groundbreaking but not quite a 5.

1. Sunday Morning - I’ve never understood why this song isn’t talked about as being on the same level as I’m Waiting for the Man or Heroin, or one of the others that are considered highlights of this album. Great album opener, great song. 2. I’m Waiting for the Man - It’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that, when this album came out, music with this kind of subject matter was just basically non existent. In that context, this song is amazing. In a world where VU’s grittiness has long since been surpassed, this song is merely a very good song. 3. Femme Fatale - I wish this has been recorded a little more cleanly. This song is so mellow and that’s really undercut by the amount of distortion in the mix. It also makes it difficult to hear Nico’s voice during the verses. 4. Venus in Furs - does that thing that great experimentalish music can do - evoking things that you can’t quite put into words. 5. Run Run Run - maybe the weakest song in here? It’s fine but sounds fairly conventional, especially compared to the rest of the album. Also, they’re a Who song with the same title, that also sounds kind of similar, but it’s also way better, which probably plays against this song. 6. All Tomorrow’s Parties - forgot how good this song is. 7. Heroin - There’s probably nothing left to say about this song, but it’s as good as its reputation suggests. 8. There She Goes Again - pleasant, but one of the albums lesser songs. 9. I’ll Be Your Mirror - kicking Nico out was a mistake. 10. The Black Angel’s Death Song - people compare Lou Reed to Bob Dylan, but Lou Reed talk-singing projects swagger and coolness to a way greater degree than Bob Dylan. I kind of feel like Patti Smith is the better analog for him than Dylan. Anyways, this song made me realize that. 11. European Son - Alrighty 4 minutes into this song, which should have ended 2 minutes ago and has 3 minutes left to go. This album is great, but this is getting into the kind of thing that bugs me with Sonic Youth and bands like that. It’s the same impulse that drives prog rock and free jazz, but from people who don’t have that level of music proficiency, but the same boundless confidence that their musical fuckery is something that people simply must heart. —- Overall, this album is pretty stunning. Rightly regarded as a decade ahead of its time and with maybe the craziest ratio of sales to influence ever. I’m caught between wishing that some of the rough edges - the harsh audio engineering, Mo Tucker’s “unconventional” drums, etc. - were sanded down, and recognizing that the rough edges are part of the point. I wonder if this same album with cleaner production and a more typical drummer would lose its impact. I can see a good argument for it, but later VU albums and Lou Reed’s solo stuff are both produced more cleanly and (at least in the case of Reed’s solo stuff) have more professional-sounding rhythm sections, and the impact is still palpable. I’d definitely listen to it more if that was the case, but I’m also kind of ambivalent about more abrasive avant garde stuff.

I came in expecting it to be some over hyped hipster pretentious bs, and even if it was, I ended up being surprised that it was really enjoyable. The kind of music you play on a chill afternoon. I will keep this album in my library to impress Alt girls with low self steem. "Oh yea the banana album? Best album ever babe hands down, wyd rn tho?" EZ clap

Such a classic, lovely album.

Favorite Track: Venus in Furs 🪞💉🏃‍♂️💨

Mixed feelings about this one. I like the sound but it starts to wander into repetitive, in the middle of the record . Then in the end they find a way to make it a little more interesting bar for the last song which I couldn't care for . Overall a good record that sometimes has tracks that wander between too short or a bit longer than expected . Favourite track - "I'll be your mirror"

Bumping this in my Subaru Legacy before a night of debauchery.

A good album, I especially liked the classic Run, Run, Run and All tomorrow's parties. Will definitely listen to more of their songs.

Bestaat er een iconischere hoes dan deze? Als je denkt aan the Velvet Underground schiet eerst Lou Reed naar binnen, en daarna de banaan. Ik ben fan van Lou Reed - omdat ie nooit angstig geweest om te experimenteren, innoveren sex-drugs-rock'n'roll onderwerpen in zijn teksten te verwerken, muziekstijlen te mixen. The list goes on. Lou Reed klinkt zo tijdloos. 57 jaar geleden kwam dit album uit. Maar wat gaan veel nummers nog goed mee anno 2024. Ik had eens gelezen dat Victoria Legrand van Beach House haar stemgeluid heeft vergeleken met dat van Nico. En ik kan me daar heel goed in vinden. Uniek, en vult de vocalen op een nummer als Femme Fatale goed in. Ze klinkt ook echt als een Femme Fatale. De psychedelica van de plaat is goed te vinden in Venus in Furs. De elektrische viool doet het klinken alsof je compleet verdwaald door de straten van Kathmandu aan het strompelen bent na een stevige trek van de opiumpijp. Bij Run Run Run moet ik een beetje denken aan een mix van the Rolling Stones (Parachute Woman) en the Doors (Five to One). Een nummer dat wat kenmerkender klinkt voor die tijd. Het nummer Heroin komt denk ik aardig dichtbij het ervaren van een echte heroinehigh. Het versnellende tempo refereert natuurlijk naar een snel bonzend euforisch heroinehart. Toch is het natuurlijk een twijsnijdend zwaard. En dat laat de band horen in de laatste 2 minuten. Euforie maakt plaats voor chaos en gruwel. Don't do drugs kids. Onder andere European Son had ik nog nooit gehoord. Je hoort het ontstaan van de noiserock. Heel plezierig is het eerlijk gezegd niet om langdurig naar te luisteren. Toch heel invloedrijk, en dus boeiend. Het folk-achtige I'll Be Your Mirror is uniek met zijn valse gitaarstukjes, liefdevolle rustige melodie en de toch wat griezelige stem van Nico (vooral voor zo'n soort nummer). Leuke ontdekking! I'm Waiting For The Man, Heroin, I'll Be Your Mirror Rating: 8/10

Great

Sunday Morning Femme Fatale Heroin I'll Be Your Mirror

Started off strong with Sunday Morning. I was expecting it to be quite pretentious and it kinda was, but it was better then expected. At the end it got a little bit boring and annoying though, the last song was too much for me

Since I hadn't first listened to this album until fairly recently, it's hard to imagine how this was a bit of a flop, both critically and commercially, given how influential the band and this album became. (The Brian Eno quote in the Wikipedia entry is hilarious, and probably not as exaggerated as it seems.) (Brian Eno is everywhere!) I suspect we'll get other Velvet Underground albums eventually in the 1001-albums collection, since this one doesn't have too many radio-friendly tunes, but I'm glad to have this as the first Velvet Underground/Lou Reed selection. I'll admit, though, that I find this a weird album to listen to, as it's all over the place and seems uneven song- and music-wise, especially with Nico's singing/style often seeming to clash with the Velvet Undergound's sound and style. And that's probably one of the points, I'm sure. I can only imagine how weird and jarring Warhol's "Exploding Plastic Inevitable" tour must have been...

Nooit helemaal geluisterd, maar luistert heel prima toch.

what a masterpiece. To this day I still can not fathom that this record came out in 1967. Easily 10 years ahead of its time.

This is such an incredible album at times. Lou reed is a great singer, Andy Warhol's influence was so unique on this even if just as a framing producer, Nico is strangely captivating, and the whole album works so well. Sunday Morning is beautiful and the distant backing vocals really blends well. Not every song is a 5 but Heroin is a really powerful song.

Took me about the third listen for it to click. The vocal choices started to shine for me. The composition choices are pretty cool and feel ahead of their time. The production is a little sketchy at times. Run Run Run feels like more of a throw back, sounds like Chuck Berry meets Dylan but with a garage rock vibe Venus in Furs is my favorite track. Nico brings an interesting vibe to the tracks she appears on. I'm going with a four but I wouldn't be surprised if it keeps growing on me. I intend to give it some more listens.

chill vibes and funky instrumentals

Listened

Really struggled to completely love this album. Maybe I haven't listened to it enough or in the right way but I just couldn't get it. Loved the Nico sections to this album as well as overall solid tracks, just felt it was missing smth to make it perfect.

****

I can see why this is a classic. Very ahead of its time and lays a lot of groundwork for different genres that would come after it.

Steeped in psychedelia and proto-drone with 'classic' rock and roll guitar work. From chill and laidback to more pressing and driving, this album covers some wide ground and doesn't skimp. Great listen, not an album I've listened to a lot but definitely appreciate the tracks that I've heard multiple times

Just listened to this going to start a band! There's always money in the banana stand! I think I appreciate the songs with Nico more as I got older than when I first heard this. This is just a great album front to back and actually lives up to the hype

Good to very good

I'm not sure if this is ingrained in me as a good album or if it's just my imagination. Many individual songs grab me, but the album as a whole can drag. I've often heard it said that this album influenced many to start a band, but aside from The Feelies, I'm not knowledgeable enough to hear VU in other bands. But damn I enjoy some songs deeply.

Found some new favorites in the album. 4/5

listened 2x. 4.2/5

Album #17 Groovy Dude! Really good album, musicality and lyrics are awesome definitely represents the time and place.

First experience with Velvet Underground. Really liked what I heard and can imagine how wild this must have been for the time. I get a lot of rockier Bob Dylan vibes from this, but without the unpleasant voice.

If we offer The Velvet Underground a mulligan for "The Black Angel's Death Song" and "European Son" based on whatever combination of heavy drugs they were consuming at the time, then this is a near perfect album. The raw sound of the guitars is magic. Lou Reed's vocals are effortlessly cool and his lyrics imaginative. Plus, Nico has one of the most uniquely beautiful singing voices ever. Legend. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Will definitely revisit this album in the future. 👍👍

I used to really enjoy this album. Now it seems bland and basic. Still like it. . .

I recognized a lot. I liked it.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEl9ZlSb0AAP7Eh?format=jpg&name=large drink water bois!!! <3

This was a nice album to revisit. Nice collection of songs with a few fun psychedelic freak out moments.

An eclectic group of songs, some of which have very haunting melodies. These are supplemented by Reed's chanting vocals. The lyrics are the highlight of these songs which are very clever and gritty. Nico's vocals are best when complementary to Reed's instead of in the lead. Some of songs (i.e. European Son) have instrumental sections reminiscent of free form jazz.

Massively influential album, and a very entertaining one indeed. One can't help but thinking about the ramifications to alternative music from each individual track while listening. The first half is packed with all-time classics, though the second half does not feel as cohesive. Essential album indeed.

I know this record for more than 50 years, and I still remember it well

No doubt this is a significant, groundbreaking album. The lyrics are particularly strong with their portrayal of alternative lifestyles and the seediness of urban living. The music styles are diverse, and while the musicianship is less than virtuoso, the songs have a hypnotic charm. I particularly like the teutonic tones of Nico's singing. The album falls away a bit with the last couple of tunes but is otherwise a classic

Wouldn't eat that banana, but would eat the songs (and probably catch an std)

Idk how this works. It really shouldn’t. Star knocked off for a couple of dodgy tracks and Nico’s strange voice

This is fun, I like the vibes. Some good songs, some aren’t as good, I liked Venus in furs the most. I’d relisten, 7/10

8.5/10 Not listened to this album in ages, I perhaps enjoy it more now than I did 20 years ago. Excellent. First half is banger after banger, second half a bit more low-key. Last song outstays its welcome This could have veered into pretentiousness but didn’t, really evokes a sense of time and place Remembered not living the Nico vocals and have changed my mind, but still prefer the Reed ones Influence on later bands absolutely clear - Heroin could just straight-up be a Spiritualized song Best: Sunday Morning, Heroin

Nice listen, never actually listened through before

Sehr tolles Album. Trifft für mich in's Schwarze. Muss es aber ein wenig relativieren zu anderen super tollen Alben, daher nur 4 von 5 Sterne. 8.7/10

Good mix with both Nico and Lou Reed singing. A bit too much ambient heroin noise.

Scattered, but solid.

A bit overindulgent in 60s noise, but this one has some really well-done tracks that fit my ear including Sunday Morning, I'm Waiting for the Man, and Venus in Furs.

It’s like the classic arthouse 60s vibe. Was a good one!

Good album. I was aware of it but had never listened to it. Good early Lou Reed.

Synth-Pop at its best

Avant-garde, way ahead of its time for 1967. I listened a long time ago and wasn’t a fan of the spoken-word vocals, but now I appreciate how they fit into the atmosphere. Side A had some really good songs especially.

An iconic, artistic album. I was introduced to this album back in art school (2003) after listening to The Dandy Warhol's & finding out The Velvet Underground was a large influence. I'm sure I thought it was amazing back then, but now I can only appreciate about half this album. In fact, I skipped forward a lot when the distorted guitar rifts got too obnoxiously long & over done. Still some really good tunes on this album.

It’s been a while since I listened to this album in full. While not one of my all time favourites I still find it solid. There’s a few great songs. It definitely laid the groundwork for the alternative rock I still find pleasure in today. Totally agree that a couple of the songs can come across as noise. But overall this album keeps my interest while I groove out. 4/5

Take out your can and open it.

This may very well be the first “experimental” album of any kind that I ever listened to, at the tender age of 13. This has gotta be the absolute antithesis of what “rock and roll” was to the average person in the 60’s. 3 chord pop songs with light guitar distortion and mild sexual innuendo this was not. Here was a group of weirdo artists that didn’t care about appealing to the masses, so they wrote grimy, lo fi jams explicitly about drugs and drug dealers, extreme BSDM, and the seedy underbelly of 60’s new york. Heroin is the highlight for sure.

Yeah it's great. Not much more to be said 4 stars.

Um álbum envolvente e cativante do fim da década de 70. É visível o quão influencia outros artistas que viriam a seguir. 4/5

Classic status is deserved but the Nico songs are a rough hang.

Art rock, experimental rock, proto-punk, psychedelic rock, avant-pop

4.5 my kind of music

Keywords: Pre-pop, Ahead of Their Time, Underrated Notable Song: Run Run Run

Such a chill album. In the best way. It's really special.

God s. Funfact: eg trodde veldig lenge at detta albumet bare hadde dei første 6-7 sangane

4.2 I'm sure with more time on this album I would really come to enjoy it fully as it's up my musical alley.

Uno de los albumes más significativos de mi vida. Gracias Lou Reed por tanto.

ikke helt det mesterværk jeg husker den som men stadig et definitivt 60'er album. Nico er så god. I'll Be Your Mirror ++++++++++++++++

Great album. Especially love the weirdo sounds from Venus in furs

I think this album is great. It's very forward thinking and feels almost experimental for its time. Also contains one of the most beautiful love songs ever recorded.

I've been dreading this album since I got Nico's Chelsea Girl a few weeks ago (and hated it). However, I didn't mind her inclusion in this album. I really liked this album and can understand why people are still talking about The Velvet Underground so many years later.

turns out this really hits on a grey rainy day

It’s a great album, no wonder why it’s so influential. Great songs and good sound

Enjoyable album!

soft, calm. just what i needed, i liked it

Cool album I liked the part on European Son where he had a heroin overdose while nailing that guitar solo, Andy Warhol really outdid himself on this album

Heroin despair next to beauty: It's the Velvet's alright, without some sandpaper grit glued on anyway. That's better for strings in the end, which end up sounding almost familiar on a record that almost goes pop. There are even flourishes which read Indian, albeit recognized crudely and in the background.

I enjoyed this. Kinda off the wall and fun. The playlist generated from the album was also amazing.

Vulnerable lyrics, cool alt sound. Very experimental, can see how it sets the stage for other genres/bands

big fan! big feelings, some vibes of songs could slot in nicely as like soundtrack songs to my life kinda

Superb album. A true classic 4 stars

Most of the songs are focused on very honest side of addiction of the author. You can hear very strong influence of the age and lifestyle. Knowing how essential and inspirational this album was for the history, you can hear many sounds and themes that were later rediscovered by whole generation of artists and music styles. Raw and Honest album in every sense ( music, lyrics, themes, solos)

I thought it was groovy. Much less intense than I assumed. Some great songs I will continue to listen to.

Good times in classic hits

Oddly, I have never listened purposefully to the velvet Underground. Here we go! Also, working through these 1001 albums in a single listening session when possible.

Loved Sunday Morning. I have listened to this album a few times and it grows on you. Great vocals by Lou Reed very psychodelic in parts a pop in part

Lot of noise so not gonna give a five star but obviously some iconic songs

What a great album to start with, an absolute classic. The inevitable result of a generation raised on Bob Dylan introduced to LSD and heroin. Basically invented the idea of alt rock. Reed and Nico demand to be listened to above a thick bed of droning looping guitar sounds. A minimal, trippy, heartbreaking, and overall mesmerizing album. You feel like you’re listening to an entirely new sound.

Texturally wonderful. And many of these songs meant a lot to me as a teenager. First time listening to the whole album, 3 or 4 new tracks to my ears. It paints a snapshot of down-and-out-bon-vivant whiteys who probably read euro literature and explored drugs in New York in the late 60s. Which is easy to roll your eyes at now, but it’s a rather special and important work. I always thought this was a late, late 70s album, so learning it’s from the 60’s changes my perspective on the cultural significant of the work quite a lot - makes it more honest; more Influential than Influenced. I don’t love Lou or Nico’s voices very much, and I hate Andy Warhol’s whole schtick. 7.5/10 for the texture, and it’s important historical place.

good stuff. The hits are certainly a cut above the rest, and the screechy violin gets old, but a unique and quality album Fav Track: I'll be your mirror Strong 3.5/5

Majorly dug this! Always knew it was around, but for some reason the Lou Reed and Warhol of it all put me off and I never gave it time. But this is a really well rounded, surprisingly intimate collection of tracks with a great flow and diversity to them. Keen to dive into it more as it feels like there's a lot to be uncovered. Four and a half. Fave track: Venus in Furs

Undeniable and original - unlike anything else from the 60s, they invented a sound that would reign over rock and roll for the next few decades. A great blending of genres and ambitious songwriting make this album a really great one to come back to. Four and a half. Fave track: Heroin

Great album.

I think this is lacking for a modern album. But there's a few songs on there that really push the envelope of music, namely "Heroin". It experiments heavily in certain areas that easily demonstrate why this is such an influential album. Id give it 3.5 closer to 4 stars

ВААААА НАКОНЕЦ-ТО ГОДНОТА ВУУУУУУУ СЕКС НАРКОТИКИ Я ГЕЙ 8/10

I love the energy and vibe of this. A lot of it is pretty iconic. I like the vocals. I like the artiness. I love the droning violins, the weird jangly guitars, the heart-attack inducing, thumping drums. They add to this kind of weird oppressive atmosphere on it. Heroin, jeez what a stressful time, but it's so good. It's not their best album in my opinion (I prefer the more accessible Loaded) but it's still great.

Lekkah, vibe killer op t einde though

Already familiar. Great stuff, spans multiple genres. Highly influential.

You know what? I bloody well liked this, which is a surprise given eras past we've been dished up prior. It has held up well minus the world's most heavy handed glockenspiel player in the opener. Venus in furs had that early naughties wrestlemania video package vibe to it, which is to me apparently what final fantasy is to Wiggins. But on the whole the tunes differ a fair bit and there's something for everyone. It doesn't get 5 stars as I would hope there is better to come, but if others like this I will depressed at a missed opportunity to knock Neil Diamond, who is inexplicable as SRL golden boy, off the top.

Great album!

Phenomenal

Some incredible songs on this album. Then a lot of good songs that aren’t quite on their level. Not perfect, but very very good

Nico can’t sing, and neither can Lou Reed. The subject matter is odd and foreign and the lyrics are sometimes frightening. Nobody on this record is an instrumental virtuoso, in fact some of the playing is barely adequate. None of that matters. It’s cold and bleak and at the same time sunshiny. Is it the songwriting? Is it the haunting way the songs follow you? Who cares? This record is mind blowing.

An album I've known about for a very long time, but have never listened to. Listening to it, you can hear why it was influential but nowadays, it's hard to judge. It's fine but nothing really blew my mind. I guess being so far removed it just isn't as great as it was.

pleasant.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Sunday morning, Femme fatale

I've always known this group existed but knew nothing about them. Had no idea they were connected to Andy Warhol and that Lou Reed was in this group. I really appreciate how unique the sound of this group is and how experimental they are. The song "Heroin" really hit me.

Lounge music for tomorrow’s parties. I understand why it’s influential, but I think it’s kind of boring. Good music to vibe to, tho.

Not bad, but sometimes feels like little more than Lou Reed wailing over an obscure art project. Very influential, though.

ein klassiker

God s. Funfact: eg trodde veldig lenge at detta albumet bare hadde dei første 6-7 sangane

It's the album with the banana on the cover. It's got Andy Warhol's signature. It's been praised to the moon and back by guys who are "into music" the same way that guys who are "into craft beer" talk about session-brew IPAs. Because deep down, you kind of know that they're right. They've had way more craft beers than you have and have been drinking them for way longer. Obviously, they must know what they're talking about. But on the surface, you only know that it tastes horrible. Just an overly bitter, hoppy mess. You might think that they've bought into their own bullshit as a way to save face, avoiding a certain amount of cognitive dissonance. What the fuck is at the bottom of the glass? "Oh, that's just sediment", he explains, "that means it's fresh." Yeah, sure man. You'll just order something that you know you'll like. Here's the thing about the craft beer guy: maybe he doesn't like it either. However, he's probably also ordered the same safe drinks for years and got tired of them. He had the same reaction as you when he started drinking IPAs too, but at least it wasn't another Coors Light. And the more he drank IPAs over time, the more he could start to appreciate them. Flavor profiles and hints of this or that. He likes how bold the flavor can be. He can talk about it with other craft beer guys and gain new insights, learn a few things about the brewing process. He becomes invested in trying all sorts of different craft beers, seeing what's out there and figuring out what he likes best. Perhaps he's happy with his bitter, hoppy mess of a hobby. People often drink just for the sake of drinking, and that's perfectly fine. There's also people who want to enjoy certain complexities to their drink. It can be fun to be challenged and try new things. Consider this your challenge for today.