Berlin

Lou always manages to be completely himself.

When ‘Sad Song’ is the least sad song, you know it is gonna be a really dark album. Listening to this, I cant help to see how it would influence The Wall. Very dark, and The Kids is just a tough listen. Overall, an amazing album, but not one I will be playing on repeat.

3.5, rounding up. Big Lou Reed fan, but this isnt in the same level as Transformer or Rock n Roll Animal. Some of the lyrics are tough an definitely don’t age well.

kling klong

Some good stuff on there

Very sad. Got kind of engrossed but didn't massively appreciate it overall.

Jovars, sticker inte ut lika mycket som annat Reed

Låter bra, men ett klart snäpp under Transformer.

Fint och en del som sticker ut positivt, härlig vibe, lagom överlag :)

Jag började sjunga mest sista låten så det blir en 4:a på det

Kändes rätt mediokert.

ok

It's one part Tommy, two parts Nebraska. In the best way.

Remarkable that Lou Reed chose to follow up on the likes of “Walk on the Wild Side” and “Satellite of Love” with Berlin, which is a goddamn mess and a massive step backward. It has the feel of a musical, but it’s tuneless, depressing and flat, as if Reed wanted to double down on his tales of the dark side but forgot how to write a hook, a clever turn of phrase or a memorable melody. The audio of the young child crying during the dismal “The Kids” is the fucking coup de grace. Brutal choice.

Fine, but did we need this and transformer, too?

Bleak orchestral art rock built on slow piano, somber strings, minimal rhythms, and weary, restrained vocals unfolds at an almost glacial pace. Listening feels like sitting in a dim, empty room where time barely moves and every moment lingers too long. The result is emotionally heavy but extremely slow, mostly crossing into boredom.

Я будто бы предчувствовал это! И начал постепенное знакомство с этим альбомом до того как мне его выдал рандомайзер этого сайта. Работа Berlin от замечательного Лу Рида, концептуальный альбом, про пару молодых людей, сталкивающихся с трагедиями своего образа жизни: наркотики, проституция, бытовое насилие и ситуациям, когда в созависимой любви ты находишь счастье даже в том, чтобы причинять боль своему партнеру. На протяжении всех композиций разворачивается история, где становится ясно что больная любовь между Кэролайн и Джимом подходящаяя к размытому концу, намекающему на суицид девушки, в чем Джим (лирический герой альбома) видит своё освобождение от череды насилия и зависимостей которое ощущается как самооправдание от всего пережитого и нанесённого им насилия по отношению к девушке, в песне Sad Song где лирический герой цинично, почти отстранённо размышляет о произошедшем, сравнивая Кэролайн с Кровавой Мэри первой. Альбом, как мне думается, отчасти личный для автора. Здесь и всё те же намеки на шоковую терапию, о опыте которой Рид упоминал ещё в песнях The Velvet Underground, да и сама Кэролайн, пусть Рид и отрицает, но было немало разговоров что она основана на Nico, с которой у них был непродолжительный роман. В конце концов, кто если не она German Queen из песен? Это, наверное, впервые когда я столь основательно изучил пластинку именно в рамках челленджа с "1001" альбомом. Однозначно, это шедевр и с лирической и с инструментальной точки зрения. Мрачный, меланхолической альбом с горькой историей, которая меня тронула. На The Bed я даже прослезился, до чего же тягучая и опустошающая атмосфера у этой песни. Вот оно, подлинное искусство.

Some credit for convincingly evoking a poverty-blighted boho Berlin existence for his protagonists, Jim and Caroline. But musically it’s not very engaging.

I wasn't expecting to like this and I'm not sure if I really do now. Some good music to sit alongside Reed's croaky voice made it fairly listenable, apart from the obvious depressing lyrics/storyline. I can hear elements of the album in Pink Floyd's The Wall from 6 years after this so perhaps this was a seminal work.

I can’t believe that the song called sad song is the one where Lou actually puts in some energy into his singing. Total tonal drag that ruins some nice lead guitar.

Even though there are parts I don't like much, it does work well as an album. 4 stars or B-.

I never know what to think of this album. I like it a lot more in theory. I think it’s a little lacking musically, but I like the story. It’s tough to rate

It took me two attempts to understand it but now I really enjoy this record.

Lots of ideas. Zero bops whatsoever.

Unique voice, and music.

This grew on me as the album went on, feels like what Leonard Cohen should have done with his style of music.

I like the buildup of the story that forms throughout the album. Very dramatic in story and satisfying to listen to music-wise. Brilliant album.

The concept album is interesting. The album has a haunting sound to it but the middle of the album was lost on me sonically. His deep and sort of monotone singing voice fits well for some songs and kind of clashes with others. I was a big fan of Lady Day.

I can understand why this was initially rejected by critics. Lou Reed is so good at producing these dark and intense themes, the music almost feels too real and emotionally intense to "enjoy". As an album though, I think Berlin is just about as affective as any other and feels like an accomplishment that does warrant listening to before you die, weather or not I would like to listen to this in entirely again any time soon.

This is a tragic, bleak, and unsettling record. The emotions drawn up by Reed's storytelling are vulnerable, real, and human. It's definitely not an easy album to listen to, but I am happy to have experienced it. That said, I'm adding it to the list of great albums that I'll probably never listen to again.

Not Reed's best, his solo stuff is kinda hit or miss, still undeniably talented though

i liked this!

Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 2/5

I feel like Lou Reed is an artist I’m supposed to like because it’s cool. Initially, I wasn’t into this album but it did kinda grow on me as I listened.

I wouldn't call myself a fan of Lou Reed but I found this album rather listenable and found the songs to be pretty decent. Its mostly singer/songwriter stuff and not nearly as weird and abstract as I expected it to be.

I mean... Sad song lol Rather dark and down but some great artistry in here. The fully stripped back lyrics hit real hard

**An ok album, most tracks sound alike

Masterpiece!

12/03/2026 I had expected better.... This was bloody boring. Spotify listeners: 4 million

Buen disco

First part was pretty weird, middle part was really good, end part was really really sad. I'm definitely taking some highlights with me but as a whole album I'll probably leave it there.

The older I get the less I care about Lou Reed. In highschool I loved the Velvet Underground. That's a pretty highschool thing to do. Maybe as time has marched on the paths he forged in lyrical content are kind of more well established and accepted so it just kind of doesn't really leave much impact if I missed it on the first go around.

Bit of a depressing album and not in a good way. Enjoyed some of the rockier songs but lacked the charm of a VU record. Won’t listen again.

2.5 - I liked it about as much as Transformer, which again was way more than I expected.

piano and talky

3.5/5, unlike most albums by Lou Reed, this one is saved from complete mediocrity by incredible instrumentation and orchestration. The singing is horrible, as always and the songs themselves have few standouts (though played very well). Lyrically it says a dark story, as Reed only knows how, but lyrics aren't everything.

Beautiful storytelling even if it is a bleak story

He sounds lovely, that’s about it really

another good one from him Wil I listen to again: 80%

so fucking ass like hell no bro wtf

A concept album about a relationship slowly collapsing under addiction, violence, and emotional decay, ‘Berlin’ is theatrical but depressing. It’s a very good album, but not one I’d reach for if I was looking to have a good time.

Love many of the instrumentals, but Lou Reed's vocals really really grate on me. This album also seems to lack some coherence.

Never been a Lou Reed fan

Another artist I know of, but haven't really explored. I enjoyed this album.

I like this better than I did "Transformer" - there are parts here where it feels like Reed is actually singing - but it's still not something I'd choose to put on. It's apparently a concept album about the sad lives of an abusive, drug-addicted couple, and it's just about as cheerful as you'd imagine from that. The musicianship (apart from Reed's vocals) is excellent, and the compositions are well-made...but I can't help but compare this to another concept album that came out the same year and was...quite a bit better, that being "The Dark Side of the Moon". That's not a fair comparison, of course, but it certainly makes the choice of which album to listen to a no-brainer.

I received this selection March 3, 2026. I was in a horrible mood. I was fighting with someone I met on a dating app, the previous evening I didn't get to sleep until after one in the morning, allergies were going nuts, and I had a doctor appointment with a kidney specialist (I was worried for nothing). I was anxious, angry, upset, and tired. With the first notes of Berlin - 1973 Version, I hated it. All I thought was Reed is the American poor man's Bowie. So I took a step back, took a break and listened to it the next day. In a better mood, this album is decent. I can't say it's going to be a favorite or one that I'll think, "hey, let's listen to Berlin". I can only tolerate his "singing" so much. This album is much better in the background with songs, or lyrics occasionally rising to attention.

Lou Reed sucks

My unpopular music opinion? I’ve always found Lou Reed to be hugely overrated. I do enjoy Transformer, but much of his solo catalogue leaves me bored and wanting it to end. Maybe Berlin might change my mind. It didn’t. This is clearly meant to be a dark, theatrical concept album but I found it relentlessly bleak and, at times, bordering on self-indulgent. The storytelling feels heavy-handed rather than profound, and the atmosphere, while intentionally oppressive, becomes monotonous. There are moments that work. “Caroline Says I” and “Caroline Says II” are easily the strongest tracks here, stripped back, direct, and genuinely affecting. They hint at the sharp songwriting Reed was capable of. Unfortunately, much of the rest of the album drags. The title track “Berlin” did little for me, and “Sad Song” lives up to its name in the least compelling way possible. Favourite tracks: Caroline Says I & II Least favourite tracks: Berlin, Sad Song Album artwork: A cool, striking cover arguably more engaging than parts of the record itself.

Extremely boring with zero redeeming qualities, and his voice isn’t that great?? 1.5

I love Lou Reed, but this isn't his best album

I don't really get the Lou Reed hype. He has a "cool" voice but it's not very technically gifted or enjoyable to listen to. Some of the music in this album is good but it feels very theatrical and overly dramatic, rather than inherently substantial. Definitely not an album I'd return to very often.

Sounds like Lou Reed.

mouais

:/

Pour une fois j’ai écouté les paroles et l’histoire était vachement prenante et surtout cohérente le long de l’album. Des fois des éléments bizarres, mais qui étaient logiques par rapport au scénario. W

Just don't like this style of music. Utterly boring.

Not a fan.. 2

One of those albums i know is meant to be a heavyweight but ive not really listened to. The backing band is great. Lou Reed aings like a psycho can driver, you dont quite know where he’s going next - sometimes sounds like he’s not really singing but just talking with rythmic punctuation, but then he busts out and it just melta in so well with the band. Not unpleasant. Counfounding if you think too much about it. Jack Bruce is on this album! Maybe it was recorded in England, as Steve Winwood is also on here. At this particular time iny life tye subject matter hits me in the feels a bit.

Wow. What a trip. Upsetting at times but a great concept album.

Kinda boring.

solo he escuchado 2 segundos

As bleak and depressing as this album is at times, it still has its moments.

There are places where things get messy here, and Reed could always be self-indulgent to the detriment of individual songs (or even entire albums); there's some of that in the first couple of songs here. But if you keep listening, what will reveal itself is Reed's gift for telling heart-breaking stories about people on the edge: the edge of society, the edge of sanity, the edge of their own personal cliff. "How Do You Think It Feels," "Caroline Says II," and "The Kids" are songs that can still bring tears more than 50 years after you've heard them for the first time. He was a genius who could certainly have his misses. But when he hits, he definitely leaves a mark.

Mixed bag

Before: I do like Lou Reed a lot and he has many songs in my best of years list but nothing from this album. I'm sure I skimmed through it at least once before. During: Two tracks in. I can see why this album does not stand out to me as one of his best. The first tracks definately won't be making it on my best of 73 list. If this wasn't Lou Reed, I'd definately be skipping through, but it is Lou Reed, and it's a Saturday so I have plenty of time to listen to the complete album. I see 2 version of Caroline Says, is that the song I'm think of? We'll see, the first comes up next, I'm on track 3 now and don't really care for it at all. I see there is only one other Lou Reed album which is Transformer, which is a good choice but what about Coney Island Baby? Why would you put Berlin on this list instead of Coney Island Baby? Caroline Says I - nope, not the song I was thinking of. Candy Says is the song I was thinking of. That's a great song and would be very out of place on this album. Six songs in now, why on earth would anyone put this album on a best of 1001 list? Maybe it was very innovative or edgy for 1973? Let's see what the experts have to say about it. After : Overall, it's not an enjoyable listen at all but I did like it a little better the second time. I get it that this album is not meant to be enjoyable. Maybe it deserves to be on this list but still can't rate it higher than 2, based on my own persona criteria.

Berlin Caroline Says I Caroline Says II Sad Song

Vrij meh

Reminds me a bit of early Bowie.

Not one of Lou's best.

it's definitely interesting from an academic perspective, but i don't know that i'd call it enjoyable per se. i think the vocal style would be less tedious if i wasn't hearing it for an entire album in one go.

The sad song was quite happy.

Interesting. Gave off Disney villain vibes

Jesus Lou, do you need a hug? Or a therapist? Crying babies, abuse, neglect, suicide? And all of this is before the last track which is titled “sad song”. This whole album is an “sad song“. All those years I’ve wasted in therapy, I should have just become a musician. I do hear the David Bowie influence. I do see how music can be very therapeutic. This album should come with a warning label, or a referral for a therapy talk helpline.

weak

I hated this on first listen -- not knowing anything about it beforehand -- until the last couple of songs. When it ended I immediately started it from the top again. I can't say this will ever be a go-to album for me, but it definitely grew on me to a point of real appreciation.

Decent Lou Reed, not as good as Velvet Underground or some his best solo work.

Man, this definitely is a way to tell a story. Respect to illuminating something so depressing.

Gotta get deeper on the Lou Reed/VU train

Kids kept confusing me with the crying baby

the baby crying threw carly and me off

I'm a big fan of The Velvet Underground, but I'm much less familiar with Lou Reed's solo output. I had actually never heard Berlin before getting it for an OAD. I think I'm starting to see a new pattern in my musical taste. I tend to really enjoy these sound cinema recordings. For example, my OAD #160, from less than a week ago, was Moss Side Story by Barry Adamson. I thoroughly enjoyed that soundtrack for a non-existent film noir, but it didn't seem to resonate with the OAD community, given its average rating of 2.53 compared to my solid 4. Berlin is the musical equivalent of a gritty exploitation film from the American Film School movement of the same early '70s period. As I was listening, I couldn't help but wonder how it might sound to someone who wasn't already used to Lou Reed's weary street-observer style. This is the most minor-key, depressed album I've heard by Lou Reed, but I'm already a fan of both Lou Reed's sad street poetry and Bob Ezrin's (The Wall, School's Out) cinematic production style, so I had an idea of what I was getting into from the beginning. This should not be anyone's first Lou Reed album. In fact, I would never advise anyone who wasn't already a Velvet Underground and/or Lou Reed fan to listen to this album unless I already knew that person's level of emotional fortitude. I'd be afraid that I was encouraging that person to engage with a record that would certainly drain all of the joy out of their day, and that's just not what I'm about. Further, Lou Reed is an important figure in American rock music, and I wouldn't want to turn anyone off to his other, slightly more accessible works. That's like advising someone who wants to learn about jazz to listen to The Shape of Jazz to Come without allowing them to first acclimate to the genre's vocabulary through Kind of Blue. There are many highly empathetic people who use music to regulate their emotions, which I find is a perfectly valid way to be a music fan. If the music is happy, they are happy. If the music is sad, they are sad. If that describes you, please understand that this record will break you for a few hours. I loved this record, but I'm already a Lou Reed fan. As much as The Velvet Underground is one of my favorite bands and one that I could listen to at pretty much any time, even I don't want to revisit Berlin for a while. Four stars.

top 3 - Lady Day, Berlin, The Bed. I’ve already listened to this album a few times before and I was very happy to give it another!

I have some Lou Reed, but was unfamiliar with this album. He had some really strong artists playing with him for this concert, which added to the appeal for me as I am huge fans of Winwood and Bruce.

i do prefer transformer although i like the dark and depressing themes throughout. second half of the album is better than the first

Not the best running track really great sound but some harrowing tracks particularly the kids screaming for their mother

I liked velvet underground, but this one's not for me

Los artistas tienen que volver a hacer uso y abuso de varias sustancias, qué querés que te diga, los resultados están a la vista. Siempre me va a gustar un álbum conceptual con toda una historia y personajes detrás, por muy deprimente que sea, especialmente cuando musicalmente acompaña de esta manera.

Not a terrible album, but rather boring. I didn’t care for his voice or singing style and the music was not interesting. 2/5

This was not good.

Not impressed. I know Lou Reed is this musical heartthrob of the critics, but the lack of hooks and meandering turned me off. And his lack of melody. And the fact that he sounded like he needed therapy. Sorry, this is a skipper for me. My Rating: 3/5

I'd never heard of this before, or had any idea he'd done anything like this. It definitely plays into his artsy vibe though so it makes sense. I'm pretty up on it in general. At its best it's very atmospheric, it's dark and it's interesting, and the music is very well put together. I think I like the idea of it, and the idea of him doing it more than I like the album in general though. Overall it's pretty decent but it's not something I'll return to - whereas I will return to something like Transformer.

Tough vibe but I liked it

Phenomenal, instantly a new Lou Reed favorite

Por incrível que pareça o primeiro álbum solo do lou reed que escuto. Não consegui digeri-lo corretamente mas gostei do que ouvi

It's certainly an interesting album. I'm not hugely a fan of Lou Reed's vocal style, nor am I usually a fan of more talking centered vocals. This album has some nice variety, and I enjoyed it a bit. I just don't think there's anything here that would keep me coming back or wanting to do any more exploring in this realm.

Good, but I don't anticipate revisiting this.

Demonic and wrist slashy

Berlin immediately follows Transformer in Lou Reed’s discography, and boy did Reed take a departure into the art rock genre, more akin to Pink Floyd. I don’t love Berlin but can appreciate what he did on this concept album. The fact I like Reed’s voice and lyrics helps a lot. But the children sounds in “Kids” was so grating to me (I recognize I’m childless by choice). The songs, though I enjoyed them, seemed to go on too long. 3 isn’t a bad rating.

This really wasn't my jam. I definitely liked the earlier album "Transformer" more. That said, I could still hear relics of the influence David Bowie had over "Transformer" in this album, as well, namely those proto-glam influences. Those influences just weren't as strong or as interesting here. Also, as a proud Dual Income, No Kids (DINK) household, the use of children screaming and crying in "The Kids" immediately triggered me and served as an immediate recommitment to the childless life.

Great album. Reeds voice is at once melodic, cutting, and vulnerable. Notable tracks include Men of Good Fortune, How Do You Think It Feels, Caroline Say II. The album is a really good straight thru listen.

I’m not entirely sure what to make of this. I studied a lot of German theatre in college and played a bunch of Brecht/Weill roles in small German theatre companies throughout the late 1990s, so I am not immune to the charms of the format. But again, this hangs on the centrality of Lou selling things and well, no go.

Beautiful album. One of my favorites It will not cheer you up though

I think I am going to hold off on rating this one for now. It's not bad, and deserves at least 3 stars, but I do not know how much of this stuck with me outside of the last song. It at least deserves another lesson to figure itself out

I don’t love Lou’s voice, but there’s a couple of good upbeat tunes on display here. The song writing is strong as well.

Not really a fan of concept albums, rock opera etc. They inevitably have songs that aren't that good but are needed to advance the story. Big Lou Reed fan, but this wouldn't be my choice for his second album in the list

Eh

Been too long since I listened to this start to finish. A Lou gem!

I can understand why people like this album, but it’s not for me. Sad, weird, but not in the ways that I enjoy.

don't like

Lou Reed’s previous album Transformer was a huge hit, but if anyone bought this expecting more cheerful songs about trans people hitchhiking across the USA they were in for a surprise. This album is the dark side of Perfect Day, examining the destructive spiral of drug addiction for a couple called Jim and Caroline living in Berlin. We get one romantic song about them meeting by the wall and enjoying some Dubonnet on ice, and then we get despair, prostitution, violence and eventual death by suicide. Calling the last track Sad Song is underselling just how grim this is by a long chalk. Do we really need to hear crying children being taken from their drug addict mother? Well, maybe. Drugs aren’t all just going to the zoo and drinking sangria in the park, kids.

Beautiful to listen to. The entire album seems to gradually build up as it goes along. Lou Reeds voice is very monotone but it somewhat aids the albums atmosphere. Just well done all round.

This album is entirely forgettable. When it came time to write this I could not remember a single memorable item.

I only knew “Caroline Says II” and “The Kids” beforehand, which are both very beautiful and very, very sad. So I was prepared for more material like the (perhaps tongue-in-cheek) “Sad Song.” I wasn't expecting the upbeat first half, with an almost whimsical "Caroline Says I." Experiencing the album out of sequence like that made it feel even more poignant, like reflecting on good times while knowing there's trouble ahead. An aside: I'm glad to know that both Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker went on to work with better people.

I always enjoy a concept album. I've listened to this album before, but didn't get much out of it. This time around my reaction is about the same. I think Lou Reed's emotional voice gives this album its essence. Musically it's OK, conceptually it's OK. I probably won't listen to it a third time. My perception hasn't changed. Cool on the surface, but not everlasting.

Pretty enjoyable album, not as good as transformer

The music and lyrics are good and fitting for the concept of this album. Production is fine, I just don't like Reed's voice, his music, or VU.

This is a fairly well pulled off concept album. There's enough ambiguity to keep it from being a total cliché, but it still has an energy that feels like a well produced musical, for better or worse. The storyline is intense. The musical composition of it all dramatizes in a way that I might associate with cinema, which makes the album kind of versatile. You can leave this on in the background for an easy listen, or you can pay attention if you're looking for an emotional roller coaster. I find it very impressive this came out 3 months after Transformer. That's two solid efforts back to back. I might be turning into a fan. 3.8/5

I meant it in my last Lou Reed review when I said I never want to hear Lou Reed again. Unfortunately I still slogged my way through this 50 minute waste of tape. Nice piano playing. I don’t think I can think of a single other nice thing to say here.

This was the closest I've come to just straight-up skipping an album that's been generated for us because, really, I think we've endured enough Lou Reed at this point. But we're barely a quarter of the way through this project so to already start skipping albums before even starting them seems to be in poor form. I thought of all the Lou albums we've been made to rate, this one was the least bad. I found it to only be distasteful and uninspired rather than actively terrible. I was waffling between 1 and 2 ⭐️ and actually inclined to round up until the gratuitous extended children crying sounds on "The Kids". No thank you.

Vocals gehen gar nicht, musikalisch fand ich es in Ordnung.

Too sad to enjoy.

This album is a trip, really cool musically. Sad Song is clearly the closer which I appreciate. High 4

This feels like an exercise in storytelling rather than attempt to make an album of good music. I'm here for the music; if I wanted a short story I'd read one.

This was great. I’ll probably listen again

Great

Some issues, like some if the lyrics seem forced to fit the narrative but overall one of Lou's better solo albums.

An interesting choice to have this album and "Transformer" as the lone Lou Reed solo albums, given how iconic the latter is and was, and how poorly-received this follow-up album was (and only somewhat rehabilitated in the following decades). I'm pretty sure I've never heard any of the tracks from this very Lou-Reed-esque concept album of strung out expats in Berlin, and only a few really caught my ear, mainly "How do you think it feels" and "The Kids". I *do* like reading that Reed's thwarted hope to make the album into a stage production was finally realized 34 years later, but I'm hard pressed to say why this particular album made it into the collection when there are so many other more notable and interesting later Lou Reed albums (e.g. "New York").

I'm not a fan of Lou Reed's work outside of VU, and this album didn't convince me.

Hated it, arrogant and unpleasant Triggered me for some reasons

Berlin is an album that i just have some really weird opinions on. There are things going for it like the guitars here are pretty good sounding in each song they appear in, Lou's voice is enjoyable and the lyrics are pretty decent too. But with all the things going for it, there are also things going against it. These include the odd sleazy nature of Transformer returning (it sounds even more apparent due to the somewhat lackluster production), the aforementioned poor production which makes some parts not sound right, and there are just some audio choices that I'm not a huge fan of. This album doesn't sound bad but i'm still not the biggest fan of it. Best Song: Oh Jim Worst Song: The Kids

tbh I don't really like this but whatever. also holy shit lou reed you cannot sing</3 his voice on How Do You Think It Feels drove me crazy in particular, because the arrangement and guitar was great, but then he'd open his mouth and like bro SHUT UP

2+ Stars (6/15)

a bit boring but does this excuse the fact that Lou Reed is the GOAT, no.

Not my fave by Lou but not horrible.

Zzz

Berlin will be my second Lou Reed album, my last album from 1973, and my last album from any member of The Velvet Underground. I thought Lou Reed’s Transformer was fine; it had some songs I enjoyed, and I liked Lou Reed’s vocals, but the majority of the album was pretty forgettable to me. I’m hoping that Berlin is a bit more up my alley than Transformer was. As much as I wanted to enjoy Berlin, I didn’t really care for it. The narrative of this rock opera was tough to follow along with for me; there wasn’t really much of an introduction to these characters, and I felt like I had been thrust into the middle of a book, trying to piece together what had happened before I picked up the story. The somber mood of the album was effective, but without that connection to the characters in the story, I felt like there just wasn’t much emotional weight to these songs. Musically, there were some elements that I enjoyed, but none of those pieces really created a great sounding whole to me. I did think the backing vocals were persistently good though, and I enjoyed it when the saxophone was more prominent. I thought “The Kids” and “The Bed” were the best songs on this album, because they packed the most punch emotionally. The sounds of the child crying on “The Kid” were particularly upsetting. Even though that was one of the best songs on the album, I hope I never hear that song again. In the end, while I appreciate the artistry behind Berlin, this album just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Short, consistent, and to the point. Not my taste but I can't argue with it.

God damn this album was depressing as fuck. Like way too depressing for my tastes. Also too slow.

It's ok. I don't love this, just like I don't really love velvet underground. Also that's kids song kinda put me off. It doesn't deserve a 1, but I don't really like Lou Reed , or this album.

Lou reed tiene aaaalgo

I really only knew Lou Reed from the Trainspotting soundtrack which had “Perfect Day.” This concept album made me realize he’s not that good of a singer (do concept albums not do second takes?).

Love, love, love this album!

You've really got to win me over with the instrumentation and singing if you're doing a dour concept album, and Lou Reed is never going to offer those to me.

I had to go back and re-listen while I wasn’t cooking dinner with my kid. This album is very dark and bleak. I’ve come to realize that’s just what Lou Reed’s music is for the most part. It took me bumping all of these Velvet underground albums to come back around to this.

Slow the instrumentation is top notch and the lyrics are sometimes awesome. It’s just boring Lou Reed singing behind great guitar and drums can only be withstood for so long. I’m curious how this got made this reminds me a lot of McCartney 3 the singing. I don’t enjoy this even the lyrics are depressing and sad about the hardship of life. Seems like Lou Reed had a lot of sadness on his mind when he made this. The kids is the most difficult listen the children scream for their mothers it’s artistic and the switch over to acoustic at the end of the song provides a somber sound and breathe from the agony of the start. I mean suicide neglect this album is a bummer and that’s what it’s trying to do and it honestly does it perfectly how can I be upset? Does that necessarily mean I have to enjoy its long outros and ambient noise. I think being in Berlin experiencing the culture and atmosphere changes you gives you a new outlook so toss aside the glam rock. What an ending sad song. The clear tonal shift from the beginning and acknowledging the elephant in the room. I personally thinks the concept works quite well. It is a bummer on purpose and I think artistically and sonically it’s very strong here and touches on some truly grim topics but the constant repeating of sad song over and over really drives hope into your mind!

Masterpiece in my book but understand it’s not for everyone. I feel Bowie took this as a template for what he later did in the 70’s with his albums and with Iggy Pop.

Berlin is an album that feels deliberately heavy, almost confrontational in how bleak and unromantic it is. It does not invite you in so much as sit you down and refuse to let you look away. The songs are slow, dramatic, and soaked in misery, telling a story that spirals downward without relief. There is no glamour here, no irony to soften the blow, just a sustained commitment to emotional darkness. What makes it work is how completely it commits to that tone. The orchestration is lush but oppressive, heightening the sense of tragedy rather than providing comfort. Lou Reed’s delivery is flat and detached, which only makes the subject matter hit harder, as if the horror has become so normal it no longer needs emphasis. The album unfolds like a bleak stage production, each song another scene that deepens the sense of inevitability. It stops short of a full five simply because it is such a punishing listen. This is not an album you casually return to, and its emotional weight can feel overwhelming if you are not in the right frame of mind. Still, that severity is exactly what gives Berlin its power. It is uncompromising, ambitious, and emotionally devastating in a way few albums even attempt.

listened to some. Had some vibes

Lou Reed is one of my favorite artists of all time. This is my first bias-makes-it-a-five of the albums.

I have never been a fan of Lou Reed's lazy speak-singing style. And today is no different. I guess it's not the worst album in the world, having it on in the background as you smoke a bowl and mold something out of clay oh wait there are children screaming? Never mind, ah but the last two tracks are nice though.

Hauntingly beautiful, it is a magnificent rock opera. 9/10 [KEEP]

I enjoyed it, but it was a fair bit to mellow, to the point where it felt drowned of substance.

Can't say I cared much for this one. There was a bit too much Lou Reed talk/singing for me. Between that and the somewhat theatrical style/presentation/feel, I never was able to get into it. It didn't help that there was a crying baby section. It was interesting, but not in a way that worked for me. Overall: 1.9/5

The last leg of this album is insanely strong, but I just don’t really love the first half that much

I don't really like it, it's repetitive and weird, but not in the good way

Better than Coldplay

Mellow

I actually hated this album so fucking much

Strangely I listened to it the day before it got generated. Great album but transformer is still the better one.

Weird

Amazing composition, but Lou Reed is not known for his vocals. Luckily, I am notorious for loving bad singers so in many ways this album was made for me.

A 3.

beautiful instrumentals, wasn’t a fan of the vocals.

From the droning countdown opener, it’s clear this is going to be a bleak, dark and sad album. I think of it as a "fuck you" from Lou. He took the base from Transformer and twisted it into something more personal, more rotten. It has that trademark Lou Reed sound: urban and glammy, but instead of the bisexual survival and cautious optimism, we have the heterosexual death and decay. It only gets more heartbreaking as it goes on, culminating with the final three songs: Kids, The Bed and Sad Song, which are truly numbing crescendos in the tragic lives of Jim and Caroline, two stand in characters that represent tens of millions of poor souls in the grip of a quick fix.

I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this!

not soooo bad. you really do have to buy in to listening to someone like lou reed, im not all the way there yet

This grew on me: the darkness slowly comes forward, The Kids is horrific, and it ends with a Sad Song.

Really good! It's Lou Reed, dripping with bohemian cool.

its okay

Wow. Very well composed. Dealing with some heavy subject matter.

This album meant a lot to me age 14 or 15, I really wanted to learn enough of the English language to understand what Caroline said.

Albums involving Lou Reed are a mixed bag for me. This album has a knack for making me happy, and sad. I just wish it had better production, and at least one more true banger. Favorite Track: "Sad Song".

I’m a fan of Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground but for some reason have never gotten around to listening to this album. Apparently it was panned on its release. I really enjoyed it, particularly the lyrics. This is now on my listen app.

I love Velvet Underground, but I just can’t get into Lou Reed’s solo work.

It was really hard to finish it, so sad and sluggish, but not in a nice way

I’m certain I was in the wrong headspace to hear this album, but I also don’t want to be in the right one. I don’t feel like this album was created for the purpose of enjoyment, and I found myself getting irritated with artist for inflicting it on me. I wasn’t too surprised to find initial reviews echoed my feelings. Other thoughts: Is sad song supposed to be sad? Just saying sad song over and over again doesn’t make it sad. Dear every artist - I hate your song with the crying baby sample. I can see how this would be a moving and effective album for some, but it’s not for me.

Interesting listen but not sure it’s for me

Really interesting. Maybe I didnt quite get it but I enjoyed

"Berlin" may not be Lou Reed's best work but I'd argue that it was his artistic triumph. Challenged to take his story writing to the next level and create a concept album, Reed revisited a couple from a previous song and gave them a full story. The music takes on a cinematic quality and would have been adapted to a stage performance if not for the (initial) poor sales and reviews. It's a fantastic album. My only complaint is the extended crying of small children. Reed could have gotten the message across without this.

A little too soft and slow for my taste. Also didn’t like the crying baby in the kid song. Not pleasant.

This was def on the weirder and inconsistent side, which makes sense given it’s just Lou. Enjoyed “sad song” as a closer, started out depressing and ended hopeful, which again is very on brand.

Just like the last album 1001 generator gave us of his. It’s the same for this one. Meh

Þetta er svo skrýtið. Mér finnst hann í raun lélegur söngvari og textarnir stundum hreinlega banal, þrátt fyrir umfjöllunarefnið, og sviðsetning þessarar sögu í Berlín er líka ósannfærandi. En ég vil ekki hætta að hlusta. Fer langt á mjög flottri production, en þetta er eitthvað miklu meira en það.

Singing sounds kinda bored, but there's some nice musical bits

It wasn’t too bad until it got really really dark towards the end… jeez

I thought this album was interesting. I liked it better than expected. Due to reading the reviews I decided to skip "The Kids" because I really can't handle the kids crying (too traumatic for me). I really liked the piano throughout the album, especially on "Berlin" and "Lady Day".

5/10 I do not want crying children on any track ever.

83/100. Really good and really sad. The writing is incredible, tackling heavy and heartbreaking themes. This was Reed in his solo prime, a powerful and emotional record.

4.1 // Love a bit of Lou Reed. Rock opera-esqe concept album of a dysfunctional couple, pretty good

surprisingly emotionally vulnerable, would revisit

This is an album which needs a few playthroughs before it clicks, (which I think is true of so many great albums). I didn't love it on first listen, but I was compelled to listen again and again.

Listened to this album at least 5 times because I couldn't figure out how to rate it. Some amazing tracks on here. Overall a great album.

First listen

This album is much like the David Bowie Berlin period--also not my fave. 'Berlin' is bleak and dreary, much like the city in 1973. There is one fantastic song on the album, "Sad Song." Top tracks: "Sad Song," "Men of Good Fortune"

--Berlin...the piano is compelling --Lady Day...hmmm --Men of Good Fortune...each individual instrument is doing something interesting but does it come together? I'm having difficulty figuring out my feelings about this record. it may require multiple listens --Caroline Says I...backup singers! this feels more accessible. great bass --How Do You Think It Feels...I may not love all of his choices, but Reed is consistently surprising. didn't think I would get such a solid rocker with this one. Actual guitar shredding! --Oh Jim...more rock, this is nice but less surprising. there's...a second acoustic song at the end? that is surprising, and odd --Caroline Says II...plodding. first song that bored me --The Kids...why is this 8 minutes long? is that a baby? Alright, Lou, you convinced me. I won't have kids --The Bed...I like the production but it's too long --Sad Song...same as "the Bed"

Love Transformer, but I struggle with this one. It has some great stuff on it, particularly on side two, and I love the rage of it, but it’s a bit too chaotic at the start.

Yeah this really wasn’t good…

Much heavier than expected. A real surprise generally. There is a respect for songwriting traditions but a freedom and creativity that reminds me of Tom Waits. Caroline says 2 and the kids were surprises in that they were so much heavier than anything I expected to hear, but it doesn't come across clumsy or sensationalist

I was between ratings but the baby crying during The Kids sealed the deal.

Beautiful and heartbreaking, I absolutely loved this

Before I listened to this I read the Wikipedia and thought it would be too pretentious. I wasn’t wrong, but I actually ended up liking it more than I thought I would.

Very interesting release from Lou Reed. Fully on par with Transformer. Inventive and melodic.

If Bowie’s more famous vision of the city was techno-dystopian anomie Reed’s sounds more like an extended hangover from Weimar era Berlin. It’s a rock opera but don’t let that put you off, you don’t need to know that to appreciate this album for its honesty and ambition. Lyrically the songs are agonisingly real about addiction and personal disintegration and it’s a brave departure from Transformer, but there’s something about Reed’s songwriting which doesn’t quite clinched the deal, despite the good ideas. What he is great at is atmosphere and this album has it by the bucket load and he has the courage to address issues few rock artists touch. But be warned, the atmosphere in question is utterly desolate.

I enjoyed this bit after listening, I immediately felt I needed to hear it several times before fully getting it. It certainly dwindled off towards the end, but there was quite a lot for me to take in. Will listen again, which is a good sign.

This was pretty good. Felt a little long but I found it to be nice while working on somethings. All in all a pretty pleasant album.

This felt like circus music

I don't understand Berlin by Lou Reed. I get he was going through some stuff, hanging out with Bowie, and going through more stuff. I don't hate it but I don't get it.

Not my favorite Lou Reed album, still cool though

I didn't really like the Velvet Underground albums presented to me by this project, but I have always enjoyed listening to Lou Reed's more well-known solo songs. Perhaps it's no surprise then, that I really like this album and will be adding it to my collection, crying children and all.

I like this, but I feel like I could have liked it more! I really enjoy Reed's vocal delivery and when the music really gets into an actual rhythm instead of the meandering twangy guitar it gets real solid.

Drums are perfect. The horn section adds a surprising tightness to the mix. There’s a lot of layers and depth that I may need a couple listens to fully absorb. The vocals are super strange and uncomfortable at times, but keeps it interesting. Fuck it. It’s a 4.

I feel like I really shouldn't like it. It's not at all like anything I enjoy and the vocals aren't great if you listen to them in isolation, but somehow it still manages to grab me

Let’s take a walk on the drugs and prostitution side. 6/10

Berlin is a mellow, sad, and dark Lou album. Slowest speed trip ever put down to music. Berlin (the song) kicks it off OK and crazy that the most upbeat track is Sad Song to finish it. Just depressing for everything in between. (1.7*s) I can’t imagine this one flew off the shelves…

Some lackluster Lou in Berlin. I get the themes here are dower but a slow album, sounds a bit empty. I have not liked Reed so far on this music journey and I am a bit surprised since through my radio exposure, I have. I know he chummed around with some heavy hitters and was admired by the likes of Bowie but I'm not feeling the impact. Must be just the hits are good. This record doesn't belong on the list in my opinion but I'm not a paid critic. Maybe I'll change my tune after some years like Rolling Stone. 1.83 stars.

Not sure what about Berlin makes this list-worth. It's a pretty pedestrian album in terms of Lou Reed and in the broad spectrum. Side A has a little more energy and is a decent listen. Side B has a couple slower ballads that are not bad but not great. I'd call this album pretty skippable not in that it's bad, but moreso in that it doesn't do anything to stand out. Even as a Lou Reed fan he is over-represented on this list (primarily because of The Velvet Underground getting 3 albums for some reason). I'll stick to Lou Reed greatest hits for the most part and skip a lot of the filler among his discography. 2.05 stars

1001 Albums Vol. 0015: Berlin ============================================================ Introduction: It's been quite a long time, but I'm back to the grind. Life just has its way of getting in the way with your projects and...well...yeah. I got a bit burnt out too...that's probably not good since I was not even 15 albums into the project. At the end of the day, I acknowledge I probably won't be able to complete this entire project. It's not that I don't love doing it, it's just that I honestly have more important matters in my life. I will eventually take another very long break from the grind, but hopefully that won't be as soon as this last one was. Anyway, that aside, Berlin by Lou Reed. I've heard of this album's existence before. I've never listened to it in my lifetime, however, and I never really planned to. Here we are though. Now, from everything I've seen online besides the holy website of 1001gen, this album is apparently really influential and really, really good. It should come as no surprise that it's not his most hailed work of all time, but I've seen almost nothing but praise when regarding this album. The exception with that being the site I'm posting this review on, 1001gen, where I've learned to not trust anyone on this site after a masterpiece like Clube Da Esquina got a 3.13. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with some of you? Anyway, rant aside, this album was released by an artist who was currently in his prime known by the name Lou Reed in the year 1973. Before the release of this album, he had just released what was and still is known as his greatest work. I would only imagine hopes were high for this next release. Now, when the album did release, some people's high hopes were met while others' were not. The album was apparently a very mixed bag when it was initially released; however, praise has since began to flow in like a stream of gushing water. It's a concept album too that deals with addiction and drugs....And that's all I can really say about this album without listening to it. The Wikipedia excerpt really didn't offer too much insight this time besides what I just said. So, with all that said, let's just get into this album. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Track 1: Berlin Score: 7/10 Track 2: Lady Day Score: 8/10 Track 3: Men of Good Fortune Score: 9/10 Track 4: Caroline Says I Score: 8/10 Track 5: How Do You Think It Feels Score: 8/10 Track 6: Oh Jim Score: 6/10 Track 7: Caroline Says II Score: 9/10 Track 8: The Kids Score: 8/10 Track 9: The Bed Score: 9/10 Track 10: Sad Song Score: 10/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conclusion: As expected, I really enjoyed this album. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece by any means, yet I still really enjoyed it. It had a lot to offer and a story that is genuinely touching and sad to listen to. Firstly though, I'll go into a bit of detail as to what kind of music this album has to offer. I really can't describe it that well, but this album's music is an odd mix between folk, glam rock, and art rock. This album has plenty of huge orchestral crescendos, subdued folk tunes, and typical guitar riffs that it simply falls between the three genres. It's unique and manages to blend pretty well with each other for the most part. There are some points on the album such as Oh Jim where the music takes the backburner so the story can be the focal point, and that somewhat impacts the quality and impact of the music, yet it remains pretty consistent with the overall feel and theme of the album throughout. Speaking of Oh Jim...this, in my opinion, is how to NOT write a song on a concept album or even a song that tells a lengthy story. Midway through the song the melody, tone, and everything just completely changes. It makes sense in terms of the story, but something way, way better could have been done. This is the exact reason why Bell Boy is one of my weaker songs off of Quadrophenia. (That song is still really good, much better than Oh Jim in my opinion) It just feels completely off with the music, as if the idea was thrown in as an afterthought or could have been its own song. Anyway, rant aside, the music off this album is generally pretty good and mixes well with the lyrical tone of the songs. Now, the lyrics and story are where this album particularly shines. They tell the story of a woman who struggles with addiction. She has a boyfriend (or husband?), children, and is generally living a decent yet depressing life at the beginning of the album. As the album progresses, the listener is brought along a journey from the perspective of the boyfriend or husband named Jim. He views his partner as a queen, yet he appropriately gets fed up with his partner's addiction and makes the poor choice of taking his anger out on her physically. She appropriately gets fed up with this and makes statements such as "I don't love you anymore." and so on. Sometime after these incidents, Caroline's (Jim's spouse) kids get taken away from her due to her addiction and her general inability to perform as a mother. This leads to Caroline becoming embroiled in a deep depression to which she ultimately takes her own life. Jim then reflects on his time with her. He isn't necessarily sad or disappointed, yet regrets having ever met Caroline in the first place. In the end, he ultimately manages to move on from the incident with relatively little impact on his emotional being. That's the entire album explained in a paragraph or less. It's a very sad, macabre story. It's one that should genuinely touch anyone who decides to listen. It's also fascinating that something of this material came out in the year 1973, a time where everything was much more censored throughout much of the world. For that reason, this album manages to be bold and daring on top of everything else mentioned already. Berlin overall is just a very unique and daring album to this day. As stated before, it's not a masterpiece or anything, but it's an enjoyable listen that I would recommend anyone to try out. There are admittedly moments on this album that feel a bit weird both lyrically and musically. Some examples include the whole lyrical meaning of rich vs. poor in Men of Good Fortune. Musically, there are some moments on this album that feel a bit unnatural or overbearing, but it all still manages to be pretty good overall. It's definitely worthy of a better score than it currently has on this site. ============================================================ Berlin Score: 8/10 Song Average: 8.2/10

made more sense when I read about the concept behind this.

Quite dark.

Weirdly I’ve never listened to Lou Reed/The Velvet Underground so for this to be my first foray feels as though I can’t fairly rate as I know from reading that it wasn’t his “best”. I love the concept though, and think in the future I’ll definitely revisit it with perhaps a better understanding of Reed’s catalogue.

That didn't really do it for me, there are some interesting moments but it's overall not a treat to listen to and couldn't pick out a song I'd like to listen to again.

This is #day474 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… here's to my second and final Lou Reed record. I gave Transformer a 5 back in the day, but I'd never really listened to Berlin in full until today. The album feels like the lights dim and the atmosphere turns murky. No wonder Wikipedia calls it a tragic rock opera about a doomed couple, addressing themes of drug use, prostitution, depression, domestic violence, and suicide. Very much '70s art rock with a little too many orchestral/operatic undertones. Still a fun, though perhaps occasional, listen. This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day475.

Depressingly beautiful

A longtime favorite of mine, especially when I’m in a dark place. I’m thankful that doesn’t happen to me as often these days. An undeniably great album.

Singing and riffs. Boring. 2/5

Rolling Stock had it right - a disaster. This was not enjoyable. How could anyone possible enjoy this?

There are some good moments, and even though his singing is a bit better here than on Transformer it still doesn't vibe with me. I like the drums and electric guitar though. Sad Song was the highlight of the album to me, although it reminds me of the Futurama joke about having characters announce their feelings.

Tried to like this one but ended up finding it very blah. His voice was putting me to sleep.

I like Lou fed but this is bit dirge I’m not sure I enjoyed it

Great album

This is proof that I could have been a singer song writer

More like “1001 albums you must hear before you die and one album that will make you want to.”

This is a dark one

those berlinian days with Bowie

A coked out dream of a past and future no longer in the artists minds.

The esteem that Lou reed is held in continues to baffle me, what was exceptional about this? 1.5*

It's alright but not awesome. ⭐⭐⭐

After The Velvet Underground, I had low expectations on this one. But there were a couple of tracks with brass that weren't too bad. The Bed, though...oof. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): How Do You Think It Feels, Oh Jim ⭐⭐: Didn't like it, didn't hate it. Saved two tracks.

A sobering and highly challenging, yet rewarding listening experience. I tend to default to Transformer when I'm looking for my fix of Lou Reed, but this is another fantastic listen and one which has fallen at the perfect time with the changing of the seasons. The depth and breadth of the songwriting and instrumentation here is truly a delight; piano, mellotron, bass trombone, trumpet, sax, acoustics - they all converge into such an enthralling palette. A rock opera conceptually focused on an array of tragic themes, it expands upon the story of an ailing couple first explored in Lou Reed's track "Berlin" from his self-titled debut. It's perhaps one of the most despondent albums I've ever heard.

I guess I'm just not a fan of Lou Reed. This is just another solid number 2 that plopped out onto this list. 💩

I just don't get the allure of Lou Reed. I guess I am supposed to listen to the storytelling in the lyrics, but I find myself not caring at all. The music is the okayest music I've heard in a while and the vocals sound so blasé that I don't even think Lou cares about singing them at all. This one is just a big waste of time.

Lou Reed, sneering at conventional contrivances by doubling down on them, here acts as midwife to postmodern ironising in pop music. The thing is, there’s a lot to enjoy in this record about addiction, depression, destitution and tragic death. “Lady Day”, “Men of Good Fortune”, “Sad Song” all showcase Reed’s gift for baroque, buoyant rock compositions. It’s so good that by the forced miserablism of “The Kids” – an almost comically on-the-nose beat that’s harrowing only for its trying to be harrowing – I get the distinct impression it’s driving Reed fucking mad that he can’t write a song that isn’t an immediately brilliant earworm. (A tendency that might lead him to Metal Machine Music in a couple of short years.) Reed’s acidic, sardonic attitude – the one his acolytes will carve out entire new genres attempting to faithfully channel – is perhaps his greatest legacy. Listening to Berlin, it strikes me that it will be a full three decades later that Shellac open their 2000 record with the same sentiment that closes this one: “This is a sad fuckin’ song,” sneers Steve Albini, “we’ll be lucky if I don’t bust out crying.” That song – “Squirrel Song” – ends with the line “this isn’t a metaphor, goddamn, this is real.” In the intervening 28 years, even the most vanguardy have only really succeeded in nudging the irony forward by a degree. Berlin is a record full of reluctantly catchy avant-pop. It exists as a lovely reply to anyone keen on perpetuating the myth that Reed “did what he wanted and didn’t give a fuck”. The first part might be true … but the rest? Trust Lou Reed to use crying children to humanise himself to his audience.

Sonically, this has some truly unlistenable moments. Thematically, it’s grim and dark and overall unpleasant. But there are some really compelling and nice musical motifs scattered throughout the din and noise. Overall this is not my thing at all but there are a few redeeming qualities.

That song with the kids crying really got to me. He has such unique music but not all of it makes me feel great haha. 3/5 because I recognize the talent but don’t know if it’s my style.

p293. 1973. 3 stars. Strange and disturbing orchestra-rock. Not easy listening, and some very dark lyrics. Not sure i would listen to it again, but I'm glad I've heard it.

It's an interesting concept, but the violence in the lyrics becomes hard to carry. Dispute being quite good, I couldn't listen to this very often.

After his legendary stint in The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed went off to follow his own muse. And he pretty quickly found success with the Bowie produced Transformer. Transformer sees Reed's empathetic glimpses of life in the margins of society balanced with tight songwriting and a sleek finish. And it was enough that, at long last, he was making music deemed palatable by a more general public. In about a year's time, Lou Reed would come out with Berlin, and put a stop to that. Berlin is a fascinating record. As a rock opera, it doesn't shy away from theatricality. However, it's also unwilling to stop rolling around on the concrete. Berlin is a violent, strung-out examination of a collapsing relationship and its aftermath. This album sounds like it was constructed in the hollowed out corpse of glam rock. We hit big horn sections as often as we hit guitar and piano dirges about suicide, abuse, heroin usage, and familial separation. This is punctuated by Lou Reed's un-singing, which alternates between manic and just fucking empty. The resultant tone is almost indescribable. It kind of feels like a Bowie album died in a factory accident and went to hell. I listen to a lot of very depressing music, but this stands out in a really unusual way. I've probably heard sadder, if it must be a contest, but this feels like you're mainlining someone else's regret, embarrassment, rage, and shame. I'm not even sure that it really reflects well onto Lou Reed. The lyrics are dramatized, but not nearly as much as you'd want them to be. This feels frank enough that the topics at hand gain a unique weight. And even though, our characters are, generally, *not* great people, there are enough little flashes of empathy and relatability that they become complex and deeply tragic. When I started this, I wasn't sure if he was gonna pull it off, but Lou Reed keeps this all together with incredible songs as well. This probably isn't perfect, but it is a transcendent, haunting piece of rock's shadow-canon on its own terms. And I am spellbound by it in it's sad, strange ways.

Like most of Lou Reed's music, there're plenty of mediocre songs, a few terrible songs, and no shortage or lousy singing. It's not his worst work, but it I definitely doesn't excite me. With all of the VU albums on this list and Transformer, this album has a hard time justifying its place here.

5/10 - I mean it's alright, it's more about the lyrics rather than the music itself

Worth an extra listen, really interesting album with loads of themes

I couldn’t even finish this album. It was like Bob Dylan but more monotonous and more depressing. He was edging me the whole time; every time I thought the album was gonna get good, it would never happen. The penultimate song? Fucking weird. I audibly exclaimed “what the fuck?”. It was like the Blue Jean Committee but it wasn’t satire. 😰 Best Songs: Oh Jim Caroline Says II Worst Songs: The Kids The Bed

Zzz…

Always considered this an iconic album although I’ve never listened to it seriously until today. Or maybe I’m getting mixed up it’s the Bowie trilogy? Easy thing to do because there is a strong Bowie influence on this album. Learnt that this was a concept album. These always appeal to me although subject matter is depressing if not sordid. Best song was the last song. 3/5 5/11/25

I can see why this album was considered a mess when it came out. It kind of is. I'm sure it has a lot of meaning, but I can't get past the odd singing voice and lack of emotion. The words might have emotion, but he voice just doesn't.

Having lived in Berlin for many years, I can confidently say this is an accurately portrayal of that experience.

This album is pretty great. Iconic Lou Reed and some really great songwriting. The lyrics are rich and compelling, the compositions are at times elaborate and others just showcase Reed’s unique voice and style. I really enjoyed this album.

just

When compared to 'Transformer' I feel this record is underwhelming. I loved that album for its incredible range of ideas and sounds, but in this one, Lou Reed slow things down way too much for my taste, and it thinks it loses a lot of the charm that characterizes his art. Either way, it is a decent album with great lyricism, instrumentation and sad tone. I specially liked 'Caroline Says II', 'The Kids' and 'The Bed', with the last two feeling very personal and touching both for the dramatic themes of a mother losing the possession of her kids and then taking her own life. Overall, good experience, but there wasn't anything here that really grabbed my attention.

Lou Reed has achieved far better, both with and without The Velvet Underground. It's still a really solid rock album, don't get me wrong, it's just that considering what I know he is capable of, there are just a few too many moments that feel a bit pointless and dreary.

cool album. a bit too theatrical for me. reminded me of bowie

Is Lou ok? This album feels more like sad poetry set to music. He's clearly working through some stuff. Favorite track iw men of good fortune

I went into this album expecting not to like it, but it pleasantly surprised me. There are some aspects of the album I didn't enjoy -- for example, I'm not a huge fan of Lou Reed's singing voice -- but it is a solid album that I'll definitely listen to again. I'm not sure yet how many of these songs I will want to listen to on their own. Some of these songs (like The Kids - the one with the sounds of crying children) only work in the context of the album. My favorite song so far is Lady Day. 4/5 Separately, I haven't given an album a 5 in a long time. Since I gave this album a 4, I'm hoping that Lou Reed's more popular album, Transformer, will get a 5.

Somewhat depressing but I shouldn't expect anything less from a Lou Reed album. It's fine but I prefer Transformer over this.

Damn depressingly beautifully haunting concept album.

Never actually listened to this before despite loving a couple of his other records. Sounds like a grower so I’ll say this is 4 stars for now…

I didn’t really like this until halfway through, but there is something that weirdly pulls me to our friend Lou. How Do You Think It Feels is great!

3.7 Love Lou Reed in small doses. He is weird and interesting AF

4/5

Um disco melancolicamente lindo, com seus temas depressivos maravilhosamente interpretados por composições e arranjos precisos. A faixa de encerramento "Sad Song", com as partes de orquestra, coro e solos de guitarra, traduz com fidelidade todo o clima do álbum, magistralmente concebido e arquitetado pela parceria entre Lou Reed e Bob Ezrin.

Not a fan. Too monotonous.

It was my first listen of this album (though not the first album by Reed on this challenge), and after the first few minutes I wasn't impressed but as the album went on it got better and better. It kept my interest musically throughout. The ending (Sad Song) is really great. I am still not a fan of his voice but there is no denying that his songs are captivating. 3 stars after my first listen but it needs more listens and might round it up later.

Eh, it was very low end of ok for me

I'm giving this a high score, not because I particularly want to listen to it again, but because it's a work of art, in the way that some of the best albums are. It's so sad. There are moments of beauty and despair. I only knew Caroline Says II, previously; I think it's one of the strongest songs. The Bed, too; it blew me away with its beautiful guitar. I'm not sure I see this as a rock opera; that implies some sort of bombastic-ness, to me. This was like going to see a really sad play, which happened to be set to music. It's sort of wonderful, really. Off the back of this, I also sought out his debut solo album "Lou Reed" (not on this list, I dont *think*; I've already reviewed Transformer and three Velvet Underground albums) - apparently, he thought that it had some of his best songs on it but suffered from terrible production. It's perhaps due a remaster? - it's great! If it's not on here, I recommend it. The man could definitely write great songs, and, now that I've said that out loud, I might need to listen to everything I've already reviewed all over again. He was ace.

I liked the album quite a bit, but it didn't blow me away. It seemed too self-indulgent to me. I liked Transformers better, which I also listened to in its entirety for the first time as part of this project. I'm not sure yet whether I want to listen to it again, but I don't think so. 3/5

3.4

Like a watered down then bland imitation of Frank Zappa’s work.

Sad and not my style

Put this masterpiece on at my house party and everyone left for some reason.

Interesting point in time performance. Love some of the unique takes on the songs.

Well that was incredibly depressing. But also really great. Could go up in the future, but for now its a strong 4 stars.

I like Lou, I liked Velvet Underground as well. Not sure Lou deserves this many spots in the T1001 though. This will be my first swing at "Berlin", none of the song titles look familiar at first glance... First song, "Berlin" is an instrumental SNOOZER. "Lady Day" & "Men of Good Fortune" continues the slow pace. Then it picks up (a little) in the middle of the album. All forgettable tracks. Then back to Downer City with "Caroline II", "The Kids", "The Bed" and "Sad Song". Holy cow, my eyelids got heavy! Some impressive listen counts with most tracks over 1M, one or two at 2M and 4M. That was the only thing impressive about this album though. I was bored outta my gourd, couldn't wait for it to be over. 1.5 stars.

Soft and very poetic, a very enjoyable listen. The bits of classical like music surprised me a little bit. It's quite tender to hear Lou (notoriously not the kindest person on the planet) be sweet on the album. Particularly thinking about him not being around, one almost sheds a tear listening to him. Overall the album was very ballady, very rock and blues like.

Razen seveda "Perfect Day" in en Velvet Underground album nism neki Lou Reeda poslušala, tko da me prou zanima. Zanimiv začetek & chill klavirski komad ("Berlin"). "Lady Day" mi je kr kul. "How Do You Think It Feels" je najs. "Oh Jim" začetek je čist po mojmu okusu, na splošno kul komad. Se pa pol komad spremeni, nekako ima dva različna dela. (Definitivno je priročno vedt, da je album a concept album, o paru (Jim & Caroline) in njunih problemih z drogo, o depresiji, samomoru. In pa, da je Lou mal recikliral komade k jih je mel z Velvet Underground.) "The Kids" je skor 8 minut o tem, kako so Caroline odvzel otroke, zarad drog itd. Zmer bl se mi dozdeva, zakaj nism nikol tok padla v Lou Reeda. It is not for me. Kr pavzo sm si na sred albuma mogla vzet. Nč me zares ne potegne. Sj so čist kul komadi, sam njegov govorjenje in kinda petje mi ne sede. Omg, zj so zvoki jokajočega se otroka med komadom. Meh. "Sad Song" je kr kul, alpa sm sam vesela, da sm konec?

2,9/5

This was a trippy album. It felt as if I was listening to a theatrical production.

a rock opera concept album about a couple's struggle with abuse and drug addiction was Lou Reed's third studio solo album outside of his work with the Velvet Underground. The album is wide ranging and has fun and complex arrangements that range from orchestral numbers reminiscient of a musical number to dark and brooding tracks with limited instrumentation. Good album.

I like Lou Reed. This was a chill album with a lot of raw emotion.

Okay, unpopular and contrarian opinion I know. I have always felt Lou Reed is hugely over-rated, and this sucks. This is the sound of neck-beard dudes in black turtle neck sweaters drinking super hoppy IPA and eating fried kelp sandwiches and pretending it’s good. Just go away with your rolled-up jeans and clunky boots. You are annoying. But not as annoying as this album. If you like it, great. Don’t play it when I’m over please and thank-you.

Unusual

Interesting