Berlin

Quite enjoyed this, worth another go

This was a wow for me. I found it quite compelling but the darkness holds me back from giving it a 5. By the end, it was unrelenting.

It’s crazy how much more I like Lou Reed’s solo records above Velvet Underground. This one isn’t quite Transformer though.

A rare re-listen on the same day. Not as immediately accessible as Transformer, but not at difficult a listen as I’d been led to believe. Really enjoyed this and will return.

Another one that falls in the category of disturbingly fascinating. The sheer apathy of the storyteller in the bed and sad song is haunting. I had to physically step away midway through. So although deeply unpleasant, it can not leave you unperturbed. Kudos but also concern.

Was surprisingly taken with this one, especially after learning it was a concept album. I liked it on first listen and it feels like a grower. 3.75/5

Sad song is an excellent closer. Best song on the album This album feels like a massive swing, and I think it ends up being a home run. Really really enjoyable. Really interesting, artsy in all the right ways. Maybe the best stuff I've ever heard from Reed How Do You Think It Feels is another great song. At the end with the brass band and the guitar solo, just sounds great

What a complicated emotional album. This is one Reed put all of himself into it and was hurt by its initial reception. Definitely a hard one to stomach, especially when you are married and have kids. The song with the kids screaming in the background is especially jarring. It’s a great piece of art and one worth revisiting. It has all of Lou’s style and artistic genius laid bare in the tracks.

Some of these songs triggered more than they should. Dead he have heroin honesty at this point of his career coz some of this is brutal majesty.

I found myself reminded a lot of David Bowie while listening to this album. Reed's previous album (and the other of his I've heard from this list) was produced by Bowie, and I'm not surprised that some of his influence carried over into this one. This was cool. I appreciate that Reed doesn't just simply churn out a track list where every song sounds similar. I might not have loved every song, but at least he produced an album with variety in style, mood, and themes. This album does what Art Rock does best - mixes genres, has some experimentation, and aims to be different in hopes of moving a genre forward. I don't think I had much an appreciation for Art Rock coming into this project, or at least didn't know that I did. But some of the best albums here are Art Rock albums, and I'm really appreciative that there are so many. This gets four stars from me. I didn't love it all, but there's some great stuff here from an artist I knew nothing about coming into this project. Standout Tracks: Lady Day, How Do You Think It Feels, The Kids, Sad Song

This was a solid follow up to Transformer. On Berlin, Reed continues to push the musical and art counter culture of that time to new heights. Between him, Bowie and Iggy and their artistic cross pollination, this proved to be a magical time in the early 70’s and they were the leaders. There’s some incredible performances on Berlin from all the session players, which included Steve Winwood, and of course from Lou Reed and it was all captured beautifully by Producer, Bob Ezrin. I prefer Transformer a little more to this one so I’ll give this one a 4.

A solid album by Lou Reed. Not as experimental as The Velvet Underground but a good listen.

Far from my favorite work by Reed, and not his best in my opinion. But I’ve read that it was one of the works he was most proud of and was seriously upset by its negative critical reception upon release. With time, critics have changed their stance and the more I listen the more I find things to like about it.

Well. What to say about THIS one. Though-provoking and lyrically deep, it's not a lot of fun to listen to. Not that everything has to be fun, of course. Lou's singing also makes this one hard for me to rate. Not something I'll likely listen to a lot, but I could see myself coming back to it.

A rocking lou reed album. Really grand in it's recording. I think I maybe like it better than Destroyer even. Feels like him doing a pre bruce springsteen style. Definitely some embellishments on the track runtimes but just a solid rock n roll record from a one of kind dude.

I knew this by reputation as a 'difficult' album, so I went in expecting something borderline unlistenable, and instead was surprised by how much I liked it. Don't get me wrong, the lyrics are beyond bleak but it definitely has tunes. Darkly compelling.

Bleak but beautiful.

I much prefer the first half of this album to the drearier tracks toward the back.“Sad Song” ties together the back half of the album well. Overall a good album!

was een mij onbekend album van een artiest die ik toch beter vond in VU dan solo... het heeft mij echter positief verrast...

solid album if you are into the late 60s music

Massively exceeded expectations

the whole album is great, but the piano on berlin, and caroline says II are gems

82% Best: Caroline Says I; How Do You Think It Feels; Sad Song Must-Hear? Sure

Lou Reed beats out David Bowie by creating that Berlin sound three years before the release of Station to Station. In the early 70s, Bowie and Reed frequented the same German nightclubs and man, those places really must have had a certain feel to them. While Bowie did it better, Lou Reed not only won the time war, but was hot on Bowie’s trail in pure songwriting quality as well. Berlin’s cold theatricality makes it feel almost sarcastic. Unlike some of the Bowie Berlin albums, Reed’s Berlin is undoubtedly better consumed as a whole rather than piecemeal through singles. As a whole package, it’s solid as hell. 4.2/5

## In-Depth Review of Lou Reed's *Berlin* Lou Reed's *Berlin*, released in 1973, stands as a significant, albeit controversial, entry in the canon of rock music. It is often characterized as a concept album that explores dark themes such as addiction, domestic violence, and despair through the tragic narrative of a couple, Jim and Caroline. This review delves into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of *Berlin*, while also assessing its pros and cons. ****Lyrics**** The lyrics of *Berlin* are stark and unflinching, presenting a narrative that is both tragic and deeply human. Reed employs a storytelling approach that reflects his literary influences, crafting vivid characters and scenarios that unfold throughout the album. The album's narrative arc follows Jim's controlling relationship with Caroline, who descends into addiction and despair. Key tracks such as "Caroline Says I" and "The Kids" exemplify Reed's ability to blend poetic lyricism with raw emotional weight. For instance, in "Caroline Says I," the lines: > "Caroline says as she gets up off the floor / You can hit me all you want to, but I don’t love you anymore" capture the essence of a toxic relationship marked by abuse and emotional turmoil. The lyrics often oscillate between moments of bleak realism and poignant reflection, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about love and loss. ****Music**** Musically, *Berlin* is a departure from Reed's earlier work with The Velvet Underground and his subsequent solo albums. The production by Bob Ezrin introduces orchestral elements that enhance the album's cinematic quality. Reed's acoustic guitar is complemented by lush strings, brass sections, and choral arrangements, creating a soundscape that mirrors the emotional gravity of the lyrics. Tracks like "Sad Song" feature haunting melodies that juxtapose the lyrical content's darkness with an almost serene musical backdrop. This dissonance between music and lyrics invites listeners to engage with the album on multiple levels—evoking feelings of both beauty and despair. The instrumentation is varied and complex; for instance: - **"The Bed"** employs soft acoustic sounds to convey Caroline's tragic end. - **"How Do You Think It Feels"** features dramatic crescendos that reflect Jim's emotional volatility. - **"The Kids"** includes chilling sound effects of children crying, enhancing the track’s emotional impact. This orchestral approach was innovative for its time and has since been recognized as a hallmark of Reed's ambition in *Berlin*. ****Production**** Bob Ezrin’s production plays a crucial role in shaping *Berlin*. He sought to create an immersive experience that transcended traditional rock formats. The decision to frame the album as "a film for the ear" underscores Ezrin's vision of integrating sound effects and orchestration into the storytelling process. Ezrin’s background in producing theatrical rock (notably with Alice Cooper) allowed him to bring a dramatic flair to Reed’s bleak narrative. The lush arrangements often contrast sharply with Reed’s gravelly vocal delivery, which adds authenticity to the characters’ struggles. This juxtaposition creates an unsettling yet compelling listening experience. Despite its ambitious production values, *Berlin* was initially met with criticism for its heavy themes and unconventional structure. Critics at the time labeled it a "disaster," failing to appreciate its artistic merits. However, over time, many have come to view it as a masterpiece that challenges conventional norms in music. ****Themes**** The overarching themes of *Berlin* revolve around despair, addiction, love gone awry, and societal decay. The narrative encapsulates the struggles faced by individuals entrenched in cycles of addiction and abuse. Each character embodies different facets of these themes: - **Jim** represents toxic masculinity and control. - **Caroline** illustrates vulnerability and self-destruction. The album does not shy away from depicting harsh realities; instead, it presents them with stark honesty. Tracks like "Caroline Says II" delve into Caroline's descent into promiscuity and drug use after Jim leaves her, while "The Kids" poignantly addresses the consequences of addiction on family life. Reed’s portrayal of these characters is complex; he does not condemn them but rather presents their stories as reflections of broader societal issues. This nuanced approach invites listeners to grapple with moral ambiguity rather than offering simple judgments. ****Influence**** Upon its release, *Berlin* faced significant backlash from critics who were unprepared for its bleakness following Reed's more commercially successful album *Transformer*. However, its reputation has grown over the decades, influencing countless artists across genres. The album has been cited as an inspiration by musicians such as David Bowie and Nick Cave, who admired its willingness to confront difficult subjects through art. Its narrative style has also paved the way for future concept albums that explore similar themes of human struggle. In recent years, *Berlin* has been revisited through live performances and reinterpretations by various artists. These revivals highlight its enduring relevance and ability to resonate with new generations of listeners who grapple with similar issues today. ****Pros and Cons**** **Pros:** - **Artistic Ambition:** *Berlin* showcases Reed’s literary prowess and ambition to create a cohesive narrative within an album format. - **Innovative Production:** Bob Ezrin’s orchestral arrangements elevate the material beyond typical rock standards. - **Emotional Depth:** The raw honesty in lyrics allows for deep emotional engagement from listeners. - **Cultural Impact:** Over time, the album has gained recognition as a classic within rock history. **Cons:** - **Accessibility:** Its heavy themes make it challenging for casual listeners or those seeking lighter music. - **Initial Reception:** The negative critical response at launch overshadowed its artistic merits for many years. - **Vocal Delivery:** Reed’s distinctive vocal style may not appeal to everyone; his gravelly tone can be polarizing. In conclusion, Lou Reed's *Berlin* remains one of his most ambitious works—a dark exploration of human relationships set against an evocative musical backdrop. While it may not be an easy listen due to its heavy themes and unconventional structure, its artistic depth ensures its place in music history as a profound commentary on love, loss, and despair.

I'm a huge fan of VU, but this was my first time listening to any solo Lou Reed stuff. And, I'm not sure how I feel about it. Maybe it needs a few more listens to grow on me, and I probably will revisit it, but as far as first impressions, it was just ok.

Just because i said Lou Reed is one of the few artists so great he can exceed my theoretical 2 album per artist limit doesn’t mean you get to go crazy with it and add any project Lou Reed touches. That was my knee jerk reaction. Then I listened to the album! Lou Reed, man. Great album intro as always. A simple concept album done beautifully. Men Of Good Fortune showcasing his amazing, personable storytelling ability. Some great horn arrangements on How Do You Think It Feels. Then one of the best album closers I’ve ever heard - one of the best songs to come from this list so far - Sad Song. I immediately ran it back on this one. What a fantastic, charming, soaring melody executed to perfection. The middle of this album began to lull just a tiny bit, but Sad Song brought it all home with such a firm finish. As a little context, reading about this album reveals that rolling stone initially said it was a disaster, but 50-some-odd years later it’s a top 500 album of all time. Very funny. If you like something that much, never listen to critics about how it should be perceived

I’m surprised. Reed Rules, low key a lot of these are ballads.

kind of liked this one

Favorite Track: Lady Day

I really liked the sound. I guess the album tells a big story, and I’m unclear on how well it holds up.

Lou Reed is that artist that can write an underground post-punk song that sounds like it belongs on a pop radio station. Breaking away from the Velvets and the Andy Warhol influence Reed succeeds here with an actual properly produced album. It's weird and niche, and maybe a little akin to what a properly done Velvets album would sound like but their success came from not knowing what they were doing in the studio. 4/5

I like Reed's solo work. I wish I had the guts to be as cool as he was when I was a kid. But listening to this on the heels of Transformer, you gotta wonder why Lou Reed hated being famous so much?

Un piacevolissimo ascolto.

There's a good progression from slow and "empty" to faster and "full" songs. Somehow the emotion is relayed well.

Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Men of Good Fortune, How Do You Think It Feels, Oh Jim, Caroline Says II, The Bed, Sad Song Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: This isn't depressing in that oooooooh I'm gonna kill myself way, it's depressing in that ooooooooh sometimes it really doesn't feel like it'll get better way. Lou clears the "is this album good enough that I can put a sample of a baby crying" bar. So cool that Caroline Says II and Stephanie Says are basically the same song and yet verrrrrrrry much NOT the same song.

Great, added to "Artists to listen to more" list

Publicado entre Transformer y Rock´n Roll animal, dos obras capitales, este Berlin configura una trilogía difícilmente superable. Lou Reed aborda los temas que ya había tocado con la VU, en este caso Jim y Candy, los protagonistas, son una pareja de losers tóxicos (un proxeneta sin escrúpulos y una fulana drogadicta) en un ambiente Berlín aún más sucio. Destrozado por la crítica en su momento, con el paso del tiempo ha ganado mucha consideración. Conocida es la buena valoración que tienen las obras sobre angustias, decadencia y miseria (sobre todo propia). Otros discos del 73: Dark side of the moon, Catch a fire, Aladdin Sane, Raw power, Band on the run, New York Dolls, Let´s get it on, For Your Pleasure, Call me, A wizzard/a true star, Innervisions, GP, Tubullar Bells, Houses of the holy, Quadrophenia, Selling England by the Pound, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (y Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player), Killing Me Softly, For Your Pleasure, 3+3...

A funky good time! Sad lyrics, but deeply thoughtful. Very atmospheric. Arguably not as perfect as Transformer, but one I feel I will return to and keep connecting with in new and exciting ways.

Usually not a LounReed gal but this one slaps

Mostly works if occasionally overdone. "Sad Song" is quite good and the orchestrations are mostly effective, if heavy-handed in more than a few spots; they also lighten and brighten proceedings, perhaps even slightly more than intended. It is lush and cinematic (one supposes) but the characters aren't all that relatable.

Oh no, Lou Reed is back on the sauce… This one is hurt by the fact that the first three songs on the album are the worst. It did get better, though, and by the end it’s a good story and a powerful album, especially side 2. The problem is that Lou Reed’s voice doesn’t fit a lot of these songs. It would have been so much better with a different vocalist.

Tough one to rate. Some things I really like - driving rhythms, mix of instruments including keyboards and orchestral parts. Songwriting is very good, some songs kind of tough to get through though. Lou's vocals are OK, not my favorite but they work well for the mood of the songs. The stuff that is really good, is really good.

I like it, but it's no Transformer.

Lady Day // How Do You Think It Feels // Oh Jim // Caroline Says II // Sad Song

Rating: 8/10 Great album overall. Dark lyrically and pretty experimental instrumentally, the album takes you on a journey from start to finish. The best moments blend Lou Reed's quirkiness with great melodies and interesting lyrics while the worst of this is still decent. Favorite songs: Men of Good Fortune, Caroline Says I, How Do You Think It Feels, Oh Jim, Caroline Says II, The Bed, Sad Song. Worst song: Berlin.

Tolles Konzeptalbum. Geschichte wird erzählt.

Definitely an album to be appreciated as a complete work of art, rather than a few bangers with some fillers. Some of his most accomplished solo work, merging several different styles together seamlessly. 4/5

My god, this is a strange one. On first listen I hated it but second time around I appreciated it more. My first thought was that I can see it being a musical and then I read there were plans for a stage version, which makes sense. It’s not something I would want to listen to regularly. The bit with the kids shouting for their mum is heart rending

eh ja, Lou Reed! ich finde das album toll, es hat einen eher „klassischen“ einstieg, danach typische nummern von lou reed! ehrliche musik, einfach gespielt.

Interessante Platte mit der grandiosen Stimme von Lou Reed.

Not as good as transformer

Some of this album is sublime: Oh Jim and Sad song in particular. Lyrically very dark (surprise!) and typically Lou Reed, but not his most accessible album.

beautiful and sad

Tää on kyllä hieno levy. Aika synkkä, mutta ehkä tätä kannattaakin lähestyä sellaisena fiilistely ja synkistelylevy. 4/5

Aika masentavahan tämä on, mutta hyvältä kuulostaa. 4/5

Soft

Sûrement un incontournable du glam rock, car j’y décèle une influence sur de nombreuses pièces à suivre (rythmique, basse, piano). C’est aussi la preuve qu’on peut écrire de bons textes, ne pas avoir une grande voix, sans toutefois négliger les arrangements, l’habillage musical des pièces.

A glam rock kind of thing.. with interesting lyrics. I like it

Ok Lou

Reminded me a lot of The Wall by Pink Floyd. Nice and dark

saaaad soooongg!

Well, this was more beautiful and more depressing than I expected.

This was a lovely surprise, I’ve never heard from Lou Reed (was shocked he was on plastic beach) but after listening to this album it’s great. I can’t describe it but it’s got a vibe that most albums can’t have, being soulful and just dark enough to take you places.

Very dark, bleak, stark, but very captivating. Definitely want to revisit this one, but it's a very interesting provocative rock opera indeed

Even if you don’t think much of Lou Reed’s singing ability, you can’t deny his talent at creating a fantastic atmosphere. This concept album following up on one of his earlier songs is fantastically bleak.

own

Ok, sounds ok 3.5

I gave Transformer 3 star when it deserved more. Will give this one the benefit of the doubt

This must be one of the most grim, bleak and unrelenting albums in rock history, and probably all the better for it. Released the year after the seminal Transformer, it's a concept album. I like it a lot.

Lou Reed tells a captivating story on Berlin. It’s not my favorite Reed album, as I feel there are too many tracks that just don’t quite reaches the highs you would expect from an artist like Reed. I especially feel this way about the 2 “Caroline Says” tracks - but he manages to close this concept album with such force that Berlin still manages to stand out.

I liked it, but I didn't love it as much as I'd hoped to. Lou's voice is always tremendous, but it's quite a distance away from the heights of Transformer. Oh Jim, despite not being the excellent late-90s chunk of Indie of the same name from Gay Dad, is very good indeed.

I didnt love it as much as the last Reed album but I still like it/him.

What if Bertolt Brecht was a junkie living in squalor on New York's Lower East Side circa 1973? Flawed genius from the ultimate flawed genius

Ein bewegendes Konzept - Album. Schwere Kost. Hat mir gefallen

Wou weed

There are some really good songs on this album, and it definitely has a strong vibe. I want to give it a 3.5, but I think I have to bump it up to 4 due to the artistic audacity, if you will. I think "Sad Song" is also just beautiful.

4.5

Nice pop-rock. Not his best, but a good listen.

Lou Reed. Icon for many. Revered by some as even more. I still don't get it. Though some of them there diddies weren't bad… Future me again… maybe, just maybe, after having listened to one too many shit albums, I find that I was a little too strict with my scoring when I originally started this journey. This album, the 36th to be presented to me, I found to be worthy of a 2*, yet, I just listened to it again, and I am going to double that score… weird how things can work out...

enjoyed more than i thought i would. a peculiar guy it seems. downloaded 3,4,5&9

Maybe the best Lou Reed album I’ve ever heard.

What a great album. Melancholy and longing and a celebration of life.

LP

4.1 Gave it a couple of listens. In addition to the obvious, Lou Reed sure gets some good bass players to contribute to the albums

The first half has bursts of rock n roll and doo wop. (“Caroline Says I” and “How Do You Think It Feels” were highlights for me.) And the second half has longer, sadder story-centric songs. (“The Kids” and “The Bed” were both heartbreaking.) Lou Reed is a plainspoken poet. He’s very direct in his lyrics and he emphasizes that directness with a sort of flat style of singing. He’s not afraid to say something in a monotone voice and just let it sit there for the listener to absorb. I’m a big fan of his in general and this was an interesting album I hadn’t heard before. Lots to dig into and enjoy.

Svårt att säga nåt , men chill lysning, hade kunnat sätta på när som helst

Не Трансформер, не Велвет Андеграунд, но музыка отличная. Лучшая песня - Sad Song.

Favorite songs: Lady Day, Men of Good Fortune, Caroline Says II, How Do You Think It Feels.

I was expecting to dislike this album, but put it on in the background! «This is probablly just another overhyped depressed junkie with a guitar and an undeserved record deal». At some point I started to wonder «Hmm, this sounds very different than what I expected». By the end I had to put all my focus into this, and it revealed itself to be absolutely beautiful. Then I looked at the personell involved, and I was mindblown. This has both Brecker Brothers, Steve Winwood, Bob Ezrin, Tony Levin AND Jack Bruce on it? Upon my second listening, I now realize that I am a complete idiot. This is beautifully arranged and performed. At times it sounds fresher than anything else of the day, which goes to show Ezrin's talent for production. The album drags a bit in the middle, but never so much that it would be better off if anything was removed. There are things that don't always resonate with my aesthetic preferences, but most of the album hits me straight in the heart. I know need to revisit every single «overhyped depressed junkie with a guitar», which is far too many for me to list here.

When it started I thought I was going to hate it but by the end I couldn't deny the cohesive vision behind the album. It also sounds really good for a mid-70s record and doesn't suffer from that stuffy studio treatment that so many albums from this period do.

An amazing album. It’s like a photo album of despair and abuse. Wow.

really sad lyrics over top some really triumphant and uplifting melodies. big fan of lou reed in general.

Quite a hard listen because of the subject matter but still amazing. Cant see myself listening it to it too much again but still a great time.

Un LP que, por razones que desconozco, nunca había escuchado antes. Siguiendo directamente a la obra maestra que es "Transformer", Reed no decepciona, entregándonos una colección de canciones melancólicas, potentes y tristes, interpretadas con especial foco en la grandeza de las cuerdas y los bronces. Muy recomendado.

I was excited when this one came up, I haven’t heard it in years. And then I remembered why. This is such a beautiful, grotesque monster of a record, with moments that make me smile but even more that disturb me deeply. I mean, that’s the point. And few people can nail that beautiful grotesquerie like Lou Reed. I love this album but it will be a few years before I revisit.

Given the themes, this is actually quite absorbing and I guess if anyone was going to do this in the early 70s, it was Lou Reed. He is ably assisted by a team of distinguished personnel as he guides us through some dark places. Is this why Bowie and Iggy were attracted to the place? One last point: I could have done without the crying and screaming children.

Lou Reed has always been a story teller and this album captures that very well. He also comes across as authentic -- there is a real experience to the stories and a connection.

The more I hear from Lou Reed, the more I am in awe

Absurdly bleak. I remember borrowing this from the library in my teens: not exactly Laden with mixtape bangers to impress a pal or woo a prospective girlfriend. I love it

4.1 - I love Lou Reed a lot and think this album was great, but I wouldn't say it was my favourite.

This was an interesting album. It's got kind of a Rocky Horror meets Rent vibe to it. If you treat it as more of a musical/show than a straight album, it's not bad. It definitely gets melodramatic and can be a bit much in parts, but I didn't hate it. The campiness is definitely on par for a Lou Reed project. I don't know how much I'd listen to it again, though. Best songs: Men of Good Fortune, How Do You Think It Feels, Oh Jim, Sad Song

I love the VU, but never really got into Lou Reed solo--maybe his 'hits' that were radio played never grabbed me. This album absolutely grabbed me and somehow I hung on every word. I'm not sure how the math adds up here to Lou Reed being good. He's so weird. But I dig it.

I'm not a huge fan of his voice, and while the music is fine and has some flashes of brilliance, it's never really consistently great. The star of this album is the lyrics and the story of the full album. They're dark and sad, but well crafted and make for a great listen.

A beautiful, sad, sultry album...one of his best.

Perfect album for cloudy nights. He was probably very depressed while recording this album

pretty good album, I think in terms of Lou Reed’s music I liked Transformer much more. Berlin is much more laid back vibe

Good: men of good fortune, sad song

I enjoyed this one because it reminded me of a movie

I like this, it is definitely a whole album listen, which I'm in to

sympathique

Really liked it! Hadn't ever listened to Lou Reed solo stuff even though I like the Velvet Underground. It was depressing but really beautiful

This is tough one for me. The music kinda sucks, it plays well with the lyrical themes and has some very poignant moments but overall the music sucks. But man, what fantastic storytelling. In under 50 minutes Lou manages to spin a tale of toxic relationships, drug abuse, prostitution, domestic violence, child neglect and suicide. A harrowing and dark tale told with unflinching honestly. 9/10 I just wish the music was better.

Love Lou Reed. I wouldn’t listen to this outside of this project much, but he creates interesting mellow songs

While I'm not a huge fan of his voice, the songs and instrumentation were warm and rich.

Fun and interesting listen. Really enjoyed it

I do like his Smokey voice. I enjoyed this album.

Damn. I love this album. Never heard it before, but after a couple listens to it today, I think it is so great. All my favorite songs are on side two. But, all and all, it's pretty fantastic. 5/5: The Kids, Caroline Says II, The Bed, How Do You Think It Feels 4/5: Sad Song, Berlin, Men of Good Fortune, Caroline Says I, Oh Jim Rating: 4/5

Besides the musical legacy, Lou Reed is most responsible for most of us New Yorkers wearing black 12 months out of the year.

Three out of my last five albums have featured Lou Reed and I've loved every single one of them. Now I'm even more excited to do a full deep dive. 4.5/5

Good too

What a challenging narrative. Not a great listen altogether but a bold concept. There a number of fine musical moments along with a few dirge-like passages. One or two songs work outside of the concept and could be listened stand-alone.

So theatrical though very macabre. I love an album that tells a story, and this one does it very well - poor Caroline. Even if it is much darker than what I would usually listen to, there is no denying the artfulness.

I am not sure how often I would want to listen to this but I can appreciate it. can't really imagine rolling stone calling it a disaster

Man Lou Reed is tough because if you like his music you have to be like "yeah so there's this great album about just all the worst things that can happen to you"

I enjoyed this. Maybe not a first-pick listen so another reason to appreciate this list and app. Very sparse on my Lou Reed listening history so appreciate getting exposed to more

ah, i'm so split on this album. I did not warm up to the mid-section of the album because the production choices just didn't work for me - with the horns, and dramatic riffs and strings, very operatic and sort of glam and i am just not feeling that sound. and then caroline 2, the kids, the bed came on and god damn it was such a turnaround. Something about the other songs is just not clicking with me. The story however is really good and depressing and I wish the sound was sorta more somber and distorted for the whole album. You can't have grim lyrics and upbeat production and then have vocals that don't sound upbeat as well. Lou sings them without any character and It doesn't work for me. Caroline 1, I think, would really pop with bowie vocals. It's a decent 3 for me. ----- Nevermind, the album really grew on me after a few more listens. The lyrics and the story really elevate the album and the atmosphere the lou creates with his penmanship just keeps you coming back. Also, I guess, i just took the album for what it is but i still do think how much better it would sound if the vocals for the first half were replaced by someone like bowie. Anyway, it's a decent 4 for me. The only song that doesn't work for me is men of good fortune.

It seems like a conceptual Album. Really inspiring, should be listened again. Influenced by Progressive Rock era of that wonderful year.

Like the political and social commentary, however the music itself doesn't really spark and unique qualities for me with the exception of "Berlin" using the tune of "happy birthday" along side the message was clever. I will always love when music is used as a means for a stronger message such as "the kids" and "Berlin". The lyrics are the best part of this album, however sometimes on the nose. I didn't like the album at all upon first listen, however after 3/4 listens it grew on me. I would listen to three songs again on the album but ultimately wouldn't return to the album as a whole. The lyric writing and story telling for me earns this album 4 stars

Interesting.

Very good! I liked it!

This guy is kinda like a white 70s weekend I fw it

Lou Reed smokes a fat blunt while Bob Ezrin screams at small babies. The other 70s concept album about "drug addiction, prostitution, depression" that features a word from the name "The Berlin Wall" and had Bob Ezrin working on it. I think I like this more than Transformer. I really enjoyed the dark storytelling, even if it didn't tug on my heartstrings as much as I hoped it would.

Floyd vibes

surprisingly good, love the piano and the general sound of it

Dark, melodic, and intriguing.

While I do not personally enjoy this as much as “Transformer” I was blown away by the emotional depths Lou Reed was willing to explore. Always should commend someone for not just making a sequel to their greatest commercial success.

I heard about all the controversy about this, many calling it a failure of vision. I enjoyed this, it is a perfect marriage of theater and rock'n'roll. Just a lot of layers musically, very rich, deep and satisfying.

So sad

8/10

What a masterpiece. There was a clear vision in mind on this album and Lou Reed delivered it to near perfection.

Interesting listen after hearing Lou Reed's previous album Transformer. This album says to be a concept album however I never heard anything that would make you believe that. This album does not have any song like "Perfect Day" or "Take A Walk On The Wild Side" but probably a higher overall level of songs. 7/10

4/5

Way better than I was expecting. I had heard this album was borderline unlistenable.

I want to listen to this more. Some great songs

This is story. This is art.

Yes, it can try a little too hard, but I don't get how Lou Reed's solo stuff isn't more acclaimed than his work in TVU. This has better melodies, sharper production, and is more realized as an album.

Some real nice songs in there

Men of Good Fortune and How Do You Think It Feels. Depressing. Just like me.

Darkest of all the Reed albums I’ve listened to. I love Lou Reed but this one is still probably my 4th favorite of his solo work as of rn. It’ll probably grow on me but behind Transformer, New York, and Coney Island Baby. This album has a much better theme with stories that tie it all together. Lou Reed is that guy Rating: 4.4

I liked this one

The Cold War in Berlin. A real dark and dirty album.

BEST SONGS: -Lady Day -Sad Song

Tough listen but very moving

I've been thinking about musicals lately, and that's pretty much what Mr. Reed gave us here. On first listen, the music lacks the harshness of its sibling albums. There's also the feeling of giving up, appropriate for the subject and uncommon for the form. That ambivalence makes the end work; A closer listen will easily push this a point in either direction.

Unexpectedly loved this 4.6

Sehr gut, Herr Reed

Bro rhymes vial with vile. Some of the guitar work towards the end was a bit of a surprise.

A concept album about a couple's tragic descent into drug addiction, Lou Reed never shied away from taboo topics of his era and I respect him immensely for that.

Frábær plata. Mikil stemming.

Turns out I like Lou Reed! Not surprising bc I like Velvet Underground, just never gave his solo stuff a listen yet.

This album broaches some pretty dark topics, but does so with gravitas and authority -- it never feels like an artist wearing a Halloween costume, but rather a weary soul sharing glimpses at the dark corners of life that he witnesses around him regularly. It's a little too heavy to throw on at a party, but it's no doubt a great work of art.

A sad story expertly told.

Concept that worked.

an interesting and sad tale told by a dude that cant sing. myriad styles of rock from lounge to vaudeville. this is a romp. thanks lou, you pretentious bastard.

Strangely enough I really enjoyed this album despite my vocal distaste for Lou Reed and Velvet Underground. I'm not really sure what makes this one different than what I've heard before. I think the production is way better than anything else I've heard but LR or VU. It's a slower, more sad album that I recall others being. Not sure but this is going to make me go back and double check those other albums. 4

Lou Reed is such a confounding one to deal with because, well, he is an awful singer. And yet...his extreme talent still makes him a fitting frontman. The arrangements on every one of his songs are simply stunning. I found myself enjoying this album much more than Transformer because the instrumentals are so, so good, and so is the songwriting. It's why How Do You Think It Feels is the biggest and best track on the album, but I felt similarly about Lady Day as well.

A good example of rock music done in a unique and interesting way. Kinda reminded me of a more rough-around-the-edges Bowie or something. Good stuff.

The band is good

Didn't love at first but it got good towards the end

Glam rock!!

What a cheery start to the day. Thank goodness there are no bonus tracks. Not his most upbeat work. Read the wiki (and more) while listening to it this time, I already knew the album very well, but it makes more sense as a rock opera. Not sure it helps though. Lots of memorable moments, and definitely worth another listen, but not a feelgood album. Can't listen to the last 2:30 of the kids and the last minute of the bed is a challenge, ironically 'sad song' is a welcome relief. Arguably the cheeriest song on the album, 'sad song' is a bit sixth form poetry though.

Never liked Lou Reed - probably because of Lulu, but loved this album. A great story with beautiful rhythms.

Very good!

I'm only familiar with Lou Reed's solo work through a few of the hits on Transformer (and the reputation of Metal Machine Music) so this was a 'nice' chance to check out some of his work beyond the VU. I say 'nice' in quotation marks because this is one of the most deeply depressing albums I've ever listened to. The tale of two addicts who fall in and out of love, eventually settling on spitefully causing the other as much harm as possible in a pathetic and miserable state of codependence. Lyrically this record is incredible, the story being told only from Jim's perspective was an excellent choice not allowing the viewer to get the full story but instead filtering through an extremely human and sad lens not possible with a more objective viewpoint. Musically I was pleasantly surprised with how willing this record was to flirt with the theatrical, a lot of these tracks are very melodramatic sounding which can occasionally flirt with a comical tone but for the most part give off the air of being told a tale of woe by a drunken stranger you met in a bar (a tone that fits the subjects of this record perfectly) Overall I'd say this is a fantastic record that I'm sure will stick with me a long while after listening to it, an album at once theatrical and eccentric whilst remaining deeply moving and true to life. A balance I'm not sure many artists besides Lou Reed could manage to keep up. Highlights: Caroline Says II, The Kids, The Bed, Sad Song

Bleak as hell but surprising and quite good in parts.

Very unique songwriting with Lou's distinctive singing style and guitar playing. Pretty dark and it's definitely not for everyone but I enjoyed it. Pretty solid 4/5.

Really enjoyed and was also nice just because it was wholly new to me

This is a depressing concept album but it was brilliantly presented. The variety of sounds on this one kept things interesting thru the heavy content. The strings, horns, organ transition from electric to acoustic on the same song at one point are all very well balanced, it’s great. Obviously the re-listenability of this one is hindered by the story of a couple in an abusive, drug riddled relationship oh and they have kids too! Fuck this is dark but I believe they hit the mark on what they were going for. I’m gonna go watch some puppy videos now. 4 stars

Concept album with some dark and sad themes. Enjoyable music with orchestra and choir.

Sparse, atmospheric, very, very heavy and very, very sad. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Caroline Says II Date listened: 25/02/23

Lou. Más lento de lo habitual. Un 4.

I am not a Lou Reed guy. I fully expected to not like this album at all, but this is the first album that has connected the dots for me. This is the Lou Reed I can get behind.

Swag… sku antagligen ha vari ännu bättre om ja sku lyssna på lyriken…

Went to Berlin last november and it was pretty swell, not sure what this guy is on about. Some great bass playing on this album though

Ballin

This album is a unique listen. It's unconventional, raw, depressing, and isn't tied to any one sound or familiar template. I usually revisit this album once a year or so to get inspired and think outside the box musically. It's not perfect and there are some parts that are a little out there or straight up bad sounding, but as a whole it's a really cool album with a lot to say if you give it a chance. I love Lou Reed.

so depressing and dark…but beautiful music. favorite song was sad song

Listened Before? N Spectacular. I can't believe I've missed so much of Lou Reed in my life. This one and the previously reviewed album are both top-notch, and this one goes over the top since it's a rock opera too. A gem. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: The Kids

This album should come with a disclaimer: Velvet Underground fetishists not welcome. There’s no trace of the trailblazing noise rock or even the glam stomp of Reed’s “Transformer” on this ambitious rock opera. It’s a radical departure in both form and style from his previous work - the instrumentation leans heavily into the brassy cabaret of early 20th century Berlin to narrate a bleak story of love, abuse and drug addiction (in that order). While the lugubrious subject matter ultimately turned away many listeners, Reed’s diegetic narration is straight to the point and carries a directness which can sometimes seem silly (and often funny!). The hopelessness and despair contrasted with the elaborate bravado of the music perpetuates an unsettling atmosphere throughout. This is rendered even more powerful by the reality of Reed’s own interaction with the depths of heroin dependence. It’s a proximity which can be uncomfortable at times. But since when was pop music supposed to be easy? The measure of great art is its ability to undermine the pre-existing status quo, and introduce a new perspective into the public consciousness. It’s dangerous, and on these terms this record is an incontestable triumph. On the other hand, to my ear some of these tracks overdo it a bit with the aforementioned production, and it results in a number of subpar Lou Reed songs at the end of the day. Nevertheless, this is an album that’s well worth coming to terms with. With an open-mind it rewards the listener with a devastating yet triumphant tale of resignation and defiance. I love it, warts and all. Best tracks: “How Do You Think It Feels” “Oh Jim” “The Kids” And the euphoric closer “Sad Song”

Lou Reed is always amazing. Great album (minus the kids screaming).

It was good but not my favorite. He is pretty amazing.

I really liked this album from the first I heard it, which was a really long time ago, as I became a Lou Reed fan boy in my mid-teens. Still think it’s great. The music has a lot of depth at repeated listens and lyrically it has more of a narrative arc than 8 out of 10 “concept” albums.

Lou. Más lento de lo habitual. Un 4.

One of Lou Reed's best works, including his VU days. Only not 5 stars because "Kids" is such a difficult thing to listen to...

Lou at his best

I was a bit hesitant with this, but it is a fine piece of work. Of course the narrative issues are difficult but done with a fine touch. Very much enjoyed listening to this.

Love it, always loved it

Veldig veldig bra! Gotta like that early alternative

His deadpan singing, while lacking excitement, actually allows him to better be execute lyrically his rock opera than say how Tommy by The Who was done. You don’t need supplementary notes to know what the story is. The music especially picks up as the music goes on into the second half and leaves a very proper album for listening.

Interesting album, very reminiscent of Tom Waits or Nick Cave. Liked the raspy voice, slow performance of the vocals in combination with the guitar play

Wow. One of the most depressing albums I’ve ever heard, but still it’s a story told in such a brutal way the pain is almost beautiful. Great performances by Reed and all the players. The writing is absolutely stunning. But so sad. Wow.

This is my shit right here

Good I likey

I enjoyed this one alot. Very jazzy

Love a concept album and this has all the coolness you'd expect. Caroline says is a great tune

The first time I heard this album, I thought it was a grim, sad depressing record. I had this on 8-track and the only player was in our windowless, cargo van and when the song, The Kid played, I swear to god I thought there was an actually baby crying inside the van. A haunting song, this didn't help my option of the album at the time. Fast forward 40 years or so, I would put this in the category of Lou Reed's better album, as he's released a handful of duds, sprinkled in with some classics. I wouldn't say it's a classic, but my option of the record has softened and it's definitely more listenable than it was then. It's actually quite good! The 8-track is long gone, all the 8-tracks were stolen when the van was broken into, but I did buy it on vinyl, so I'm not too heartbroken.

I really like Lou Reed, his voice is great and his stuff is always so unique. Didn't really know this album despite being one of his big ones. Not as good as Transformer but still good

Grim Teutonic sleaze .

What more can I say...tranquil. Another incredibly influential artist.

I thought this album was awesome

This was a new Lou Reed entry to me - but loved it - same cheery tone musically as Transformer but with a deeper and darker intellectual seedy underbelly lyrically - the characters are real and fully dimensional and the outlook is 30 years ahead of its time. And emotionally Lou takes you down quite some sorrowful alleyways - it’s an artful record.

Para tirarse en el sofá pero variadito.

Sad song Caroline ii

best i've heard from lou, this album bangs

I'm assuming it's not a hot take that I like Lou with Velvet Underground a lot more than his solo career that's been pretty all over the place qualitywise. This is enjoyable, and I use the term loosely because it's a downer of an album if you pay attention to the lyrics. He has better stuff, he has a lot worse stuff. It's worth a listen. A 3.5 I'm bumping up to a 4.

4.5

It just sounds epic. Listened for the first time only a few months back. Couldn't believe I'd left it so long. I would watch the imaginary stage show that all these songs are taken from, and have a good cry, I'm sure. The Kids is a real tough listen.

Well the baby crying and the kid screaming "Mum!" was very disconcerting but I liked most of it

Thé Americanized version of Bowie crossed with Leonard Cohen. One of a kind and equally minimal and lush simultaneously. I particularly love the unexpected turns of images, music and vocals. “Sad Song” starts with beautiful strings and why this song hasn’t exploded onto a cinematic soundtrack is an opportunity waiting to happen.

Heard before: not entirely Very cinematic, mainly good. Some questionable lyric choices. Sounded very cinematic. Lou Reed is best when he’s not trying to be experimental to be honest - he’s not good at it.

not my favorite Lou Reed, Still Great.

We're getting sad with Lou Reed. Nice!

I gave "Transformer" only 4 stars, so here it has to be the same

Loved how the cripplingly depressing lyrical content was offset by the beautiful and mostly upbeat arrangements.

Honestly a bit lacking in lyrical quality and very sleepy. I still enjoyed a lot of the music. 7/10

i really enjoyed the instrumentation here, which imo made up for some weak lyrics from lou reed.

Low key... I kinda love Lou Reed (as long as he's not making an album with Metallica). Not quite on the level as his iconic album, but this is damn good.

I'm liking Lady Day. But I feel like this isn't necessarily the best of Lou Reed. Caroline Says and How Do You Think it Feels also decent. Oh Jim also is pretty good. Okay, actually getting into the second half of the album more than the first--Caroline II basically is just Stephanie Says, but slowed down, but it's a great song so I'm willing to overlook it. I like Sad Song a lot too.

Took a couple listens, but really liked it.

very cool concept album

Quite low-key but one of his best

I'm glad I didn't have this album when I went through the really rough patches in my life.

This was really good! Added to the list of purchases! Love this generator for bringing me stuff I’d never have actively sought out prior! Really good album!

Rough around the edges, and a little patchy in places. But this album delivers an amazing story, funky wild and artsy vibes, and some verifiable bangers. It ain’t perfect by a long shot but it’s going to be rattling around in my head for a long while.

Loved it! Lou Reed has a fantastic voice. The fact that it tells a story is cool, and it ranges across genres. I can see how the critical reception would have been bad due to the cross genre nature of the album, but I thought it was cool how the songs ranged from rock to folk to jazz

A great listen! I need to get into more Lou!

This was very good

Good music, bit depressing

Lou Reed certainly has an odd sensibility, but he manages to pull it off somehow. His desire to pull you into some of the darkest corners of the world and force you to look directly at it mixes in an interesting way with his desire to play beautiful music. 4/5

magnificently bleak - a bitter, gloomy heavyweight.

More like 4.7

A good artistic album but a bit slow for me and not one for my rotation.

Reed sings almost without emotion, and his album has the character of a reportage. Reed's monotone voice and light boogie rhythm practically created a new kind of singer-songwriter, who can be a distant observer and an engaged protagonist at the same time. (7/10) Favourite Tracks: Caroline Says II, Sad Song

Great album. Seems very maximalist and I love the vocals and instrumentals. It had aged beautifully and sounds like it could’ve come out in the past decade.

I think this might just be a work of genius. Ambitious, poetic, fascinating. I leaned five stars but wouldn’t be fair after just one lesson. But the potential is there.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Lady day, Sad song

Mr. Reed is an interesting fellow. I liked the album, just strange vocals.

Loved most of it. The baby crying was absolute torture though. And the parts of songs that were just kind of noise? No thanks. But his voice is perfect and, for the most part, the songs made me feel like I was in a dream.

Pretty standard for a Lou Reed album, and there’s nothing wrong with that

I love how dry and sad his voice is. the songs were all really great and “How Do You Think It Feels” was the perfect kind of catchy. a really solid album. 4.5

A great album!

It’s a dark and uncomfortable album but I enjoyed the story telling

What’s not to like about Lou Reed. As an album it dances between big band rock and roll and ballad style blues, which fits pretty much perfectly with the themes of drug addiction and abuse that run through the album.

I liked the album although I haven't listensedto the whole thing, it was definitely interesting and cool. I had never listened to Lou Reed before, but I definitely like it and want to listen to more.

Dakle, evo ga nakon dugo dugo vremena idem slušati, jer mi je ovo propušten album, inače 85. album, a mi smo sad na 418. albumu. Uglavnom, to je Lou Reed, il ga voliš il ne - nakon Velvet Undergrounda se okušao u solo vodama, prije ovog albuma je napravio Transformer jači od ovog albuma, međutim ovaj album se po meni više ističe tema koja govori o upotrebi droge, prostitucija, depresija, obiteljsko nasilje i samoubojstvo. Milina za pročitat a? Uglavnom, Reed u svom punom sjaju (Transformer - Berlin - New York), jedino sam te preslušao, vidit ćemo kasnije.

pretty good better than last album

interesting album and the lyrics at the time, kind of depressing at times.

Schönes Album!

Zweitbestes Album von Lou reed

Gillar Lou Reed så detta blir säkert nice! Inte alls som hans bästa, hade satt 3,5 om det gick, tror dock sad song väger över så d blir 4

I used to have this on tape but I never really liked it at the time. 20 years or so on, I quite like this rictus grin dark glam cabaret. I still don't like Ezrin's glossy production which seems at odds with the dark subject matter. I still can't really find a narrative in the songs but it doesn't matter tbh.

Heard it, lol. Depressing album for sure when I first heard it. Not my fave Lou Reed. Its fine though.

The opening tune is a great way to start an album. The listener is immediately taken to Berlin. Allan Macmillan's piano playing on the song Berlin has always been among my favourites. It's not the technical ability as much as the sound of his piano. If I bought the same piano would simple notes sound that good? Life's great mysteries. I quite like Lou Reed. The songs on his early  albums are much better live since I find his band at that time didn't really let go in the studio. It's still fabulous as Lou always is but the 5 stars will have to wait for his later records. (as I  cross my fingers that 1001 will include those later albums)

not bad

My loo read this week has been 'Jade: Fighting to the End' by Jade Goody. A terribly heartbreaking account of her winless battle with cancer. As erotic fiction goes, it was a right let down. Her earlier work of being naked and racist on Big Brother was much more stimulating. How am I supposed to keep an erection whilst reading about a dying woman? I'll tell you how - by simultaneously watching Fireman Sam whilst reading. Naughty Norman Price and dying Jade Goody. What a combo.

Not the Lou Reed I know but one that I did enjoy

this is very, very good, nice lyrics, guitar, and sound mixing

Really liked "How do you think it feels" and "men of good fortune"

nice and mellow, but not super engaging

Lou Reed is always interesting at least. I don’t love all of his work, but overall this album is very good. Caroline Says II in particular is beautiful.

estranho mas legal

gostei, nao conhecia esse

It’s all over the place and a bit of a mess tbh. But it’s Lou, so it’s still gripping.

It’s alright, honestly an easy listen.

Really enjoyed it- Good work music.

Iznenadjujuce dobar

it didn't contain the only Lou Reed song I know, but did enjoy it.

Depressed, heroin addict, Bowie-esque. V. good.

Thought this would be harder to like than it was but the musicianship is on point here

7.5/10

I liked this a lot.

I prefer transformer, but theres beauty to be found here among all the death and sadness.

Great except for The Kids. Holy hell, what a stressful song!

Good

Difícil de escuchar por momentos.

Folks say it's depressing, but it's just a love story with junkies and sad children and death. Yeah, come to think of it, kinda depressing.

Despite my best efforts to not be impressed by Lou Reed or captivated by his schtick I have to bow to his clever themes and wordplay. He is pretty chill and I dig his stuff. I will never play it of my own accord but I will always listen to a minimum of four tracks on an album if proffered. He is very good at the thing that he does.

Not the biggest fan off his solo stuff. Good pen tho. Love the underground velvet lots!!!

First listen; 3.5; Difficult album to listen to, both because of the lyrics and at times what feels line songs that drag on too long. Having said that, after giving it a couple listens, the lyrics make for interesting storytelling. It's a very dark album, but doesn't stray into complete parody, which makes it even more powerful. This isn't an album I would come back to for a good time to listen to, but I think is certainly worth listening to and appropriate to have on this list. Favorite Track: Men of Good Fortune

This is not top shelf Lou Reed, imo but still quite good.

Idk how I feel about his voice and I’ve always struggled with that. Good but not great for me.

Leagues better than transformer, but still found it slightly unremarkable

I like this album. 3.5

Tough album to rate. The A side didn't capture my attention at all but was otherwise fine, but the B side broke through on a very deep and emotional level for me. Will have to revisit this one in the future, since this doesn't feel like the kind of album you can have a full opinion on after just one listen. Top tracks: The Kids, The Bed, Sad Song

Not Lou Reed's best, but a good album.

I’m a bit torn with this one.. the dry, stripped tracks that sound like Bob Dylan typically don’t rate well for me, but then there are amazing piano arrangements and intrigue hidden behind bare accompaniments that bring me back around. All in all, I think I need to go down the middle 3/5, the addition of the whining kids and crying babies didn’t help

Had to listen to it more than once to really get it. This is Lou Reed the folk artist capturing part of the zeitgeist of the times and making a statement about society... art to reflect, not necessarily art to enjoy.

w sumie spoko takie depresyjne troche

Bueno