Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Got velvet underground & Nic and this back to back. As most people agree, the stuff with VU is better. This was t bad, just a little too much heroine music back to back.
Not really my jam. Bit depressing and disappointing
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
It's no transformer but was still an interesting listen, especially kids. Sad song was decent too
Another effin concept album. Love the Velvet Underground - and best song by far is the reworking of Stephanie Says - but the rest is a bit of a mixed bag.
Berlin I liked Transformer, but this feels like a much more fascinating and ambitious album than that, but also a lot more downbeat and despondent, and in parts it feels genuinely sad, as on Kids when you hear the crying children. I suppose if you are going to do a story of two drug addicts it’s likely to end up feeling pretty bleak. I like the jazzy/cabaret/Weimar vibes to the intro song, building into the sweeping and dramatic but still showtuney Lady Day. The bass on Men of Good Fortune is great, which makes sense as its Jack Bruce, and there are some nice guitar moments too. Caroline Says I and How Do You Think It Feels I really like too, some great horn and guitar on the outro of the latter. But I can only think of our Jim or American Pie with Oh, Jim. Caroline Says II is a re-working of Stephanie Says, but it’s a great track setting up the fantastic, but sorrowful Kids, whose forlornness and sadness continues with the death of Caroline in The Bed and then Sad Song, both excellent, if mournful tracks. It definitely works best as a whole album, telling the story, the more upbeat if more prosaic first side leading to the very sad but excellent second side, with the run from Caroline Says II to the strongest track, Sad Song. The string arrangement, circling and swirling as it all ends is absolutely superb It was a 3 on first listen, but it’s an easy 4 now, the concept, although bleak, is explored to its logical end, the music emphasising the sadness of the story for a downcast but fascinating album. 🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪 Playlist submission: Sad Song
I found this a fascinating album. First, it felt dusky, like the smoke-lit jazz bars of post-war Europe. Cabaret and jazz. Marlene Dietrich. Unrequited love over a piano. And the band sitting behind that is nothing less than superb, sometimes deciding to show off as Jack Bruce marvelously does in the great 'Men of Good Fortune'. Lou fits into that aesthetic of singing about eccentric outsiders from a seedy underworld. But a sense of melody runs through the whole thing. I for one thought it worked with very few missteps. And what's more this feels extremely unique; maybe can be compared to Histoire de Melody Nelson? Enthralling.
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.
Whoever made this list has a clear bias for this type of music, because every album is somehow on this list. I get it. If it were my list, every 311 album would be on here, so I guess this person REALLY loves Lou Reed et al. Rant over. As usual, the music and lyrics are great, but the vocals are terrible. Almost painful to hear. The music pulled me through. My favorite on here was The Bed. His voice worked on that one, and the lyrics and haunting choral vocals at the end hit hard as fuck. Vocals bring this album down to a 3.
Lou Reed is funny. I don't quite know what to make of him. I kept going back and forth while listening to this, thinking, "he can't be serious" then, "of course he isn't serious--it's ironic; that's the whole point." His flat, almost bored delivery of rather jarring lyrics, which must have been especially shocking back then, over raw, glam-tinged rock, creates such a specific mood. It feels like the musical embodiment of that unfazed-but-weary New Yorker stereotype, cool, detached, with a dark undercurrent. That tension between irony and authenticity is maybe what makes it work. One thing is for sure: there's only one Lou Reed (and one is plenty).
I could not imagine stepping into a vocal booth to lay down vocals over some really cool sounding backing tracks and instrumental performances and when I open my mouth to sing, I sound like I just ingested half a bottle of Xanax and I am trying to claw my way out of a haze. Yet that's what this album sounds like to me....for ten whole tracks....like....singing like that on purpose. It's just kind of perplexing. Maybe there's something I'm missing or just don't get. Cool instrumental performances. The singing made me feel numb, like listening to Ben Stein read the dictionary.
This had some good songs but it was pretty depressing given the subject material.
I liked his last one... this one was not so great. Pretty boring overall. Big meh.
Sleepy time gn
This is pretty boring and I didn't really get into it.
Some ok stuff mixed in here but a lot of boring stuff too.
not my fav Reed. Ok. Points for creative expression
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.
Not a good album to listen to after a hard week. Lou is an advocate for the forgotten urban’s plight, which I respect, but I’d prefer this album if there were no vocals. His voice was just too jarring for me.
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.
3/5
Had not ever listened to this particular Lou Reed album. Enjoyed it quite a bit, which is not surprising.
More of the same, one of those artists who get all the hype and leaves me baffled.
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.
What the bleep was this. I know Lou Reed, and I like some of his songs, but did this album have any good ones? Just seemed to ramble through randomness, like some of the worst folk/alternative albums of today. I'm not saying artists don't have those, especially ones that experiment, but why was this on the list????
Rock, 1973 -> 2
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.
Okay, but Reed's voice can be grating at times. Also this album felt a bit all over the place.
Annoying, then ok, then back to annoying again!
I love Lou Reed. I don't love Berlin by Lou Reed but I don't hate it either.
Bleak but beautiful.
Nice album....
One of the bleakest, harrowing and beautiful albums I know. It's never an easy listen, even if the music is great and played with all the feeling that heroin and depression can give.
Interesting album. Standout songs: Berlin Caroline Says I How do you Think it Feels
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!
Solid. Caroline says FTW. I like all of this. The Bed feels like an Ari Aster film. Phenomenal.
Better than I expected this to be but still just missing something to keep my interest. It has a rock opera kind of vibe.
Not bad but not for me.
Glad to have gotten to know this album and could see giving it another listen.
Interesting album from Lou Reed that I hadn't come across before. Some really great songs, such as Berlin, Caroline Says II and Sad Song, but I lost interest somewhat for the rest. High 3*. Drugs!
Weak vocals, discordant instrumentals, depressing lyrics - not for me.
听不明白，有点不能确定这盘专辑的风格
was een mij onbekend album van een artiest die ik toch beter vond in VU dan solo... het heeft mij echter positief verrast...
This is so close to being a decent album but it's lacking something that I cannot put my finger on.
Starts off quite beautiful, follows up with some really epic shit. How did I miss this in my life until now?? Lovely.
solid album if you are into the late 60s music
I like Lou Reed, he's fine. But there's something that stops me from being a fan. This album is mostly good.
Massively exceeded expectations
Cliche, but I listened to this album while travelling around Germany alone and when I spent two weeks in Berlin. I love it.
Before Iggy Pop and David Bowie went to Berlin to clean up their heroin and cocaine habits, Lou Reed produced this, a story of a prostitute and a smackhead (not autobiographical was it Lou?) in Berlin getting fucked up and doing all the fucked up things that ends in ones suicide. Fun for all the family....
the whole album is great, but the piano on berlin, and caroline says II are gems
With a different singer this may have been an enjoyable album but alas......
# 411 - Can't Listen, don't like it. Sometimes this list feels like things are included just because they were popular at the time, or they're by a big name artist, but does anyone actually still listen to this album?
sorry lou reed but its just a bit too monotone for me, though it worked well as background music for class preparations why tf would you put crying children in a song dude that is so distracting
I'm not sure I've ever said something was beautiful and sad, but this was beautiful and sad.
What a fascinating train wreck this is. Heroine may giveth, but it always taketh away. And boy has it taken Lou by this point. It not only owns his vocals - he sounds so smacked out that I picture two personal assistants having to clutch his elbows to keep him upright at the mic - but also the songs, which are so tragically bad as to veer into Andy Kaufman territory. And conceptually you have the former King of Lo-Fi slurring over these lushly recorded, masterfully played backing tracks, with arrangements that include full orchestration! It does not work. But what a mess. Definitely worth listening to just to marvel at the chaos, absurdity, and tragedy of it all.
not bad
Ok
I like Lou Reed but this album was kinda sleepy, I don't remember much Will I revisit?: low priority Current rating: 5/10, 2.5/5
When this album first came out, it was a commercial failure because fans and critics were expecting Transformer Part Two. But after only hearing Transformer a handful of times, I can say I enjoyed this one way more right from the start. Honestly, I wish this had been my introduction to Lou Reed, because I probably would have appreciated him more as a solo artist. This album is a concept piece centered around a couple in early 1970s West Berlin, following their relationship as it spirals into jealousy, substance abuse, physical violence, infidelity, and more. Musically, it leans more into art rock and singer-songwriter territory, with orchestration that adds to its dramatic and cinematic feel.
82% Best: Caroline Says I; How Do You Think It Feels; Sad Song Must-Hear? Sure
This album was a lot more theatrical than I expected. Almost like songs from a Sondheim musical. There is a very specific mood for this album... not exactly sure what it would be but I wasn't in it.
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
Lou Reed is fortunate to have great musicians backing him up: Bob Ezrin, Jack Bruce, Aynsley Dunbar, Steve Winwood, Michael & Randy Brecker and Tony Levin. But damn it, the vocals are just... terrible. I have never liked Lou Reed's vocals. He writes some pretty good lyrics, but the problem is he has to SING them. The only time I thought they were effective was at the beginning of "Caroline Says II", but it went on for too long. "Men Of Good Fortune" ended weird, I thought. I was expecting more of a fadeout. "How Do you Think It Feels..." great lyrics, but the delivery, ugh. "Sad Song" really had some great music backing him up, but dammit, Lou, find the melody. SOMEWHERE. It's just so... frustrating. NEXT.
Transformer was so much better. This album isn't the worst thing ever and its whole stripped down motif plays okay. I didn't find Reed's lyrics as strange as I usually do and I give him credit for a pretty good attempt at a rock opera focused on a tragic couple. There's definitely a connection from song to song. Collectively, the album is better than the individual songs. Still I wish there were more songs that resonated with me - more songs like Men of Good Fortune, Carolyn Says (more II than I), and Sad Song (hands down the best song on the album).
Leading with: I really dislike the Velvet Underground and I'm not a fan of Lou Reed's speaking/singing style. But I appreciated this album and found a lot to like. Not enough to want to revisit it (so I can't really go for the 4), but enough to appreciate having heard it. The good: lots of good musical motifs, powerful lyrics, excellent musicians (including one of my favorites Tony Levin on The Kids - too bad his bass work was covered up by screaming kids!). The bad: Well, not so bad - I could deal with Reed's speak/singing most of the time and, in some cases, felt it worked really well, but it's always a bit of an issue with me, plus some of the songs started to drag on close listen. Overall, I can appreciate why it's on the list, but I'm ready to move on. Favorite tracks: Lady Day (really liked the chorus), How Do You Think It Feels, The Bed (oof, the lyrics are tough to digest, but it's a powerful song), Sad Song (anthemic ending, but a little jarring that the guy is basically happy that Caroline is dead. Oops, spoiler alert).
10/10
Always thought Lou Reed was overrated. This album confirmed my thoughts.
My new textbook definition for concept album, for sure. Lou’s an acquired taste, but—after two attempts—I see the vision! I liked Man of Good Fortune on first listen, and the guitar solo on How Do You Think It Feels it is really good. Oh Jim and Caroline Says II are particularly spidery, like Bowie or Kurt Cobain. Loved the steady, damning pacing of The Kids. By Sad Song, things had gotten quite orchestral, and i appreciated the fuller sound in closing.
Aside from the music and the singing, this is quite nice.
Boo this man
Confused about how bad this is. You’re telling me multiple people voted for this album to be ranked on 1001ATLTBYD?? Bullshit. Impossible. Not to mention that there’s a song about cutting yourself, which is followed by “Sad Song”. Dude I’m trying to have a good time.
Wow. I really did not like that. Lou Reed seems to speak to a subset of a generation that I am definitively not a part of and I find his smugness boring, annoying, and dated all at once. Giving it a courtesy point for the ripping guitar solo at the end of “How Do You Think It Feels”
I gave this a couple listens to try to understand what was going on. There's a couple moments I like near the start but most of the vocals are essentially spoken word rambling and it takes me right out of it. It's not like the sparse music itself really makes up for it. I just can't.
Is the music good? Pretty decent, yeah. How about the production? Really solid. Vocals? Not particularly. Am I ever going to listen to this monochromatic, depressing shit again? Absolutely not.
Quando a percepção da importância é pela história e não por músicas marcantes.
Noped out of this when the kids started crying. And then I heard the kids in Oh Jim. Stick to the hits, Lou.
Whatever.
Unbelievably sad, but Lou Reed has a way of turning that sadness into beauty.
2.3
Never was a big fan of this one. It has some good moments and the concept is interesting, but it's so dreary and I don't find the songs strong enough to carry the album's replayability. Key tracks Caroline Says I How Do You Think It Feels
ho apprezzato la chitarra (sempre meno verso la fine), lui non ha una brutta voce trovo ma era sempre monotono diciamo. Musicalmente non mi ha colpito e sinceramente le parole non ho ascoltato molto ma il poco che ho capito erano argomenti che non mi interessavano molto..Non penso di riascoltarlo, forse molto più in là nella mia vita. L'ultima canzona mi è già piaciuta di più.
I do enjoy a good concept album telling a story but just couldn't really get into this one. Just felt really dreary and nothing really stood out to me.
Wow. Really enjoyed this, felt like it came out of nowhere. I kinda feel this would have been seen as out if character for Lou at the time, but I think nowadays this sort of concept album holds up strong. Gonna be a 5 star to make sure I come back to this one.
In general, did not like Lou Reed's talk-singing style however not giving this album a 1 star because I enjoyed the music.
"Men of good fortune / Often cause empires to fall / While men of poor beginning / Often can't do anything at all." It's a concept album with a miserable bummer of a concept. I kind of like "Men of Good Fortune," quoted above, and several other songs at least have pieces I like. I almost rated this at a 1 because the subject matter sucks so bad, especially near the end, but listening back through it one last time I found more parts to like than I'd remembered.
An incredibly bleak, tortuous concept album which sees Lou Reed diving into the story of a doomed couple. In a lot of ways, Reed's songwriting and performance reminds me of Bowie. At their core, they're both storytellers, though Reed comes across as more lethargic and morose. Much of the Velvet Underground's spirit can be found in the songs here, but it often lacks the more compelling instrumental elements that made VU so revered. There's no denying that Berlin can be a real downer, especially the gut-punch near the end of The Kids where the character Caroline has her children taken from her. Sometimes there can't be a happy ending. Reminds me a bit of Requiem for a Dream in how fucking miserable it all is. And the Berlin ascends to heaven with it's glorious closing track Sad Song, which doesn't sound very sad at all despite the lyrical content. Better than Transformer? Marginally, but only because of how well it manages to stick the landing.
good but not great
I don't understand the appeal of Lou Reed. Only avoided a 1 because it's not the worst thing on the list. 2/5
I could really only think of bad things to say about Lou Reed's music so I'll just say nothing.
## 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.
Tragic and bleak. Full of emotion, tells a clear story and has amazing instrumentation/ production
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.
A bunch of Lou Reed songs I had never heard before. All decent, but not ones I would go back and listen to many more times.
this will do nothing to change the opinion of those who think LR takes himself too seriously. The orchestrations are generally fine, but maybe it takes an actual movie to make music as cinematic as he seems to want. The characters are also pretty distant or cutouts – who cares, really? The overall effect is of being overdone (too many horns, too many strings,, overdetermined and utterly lacks flow. Easy to picture LR micromanaging suffocatingly and control-freaking in pursuit of his vision). The bouncing bass and acoustic strumming to close out the otherwise lugubrious “Kids” is one of the more pleasing moments but at odds and incongruous with balance of song and certainly not worth the (in)famous torturing the the poor little ones Similarly, “Sad Song” is more reach than grasp. Sorry Lou, this art just ain’t that high. Nor does it out-Cale your former bandmate. Rounding down because kids were quite obviously hurt in the making of this record.
Turns out I don't really love Lou Reed save for maybe 2 songs. This album did not do it for me at all.
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
01) Berlin - 6,5 02) Lady Day - 6,0 03) Men of Good Fortune - 6,5 04) Caroline Says I - 7,0 05) How Do You Think It Feels - 6,5 06) Oh Jim - 5,5 07) Caroline Says II - 6,0 08) The Kids - 6,0 09) The Bed - 5,0 10) Sad Song - 6,5 TOTAL: 6,15 (62/100) Current ranking: 321/412
4.5/10
I’m surprised. Reed Rules, low key a lot of these are ballads.
Pretty nice if unremarkable 6/10
kind of liked this one
2.5
An acquired taste. A bit depressing. For me, not as good as Transformer.
Favorite Track: Lady Day
Serious stuff, but also beautiful. This is a challenging and rewarding record.
Fav song: The Kids Interesting album, I don't personally think it's Lou Reed's best work but I can definitely hear the Bowie influence on this one. I think some of the song writing sound a little bit basic for the most part though, and I wish he could be a bit more musical at times with the vocals.
I really liked the sound. I guess the album tells a big story, and I’m unclear on how well it holds up.
This ok but nothing that will move you. It’s 2.5 but Im gonna go down.
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
What a depressing mess. Luckily, depressing messes are my favorite albums.
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?
Good album.
angosciante ma meglio di quanto mi aspettassi, in ogni caso mi duole annunciare che i Lou Reed mi annoiano a morte, e se questa cosa mi identifica definitivamente come basic me ne infischio perchè la verità a volte fa male ma rimane pur sempre la verità.
Un piacevolissimo ascolto.
Berlin is the third solo studio album by Lou Reed, originally released in 1973. Wow, what a change in sound from his previously released record, Transformer. He kinda abandons the glam rock thing on here in favor of a more artsy, quieter sound. Apparently this is a rock opera, although I had a bit of trouble following the storyline at times. Some of the tracks become a bit over-indulgent (The Kids being a prime example), while others are a bit half-baked. I do respect what Lou Reed was trying to do here, though. He's always great at writing those dark and depressing songs about very real problems. He's definitely expanding on what he first laid down with the Velvet Underground. Very ambitious, so I gotta give him some props.
There's a good progression from slow and "empty" to faster and "full" songs. Somehow the emotion is relayed well.
A desperately sad story told desperately. An album that feels like trying, and failing, to drag yourself out of bed with a hangover. Heavy, grim, dark, full of anger and self-loathing. Very effectively captures and recreates that mood. Big ambitions semi-coherently articulated, some tender intimate moments and beautiful passages emerge from the struggle. Seems like a sketchbook full of ideas taken into a fully loaded studio prematurely, so kind of a bloated mess, but again, that fits the mood pretty perfectly.
Exactly how I expected it to sound. ..
Favourite song - Caroline says 1 2.5 stars
Yeah not bad, has some pretty deep imagery.
My stereotype of a Lou Reed solo album is that they’re often long, meandering concept albums and are usually depressing. Berlin fits that bill pretty well. It’s ambitious, yet downtrodden and I quite like this line from the allmusic.com review: “…while Reed had often been accused of focusing on the dark side of life, he and Ezrin approached Berlin as their opportunity to make The Most Depressing Album of All Time, and they hardly missed a trick.” I don’t think it’s a bad record, but it’s not the most cohesive and instrumentally, it’s a little bloated, suffering from the idea that “the more instruments we put on a song, the better.” Anyway, here’s my list of the top 5 Lou Reed songs with song titles that consist of a woman’s name followed by the word “says”: 1. Stephanie Says 2. Candy Says 3. Lisa Says 4. Caroline Says I 5. Caroline Says II …in fact, I’m really mad about “Caroline Says II”. It’s a reworking of “Stephanie Says” and, subject matter aside, its stilted, ornate structure takes a damn near perfect song and makes it clunky. Really disappointing, but because “Stephanie Says” wasn’t officially released until the 80’s on the “VU” album, I realize people went years without knowing it existed and that is a shame, because, frankly, it’s better than “Caroline Says II”.
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.
Oh, hey, this is the guy from Walk on the Wild Side. This album is great. I knew the name before, but would not have been able to pair it with the voice.
Honestly, I don't know even where to put it. It's nice. And that's pretty much it...
Great, added to "Artists to listen to more" list
Tell you what, they don't make music about drugs like this anymore
Not dreadful, but a bit annoying. I liked most of it, but not enough for me to add it to my library.
i need a few more listens before i make my mind up on this one 3.5-ish
First album where I saw no justification or reasoning to give it another listen, just dull.
Was okay, but not that great.
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...
I tried but could just not get into this one. Might've just been the wrong day.
I can see both why critics thought this was incredible and why it was a commercial failure. It's very cool musical art but not something you'd just throw on.
My least favorite and least listened to album by Lou ‘effin’ Reed. But I still like it. Always inventive and throwing a lot at the wall kind of music.
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.
never really been a fan of lou reed, and this did nothing to change that. i have always found him kind of boring and thought he was vastly overrated.
Loses a star because of the goddamned baby.
Usually not a LounReed gal but this one slaps
- A really hard record. Rough in a good way, sad, haunting, beautiful, Lou makes you work for this one. So rewarding if you have the stomach and heart for it. -
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.
Probably the best bummer of an album ever made.
Melancholy drips On music bold, beautiful, And rocking weirdness
I started off liking this but it got increasingly morose
I've tried many times to "get" this album, because I like a lot of Lou Reed's stuff, and had a friend when I was younger who was obsessed with this one. He had parents with addiction problems though, so he probably got a lot more out of it emotionally than me. A lot of this does resonate with me, but in places it meanders too much and is a bit too self indigent in its melancholy. Seems like it would have worked better as a film than an album to me, some of these don't work very well as songs (Men of Good Fortune, The Kids, The Bed).
I found his music soulful but bleak and dark and authentic but don't recommend if you are in a really dark place yourself
I love Lou Reed. I live in Berlin. There is only one thing for me to do here.
This guys a communist
Underrated
Not a Lou Reed fan
A lot of bands I like list Lou Reed as a influence. But this album didn't really do much for me. Mostly a bit to slow and melancholy for me.
That's not my taste in music. But ok.
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.
too slow
it was ok
Nice.
Didn't know the album but know Lou Reed of course. Expected more ...
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.
Lou Reed is cool, but his album can get a tad boring..
Reminds me of early Alice Cooper. I like it.
I do love Lou Reed but this one wasn't my fave
Songs sound too much alike
Overall: 9/10 I must be crazy or something cause I actually much prefered this over Transformer! It seems more cohesive and I feel like the songs fit his voice better for the most part. I had a stupid grin on my face for most of the album and there's a couple songs that are definitely gonna be overplayed over the next few weeks. I'm a little sad I got both Lou Reed albums so early, but thankfully I still have some Velvet Underground coming up! Fav Song: Caroline Says I Least Fav Song: Berlin
It's honestly not bad, but there's something about it I can't shake. The crying child put me off it a bit. There's an air of cruel cynicism to it that I just don't care for.
Not horrible but not something I would listen to again. His vocals are constantly flat.
I like this album in places, but it's nowhere near the level of Transformer.
So dull
Too watery
It’s quite a bad album. Not entirely sure of its purpose.
I like it, but it's no Transformer.
It wasn't bad but very bleak.
Lady Day // How Do You Think It Feels // Oh Jim // Caroline Says II // Sad Song
A sad song titled "Sad Song" that repeats the words "sad song" and children crying during a song called "The Kids" is quite memorable.
Idk. Seems like the dude is reveling in female misery.
I would have much preferred Perfect Day ten times in a row. And not the Lou Reed version, that celebrity one from the 90s.
I didn’t get what the album was about in the first half and it felt very all over the place. The second half decided on more of a serious tone and I found enjoyment in that. If the whole thing felt more uniform it would be better. Standouts: How Do You Think It Feels, Caroline Says II, and The Bed.
Not my style
Wow. Outside of the VU Lou Reed has always been very hit and miss for me, but this was great. Beautiful, delicate, dark, foreboding, and engaging, Lou's limited vocals really compliment the music on this one. The strong narrative and subject matter might not be everyone's cup of tea but it certainly isn't boring.
It’s kind of funny this came up so soon after Paris 1919, the 1973 solo album by Reed’s former Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale. Both albums are very interesting and theatrical, but while Cale’s record leans into an ornate and baroque direction, Reed’s is a bleak concept album about poverty and divorce. It’s like comparing a Chris Columbus film to Ken Loach (in terms of tone, not quality)
I previously had no exposure to Lou Reed other than Walk on the Wild Side. Thought this album might be a bit weird, and it was, but I didn’t hate it. I don’t care much for his half-singing half-talking vocal style, but I guess that’s a big part what makes him Lou Reed. I might have to give it another listening, due to the story telling. Not really my thing, though.
Terrible.
Vivid lyrics. Storytelling, some of it sad. And some fun cool tempo/key changes - I wish I could remember which 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.
This album could have been OK if it was sung by someone who could actually sing or at least enjoys singing. But it's not. The songs are better than on his other album on the list, Transformer, but the singing is just as awful. Favorite song: Lady Day
Lou Reed has always been very hit or miss for me and, unfortunately, this album didn’t hit home. A very sad and touching story throughout… but I found myself pretty zoned out while driving around.
Not into it but I can see why he was successful 2.7 stars
Caroline says it’s alright
Not a big Lou Reed fan.
So I listened to this a few days ago, and forgot that I had listened and what any of the songs were like. I relistened, and I think that I liked it, but it drifts from my mind like flour through a sieve. Favorite track: I think there was one called "How Do You Think It Feels"
Not my style but very nice Sounds a bit the same all the way through Favorite tracks: Caroline Says I, Sad Song, Berlin 6/10
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
cool
not in the mood - too dark and angsty.
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
Not my jam... bekke te sim...
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.
Nothing to say. Great album.
In Berlin, by the wall, you were five foot ten inches tall. Sounding like German cabaret music with lyrics from an addled mind this should be awful. Instead, it’s one of the greatest musical works in the modern era with its tales of suffering and joy. It needs six stars
um... not for me
Not as good as transformer
Not as fun as "Transformer" I feel. A noticeable departure from the glam rock sound that Reed featured in the album prior and also what initially drew me in. There were some hints of beauty, but otherwise it was mostly bleak.
:S
Alright. Solid 3
Okay, so there are some weird songs, but a few other ones are pretty decent, so that slightly makes up those unenjoyable minutes and this is why I have decided to rate this slightly higher.
Not my favorite album, but listenable. There's not much that evokes excitement while listening to this. Middle of the road solo album that's a chip off the old block.
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.
Certainly not my favorite Lou Reed output, but I can understand the inclusion here.
Kinda depressing but I like storytelling albums so maybe revist someday
Cool
... wonderfully terrifyingly cathartic sad
beautiful and sad
A harrowing nosedive into the bowels of hell
A piano and a crying child? Hell yes. Ok, not really. But no fear when heroin is at play, am I right? Good pairing of music and emotions.
Man knows how to cultivate an atmosphere. … the same self gratification and ego as Dylan as it goes on though, everything about him … I do not like Lou Reed.
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
Well, that was depressing.
It's interesting to listen to this as someone who loves Lou Reed's live output. Many of these songs have an urgency and clarity live but these studio versions are way more dressed up and frankly significantly more depressing or generally negative feeling because of the slower tempos and the orchestration. I strongly prefer the live versions to these, though I appreciate that listening to the studio originals gives me a bit more insight into the songs.
Miserable, which is understandable given the ‘concept’. But even the previously-wistful Caroline Says gets flattened out here. Interesting, but it does reinforce the perception that Reed wasn’t always a bundle of laughs. Transformer was so much more playful, and more meaningful for it. You need some light to appreciate the shade. That is lacking here.
An album from Smiling Lou that has somehow passed me by. I was looking forward to this, but ended up feeling a little let down. I quite liked the scummy cabaret feel, but felt it lacked the quality of songs to see it through. Marc and the Mambas did a far better cover of Caroline Says.
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.
Not a horrible album but no idea what merits warrant it being on this list.
Fun, but nothing very familiar to me. Would listen again but nothing really caught me.
Lou Reed is a very complex person, and this album is a perfect example of that complexity. Its not like the other stuff of its time, but you can hear how he influenced pretty much everything in this. 5/5
Reed has made some of my favourite music of all time, this largely ain't it
A glam rock kind of thing.. with interesting lyrics. I like it
Puha.. Det var en hård omgang. Det er et farligt drænende tempo. Især sangen sad song blev trukket alt for langt ud.. Vil gætte på at den i lp udgaven kun fylder én rille, som så skipper indtil man selv slukker lortet...
Mjaa 🤷🏼♂️ Det er ikke decideret dårligt, hvis vi ser bort fra lyden af grædende børn. Men det bliver heller aldrig godt.
Babies crying? I don’t need to hear that
Ok Lou
I wish it was good like his other album
Приятная музыка, но не сказать что это прям мое
Somber, lonesome, but beautiful. His voice sounds sullen yet hopeful and the music makes it very charming and easy to listen to. A record I’m happy to have discovered via this project.
Really disappointed in this one. Pretty somber stuff.
Do people listen to this for fun?
I love Lou Reed, but this one was a bit patchy. I liked the tracks I had heard before - Caroline Says, How Do You Think it Feels. That track The Kids is awful with the crying - had to skip it
Look I know this is conceptually a pretty good album but it fell a little flat for me. Maybe the lyrics didn't really hit right?
Ok music, but for me not very interesting
Pop album I guess. Kind of a slower affair, but I liked it. No real low parts, but no real high parts either.
Hard work for little reward. Found Caroline Says II good though.
Second song was alright. The rest were shite
this guy is processing some shit
I feel like Lou looked hard at the Berliner scene, but was unable to incorporate it well. Also, his ‘singing’ is so understated… he’s just reading poetry 🙈
That was a weird one, didn't go past the first few songs, but probably I should give it another chance in a different moment
this ain't it, chief
A bit boring at times, but better than other albums
I think I am allergic to this style if singing/talking the lyrics... which by the way I also don't find particularly interesting
Reminded me a lot of The Wall by Pink Floyd. Nice and dark
Eh
saaaad soooongg!
Pre-listening thoughts: I know Lou Reed from Walk on the Wild Side. I don’t like that song (controversial I know). I didn’t know Lou Reed was part of the Velvet Underground but I’ve also never listened to their stuff so I’m really ill informed on this artist. Post/during listening thoughts: Lou Reed does this sort of talk/sing thing that I don’t really enjoy. It makes it sound like spoken word and I’m not really rocking with spoken word like that. The instrumental tracks are great (ie Sad Song) but man I cannot get over this talk singing. Im convinced people who enjoy this just like to be pretentious. Why are there KIDS CRYING whoever made this record HATES ME. I’ve got nothing more to say 2/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: absolutely! Not Fav tracks: Caroline Says I (I guess), Sad Song if Lou Reed could find the beat Least fav tracks: the rest
Well, this was more beautiful and more depressing than I expected.
Starts out as a glam opus before belying any pretense of glamour at all. The arrangements in the first songs are truly gorgeous, with the guitar solo on "How Do You Think It Feels" stopping me in my tracks, while the lyrics start clawing away at the darkness underneath. Of course, all is laid bare by "Caroline Says II", and things only get more devastating somehow by the time we get to "The Kids" and "The Bed". We get a plot resolution but maybe not a moral one, as the narrator intones the "sad sad song" ad nauseum at the end; of course, the irony being that compared to what we've just heard that sad song isn't that sad at all. Meticulously constructed, truly harrowing, but a true head rush.
Bad form to put crying kids on record.
i bet people really like this but it just doesn't do anything for me, baby crying drops it a star too
Unique album and I liked most of the songs, but the ones with kids crying just gave me the icks, so minus one star. Would listen again, but only after a few years.
It was alright. I felt like some of the later songs drug on a bit long. And the actual kids crying on The Kids really took me out of it, I did not like it at all.
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.
Nope
own
Love the instrumental but some of the songs are just not my style. Pretty mixed bag
Ok, sounds ok 3.5
Pretty bad Lou album. I can see why this one was maligned at the time. 1.5/5
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.
I'm still not a big Lou Reed guy.
A perfectly different follow-up to 'Transformer' and as enjoyable as an album with this subject matter can be.
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.
Samey
Why do all of these albums have to have these found sound intros? I love The Velvet Underground, I'm not loving this as much. This could be a Tom Waits album. Stephanie Says by the Velvet Underground > Caroline Says by Lou Reed. His delivery has a William Shatner quality to it. It should be noted that Lou Reed basically repurposed Stephanie Says for Caroline Says Part II...don't like it. There's something about this album I like despite itself. Sad Song is the perfect culmination of this album.
One of his slower albums, not my favorite
Just can't do Lou Reed. When I see his name appear as next up on here part of me lets out a little groan. Same as Nick Cave, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen. Can I just skip them all now please. Give them all 2* so they don't feel too put out.
Guess I'm gonna be depressed today? OK, not to jump on that band wagon. When you break it down, it's not terrible, but it's no masterpiece either. Maybe I really need to be in a different frame of mind for this one, but I'm not, so I can't. I respect it for what it is.
STANDOUTS: No? the DARK subject matter interests me but...sonically? nothing unique. OVERALL: 2/5
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
Berlin gets better as it goes along, though unfortunately, it also gets darker as the album goes along as well. I can see after Transformer how Berlin would get more negative reviews. It never fails to make me laugh how certain publications will pan an album when it comes out, then after it ends up being highly regarded the publication will give the album a much better grade. Not that they are affected by public opinion or anything. The Kids, The Bed and Sad Song is just a trilogy of darkness to end this album. There's not a hope to be found. My struggle is that I can't seem to determine when I would recommend this album to someone or whether it is a must-hear album. If a person has gotten into Lou Reed, then I would probably eventually recommend this album. I like how Lou Reed just did something different coming off Transformer, so listening to him extend himself is a fun listen.
He talks through his albums atonally. No memorable songs.
Crazy how much less I like this than the other Lou Reed within on this list.
all respect to lou reed i love the work he did with the velvet underground, but this album was really boring i found it hard to stay focused and it was a challenge for me to listen to the last 3 as they’re all over 5 minutes long.
Solides Konzept-Album mi einer Rock-Oper, die ähnlich wie die Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo die Probleme mit und ohne Drogen im Berlin der frühen 70er behandelt. Die Stücke sind abwechslungsreich und sinnvoll aufeinander abgestimmt. Trotzdem löst es beim Adressaten keine fesselnden Begeisterung aus sondern belässt es bei schlichtem Pragmatismus.
i am in love with the bass on this album, the bass is very much there and you know it’s there, this album sounds like an album i would listen to just doing stuff around the house to
This is more listenable than most Lou Reed stuff that I’ve heard but I still don’t like it and don’t understand the appeal
Didn't get this
Ein bewegendes Konzept - Album. Schwere Kost. Hat mir gefallen
never got him tbh
Hard to make something as simple yet powerful
I didn't expect this album to be a downer. Anyways, I've always liked Lou Reeds softer songs better, and there are a lot of great guitar and piano ballads here. This may be favorite Lou Reed project I've heard so far. Definitely going to need to give this a few more listens.
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.