Reviews (page 4 of 13)
Lou Reed punches well above his weight with regard to influence compared to recognition. Whether they realize it or not, a slew of artists in the past half century drew at least some aspects of their styles from him. He establishes a solo electricity in “Vicious” while keeping a hint of the mellow rhythms from his days with the Velvet Underground. “Perfect Day” boasts anesthetic instrumentals on top of his ambrosial vocals in what might be an auditory interpretation of a chardonnay-laced picnic. “Hangin Round” throws it back to the original rock n roll of the fifties with its guitar and piano reminiscent of Little Richard. With its low-key beat, intriguing vignettes, and addictive saxophone, “Walk On the Wild Side” may have kickstarted the early alternative genre. In “Satellite of Love” Reed’s fingers slide across the piano keys like hang gliders over the Alps on the first day of spring. Lou Reed arguably started the alternative genre with this record. Or, maybe we could say, he simply transformed music. Either way, he keeps me hangin’ on!
Outstanding record.
This album was almost perfect, I knew some of the songs here but I can’t believe this is the first time I’ve actually given Lou Reed a proper listen. I know I have so much to explore in my musical journey and discovering albums like this is the reason I’ve been working through the 1001 albums list. There is a lot going on in this album and I think after a few more spins, this might been a favourite. Standouts: Vicious, Andy's Chest, Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side, Satellite of Love (I know these are the obvious picks but they really do standout)
Heard before: yes I always have thought of this as the gateway drug to Lou Reed. I mean, the bass line for Wild Side alone is enough to secure his place in rock history. But I forget that the rest of Transformer isn’t just the most accessible he ever was, it’s an amazing collection of characters and urban tableaus, a gateway drug to the city and its endless possibility: an invitation to transform. Follow your dreams, give in to your vices, be whoever you want to be, fall into nightmares… Whatever you do, it’s still a perfect day. Top tracks: Andy’s Chest, Perfect Day, Walk On the Wild Side
Some good-ass songwriting
I think this could be a perfect album. I can't think of anything wrong with it. I always enjoy it start to finish. The lyrics are fun and engaging, the vocals are unique, the arrangements are original. It's just a blast. Love it. 5/5
Amazing
Way ahead of its time and still ahead of our time. The feeling of that spoken word singing style… The influence this album has on modern music is probably under recognized
Pop songs but weird
The best of Lou Reed. I play Perfect day on a lot of playlists.
Fucking great especially perfect day 5/5
Classic
Most mainstream thing Lou did. And he did good. Altough this looks like a regular old glam rock album, it's very diverse and non repetitive.
When I watch you come, baby, I just wanna run, far away You're not the kind of person 'round I wanna stay When I see you walking down the street I step on your hands and I mangle your feet You're not the kind of person that I want to meet Oh, babe, you're so vicious You're just so vicious 5/5
What on Earth can I say about this masterpiece that hasn't been said before, here or elsewhere? Nothing. I'm gonna review the reviews then. That will give us an inkling of what makes this album so popular for genuine music fans--after all, 3.75 *is* a pretty good score, is it not? Funny how a significant number of reviewers confessed they had a "bias" for *Transformer*. As if it was a dirty little secret they were only sharing now, decades after this record was released. My take about that word and its "guilty" undertones (because it's often that exact same word that's used, "bias") is that it fits with the sleazy, sexually promiscuous world depicted by some of *Transformer*'s songs. Like a kink of some sort. Other reviewers were quick to prone another aspect of that sexual world Lou Reed presents to us, i.e. all those innuendoes about the variety of gender and sexual orientations displayed in those songs (with direct references to all that in "Walk On The Wild Side"--oh my god, what a song, by the way!)."Forward-thinking", I believe one of the reviewers called those songs. Popular cuture is often the best way to open minds. And with *Transformer*, you *also* have great music to do that, which can't hurt. Which leads me to the impressive number of reviewers commenting on David Bowie and Mick Ronson's production. Of course the sonic flair of the two Brits is a *huge* part of the charm here, turning " Satellite Of Love" into a cousin of "Life On Mars?" (what an outro section, my god!) or a bunch of Velvet-Underground-flavoured, hard-rock-like compositions into glam-rock gems ("Vicious". "I'm So Free" , "Wagon Wheel" "Hangin' 'Round" ). Yet, make no mistake, large chunkss of *Transformer* are still very much American as well. That jazz double-bass and gospel-like choir on "Walk On The Wild Side". Or the Broadway accents on " Perfect Day" and the ones from New Orleans on "Goodnight Ladies"... Glam-rock and the world of the Velvet Underground had much in common, but they were also very different (rock'n'roll) animals. As such, they were not necessarily supposed to collide the way they did here. So it's nice that they did collide, and thet we can still catch the sparks that came out of that collision today. Right after *Transformer*, Lou Reed went to diametrically opposed aesthetics with Bob-Ezrin-produced "Berlin" (I haven't read a single reviewer mentioning that album, oddly enough, even though later *New York* has been mentioned a couple of times)."Berlin" surely is an acquired taste (I've grown to love it over the years), yet there's one thing most Lou Reed and Velvet Underground fans can agree about: It's nice that Lou Reed never attempted to record *Transformer 2*. Let robots and AIs do that, lol. *Transformer* was a commercial breakthrough for Lou, sure. But this wonderful record is also unique for more than commercial reasons, and for that bridge between London and NYC Reed, Bowie and Ronson built to make it happen. 5 stars, what else? Number of albums left to review: less than 500 (I've temporarily lost count) Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately (including this one, of course) Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately. Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter (many others are more important to me).
En ollut harmikseni kuunnellut tätä levyä koskaan kokonaan, mutta olipa erinomainen. Hauska, surullinen ja aikaansa edellä. Tekee sen verran mieli antaa tälle 5 että annetaan.
Lou Reed with some help from Bowie. Some really silly lyrics. And Perfect Day. Love this album.
This is a great album. I've always been a big Velvet Underground fan and a fan of Lou Reed in particular. It's also great to hear him in his element with Bowie producing and encouraging his instincts. Nearly every song on here is a standout to me, I've got to go with 5/5. Standout Tracks: Vicious, Andy's Chest, Perfect Day, Hangin' 'Round, Walk on the Wild Side, Make Up, Satellite of Love, Wagon Wheel, I'm So Free
This album has always been a big blind spot for me and I’m happy this list finally encouraged me to listen to it. These songs are Vicious; 5/5. Even the sleepy ones towards the end.
This was always an album that I knew by the singles, but never realized how good it was as a whole until now. in terms of producing other artists, this might be Bowie’s best. He’s got my guy Lou sounding like T. Rex and it rules; it’s a makeover that shouldn’t make sense but it does. Side note: I’m with mister tunes - perfect day sucks. Compared to everything else, it’s a stale song that just doesn’t work. While the glam compliments Lou, perfect day almost goes out of its way to make him sound bad. Unless it’s the version he did with Paravotti lmao that was hilarious
Glad I had the weekend to let this one bounce around and listen a few times! I’ve loved this album for a long time, but some of the kind of goofy/whimsical breaks and horn parts have always sat a little weird with me. After a couple listens (and a convincing argument from Allijah), I’ve gotta say, it’s grown on me. Lou Reed has a weird charm in his absolute sincerity, and this album is him as typical putting it all out in the open. Bowie’s production is a perfect match, and I fully believe this whole album is, in fact, great.
Thus is my favorite of all time. Lou Reed’s voice resonates so beautifully over these arrangements and the way everything fits together so nicely is in part due to the big man himself David Bowie (who also provided backup vocals in addition to producing this album). I love how Lou Reed sings with such intense sincerity about loving his tv, drag queens, NYC gossip, and having a nice day at the park. I genuinely think this is the best album ever written and I think the last 90 seconds of Satellite of Love are the best in all of music. That arrangement always blows me away. I think Andy’s chest is such a perfectly weird and cute tribute to Andy Warhol. I realize it’s not the most popular opinion but i also really like the closer and it brings me to a very specific place and feeling. Anyways I would give this album 100 stars if i could. it is perfect to me
Lou Reed <3
Wow!
I've got this. Haven't listened to it for ages, had forgotten just how good it is. Great album tracks go from good to outstanding. And contains the iconic walk on the wild side and perfect day.
What a talent 🙏
Lou Reed at his best. Perfect Day is one of my all time favorite songs, Satellite of Love is also great.
Completo
Why have I never heard this before? I love it!
As a guitar player I keep thinking I need my songs to be complex chord arrangements, and then I listen to Lou Reed and realise what a genius he is at simplistic songwriting. Perfect day has to be one of the prettiest songs I’ve ever listened to, and Walk on the Wild Side has maybe the most intriguing lyrics of any song I’ve ever listened to. 5 stars
Some great tracks on this one
The perfect mix of sleaze and sarcasm with kindness and gentleness. Embraces the cheese of glam rock and the 70s as fully as anyone (Satellite of Love) while injecting it with bites of understated darkness (Walk on the Wild Side). Lou Reed is probably one of the best examples of an extremely limited singer who succeeded by knowing exactly how to write for his voice. Love the weird mix of jazz and cabaret influences too. A fantastic album, up there with Ziggy Stardust at the peak of glam for me. Best song: Perfect Day
Great record. Lots of interesting material
Perfect Day.
Transformational transgressions from one of the coolest motherfuckers to ever do it.
Not a perfect album, but the hits carry the water here. Walk on the Wild Side, Perfect Day, Vicious, Satellite of Love, just great glam and pop songwriting. Just like with Bob Dylan, I’ll fight anybody who doesn’t like Lou Reed’s voice. Fun fact: this album was produced by David Bowie.
Most of the record holds its own with Walk on the Wild Side. Very solid album front to back. Lots of interesting music variation. Very Bowie-esque in many ways.
An all-time favorite album of mine.
10/10 Lou Reed is the GOAT while this might not be as ambitious or creative as the Velvet Underground, it still has that signature charm that makes all of Reed’s music so iconic and lovable
I lov lou
Awesome. Rating: 4.7
Hell yes
Wonderful record.
classic
♥️♥️
Great album, Bowie on production! Walk on the wild side. It’s an all timer
Lou reeds best album
Fantastic album. So many bangers. For being 36min, this is beyond power packed. Great flow from audio engineer with track layout. 5 TBz 1. Perfect Day 2. Walk On the Wild Side 3. Satellite of Love 4. Vicious 5. Wagon Wheel
Full of classic tracks
So many great tunes on here that really showed what rock music can do.
The most accessible Lou Reed album. Still dark and strange enough to appeal to VU fans but with the production help from David Bowie to make him appeal to the average listener. There's a reason songs from this album are still used in media to this day.
Still one of the best rock records.
Liked it.
esse foi por pelo menos um mes da minha vida o album que eu mais ouvia, eventualmente eu enjoei dele, mas isso não muda minha opinião sobre ele. otimas musicas com o estilo glam que era novo sucesso na epoca por causa do bowie. alguns dos arranjos de guitarra aqui são os melhores arranjos ja feitos. a poesia rebelde e imunda nova iorquina é um grande marco tambem nesse album. "when people say her feet smell they mean her nose" certamente o melhor do lou reed.
4.5
Start to finish brilliant album. Makes you feel mellow.
It's a shame this album ends on its most annoying song. Nevertheless, I'm going to take a walk on the wild side and rate it a 5 for the rest of the songs.
Drags itself over the 5* line, as half of the songs are fabulous and Bowie has never produced a clunker. Hangin' Round is my favorite, somehow, and the whole thing is kinda the evil twin of Hunky Dory
Goed album, paar echte klassiekers. 5*
Incredible album
Una pieza fina y suave para cualquier persona, muy bien digerible y con momentos muy suaves para relajar.
a classic. I love it.
Great
One of my all-time favourites. Particularly like Goodnight Ladies.
This is the type of shit I'd try and get up to nonstop if I could live in the 70s for a while
A classic for a reason
PREFS: TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN
This is what a 5 star album sounds like. I so wish that Lou had recorded more with Ronson/Bowie. Timeless record. An old school album that you play from start to finish.
- Heard this before - Probably prefer this to every VU album I've heard - Perfect 70s glam rock album - Fav songs: Satellite of Love, Perfect Day, Vicious
Incredible record
Always loved this, so more than a little biased. Great for walking on dreery days.
I think New York is better but this one is great
I loved this album in college, and Re listening only reminded me why. It’s hilarious, rollicking, and just a great groovy glam time.
this is almost bananas
An amazing album. "Vicious," "Andy's Chest," "Satellite of Love," and "Perfect Day" are probably my top tracks.
One of my all-time faves. I mean, any album produced by Bowie is guaranteed to be great, but this one has a special place in my heart. RIP Lou Reed.
Beautiful album, with two really good songs. A perfect day and walk on the wild side…
I didn't realize that my four favorite Lou Reed songs all came from the same magical album! (Not that there aren't others that I just haven't thought of.) And in addition to those four, I enjoyed the whole thing, discovering some new delights and the wonderfully prominent use of tuba. I listened several times today enjoying so many phrases both familiar and new each time.
What an excellent album! I know that I have heard it before, but now it has found a place in my library.
Have I really never listened to this before?! How is that possible? And how did I not know David Bowie produced this? Anyway, this is a fantastic fantastic album that more than lives up to the hype. I have heard several of the songs on this album before, but the songs I haven’t heard before are really fantastic too! This album feels fresh, if I heard it for the first time I couldn’t tell you when it was created. But I would tell you that I love it!
p264. 1972. 5 stars. Camp, sardonic glam rock classic. 50 years on and it still sounds terrific. Half a star deducted for suspect lyrics (Andy's Chest), but otherwise this is practically flawless.
I wrote last time that Lou Reed is very hit or miss for me. This album is the hit. So much great stuff here and Lou Reed at his finest.
A brilliant Bowie insprired album
My favorite Lou Reed album, still very Velvet underground like in many ways which is fabulous. Walk on the Wild side was my gateway song into the Velvet Underground when I heard in high school.
You can put me down for 5 stars on almost any Lou Reed. Maybe not his best (Velvet Underground is), but man, there are some great songs on here: Vicious, WotWS, Satellite of Love,…
I really really liked this album and the visuals it evoked. Lou Reed makes heroin sound like a really good time.
A true classic, every song is amazing.
El cénit de Lou Reed en solitari, que no és poca cosa. Reed amb ganes de reivindicar-se i David Bowie en estat d'inspiració màxima, què podia sortir malament? Una de les obres capitals dels '70 i una de les joies atemporals del rock com a génere
Fucking love it
Es genial Lou Reed y Transformer sin dudas un gran album
Already one of my favorite albums.
Fantastic songs.
I think I'm a carny fan, I really enjoy "Circus sounds" on an album. The other part that elevates this album is Lou Reed's vocal delivery.
I have always liked Lou Reed songs when I've run across them, but never listened to this famous album. It did not disappoint. Of course I love "Perfect Day" and "Walk on the Wild Side" but another standout is "Goodnight Ladies". This is a fun and perfectly composed album.
Totally seductive. Somehow he makes living on the wild side feel glamorous. I thought I’d get tired of his delivery which almost sounds bored, but it fits the music and lyrics well
Ту ту ту тудуп
Oh ya
This is one of my favs
Bellissimo e con 2 capolavori
Absolutely great!
I think Perfect Day is a perfect song. So bittersweet. The rest of the album is great as well.
lou reed’s best solo album, this is just excellent — it’s produced by bowie and mick ronson, and you can really tell, they combine with reed’s songwriting incredibly well.
LP
Clássico. Maravilhoso.
Lou Reed....what else is there to say
This is magnificent! I love every single song.
True understated genius.
Brilliant. Bowie's backing vocals on Satellite of Love provide one of rock's priceless moments.
9/10 Best Song - Perfect Day
Love Lou Reed. Perfect day, wak on the wild side
Great album, love lou Reed
Amo esse álbum <3
Glam rock, producido por david bowie, dos de los mejores temas de la historia y otros dos que se quedarán en tu cabeza al instante escuchadlo
Classic.
Amazing album. Very influential. I can hear why a lot of bands got inspired by his sound.
Classic album. Real good.
Liked it.
Una tras otra. Chingón
Love Lou Reed. It retains some of the sound of the Velvet Underground, and features some of his best songs.
Beautiful, just beautiful.
Classic
Such a great album! Love his singing style.
Glam, punk, camp, rock, great
Outstanding and massively influential
Fantastic!
love this album already - the music still feels fresh and vibrant
Nothing I didn't like on this album, and some all time greats, namely "Perfect Day" and "Walk on the Wild Side."
The songs, the arrangements the delivery are all amazing. It's totally understandable why this is considered a classic
nice
uno de los discos de la vida
Love it.
ваще крутой альбом, молодец
Vraiment excellent dans son genre. J’adore. 5
This album is so lovely
The songs themselves generally sound slow and nostalgic, but the lyrics are very charged with topics such as sexuality. It's an album that I like and might listen to once or twice but not very many more than that due to the uncomfortable element of the lyrics. I really like the songs, however, and they really hit the spot on a lower energy day. Favorite track: Satellite of Love
Vassar quads, aviators, Luci
This is the album my Dad would have made. Vicious is maybe the best first track I’ve ever heard - just in how it sets up the rest of the album. Blues, rockabilly, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, beatnick poetry - I heard it all in this one. Music a good, lyric are maybe even better. Great album
What’s left to say? Sublime … everytime … Hit me with a flower …
Banger
Done. Short. Good.
Really liked this. All the way through. 5 stars.
Very queer, excellent
Great Album.
One of my all time faves!
One of the greats. End of.
Way better than I thought it would be. Loved almost every song.
Really nice listen. Had some classic songs and some songs I wasn't familiar with, but all were enjoyable.
Wie selbstverständlich das anders sein sein kann, meine tiefe Verehrung für diesen Meilenstein, der auch 2021 noch frisch und anders klingt.
Sensual and flavourful
There is really nothing that needs to be said here. One of the greatest of all time
VICIOUSSSSS
Also in the NME list | I love this album
Speaking of loo reads. I was reading 'Being Freddie' by Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff whilst squeezing out the most painful, dark, foul smelling, Guinness shit yesterday. I must say, what a funny and articulate young man he is. To be a world class cricketer, who goes out on the lash at the drop of a ball, try your hand and boxing and they become a national tv treasure, you really have to hand it to the man. I bet he gets the Guinness shits a lot too. By jove, it was brutal, it felt like molten lava pouring out of my soul.
“Well you know what they say about honey bears, that’s when you shave off all their baby hairs you have a hairy minded pink bad bear.” Yeah I really like this album. Lots of bangers including “satellite of love” I didn’t realise that was Lou Reed
👌
could pick holes but it's just great music
Classic. I LOVE this album.
Perfect Day.
Lou Reed en estado puro.
Awesome
Great album, classic.
oh this is goooooooooood. the last one was so great i almost lost my head.
It’s all over the place and everything works out. Love it.
Perfect album
Well this was fancy af
This has been my favourite one we've had so far. I find it such an original album unlike anything else, even Velvet Underground. It's got some ultimate bangers on it.
Incredible from start to finish, the 70s had so many bangers. Perfect Day is one of my favourite songs of all time I think
5
Really nice! Another where I discovered - oh hey, he sings that song.
Mixed feelings about this one. Full of massive tunes but I’ve always found the lyrics to be a bit childish or sort of half though out. Don’t think I can give less than 5 stars though.
Awesome album. Heard it multiple timen and can't get enough.
Better than I would have expected. Had a thought his voice would be unappealing to listen to and I enjoyed this.
Made for a perfect day
I have listened to this album MANY times these past few months. Underrated, indeed.
A classic album. Reed's best collection of songs, in my opinion, combined with perfect balance of art-rock and pop.
I was thinking this was going to be a 5, then it fell off.
Anthony Bourdain style, New York swagger. This is not a bad thing.
Wow. Never thought I’d see that picture and it would evoke instant joy. This project does interesting things to a person… Yeah. Always happy to hear Lou Reed’s delivery. Is he serious? Is it all satire? And a tuba. 4 Boolean: TRUE
first listen had me a bit underwhelmed ("i guess you had to be there?") but it grew on me. walk on the wild side in particular is dated but a genuine classic. highlights: vicious, andy's chest, perfect day, hangin' round, walk on the wild side, make up, satellite of love, i'm so free, goodnight ladies. so most of it. #first time listening (mostly)
I loved the start of the album, but it lost me at the last tracks somewhat, so no five stars, more like 3,5. But the songs that are good, are crazy good, and it's undeniable.
This is a fairly pleasant, album especially coming from the musically schizophrenic Lou Reed. I do think it's some of his better cohesive work, and yet, I'm not amazed by this record. This is a 3.5, but I'm rounding up for being good all the way through.
Favorite track(s): Perfect Day, Hangin' Round, Walk on the Wild Side, Make Up, Satellite of Love Heard before Previous rating: 8/10
Fast living wrapped in a blanket of consistency. This album contains themes relevant to a young man with a proclivity for danger. It is sonically tuned to a 70s backdrop of mesmerizing counterculture and revolutionary personalities. Themes explored also included the highs and lows of a precarious lifestyle within a tempting urban environment. I enjoyed being transported to this attractive and hair-raising world of pleasure chasing, somber reflection, and lowlife regret. Particularly, the themes of love, romance, and pleasure stuck out to me as the most prominent within the album. They immediately transport you into the rapid fire nature of 70's NYC and its endless cast of quirky and distinctive personalities. It captures the intoxicating rush of romantic encounters, chasing highs, and reeling from danger within a bustling back drop that begs for whole-hearted devotion. Lou Reed does a great job pulling you into his world of idling, crashing, and exploring the Rotten Apple during a time where pop culture was transforming, much like the album title suggests. This is a great listen for anyone willing to taking a leap into this wild goose chase of desire, hurt, and ecstasy.
4.5
cool
Outside of Walk On The Wild Side, there isn't a lot on here I'd be willing to call essential. I do however enjoy it all quite a bit. Possibly because of the very obvious Bowie fingerprints all over it.
The hits are clearly the best songs on here, but there are a few other gems with some almost vaudevillian composition and instrumentation. The worst songs are the actual rockers; his voice just really doesn’t donut for me on those tracks.
A really fantastic album, probably closer to A 4.5 for me but just having something on the second listen.
This reminds me of the occasional substitute teacher in high school. You know the one. He would stroll in change the way you see teachers forever by being human, raw, and honest. No subject was taboo. All filters off.
Like NYC in the 70s - gritty and dangerous but also classy and sophisticated. Bonus points for the bass playing throughout. And the lyrics are a cut above - and cutting. Mother Nature's son indeed.
Vinyl time. A few fantastic tracks.
I thought I was unfamiliar with Reed going into this. Started off with really liking Perfect Day, and then Walk On the Wild side came up, and there was the aha moment. Satellite of Love and I'm So Free also hit pretty well for me. I kinda bounce back and forth on liking his singing style of getting a little loose with the beat and pitch, but it could grow on me.
these classic rock album doesnt rly stick to me but this one kinda mixed lyrics were good but instrument was ordinary but pretty good
What I love about Reed is the characters that pop up in his songs. Perfect Day is a perfect song
Got this on vinyl for my 16th birthday. Side A rules.
Super charming album. Its really endearing to hear Lou have this monotone voice over these really upbeat tracks. Almost like he recorded in a karaoke booth or something
fav songs: vicious perfect day walk on the wild side satellite of love goodnight ladies melodic, provocative, warm 80/100
Some of these songs have been with me my entire life and will continue to be. Others are duds, and the back half drags a bit. He does look like Frankenstein's monster on the cover.
hell yeah
It's nice, but u need to hear it a couple of times, it has this old and comforting style, definitely not my vibe but I thinks it deserves hearing it
3.6 2x
Lyrics were super progressive for the time. Production is classic glam rock. Bowie was definitely involved. Great album. Favorites were Vicious, Perfect Day, Hangin’ Round, Walk On The Wild Side, and Satellite Of Love.
Tyckte det var bra,
#390/1001. Probably the best post Velvet Lou Reed album out there. I tried to listen to some of them but they were quite meh. Here we have 2 eternal classics, which is 2 more than most albums. His image and songs don't always match, but I guess that is part of the charm.
I thought I only knew Walk on the Wild Side but I actually know quite a few of these. Solid album.
Still trying to catchup Today I had the pleasure of Lou Reed - Transformer (1972) Great album. The 3 singles ( perfect day, walk on the wild side, satellite of love) are the best tracks. Loved the sax and other wind instruments. Lou in great voice at this stage of life. Standout track: Satellite of Love ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lou Reed is one of those artists that I recognize is wildly influential, and I really enjoy some of his songs, but I also have a hard time listening to him for a long time. I did prefer this to some of his other works though.
I've always loved "Take a walk on the wild side" but first time listening to this in full. I dig it quite a bit! Usually I'm very turned off by singers that can't sing well but I don't know, his voice just works?
8.5/10
I like Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground a lot, but it’s not always what I’m in the mood for. This is such a strong album, my first time listening to it all the way through. Love the production by Bowie.
As excellent as this is I’m still a tiny bit torn on it because it seems less like a Lou Reed record than a Lou Reed Wearing A David Bowie Suit record. Bowie produced it, and while I’m sure Lou definitely put his own stamp on the recording (I mean, the lyrics to “Walk on the Wild Side” prove that) it’s hard to tell where Lou ends and David begins. The same thing happened with Iggy Pop’s two ’77 records, although there Bowie had an even bigger role. Still, this is wonderful stuff, without a single weak track, it’s a classic, etc…but if you want pure-strain Lou, go somewhere else – there’s a reason why this is far and away Lou’s most popular record, because Lou’s music (aside from this album) was largely structured to avoid popularity by design. Best track: “Perfect Day”
8 / 10
Good album. Terrible vocals. Recorded well
-has 3+ killer hits -beautifully produced -culturally relevant -great song writing (mostly-I’m looking at you, Vicious) -fun to listen to
gostei bastante, nunca tinha dado atenção pro transformer, fui surpreendido pra caralho música boa pra trabalhar na varanda num dia extremamente frio e trabalhar sentindo frio e usando um fone bizarramente caro que vc comprou pra isolar o máximo possível o som dos aviões
bom demais esse, hein. lou reed mandava DEMAIS na guitarrinha e a sonoridade setentista desse aqui é delícia demais. levemente a frente do tempo, né. lembra um pouco um bowie, né, mas eh doideira pq o lou (e o velvet underground) que influenciaram ele. enfim. bacana e tem o potencial de se tornar um grande escutado por aqui fun fact: tava ouvindo can i kick it - a tribe called quest ONTEM e quando começou "walk on the wild side" eu fiquei UAI MAS EU NAO COLOQUEI A TRIBE DE NOVO... e foi assim que eu descobri qual era o sample. bão demais.
A lot of good in this album
Really liked this!
One I've heard plenty of times before in my youth. All very pleasant. If ever an album belonged on this list, it is this. Nice to hear Bowie backing in Satellite of Love.
Lou Reed is great and this was a pretty fun listen! I don't think it's quite five star level though.
Geggjuð plata.
Glæsileg plata hjá honum
Þetta var gott. Held að ég splæsi í fjögur stirni.
This is good. The Bowie influence is obvious.
Nonostante non corrisponda ai miei generi preferiti, quest'album contiene dei capolavori innegabili.
Ah, this was such a firm favourite for a long time. I know it inside out. I'm still loving the sardonic NY vibes, the classy sleazy sparseness, some real bangers here with Walk on the Wildside, Satelite of Love, I'm so Free. It's kind of an amazing historical artifact maybe. Idk. I could happily never hear Perfect Day again... and some of the lyrics grate in ways they didn't used to. I still feel love for it.
Thumbs up
I love perfect day.
I really like this album. Great songs: "Vicious", "Perfect Day", "Walk on The Wild Side", or "Satellite of Love" (really enjoyed the live number by U2). It's clearly at least 4 stars. I thunk the second half is a bit weaker.
Lou is a true rock star. He sounds like he isn't trying but the songs are these great gritty experimental things. I think he maybe invents punk music on this one
- - Top 10
Excellent.
ta cool, pero no soy mamacuca
I really enjoyed this listen. I haven't listened to a lot of Lou Reed previously, but have always liked what I've heard. Another one that serves well as background noise, or as a focused listen.
Yo.
goodnight lou
8/10 - Phenomenal album. I figured I was going to like it, but having Bowie produce the album really escalated it. Great album.
I love this album. The end of the album doesn't quite hold up to the brilliance of the first half but nothing on here is bad. I love the VU so it makes sense that I would also enjoy his solo work. 8/10
Pretty good
great album, pretty fun!
Tenía muchas ganas de escuchar este álbum Saber que Lou Reed fue un artista de mucha influencia en su momento, aportó mucho con The Velvet Underground y como solista también Perfect Day on repeat, demasiado buena Es un rock interesante, se siente fresco, no es glam rock, es algo más groovy Y a la vez hay algunas otras piezas donde puede suavizar aún más sus instrumentos gracias a ese enfoque musical que pone acá Entiendo que tienes coros de Bowie, eso no es poca cosa! Me gustó que sus letras son claras y sencillas, eso hace mucho más disfrutable la canción por permitir entender el mensaje Habrán algunas que no destacan tanto, pero me parece que tiene mucha calidad en términos generales 3.7
This is a very warm and chill album with light, easy-going vibes that I really enjoyed. While listening I felt relaxed and engaged the whole way through. The rhythmic sounds are smooth and catchy without ever feeling forceful, giving the record a cool, laid-back groove. What stood out most to me is how interesting the themes are. Lou Reed tells little stories and character sketches throughout the album that keep you hooked. There’s a perfect balance between humor, sleaze, tenderness, and street-life observation that makes the whole thing feel alive and never boring. The production is excellent — it has that classic early 70s warmth while still sounding sharp. Overall, I liked Transformer very much. It’s one of Lou Reed’s most accessible and enjoyable records, and it holds up beautifully.
Pretty good
Jeg begynder vist endelig at kunne lide Lou Reed.
I am a 3.5 on this one. Great album from Lou, and I have Perfect Day going through my head on repeat now.
Lacks the musical edge of the Velvets (though there are moments where it is lurking in the background, threatening to come out) but there is a charming simplicity to some of the melodies (the reflected sliding notes in Walk on the Wild Side are so simple, yet highly memorable). The fact that he uses these simple melodies to continue his tales of drug addiction and encounters with various members of outré society also amuses me, particularly when the BBC used Perfect Day on face value as their signature tune for a massive ad campaign.
I like the simplicity of the songs, it helps his message come across way better. Hadn't heard most of these, was nice.
I’m not that familiar with Lou Reed’s stuff. Is this the only album of his you need?! It’s got all his best songs on it, right? “Vicious,” “Perfect Day,” “Walk On The Wild Side,” “Satellite of Love.” Amazing! And the other tracks are… amusing enough.
Lou’s voice is such a powerful thing. He’s a great writer when he wants to be, but even if he’s singing the most mundane pop lyrics his delivery can imbue them with layers of meaning — menace, detachment, ennui — that make them feel profound or affecting. Oft imitated never bested.
An album so good that I remember stealing it from my big sis..
Love Lou reed. Love his style. Can see me getting into this album more and more as time goes on. Love Vicious – perfect day – walk on the wild side – wagon wheel
I was ready to snark on this because Lou’s talk-singing, “prophet of the lost city” can get pretty eye-rolling. But he surprised me with a sense of humor! I think his later work really dived into the misery pool, but the lyrics on Transformer are playful and witty. “Perfect Day” and ”Walk on the Wild Side” are unbeatably cool. “NY Telephone Conversation” is funny, “Vicious” and “I’m So Free” really bounce. I really underrated this album in my mind, because I’d never really listened to it. Maybe we both just needed some time to find each other.
3.5
Very spoken word? Good beat though
This is the most familiar with an album I've been so far in this project. I know everyone loves "Walk on the Wild Side," and it's great, but "Satellite of Love" has been one of my favorites for such a long time. I'm still more a fan of the Velvet Underground than solo Lou Reed, but this is a great album.
I'd never really given Lou Reed a chance before this but this is actually great. The production is on point. It's funny hearing Walk on the Wild Side after hearing Can I Kick it? My favourites have been Perfect Day and Hangin' Round. This album has had a massive impact and even though I'm not a Velvet Underground fan, this was a great album. All the songs bring something to the table and it doesn't overstay its welcome, for me it's a 4.
I don't really like velvet underground so i thought i wouldnt like this, I've already heard Vicious and Walk On The Wild Side and they're alright. I enjoyed Perfect Day. New York Telephone is kinda They Might Be Giants-y. Overall the worst songs were a little boring but not offensive. I liked the bridge/chorus in Satellite Of Love. More of a 3.5, but 4 because of cultural influence
The hits are classics but underneath them, everything else is really great.
so good :)
Have not listened to much lou reed but this album was very welcoming and i enjoyed it very much!
4 stars for "Perfect Day" and "Walk on the Wild Side" alone....also bonus points that this isn't that album he made that was all static. Wouldn't be surprised to see that one show up on this list. 🙄
An underrated genius. His sound was unique and musically forward thinking!
Always liked VU - I probably listened to The Gift 500 times in college. Funny to me how Lou Reed becomes an icon with middling talent. Musically this is not a great album but he pulls it off. The songs I love I love, the test of the album is ok.
- Fun lyrics - Lou's delivery feels sarcastic at times and kinda deadpan - David Bowie helped produce it and does backing vocals on a few tracks I believe, as well as plays guitar. He adds a lot to the sound. A lot of good. - This album honestly feels like it could have came out yesterday. - Lou's style definitely influenced indie rock/alt rock and all that - It's a fun album I plan on revisiting. Grateful to have listened to it.
The first half of this album is a clear 5/5. Absolutely brilliant song-writing & an intriguing tone to the tracks result in hit after hit for the first 20 minutes. Vicious starts the album strong, but it’s Perfect Day & Walk On The Wild Side that are utterly phenomenal, timeless tracks. The rest of the album however is just okay for me. The quality of the music itself isn’t too bad, but the songs become less impactful and memorable for me. 8/10 feels like a fair score as a result.
Hm, spomnim se, da mi whatever the fuck je bil njegov album, k sm ga že dobila (Berlin), ni bil ful všeč. Let's see. S kle poznam vsaj 3 komade od prej & vse sm slišala absolutno prevečkrat. Ok, prvi, "Vicious", mi je dejansko kul. Reed še zmer ne zna pet, sicer. Ampak kle vsaj deluje? "Andy's Chest" je kinda funny? Pa kul? Po pa komad, k sm ga kot najstnica slišala miljonkrat, "Perfect Day". Tbh, še zmer a banger, ne smem gledat nanjga z najstniške perspektive. Besedilo od "Hangin' 'Round" mi je kinda butasto, k da bi ga napisal nek sveže pečen 20letnik, ne pa 30letni, odrasel Lou Reed. Ampak ok. Mogoč je bil pa mal a man child, who knows. Potem fakin "Walk On the Wild Side", banger. (Ta album mi je ful ljubši - to, da je Bowie producent tega in ne tud na Berlin je zihr naključje, an?) "Satellite of Love" je prou fin, pa še Bowie je na back vokalih. Zadnji štirje - so fajni? Zihr sm bla, da sm Berlinu dala dve, ampak očitno sm mu tri. Hm. I guess ni bil tok slab? Mi pa to vpliva na današnjo oceno.
it’s such a perfect day, I’m glad i’ve spent it with you bowie ya lo sabía, lou reed <3
3,5
Back to albums I haven't hear yet. This is a straight forward album, similar to his last album with the Velvet Underground. Really solid with a lot of great songs.
One of my favorites
They don't make em like Lou Reed anymore. Great song writer. New York cool with Canal Street grit. Dude is a legend and this is his best solo album. All the hits plus Hangin' Round and Perfect Day back to back. What's not to love about this record.
jako dobro, jako zabavno, vau. pustio ponovo odmah nakon što sam preslušo. premda sam neke pjesme znao otprije, s radija i iz sličnih konteksta (»walk on the wild side«, »perfect day«), čitav album je podjednako dobar, jako dobar
I like The Velvet Underground but I don't think I've ever listened to Lou Reed's solo stuff. Has a bit of a Leonard Cohen vibe to me. I dig it.
Have long listened to this album. Has been on many lists, a really fun record with caustic lyrics and great melodies.
Glam rock really fit Lou. With Bowie's and Ronson's help, Reed created a freewheeling, diverse album that showed his range. There's the biggie, of course, "Walk on the Wild Side," but a ton of other really good songs: "Andy's Chest, ""Perfect Day," "Satellite of Love," "New York City Conversation," that incorporate many different styles. He left Velvet Underground behind and forged his own style and sound on this one.
Effortlessly cool, with some of the best lyrics and hooks Reed ever wrote. My favorite has to be Perfect Day, but tons of bangers on this one. A little too much filler for me for the five star mark, but still one that I should listen to more often
I vacillate on this one - sometimes I think the oompah shit is annoying and sometimes I think it's great. Sometimes I love that it's got that Bowie vibe and sometimes I think that feels like it cuts some of the edginess. Ultimately though, it is an artifact, and a good one, and the hits are earworms, though it's never explained if he did manage to get his wallet back.
Favorite Track: Vicious
I bounced between 4 and 5 on this one. I really enjoy Lou Reed, his sound, his wit. I loved the stripped down instrumentation but still using eclectic horns or wood winds, and the full dixie band in the last track. Amazing this came in 1972, so far ahead of stuff from it's time. So why isn't it a 5? I don't know. It just feels lower.
Some good stuff on here and covers a variety of genres. Not every song reaches the greatness of a 5/5 album, but it should definitely be on a list like this.
An exceptionally patchy album, but the highs are very high
David Bowie had his hands in this and thusly, it's gorgeous. Not my favorite singing style or lyrics BUT I cannot deny it's beauty.
This album sounds like The Rocky Horror Show, but for straight people, which is ironic because the lyrics are actually quite gay. Reed's voice is very pleasant to the ear, and reminds me a little of Mick Jagger. There's actually a nice variation on this record, some glam rock, some lowkey rock and roll, even some jazzy elements.
I’m having a really hard time distilling my thoughts about this album. I thought the flat vocals would get old, but they didn’t. The album goes all over the place, musically. In a good way! And it’s weirdly cozy? I don’t know. I enjoyed it. But at the same time, it’s not calling for a relisten. 7/10 Quite Likeable
9/10
My first listen through of this a month ago didn’t click. Another listen and I think I can definitely dig it. I’m not a huge Lou Reed vocals fan but this is an undeniably good album.
I was kind of a sucker for this one
Enjoyed this influenced a lot
What great songwriting! Artfully constructed lyrics and delightful melodies.
A milestone in pop rock music, matching dark lyrics with soft tones
I dont know what more to say about this. Everything has been said. Its lou reed. Its got perfect day and walk on the wild side. All timers of all timers. The rest of it is great too. Vicious and satellite of love are highlights. And you might even know those "b" sides. Its just great music from a guy who wrote alot of great music. He defines this era in alot of ways. Its great. Im slightly more partial to the velvet underground but not by much. Just good classic shit
good album was very different what i expected but very enjoyable
well. We know how I feel about vaguely monotoned funny talky vibes. Andy’s mfin Chest? Sir. By her feet smelling they mean her NOSE! Which grew down to her toes. Also he loves singing about toes yes?
Pretty solid album but some of it just feels like hes ranting about nothing
que álbum gostoso <3
All Lou Reed did was write great little songs and exude pure coolness. More than half of the songs on here live on the very top shelf, and the few that don't are still perfectly fine. Nothing bad on here. A great album!
initially, i didn't fully resonate with this, but after listening to "perfect day", "hangin' round" and "walk on the wild side" i was able to fully grasp how good this music is. i really like the overall atmosphere of this album which was very layered yet specific - i don't really know how to describe it other than just thoroughly crafted. i didn't know much about reed's individual career prior to this record but i think i can now grasp why he is considered one of the greats
Album has two all-timers that can go unnamed. Simultaneously loved and hated his voice. Great lyrics and was just the right vibe for the moment. A STRONG 4
Bit random in places, but that sort of makes it better, couple well known tracks on there, might listen again...
Walk on the wild side Satellite of love Vicious