Transformer

hmm kinda slow, idk, not a fan

It was alright 3/5

My first Lou Reed listening experience was actually a lot more enjoyable than I thought it was going to be. I definitely had a preconceived notion of what this album was going to sound like and I was wrong and I'm glad I was. You can hear the Bowie influence in the melodies he chooses to sing as well as the overall vibe of many of the songs. He's not trying to sound like a Bowie clone in any way, but the sound of Lou Reed with a David Bowie filter on it is a sound I can get behind.

Man I love this album. I listened to it a lot during my life. It’s just a bunch of of Reed’s super cool narratives of New York and its art scene. Music is pretty simplistic but he does throw some curveballs like the trombone on Make Up. The songs are great and super varied, with a production that is airy and roomy and lets the songwriting shine. I’m debating four and five. Let’s do four.

Wait, “Perfect Day” was Lou Reed? Plot twist.

Turns out I’m familiar with more Lou Reed songs, that I didn’t realize were Lou Reed, than I was aware of… could have done without the new familiarization with most of the others.

So much soul, softness, wonderfully created songs that hide this sadness while being deeply cool, beautiful, and warm. Has a delightful analogue sound. Great guitar lines and introduction of proto-punk heaviness. Has some incredible stand-alone singles but the album itself is super cohesive and creates this very particulr image of being cool and young in NY in the 70s

I wish I could get into Lou. I think he’s fascinating and I respect the influence he’s had on music. But I just never can.

I've heard some Velvet Underground and it wasn't for me, so I tiptoed into this project, but this is so much better. I can instantly appreciate the Bowie production, but what really gets me is how without Warhol, this album wouldn't have been half as good as it is. Andy is such a killer muse. Not really my favorite music producer. This project feels like American '60s rock with Bowie influences and eclectic Warhol ideas. Even though it might sound a little dated, it holds up real good half a century later. I wouldn't mind a copy in my collection, I could also live without it. 3.7/5

Listened to this recently for the first time in years. A classic for sure, as good as early Velvets? Nope. Still though, exceptional. 4 Heard before? Yes Owned: No: 30/119 (24%) Will I get? Already have a couple

I'm in the 3 camp, it was decent, just not on my playlist

I've mentioned it before, but I don't really like Reed's voice. That came into play here during my listen. Even though it was fine as the album started out, it grew tiresome by the end. I wouldn't say this one was bad, but it just kinda got stayed the same/got worse as it went. Having started out as merely good, that didn't leave a lot to prop it up. Reed made a good solo career out of making mostly OK music. This is a prime example of that at work. Overall: 2.4/5

Not my style

Cutting edge music that holds up today and the anchor of the NYC punk scene. Great songs that challenged the social mores that are as fresh today as they were 50 years ago.

What a fantastic album this is. Don't waste words on this, just listen to it.

Vicious - 5/5 Andy's Chest - 5/5 Perfect Day - 5/5 Hangin' 'Round - 4/5 Walk on the Wild Side - 5/5 Make Up - 4/5 Satellite of Love - 5/5 Wagon Wheel - 4/5 New York Telephone Conversation - 3/5 I'm So Free - 4/5 Goodnight Ladies - 3/5 Average score: 4.3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pretty great - I could listen to his voice for a long while

I wonder if I need to listen to any other Low Reed album. All his hits are here, with a few more hidden gems. A must hear record for sure !

Soa exatamente como um álbum produzido pelo Bowie. É bom e tem ápices altíssimos, mas eu continuo não sendo um grande fã dessa coisa meio glam.

Not what I was expecting but pretty good

Eh. I didn't really enjoy this as much as I was hoping. His voice is super monitored. Like it feels like he almost isnt even singing and all the songs sound like this. Actual rating...1.5 Liked Songs: "Vicious" , "Perfect Day" , "Hangin' 'Round" , "I'm So Free"

Meh 2.5

Really enjoyed.

Legendaran album, ali meni on nikad nije bio napet. Baš ono ravnina. 2/5, 4/10

It definitely kept me hanging on

Good to listen to. Lyrics strange, sometimes funny.

Classic Lou - not much to argue with.

This one lands right in that sweet spot where weird, clever, and stylish all overlap. Lou Reed has never been what you’d call a “good” singer in any traditional sense, but somehow his talk-sing, half-shrug delivery works better here than it has any right to. It’s like he bends the entire album around his voice instead of trying to bend himself to the songs, and the whole thing ends up feeling intentional, even cool. The big tracks are undeniable. “Walk on the Wild Side” is one of those songs that feels like it’s always existed, and “Perfect Day” hits that strange emotional tension only Reed can summon: tender, ironic, and unsettling all at once. But what really surprised me were the deep cuts. The tuba drop on “Make Up” is the kind of off-kilter choice Tom Waits might pull — grimy, theatrical, oddly perfect — and “Goodnight Ladies” is a fantastic closer, all horns and late-night swagger, like the band is sweeping the floor around you as the lights come up. It’s not a flawless album, but it’s a fascinating one, full of personality and sharp writing. Reed commits to every eccentric choice, and Bowie and Ronson’s glam production somehow ties it all together without sanding down the edges. Not quite a five for me, but a rock-solid classic that I’m glad to have fully absorbed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rv/g

Good wee calming album. Lowkey and understated without becoming forgettable

Nah.

Possibly the most boring collection of songs I have ever heard

comptines pour enfants qui mettent des carrés dans des ronds

confuse, perfect day un 5, goodnight ladies, qu'est ce que j'ecoute

2.5

Some absolute classics on this one, but some that aren't. For me, Lou Reed's voice only works for some songs, and several of these are ones that just don't work for me. Tops: "Walk On the Wild Side", "Perfect Day", "Vicious"

Right now I am enjoying the early 70s glam era. Lou Reed is not one of my favorites from this glittery time, but this album has its fun moments, and you can definitely hear the Bowie influence on a few tracks.

It's OK. Couple good songs, otherwise background noise.

I love this album. Lou Reed has the opposite arrangement to that I saw on the recent Ray Charles album : can’t sing, can’t play, but damn he can write a song tailored to his own narrow band of talent. ‘Perfect Day’ is one of my favorite all time songs and

Another album that I have listened to a little Over the years and when it’s on, I like it. Lou reed is without a doubt so important to music and this album is great. But I already know I won’t listen to this for another 2 years. Doesn’t mean it’s not great, it’s though.

Appreciate the artistry and some classics on here but I was mostly bored. Not to my taste

New York Telephone Conversation - raar lied

interesting album, a couple of songs I recognized

File under sing-songwriters that are horrible singers; next to Bob Dylan. Also: do-do-do-do-do-do... How can walking on the wild side seem so...boring?

Low energy vocalist

Some fantastic songs. Elements of others throwback to the Velvet Underground who I also like.

Meh.

Instrumentals, lyrics, and flow are good. Vocals lack, but doesn’t kill the whole experience.

Cozy album to wind down. Nothing particularly exciting, but now I know what “glam rock” is.

Quite uneven. Although that's not necessarily Lou's fault. Some bits suffer because of overexposure. I don't think I ever need to hear Perfect Day or Walk On The Wild Side ever again. Other bits suffer because of fairly typical Seventies silliness. The last three songs are quite terrible (not really a fan of Make Up either to be honest. I don't think Lou Reed and a parping tuba is a winning combination). And then you're left with about half an album. Half a pretty good glamrock album - and Vicious is a terrific opener - but still just half an album.

Never really got on board

His best songs are great but there always a few that don't do it for me

Loved Lou’s stylish vibe

Some of his best

Kinda like a bad Pavement record, vibed with some songs and hated others

Already a great album that I like... But listening again

It's like Lou thinks he can sing, but he can't. Then everyone else thinks he can sing too, for some reason, so he made a bunch of people like him, and all he does is ramble on with music going on in the background.

Vicious - 7 Andys chest - 6 Perfect day - 7 hangin round - 7 walk on the wild side - 8 make up - 5 satellite of love - 8 wagon wheel - 7 new york telephone conversation - 5 im so free - 6 goodnight ladies - 6

No standouts, a few big names, 3

Such a solid album

Great album, I listen to this a few times a year. This is my favorite of his albums and is loaded with classic songs. Few other albums have this melancholic lofi poppy sound, hard for me to even describe this.

This album made me feel things I can't describe. I don't know how much I liked it but I can't help but give it credit for that. 8/10

Great albums don't date

Hehe

Solid album with some great songs. Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson and you can tell. Has a similar sound to Bowie’s albums at the time (Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane). Favorite tracks include Vicious, Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side, Satellite of Love, Wagon Wheel, I’m So Free.

His greatest hits?

Started off kinda emo. There was one song that sounded like a children's song. Overall didn't hate it.

classic. kinda more of a "beat poetry over funky bowie tunes" album than anything else, which it turns out isnt all hits. Perfect Day still whips, favorite song is probably Andy's Chest, or just the outro to Satellite of Love

Idk man, the best so far

Rating: 6/10 We get our first rock classic in our project and it’s one I haven’t personally listened to in full. Of course we probably all know at least of the big ones, Walk on the Wild Side, Perfect Day, Satellite of Love, Vicious. But it’s also inconsistent to me outside of the great highlight tracks. Adding this to my library though

Kinda sucks kinda boring but Perfect Day is great in Trainspotting soooo 4.1/10

Cool vibes. 5 bamboo reeds out of 10 lizard wizards

important but i dont enjoy it that much

The songs you know are the ones worth listening too. Everything else, not so much.

Impressive classic that I already knew. Most of the songs on there are absolute gems, it is concise, has scope and ambition, different sounds and some good writing. I just have some reservations concerning the themes that at times can be a bit repetitive (ok you horny I get it)and I do think it is absolutely front loaded with mega hits and the end does suffer a bit in comparison.

Great album some Bat shit crazy lyrics though.

I enjoy his stuff. He loves to layer on sounds and meaning into his work that hits me. His storytelling in this is superb. Perfect Day is a prime example of it. You feel the lyrics, same with Hanging Around. Walk on the Wild side is the breakout, it could be that I remember this getting radio play even in the 80's shows it stands the test of time. Great album.

A glam classic. Needs time and attention for optimal listening. Sleazy.

Have loved all of the velvet underground albums I’ve discovered through this project, and this solo album is no different, dells even a little more intimate and personal, but still has that same raw energy.

delle tracce che adoro, come perfect day e walk on the wild side

Her e d jo masse bangers! IIITS SUCHH A PERFECT DAAAY AND I WANT TO SPEND IT WITH YOUUUU!! og walk on the wild side e jo sampla i can i kick it, som eg har hørt masse på:) Beste sang: Perfect Day

"I wonder what it would sound like if Lou Reed made The White Album?"

It's alright, kinda sounds like that era of David Bowie, for a reason. I'd give it 2.5 if I could.

Some catchy, punky rock songs with that classic raw Lou Reed vocal. But it's tough to rate this 5 stars after listening to Velvet Underground days ago.

There's a few pockets of great music in here but they are few and far between. I like Velvet Underground but this was not really for me. 3 stars for that bass in Walk On The Wild Side, the last minute of Perfect Day and the guitar toan on I'm So Free

Faves: Satellite of Love, Vicious

Generally happy to listen to Lou Reed. Fairly typical of what I understand to be the Lou Reed sound.

I don't like Bowie and so I didn't like this

**Lou Reed – *Transformer* (1972)** _In-depth review: lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, pros & cons_ --- ### 1. **Lyrics – Street-poet as pop-culture anthropologist** Lou Reed’s writing on *Transformer* is a **tightrope between deadpan camp and bruised sincerity**. - “**Walk on the Wild Side**” turns five Warhol “superstars” (Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling, Joe Dallesandro, etc.) into three-minute comic-strip myths, complete with racially-coded bass-slides and punch-line oral sex. It was **the first Top-40 hit to speak openly about race, drag, and queer sex**—and it still feels subversive because Reed delivers it like a bored tour-guide who refuses to moralize . - “**Perfect Day**” is either a love song to heroin, to a person, or to the moment when the two become indistinguishable. The string arrangement (Bowie/Ronson) tricks the ear into “pretty,” but the lyric’s final couplet—“You’re going to reap just what you sow”—plants a moral shiv. - Lesser-known cuts keep the same double vision. “**Make Up**” satirizes cosmetic femininity while clearly loving the ritual; “**Andy’s Chest**” sprays surreal one-liners (“You know I’m so horny I can’t get my tongue unfurled”) that read like Pop-art captions; “**New York Telephone Conversation**” lampoons gossip culture in the cadence of a bored housewife on Quaaludes. **Verdict:** Reed’s flat, conversational delivery lets the words sit in your lap. The jokes, threats, and confessions all arrive with the same shrug, which makes the emotional sucker-punches land harder. --- ### 2. **Music – Glam varnish on NYC grit** Musically *Transformer* is **Reed’s most accessible solo set**, but accessibility here is a **production choice**, not a creative surrender. - **Glam-rock chassis:** Mick Ronson’s guitars are T-Rex’d-out—glittery crunch on “Vicious,” syrupy sustain on “Satellite of Love.” - **Music-hall flourishes:** Tuba bass-line in “Make Up,” bar-room piano on “Goodnight Ladies,” Bowie’s falsetto counter-hooks—the album **winks at British cabaret** while retaining Reed’s urban seediness. - **Rhythm-section discipline:** Herbie Flowers’ bass (especially that **legendary chromatic slide** opening “Walk on the Wild Side”) gives the record its jazz-tinted spine; the drums are dry, close-mic’d, almost proto-punk in their refusal to swing . - **Hidden avant-gardism:** The layered drones under “I’m So Free,” the telephone-filtered vocals on “NY Telephone Conversation,” or the **string quartet drop** into “Perfect Day” show the same ear for **textural disruption** Reed honed in the Velvet Underground. **Verdict:** The songs **sound** like straightforward pop until you notice the odd bar-counts, the sudden mute-button mixes, the way guitar feedback is **treated like a backing vocal**. It’s **art-rock wearing platform boots**. --- ### 3. **Production – Bowie & Ronson’s star-dust filter** David Bowie and Mick Ronson were at **peak Ziggy-mania** when they entered Trident Studios with Reed. Their brief: **make Lou commercial without sanding off the danger**. - **Vocals forward, but hollowed:** Reed’s voice is double-tracked, lightly compressed, and **floated on top** rather than embedded; this creates the **detached narrator** effect that lets lurid content slip past radio censors . - **Glam sheen vs. street ambience:** Ronson **overdrives guitars** but leaves acoustic room-reverb on hand-claps and backing vocals, so **Chelsea hotel grit** co-exists with **Carnaby-Street gloss**. - **Orchestration as sarcasm:** The **Disney-esque strings** on “Perfect Day” or the **tacky ballroom piano** on “Goodnight Ladies” are **mixed so sweetly they become ironic**, underscoring Reed’s lyrical ambivalence. **Criticism:** Some listeners feel the **production homogenizes** Reed’s earlier rawness; Robert Christgau called the album “effete… stripped to inessentials” . There’s truth here—**“Vicious”** would bite harder without the glitter—yet the **tension** between Reed’s deadpan and Bowie’s theatrics is precisely what gives *Transformer* its queer-camp frisson. --- ### 4. **Themes – Glamour, gender, voyeurism, addiction** - **Queer visibility:** Released in Nov 1972, the same month Bowie declared himself gay on Melody Maker, *Transformer* **soundtracks a moment** when gender fluidity stepped from underground clubs into the suburban hi-fi. - **Urban voyeurism:** Reed **doesn’t judge** his subjects; he **catalogues** them—trans sex-workers, drug buddies, telephone gossips—turning **New York’s demi-monde** into a **comic-book pantheon**. - **Addiction as romance:** “Perfect Day” and “Wagon Wheel” treat **getting high** like a date-night; the moral hangover is present but never sermonized. - **Fame & self-mythology:** Songs name-check Andy Warhol, the Factory, and Reed’s own reputation (“You know me, I’m so free”)—**Transformer** is partly Reed’s **instruction manual on how to turn notoriety into pop art**. --- ### 5. **Influence – The ripple effect** - **Pop culture:** “Walk on the Wild Side” bass-line has been **sampled** (Marky Mark, Tribe Called Quest), **covered** (M. Ward, Duran Duran), and **licensed** to sell everything from **PlayStation** to **LGBT tourism**—a rare case of corporate media **paying to queer the pitch**. - **Punk & post-punk:** The **dry drum sound**, street-narrative lyrics, and **detached vocal** were **blueprints** for everyone from **Television** to **Joy Division**; Reed’s **“I’m So Free”** is basically a **proto-power-pop** template. - **Alt-cabaret & art-pop:** Tori Amos, Rufus Wainwright, Antony & the Johnsons, and **Héloïse Letissier (Christine & the Queens)** all cite *Transformer* as proof that **intimate confession and camp theatricality** can share a stage. - **Queer rock canon:** Alongside Bowie’s *Ziggy* and *Hunky Dory*, *Transformer* **legitimized gender-non-conforming narratives** in rock’s top-40—an impact still measured in **LGBTQ+ visibility** decades later . --- ### 6. **Pros & Cons – The quick balance sheet** | PROS | CONS | |------|------| | Contains **three unimpeachable classics** (“Walk on the Wild Side,” “Perfect Day,” “Satellite of Love”) plus **deep-cut gems** (“Andy’s Chest,” “I’m So Free”) that **never flag on melody** . | **Filler quotient:** “Hangin’ Round” and “Wagon Wheel” are **rollicking but lightweight**; some critics find **half the album forgettable** after the hits . | | **Lyrics** that **normalize queer life, sex-work, drugs** without sermon or sensationalism—**still radical in 2025** . | Reed’s **limited vocal range** can feel **monotone across eleven tracks**; if you don’t buy the **talk-sing charisma**, the album **drags** . | | **Bowie/Ronson production** gives **gloss without sanitizing**; orchestral touches add **ironic glamour**. | Production **dates the record** to glam-era 1972; **over-driven guitars and cabaret flourishes** can scan as **cartoonish** to ears bred on punk minimalism . | | **Cohesive persona:** every song contributes to a **unified portrait** of Lou-as-flaneur, **urban poet laureate** of the forbidden. | **Not as musically adventurous** as *Berlin* or as **raw** as *Velvet Underground*; some fans miss the **noise quotient** and **existential dread** of earlier work . | | **Historical import:** **First openly queer Top-40 hit**, **template for art-pop** and **punk detachment**—**cultural footprint outweighs any sonic quibble**. | If you demand **vocal virtuosity** or **prog-level complexity**, *Transformer* will feel **under-powered** and **over-hyped** . | --- ### 7. **Bottom line** *Transformer* is **not Lou Reed’s most experimental hour**, but it is his **most perfectly framed**. Bowie and Ronson’s **glam filter** turns street-reportage into **pop art**, while Reed’s **stone-cold conversational lyrics** make **gender-fluid, drug-tinged vignettes** feel as **everyday** as a phone call. The album’s **influence on punk, queer rock, and alt-cabaret** is incalculable, and its **best songs** remain **untouchable standards** half a century on. Accept the **occasional filler** and the **period-production sheen**, and *Transformer* still **opens a door to the wild side**—no apologies, no safety net, just **Lou Reed lighting a cigarette and telling you how it really is**.

Tuntuu et nää biisit jää jotenki kesken. Rakentuu ja rakentuu mutta ei kuitenkaan kasva ja jää tylsäksi. Oisin ehkä voinut tykätä tästä mut oli vaan jotenki laimea, vaikka hyviäkin biisejä oli.

Some classics on here.

Some great moments on this record but a few stinkers. Almost perfect but not quite

I know Lou Reed is loved and a massive musical icon but I find his voice and stlye boring and mundane. This album has two bangers, but honestly I found this album hard to listen to. The sounds and lyrics dragged on and on . Sorry Lou it’s not you it’s me

Nah. I like Lou’s Velvets era work but I don’t see the appeal really here. Given how well regarded this record is I was kinda surprised. There’s moments that the Bowie/Ronson rockers kinda pop but there’s also a bunch of skips. My impression this album is greatly overrated.

Walk On The Wild Side is still the best track from this album

Lou Reed possui uma das minhas vozes preferidas de todo o Rock, eu adoro a forma com que ele entrega seus vocais. A produção de David Bowie complementa brilhantemente o estilo lírico e vocal de Reed, é um casamento feito no paraíso. Não sou um cara que costuma prestar atenção em letras, mas no caso de Transformer, é impossível não notar as cenas que Reed constroi em cada uma de suas canções. São todas pura poesia beat, entregues com a voz agridoce do cantor, e tudo ornamentado lindamente pela produção mínima e de ótimo gosto. Infelizmente, acho este disco um pouco desbalanceado. Seu primeiro lado é infalível, mas não acho o mesmo do segundo lado. Acho que ele se perde um pouco chegando perto do final, infelizmente. Ainda assim é um ótimo disco, mas há uma faixa ou outra que não me conquistam completamente. Dito isso, continua sendo um fantástico álbum. O que não me surpreende considerando o trabalho de Lou Reed com o Velvet Underground, e a minha infinita apreciação da década de 1970. 4.5/5

I enjoy the Lou Reed voice. The simplistic music that's just decent rock and roll. Love that Bowie produced this.

A great continuation of Lou's work with the velvet underground. Glam rock was already becoming a thing by the time this album got released, but alongside Hunky Dory, this album gave the genre the subversive edge that makes it so fascinating looking back. Best songs are the satellite of love, perfect day, but every song is great on here - lots of pop hooks but it never feels like he's sanding down his edges at all

2 or so good songs on here

Love perfect day and wild side but kind of lost me on the rest. 3.5

It’s a very good album, but not as amazing as the hype would have you think. Then again, we should all take hypes with a pinch of salt. 4/5

Best Lou solo album.

I had no idea Perfect Day was by Lou Reed. Such an amazing song! Immediate flash-back to Trainspotting. Walk on the Wild Side is another I have heard and remember listening to with my dad.

Meh couple decent songs nothing memorable outside walk on the wild side

Really enjoy "perfect day".

Some of the best songs you’ll even listen to but let down by a couple.

Mostly enjoyed. Not sure too many of these would be written now but enjoyed. ‘Goodnight ladies’ is a strong finish.

Had listened to this in the 500 Rolling Stone list. Was surprised it is all in my Liked list on Spotify. Some questionable lyrics in places, when viewed through a modern lens, but enjoyable.

“Take a walk on the wild side.” Reed’s Glam masterpiece was his second solo release. Produced by Mick Ronson and The Starman himself; Mr. David Bowie. Iconic hits throughout, provided Reed a longevity that surpassed most of his VU bandmates.

3/5. Perfect day is iconic, the rest is pretty okay

Brilliant. Perfect. Possibly the best. Certainly his best solo album. Seedy, lost and lonely people in bright urgent confident songs.

I know that he was very influential and brought a whole new perspective to rock and roll, but I was never much impressed by his music.

I loved the sound of this album, it came to me on the perfect day

Kind of dull and monotonous sounding… The same time I did like his voice… Explain that.

Perfect Day is just really good. Walk on the Wild Side also talks respectfully about matters that used to be, and maybe still are, very much taboo, and is at the same time a very fun song

Perfect Day

Extremely enjoyable album. I don’t think there was a song I didn’t like. Lou Reed’s got such a dry and deadpan voice that’s almost offputting at times, it really makes his solo music and his work with the Velvet Underground so distinct. The production’s also very good and varied on this.

*Vicious: not bad, it's a cool vibe. like David Bowie x Viagra Boys. the lyrics are so straightforward that it kind of makes me laugh e.g. "You're not the kind of person that I'd even want to meet" Andy's Chest: what the hell is this dude talkin about *Perfect Day: I dig this one. it has the earnestness you need for a love ballad like this, his voice sounds great too Hangin' 'Round: it's alright. it definitely is a song. Walk On The Wild Side: this one's okay, I think the lyrics are interesting but it's not really my thing sonically. the casual spoken word thing is always a tough sell for me. also the GIRLS OF COLOR go do-do-do-do-do-do, it's 2025 Make Up: kinda gay Satellite of Love: this album is just boring me to death unfortunately. the last minute or so is pretty cool though. Wagon Wheel: watusi. one of the better songs on here I guess New York Telephone Conversation: musical theater moment I'm So Free: it's fine Goodnight Ladies: monsters inc. theme song I feel like there's literally a million albums that sound like this, I just don't understand why this one is especially important or influential. didn't leave that much of an impression on me, although I dig the openly queer lyrics on a couple songs, we love to see a little transgression. it's not bad but it's just not a sound I find particularly enjoyable so there's not really any way around that. __ SCORE: 5/10 ADDED TO PLAYLIST: Vicious, Perfect Day

A classic

Enjoyed

kind a abop

★★½

Least favorite so far. I couldn't get into it. Obviously I've heard Wild Side before but that didn't help anchor me into the rest of the songs.

Im sorry but I just don’t like this as much as I probably should. I Like those involved, like the production and glam sound of 72 and it has at least 2 all time classic songs that to be fair get it on this list no problem. But the problem for me is the actual main component Mr Reed. When he’s at the top of his game he is absolutely A1, up there, but his drop off for me is massive, and when he drops a notch that famed wit for me starts sounding snarky and not in a good way, and musically he can get so clunky. I like this just don’t really like. 3.5 Star

This was good, but it didn’t hit hard enough. I had very high expectations for this one and the Bowie production shows, but I’d rather take at least 3 other Velvet Underground albums over this one if I was looking for some Lou Reed. I’ll give it a low 4 because I’m pretentious.

It seems like everything Bowie touched in the 70s turned to gold

Transformer manages to break the mold and serve as a biting insight into social issues still plaguing us today

Perfect … another album that I listened to on repeat in my late teens and even though I haven’t heard it in several years all the memories came flooding back and I sang along to every word. Loved it ❤️

Car with katherine

2 stars This album is overrated. Lou Reed generally, to me, is an acquired taste. Some people will never really like him. I enjoy a good amount of Velvet Underground. But his solo music, of which this is pretty much all I’ve listened to, has limited appeal. While I like some of the songs, they all feel like demos in that they don’t feel fully produced and fleshed out. And I get it that perhaps it’s a stylistic choice but it doesn’t appeal to me. So while I enjoy “Walk on the Wildside” and “Vicious,” singles “Perfect Day” and “Satellite of Love” feel like decently written songs that aren’t as good coming out of Lou Reed’s mouth.

It has some very good songs, but it doesn't quite satisfy me completely. "Vicious" and "Walk On the Wild Side" are good. Something's missing for the album as a whole to feel truly wonderful.

This is the "big" Lou Reed album. Makes sense – it's aggressively VU-ish right from the opener. Vicious is an excellent start: it's fast, groovy, has a fantastic distorted guitar line, and (of course) includes Reed's deadpan vocal that emulates Dylan and early Bowie. Satellite of Love is in the conversation for one of Reed's finest creations. Again, intensely Bowie-esque; it wouldn't be at all out of place on Ziggy Stardust. Perfect Day continues the conversation: it's genuinely a really strong track, beating out nearly all VU tracks (as compositions) as though they never existed. Who would've thought a gritty proto-punk proto-rapper whose main focus is realist, street-smart poetry could compose such a beautiful ballad? I really like the strings, piano, soft drumming... everything about it. This is the album's strongest track. Perhaps surprisingly, I hadn't heard Walk On the Wild Side before today. It's strong – but not top-3 (on the album) material. The sax solo is cool but a little out of place for the style Reed's going for. The two-chord progression also gets old really quickly. Seeing a track called New York Telephone Conversation is definitely cause for concern. Fortunately, it's essentially an early-70s campy piano track, even complete with the high-pitched, out-of-tune vocal harmony. Very charming, but probably the weakest song of the bunch. Though it did make me realise: this album doesn't have much going on musically. Half the appeal is knowing that the likes of Lou Reed (and other rock/underground/glam giants of the era) are involved. "But she never lost her head / Even when she was giving head / She says, "Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side"" Dang. I love how shamelessly blunt Lou Reed's lyrics can be. This one's right up there with Heroin and The Gift. 4/5 Key tracks: Vicious, Perfect Day, Satellite of Love

Unique Lou reed. Always fun.

I dont know why I had never listened to this. 8/10

Wow i actually love this record! Of course I’d seen the cover before but I guess I just never came around to actually checking it out. While the instrumentals are quit simple, it does strike a nostalgic string and it feels so warm and fuzzy. The lyrics are such a creative way of talking about theme’s like love and loneliness. Maybe it just also hit me at the right time, but this was a pleasant surprise!!

He sings out of tune and his guitar playing is basic. Velvet Underground is better.

Take a long time to appreciate this. Now I like the down-to-earth approach of his solo albums. It's very fun to listen to, have different moods through the album. The lyrics have something very unique that engage you in the storytelling. Very interesting and simple at the same time.

Deserves to be on 1001 for many reasons.

Super Dope

First time listening to Transformer cover to cover. Pretty familiar with the hits, so I think I expected more from the album as a whole. Still, can see why it's held up as a classic, its peaks are incredibly high. Fav tracks: Vicious, Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side, Satellite of Love. Saved a song: Y RYM: Y (#467)

I was never a huge fan of Lou Reed until I started listening to the Velvet Underground. This was my first time listening to this album and I loved it. Its always good hearing Walk on the Wild Side and Perfect Day.

Hey honey, take a walk on the wild side

The instruments behind him were fine, but his voice sucks all the enjoyment out of it, becoming a bit of a borefest.

I love this album. I can’t remember how or why I got into it, but I have loved it since the first listen. It’s the Velvet Underground in eyeliner and suspenders. This has a scruffy cool feel to it. It is short blast of raw and abrasive glam punk. REM’s Monster and The Strokes owe everything to this album. I can’t imagine there is a garage rock band that doesn’t nod to this album. Great stuff.

I know this album is high rated but I was only digging take a walk on the wild side. A few others where good at times but lost momentum

Kaikin puolin kelpo teos. Ei olis varmaan luu riidiäkään hirveesti tullut kuunneltua ilman tätä ”haastetta”. Levyllä sopivasti erilaisia biisejä ja Reedin välittyi tuli hienosti läpi

Ihan hyvä levy, sopivasti vaihtelua ja mukavaa seiskytluvun rokkia. Tältä levyltä olikin tuttuja jo Perfect Day ja Walk On the Wild Side. Tää on tällanen aika sopiva nelosen levy.

Aluksi aattelin että karmeeta paskaa, mutta viikon breikin jälkeen kuuntelin jälkimmäisen puoliskon ja tämähän on ihan humoristista ja letkeää meininkiä. Varmaan vaatisi samat päihteet kuin Lou että pääsisi todella sisälle tähän, mutta laitetaan nyt selväpäisenä kuitenkin kolkki!

Tässä oli kyllä pari sen verran hyvää biisiä ja muutenkin ihan mukava meininki, että on melkeen nelonen täräytettävä.

Noniin Yrtsi, miltä meno nyt maistuu? Tän ostin joskus seedeenä svämp myysikistä ja tuli kuuneltuukin kohtalaisesti ja ihailtua kansikuvissa olevaa kaveria, jolla oli tiukassa farkussa banaani lahkeessa. Albuumina tää lukeutuu varmaan johonkin glam-rokin lähdeteoksiin tms. Ihan hyvii veisuja täynnä ja sellasia kunnon ikivihreitäkin. Vahvaa tekemistä ilmeisesti täysmulkero äijältä. Ei nyt sillain mitään mullistavaa tai todellista eteen_näyttäjää, joten ihan ei täysii pisteitä pysty antaan. Kuitenkin heleppo nelkkukelkku. Metal Machine Musicia sitten vaan oottelemaan, jos vaikka joku kuratoija on pikkuhönössä keksinyt, että tää pitäs kyl kaikkien kuulla ennen alakertaan siirtymistä.

Jotenkin ei napannut, muttei kehtaa liikaa haukkuakaan

Reedin ääni ja laulutyyli on ehkä inspiroinut tuhansia muusikoita, mutta levy kokonaisuutena tuntuu lähinnä antiikkiselta kuriositeettina nykyään.

Noniin Yrtsi, miltä meno maistuu? Eipä ollut tästäkään Yrtsin meininkien lisäksi tuttuja biisejä entuudestaan kuin Perfect Day, molemmat kyllä pirun kovia kappaleita! Muuten vähän ehkä hajuton ja mauton levy, mutta plussaa siitä että on sopivan mittainen, eikä tuolla nyt mitään varsinaisesti paskoja biisejä ole seassa yhtään. Muutamasta biisistä (erityisesti Satellite of Love) tuli aika paljon Ziggy Stardustin aikainen Bowie mieleen. Tai no, tämähän oli ennen sitä, joten kai Bowiesta tulee sitten tämä mieleen. Itseasiassa kaikissa menobiiseissä olin kuulevinani Mick Ronsonin kitarasaundia, eli olisiko tämä levy ollut vähän niinkuin suunnannäyttäjä glamrock-meininkeihin? Tykkään kyllä tuosta pintaan tuodusta Lou Reedin laiskasta laulusta. Tämä olisi viikko sitten ollut kirpparilla vinyylinä kahdeksalla eurolla, nyt vähän semisti harmittaa etten ostanut. Sen verran tullut nyt kolmea ja kahta tähteä annettua, että annetaan ihan vastavoimana tälle neljä tähteä, ja yritetään ottaa reissu uudestaan sille kirpparille missä tämä oli vinskana.

produceret af bla david bowie. Gammel frontmand fra velvet underground. åbenbart tekster om byens tabere og lidt tørt osv. Det er sgu da meget fedt. Del af en scene hvor the factory og andy warhol tog del, som var meget præget af drag, hustlere og perfomance kunstnere. Fortæller om folk der ikke passer ind, deraf også queer og LGQBGTSDFLA miljø som var atypisk for sin tid. SYnes det er fedt at støtte op om mennesker der ikke føler de passer ind. Gælder både seksualitet men også bare generelt hvordan man opfatter verden og ens sted i den. Det er glamrock, art rock og singersong writer og en smule proto-punk? har svært ved at se proto-punk delen selv, men den er der åbenbart. også lang tid siden jeg har haft et punk album. Tror måske det er teksterne og så minimalisme i instrumenter som spiller ind her. Jeg synes det er godt. jeg elsker jo det teatralske i glam rocken og lyden af det. Kan godt lide bowie og kan godt lide T-rex f.eks.

Fav: Satellite Of Love Least Fav: New York Telephone Conversation Satellite Of Love is my favourite Bowie song

I know how lucky we are that Bowie gave us such an extensive and varies discography in his life, but I'm greedy. I wish he also produced more music for other artists too. He had such an incredible talent for bringing out the best in artists while also bringing them into new territory. Lou Reed's "Transformer" is no exception. The Velvet Underground had been a cult band in their name and Reed's first attempt at a solo album failed to match the excitement of his old band. Many people might have written him off as past his 15 minutes of fame. But Bowie was a true fan and knew that there was more great work in him. "Transformer" is an incredible album. True to his style, Reed was able to take simple rock n roll and marry it to lyrics highlighting the unseen people of New York. "Take a Walk on the Wild Side" is a sweet and catchy about the trans community decades before that was a public discussion. "Perfect Day" sounds so much like a song about simple pleasures with a loved one that many people don't realize the true meaning. It's only the closing lines "You're going to reap just what you sow" that give you a hint that it's actually about drug addiction. Bowie's backing vocals shine on "Satellite of Love". There's plenty more to unpick here as every track has something great. It's hard to argue that Lou Reed ever made a better solo album that this one. It really is perfect and even rivals some of The Velvet Underground's work.

should've listened to lyrics more :wilted_rose: didnt catch me musically at all

9/10 Favorites: Vicious Perfect Day Hangin’ ‘Round

Okay so I didn't love it at first. It was too abrasive, loud and pointed for me at the moment in time. And then i listened again. I don't know this type of music: its familiar. And I really liked some of the songs: perfect day or good night ladies. I love how intentional the piano feels. I like the humour in the lyrics here and there! I keep thinking he is saying fishes in the vicious song and it's so funny. But i still can't get over the voice. He seems like he's reading to me always!

Really cool album. Didn't realise I knew so many lou reed songs. I enjoyed the bizarre content and raw style.

Couple of hits but the album itself didn't do much for me to be honest.

Lou Reed charms but does not transform

Just not crazy bout his voice

I can appreciate what Lou Reed has done for modern pop music, but it's just not my bag.

Fuckin' classic.

tutto quello che tocca David Bowie diventa oro

Apart from perfect day and walk on the wild side there is a lot of clunky wobbly voiced shenanigans on this record. It would be trendy to say this is a great record. It really isn't though. Reeds voice is enough to set a thousand car alarms off. A mercy killing would be to pick up the lp and throw it against the wall. Its a 2 song album.

do I even need to comment?

Mr Velvet Underground. Jak odpalałem, to nie wiedziałem, że to ziomek z VU, ale po jednej nutce się zorientowałem. Przychylni powiedzieliby, że to duchowy spadkobierca VU, złośliwi, że kopiuj-wklej. I obie strony by miały rację. Wiele utworów było bardzo podobnych do konkretnych piosenek VU i nawet układ albumu był zbliżony, ze skocznym otwarciem ("Vicious" - "What Goes On", nawet riffy są bardzo podobne), romantyczną odą w pierwszej połowie ("Perfect Day", zdecydowanie jeden z moich ulubionych utworów, klimatem zbliżony do "Pale Blue Eyes"), eksperymentalnym kawałkiem w 2/3 krążka i goofy utworem o stylistyce zupełnie odmiennej od całej reszty na końcu ("Goodnight Ladies", które kojarzyło mi się z "After Hours"). I pewnie jakbym poświęcił temu trochę więcej czasu, to znalazłbym jeszcze więcej podobieństw. Jedynym przesunięciem względem VU jest zrobienie kroku w stronę subwersji i pikanterii, a odjęcie eksperymentalnej i art-rockowej warstwy. Taki skręt w stronę wizerunku rockmana. Jednak już patrząc na ten album jako kompletny stand-alone - ma dużą słuchalność, jest naprawdę fun i to po prostu kawał dobrej muzyki. Na pewno będę wracał.

Glamowy sen Lou Reeda o Nowym Jorku. Świetna płyta, produkcja Bowiego, mocne 4.

Can't believe this is the same guy that did Mambo #5. What range he's got (jk jk)

Didn’t make it through, will revisit

Always enjoyable

The start of Glam Rock essentially. Walk on the Wild Side and Satellite of Love are the most recognizable songs in Lou Reed’s catalog and are easily standouts on an average album. Hangin’ Around and Goodnight Ladies were some deeper cut favorites. Recognized the Bowie influence immediately. Was unaware that the album was produced by Bowie and Mick Ronson. Since I am reviewing these albums collectively. I’m giving it a three. Great songs hidden amongst some lesser tracks.

This is one of my "nope, no can do" artists. Satellite of Love just makes me fondly recall Ron & Fez (particularly Fez's final broadcast.)

I liked this! I hadn't heard much Lou Reed before and dug it

Have always loved this album.

Take a Walk on The Wild Side is an underrated song that deserves more praise. Rest of the album was good. Nice pick for a Friday!

Really enjoyed this album - much, much more than Berlin. Reed is batting a thousand on side one; "Vicious," "Andy's Chest" (apparently written to cheer up Andy Warhol after someone shot him in the chest), "Perfect Day," "Hangin' 'Round," and "Walk on the Wild Side" are all great. I don't like side two quite as much (the quirky "New York Telephone Conversation" is fun though). I'd have considered rating this a 5 if there was a little more power on side two. Reed looks like Frankenstein's Monster on the album cover. Just an observation, not a criticism.

A few great songs but not an albums worth. Again a best of would be best.

A classic album and work of art curated by a personal soul. “Walk On The Wild Side” and “Perfect Days”, the two most popular songs on the album, got the love they deserved—for they, as well as the rest, were way ahead of their time. We need more artists like Lou Reed today.

Kinda folky

Lou Reed is always a fun time...

Love the vibe, the general casual-ness and I hear threads of this style all throughout modern indie. Songwriting and arranging are very strong, and the guitar work is great (Mick Ronson?). HATE Lou's vocals

Did you know this dude's parents forced him to get electric shock 'therapy' as a kid

Thank you Mr Reed for inventing being awkward cool I promise I will not try and abuse your vision for my own disgusting ends FOUR STARS

I didn’t enjoy as much as I feel I should’ve

perfect day ! upbeat - good classic not an everyday listen though

One of my top fives of all time, and completely etched to my core. I still remember where I was when I heard that Lou Reed had died, and that’s because of this album, more than the Velvet Underground stuff, which is saying a lot about how much I revere this. My favorite memory is putting Transformer on while shooting pool with my cousin. I’ve always respected his opinion, but this time we really differed. He was like ‘this guy’s singing about honey bears losing baby hair? What the $&@* is this shit?’ If only he could see the truth.

Музыка: 7/10 Разнообразие: 6/10 Тематика и вайб: 7/10 Цепляемость (отдельные песни зашли): 5/10 Реиграбельность (можно ли рандомно врубить на фон): 7/10 Итог: 6.4

almost infantile, yet enjoable

Creative lyrics, but I don't get it.

Obviously iconic album, as is this Earthern legend. However, when I hear Lou Reed, I want to listen to the velvet Underground. Love them. Mal

Phenomenal. This is one of those albums that grows on me more and more upon each visit. Bowie's contributions here are what really makes this something special! Here's my track ranking: 1. Satellite of Love 2. Goodnight Ladies 3. Perfect Day 4. Walk On the Wild Side 5. Make Up 6. Vicious 7. Wagon Wheel 8. Andy's Chest 9. Hangin' Round 10. I'm So Free 11. New York Telephone Conversation 4.5/5

7/10

I mean it’s really just not that good idk what else to see. It’s disjointed and there are like 2 good songs max

Kick ass Bowie produced Lou Reed album. Lou trying to make you uncomfortable with the subject matter in his songs. His spoken word singing in some parts isn't his best but the music is killer.

such a good opening track

I guess I was expecting too much from this album because this wasn't as good as I thought I was gonna be. I was already familar with the classic songs on here (especially Perfect Day it's a perfect song ffs) but the rest of the album just isn't up to par. The majority of this album was interesting and enthralling but the rest of it was lackadaisical. Like the end track for example it was such a weak finisher (or maybe it was subverting expectations?). For the positives (as to not be so damn negative) Lou's singing stayed consistent throughout the album and the vibes equally as good. The production kept things interesting for the most part so I'm grateful for that. Cozy, melancholy, and eccentric. Overall, pretty good! Top 4: Vicious, Perfect Day (peak), Walk On The Wild Side, and Satellite Of Love Worst: Goodnight Ladies (sleeper) 3.25-3.75/5

Lou Reed's most popular album. Has two hit songs on it. It was a pretty decent album, but I don't rate it that highly.

My only experience with Lou Reed's music up to this point in time is having heard the album 'The Velvet Underground' before, so I was going absolutely blind and I didn't know what to expect of it when listening to this for the first time (I didn't even know 'Walk on the Wild Side' was in this record). So it seems like Lou Reed decided to depart from the psychedelic rock scene and lean towards the glam rock sound with the help of David Bowie in both the production and the songs as backing vocals, acoustic guitar and keyboards. And honestly, he did an incredible job. I found this album to be extremely likeable thanks to the rich instrumentation, his charming voice and the interesting lyrics, Fantastic album. Not perfect (some of the latests songs are a bit weak), but still incredible.

Love it

aardig

Pretty much everything Bowie touches turns to gold, and this album is no exception. Such an easy album to listen to with some classic singles. Lou Reed deserves all the credit he gets as a songwriter.

Novelty of his voice wears thin quickly. Some songs weren’t bad but a couple were really awful.

Lou Reed is cool and all but the second of half of this album really veers off into "goofy (in a bad way) beatles song" territory. Satellite of Love and Perfect Day are pretty good though.

Fun listen! some good tunes. can i kick it "walk on the wild side" was fun

Eu amo

Yawn. Lou Reed is overrated

better than the last lou red.

fun when you can tell an album was added to this list for one specific song from it, and woke tom petty here doesn't disappoint. 3/5

Just ok. 2 decent songs and thats it...

It's alright, but I find it all pretty samey. Even the popular tracks don't really stand out that much to me.

Not a fan.

You gotta smoke a cigarette in a back alley while listening to this one. Or literally take a walk on the wild side.

Not what I'd usually listen to or enjoy much, but good album within its genre

Love the quirky lyrics in particular

Good album . Was surprised how many tracks i knew .

Overrated but well done

Yay

bruh

Hey were is the 6 button!?!?!?!?!? Amazing album

This is nearly a 5 for me. I'm trying to keep 5's sacred, but this is makin it hard. Lou is effortlessly cool. His song writing clever, cheeky, and his delivery suits it all perfectly. the balance and restraint in his music with what i percieve as nonchalance is fuckin cat nip I love songs that have the female vocals ringing in, or have a dopey tuba (is that a tuba?) Is that a recorder...or a pan flute out of no where? Its fucking awesome. shit i talked myself into a 5

Spoko, nawet mile, ale nie moj gust

Klassikko, tää ollu vahvasti kuuntelulistalla pitkään -A

Couple of iconic songs in Perfect Day & Wild Side. You can definitely hear the Bowie influence on the album. Some of the songs are a little drab. Not really an album I would return to and re-listen in its entirety.

very chill

Not that wild anymore!

This is the same guy that made Lulu

Love this!!!!! Such a classic

More than meets the eye

6/10… glam rock

Muy bueno

Quintessential Lou Reed. Such a fantastic record. He pioneered a sound and this is it- New York Punk/Hippie Rock & Roll. Nothing too fancy but revolutionary and timeless in its simplicity and sound. Can't go wrong putting on any Lou Reed record. This one brings the goods, with such classics throughout. Starting with Vicious, throw in Walk on the Wild Side, Perfect Day, Satellite of Love and Wagon Wheel and you got yourself a 5 star album.

Just about perfect.

Hits are genius. The other tracks…..are a chore

My favourite Lou Reed album ❤️

I totally get why it's so revered, but as an album...meh. I think I like Lou Reed as a concept more than I like most of his output. This probably has the greatest concentration of songs of his I like - Perfect Day and Satellite of Live are great, WOTWS is iconic, Vicious is groovy enough...but I just don't vibe with his more cabaret type things. Really, this is a 3 to me - not appalling, just OK - but those 3 really 4 songs push it to a 4. Just.

Classic

Very good album. Lou is very talented and his music is fun and different.

Better than I thought

After having listened to Lou Reed, or more importantly The Velvet Underground, on acid it is impossible to be too critical. Even in a more sober state, it it easy to groove on these tunes. I enjoyed every fucking minute of this album.

Familiar songs placed in album context can def ehar bowie in it was really chill and enjoyable.

Like, very good. So groovy wtf.

Delightfully bizarre and very entertaining.

I feel like I am missing something with this album. It seems to be widely loved and appreciated, but I couldn't get to that point myself. I listened to this album three times and felt unsatisfied. I think Lou Reed's voice isn't for me. When I found myself enjoying the gritty guitar or the piano, I was brought out of it by the playful and unserious lyrics and Lou's voice.

You're So Vicious 1001 Albums Generator 112 (09/05/2025) Lou Reed is another one of those classic rock guys that I just never got into. I'm not a big fan of The Velvet Underground, so I guess I just had no reason to check out his solo work. Imagine my shock when I find out that (i) I actually do know one of the songs on this album and (ii) David Bowie produced this album and he played guitar on the song that I knew. Listening to Transformer, the Bowie influence in the sound is obvious. It's got that artsy glam rock sound about it that Bowie was also doing throughout this time. The album opens strong with Vicious, Andy's Chest, and Perfect Day all showcasing different strengths of Transformer. Vicious is almost punk-like, Andy's Chest is poppy and glamy, and Perfect Day is a nice ballad. Of course, Walk on the Wild Side is an absolute classic and has managed to live a second life as the primary sample in A Tribe Caled Quest's Can I Kick It? as well as HAIM's hit Summer Girl. Unfortunately, the second half of Transformer is full of some musical indulgences that do not work very well. The most egregious examples of this are New York Telephone Conversation and the satirical Goodnight Ladies. While I understand what Reed was doing here in leaning into his theatrical tendencies, I think it brings the quality down. There are also a couple of more forgettable songs like Hangin' Round and Make Up that just don't stand up to everything else going on here. Transformer is pretty decent overall - somewhere around a 3.5/5, which I will round down to a 3. Favs: Vicious Walk on the Wild Side Wagon Wheel Least Fav: Goodnight Ladies

favs: - perfect day - satellite of love

Out oof all the velvet underground rejects lou reed is the only one with talent. At that this has one iconic song. The rest are tolerable.

It's just a perfect day.

I liked every other song. I dig the proto punk, but wish Lou Reed didn’t sing like he’s in a Doo-Whop band at a sock hop.

Not one mention of the All Spark??!

Interesting enough for me to not hate it, not good enough for me to like it

Standout Songs: Vicious Perfect Day Satellite of Love Wagon Wheel Not bad, although I think Lou’s voice is very monotonous and sounds nearly the same in every song. Musically it’s really good, lyrically it’s okay (my only critique is he talks about sex quite a bit). Overall a decent album but probably not one I will return to.

Can see why so many of my favorite rock artists cite Lou Reed as a major influence

Favorite track- perfect day

sort of hit or miss for me but the best songs are sooo good. Pretty basic but my favs are walk on the wild side and perfect day. These are actually accurate unlike the belle and Sebastian album 😭

Lou Reed’s lyrics and guitar work fit on some tracks, but can also be slightly clunky/abrasive at times. The songs it clicks on are super great, like Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side. This album sounds and feels a lot like his previous stuff with the Velvet Underground. Standout tracks: Perfect Day, Walk On the Wild Side, Hangin’ ‘Round

This sucks. Never heard of lou reed before, had zero expectations. But the album cover evoked the feeling this would be very boring and it was right. This man isnt singing, hes just reading the lyrics to the rhythm. With a very soulless voice, might i add. Theres just something annoying and creepy about his voice. At every song i was asking why anyone would make this music. What was the vision, please tell me as i cant see it. Now that i am familiar with lou reed, i know to avoid him like the plague. Thank you, 1001 albums I would give a 0/5 if i could.

Perfect Day was the only song I liked. Not a fan of the vocals but the lyrics are good.

3.0 - Ok

My enjoyment of this album varies wildly song by song

I liked this. I've heard a couple of songs, but didn't know the artist at all

Nope. Not for me.

Hmm... while 'Transformer' is far better than 'The Velvet Underground', it still feels just kinda OK to me. 'Walk on the Wild Side' is obviously a classic, but as it has been for other entries throughout this challenge, a killer single doesn't make the entire album "must hear". That said, I do appreciate Lou's songwriting and the inspiration he's given other artists. It's just that, unfortunately for Lou, I've grown up with Duran Duran's cover of 'Perfect Day' and Eurythmics' cover of 'Satellite of Love', and as is often the case, I prefer the familiarity of the versions that are already etched into my brain - even if they aren't the originals. Side note: 'Vicious' might have been a keeper for me, but I couldn't stop hearing Steppenwolf's 'Magic Carpet Ride' (which, again, is a better song than what Lou's offering here).

Lots of really good stuff here. The album as a whole didn’t quite get to a 5 for me. Regardless it deserves a spot on this list. I was happy to have listened to this.

Slow paced, kinda relaxing, not my style.

Great

Очень интесный альбом! Музыка такая с одной стороны энергичная, а с другой, мягкая. 8 из 10.

This was great - a very enjoyable listen. Fantastic, interesting songs. An album I know I should have listened to prior and now I’m very glad I did.

It's good, if not overrated like anything related to The Velvet Underground. Thanks for contributing the bassline to "Can I Kick It" by A Tribe Called Quest

Okay not something I would seek out to listen to

I’ve never listened to a Velvet Underground album or a Lou Reed solo release. I definitely found myself tapping my toes from the opening track ‘Vicious’. There were a couple others that caught my attention as well. I hadn’t heard ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ in a while, and that doesn’t really need anything else said about it. I was ready to lump this album in with others who have a talk-sing style - Leonard Cohen in particular, Dylan a little bit, though I suppose in his case it’s just a group of folks who don’t have great singing voices, but Lou Reed and his songs stands apart from them a bit. This album certainly belongs on this list.

amazing

I think the songs that are good are classics & there’s a few skippable tracks

Aantal klassiekers (met recht) en overall een interessante sfeer. Lekker album.

His sleepy voice has grown on me considerably after multiple listens. Perfect Day and Wild Side were already solid listens, but everything else was new to me and all but NY Telephone Conversation treat me well. I’m at a solid 3.5.

One of Lou Reed’s better efforts.

Un álbum agradable de escuchar, con una clara influencia de David Bowie desde la producción del mismo. Con excepción de algunos temas sobresalientes como "Perfect Day", "Walk On The Wild Side" y "Satellite Of Love" no me parece una obra muy relevante. Continúa con la línea de The Velvet Underground, pero con una mejor calidad de producción y grabación.

The Godfather, absolute classic.

Perfect Day is a perfect song. The rest is just fine. Seems like a 'time and a place' record.

I swear you could have put David Bowie in place of Lou here and it would sound like it was a Bowie album.

This is album is masterfully produced and recorded. This is the conclusion of anything good I have to say about it. The only worse album I have encountered on this list was a Velvet Underground album. There's a common thread here, and it's "Lou Reed fucking sucks." The Velvet Underground album, I wish I could have rated zero stars. Since this one is better than that, it has earned the one star I'm giving it ⭐

Awesome album

ну это вау... понравилось!!! ох уж эта величайшая сила дэвида боуи превращать в золото все, к чему он прикасался, великий

Lovely Lou

Chill and fun and Walk on the Wild Side is obviously rock-solid but truly I was more transported by Berlin...

This was a pleasant listen, but nothing that rocked my socks.

solid lou

well...I didn't like it. I'm not a big fan of his voice. however, the songwriting and the themes explored in the songs were interesting.

If you've never heard it, it brings a vibe not easily found. The whole album is good, with some serious gems within. Pairs well with washing your car or rolling blunts.

Took a walk on the wild side - I enjoyed hearing this album

Big fan of this album!

Класний альбом, круто зіграно, є прям хітяри. Дуже стильна міська музика, не тривіальна, але й не експертиментальна як на The Velvet Underground. Вважаю, що дуже жлобський мув брати 100% роялті з Can I Cick It за бас лінію, яку ти навіть не зіграв. Тому оцінку понижаємо до 4.

Can't deny the cultural impact of a few of these songs, but the rest is just a little too smoking-room-in-New-York for my liking. Interesting to dabble in, and surprisingly contemporary social topics, but not something I'd seek out or listen to in my own time.

This record surprised me by leaning into some pop sensibilities and using them to elevate the confrontational aspects of pink and No-Wave. Lou Reed harnesses his ghost writing experience for his own artistic ends instead of turning his back on the whole shebang like other artist in the scene.

Five stars for me. Special place in my heart because we spent hours listening to this album at our place on monastery lane. It’s also just beautiful and cool.

Ok so it is the Lou Reed record with the hits, sure. Relistening to it now though.. I do think I'd rather put on The Blue Mask, New Sensations, or New York first.

Certamente um dos discos que mais ouvi na vida, perfeito do início ao fim.

Definitely an eccentric and weird album; goofy but enjoyable