Reviews (page 7 of 13)
First half, amazing. Second half, okay.
Lou Reed is a weird one for me - I feel like he just doesn't want to sing and just kinda talks, but somehow I also think he pulls it off. This album is his peak in my opinion, but even at his best I find some of his stuff too irritating to give him 5 stars so he's getting 4 (of which 3 belong to Bowie).
Is 'Perfect Day' about heroin? Well, regardless, it's an amazing song on an excellent album. Key tracks are "Vicious", "Perfect Day", "Walk on the Wild Side", and "Satellite of Love". "Satellite of Love" is the far superior satellite song over Dave Matthews Band's "Satellite". There was a bit more jazzy/musical-like sounds (see "New York Telephone Conversation" and "Goodnight Ladies") in here with horns etc than I remembered. I thought it was just the best parts of Velvet Underground but Lou definitely adds his own flair that is definitely not VU. The refined Velvet Underground stuff is still far superior. Still a classic album with a few amazing tracks.
I thought I was someone else: someone good. This line wrecked me when I first heard it. It still does.
Well played list. You’ve won me round on (non-Nico) Velvet Underground and now it seems a Lou Reed album. I always thought he was supposed to be a miserable bastard, but I found this quite light, happy and an interesting listen. Defo will listen again….
Fucking amazing
Começa extremamente bem com músicas excelentes, entre as quais, estão os maiores hits de Lou Reed - Vicious; Perfect Day; Walk on the Wild Side etc. Infelizmente, acho que o charme das primeiras músicas não se sustenta da mesma forma na segunda metade do álbum. As músicas não ficam ruins, mas definitivamente as primeiras são muito mais características e memoráveis. Resumindo: Os pontos altos do álbum são altíssimos, enquanto os baixos são, no pior dos cenários, medianos, ou seja, olhando para o conjunto, um álbum bem positivo, criativo e definitivamente influente.
Classic album that I have never listened too before in its entirety. Has a very good tracks vicious, perfect day, satellite of love but also has some mediocre ones for example make up and wagon wheel. Overall though enjoyed it.
This album calmed my infant right down and for that alone, 4/5 stars. Actually a nice album to listen to. Definitely putting this in my replay list
Highlights: Vicious, Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side, Make Up, Satellite of Love. In a nutshell: transformative. The singles are excellent. The rest of the album is a mixed bag. A little panto (New York Telephone Conversation), honky tonk piano forward (Hangin’ ‘Round) subtle sarcasm. Perfect Day is iconic. Makeup is an underrated ode to gender confidence and pride. A little front loaded. Still a good album. Overall: 7/10
The sound of NYC
Still perks my interest
Pleasantly surprised
This was a fun listen! Great voice and such unique, yet acceptable lyrics!
It's amazing.
Lou Reed is a pioneer. I always felt he has a spoken word punk style. II think he is special, like in a special category that lies outside mainstream but is of critical importance to the entire music world. Artists who are hard to put in a box because they make their own. Many musicans over many years have broken molds and designed theiir own boxes, but few can claim their place at their own table right up next to the bigwigs. The only way to understand this review is to listen to this album. Then it will come clear that where else is he supposed to fit in?
this was an awesome album, I really enjoyed it!
first listen oh, Bowie's on this?
Pretty fun album!
Interesting
a walk on the surprisingly mild side
When I started listening I thought this was going to be a mediocre album... But I was pleasantly surprised! I really really really enjoyed it! Favourite tracks: Perfect day Walk on the wild side New York Telephone Conversation I'm so free Goodnight Ladies
Great album with some legendary songs overall. Some songs leave a little to be desired particularly vocally but some of these are very essential so still gets a very respectable rating.
The 3 big songs on here are fucking great and perfect, known that for years. The rest of the album never did much for me but on this listen it’s grown on me a bit! Fucked with vicious, I’m so free, and hangin round. Rest of it sounded better than I remembered for the most part too.
Solid
good
Some classics on this album. Perfect day is perfection!
Day163 - don’t do drugs kids but if you do, try and be as cool as lou reed
Enjoyed the album
Muito bom! Deu pra ver claras inspirações de músicas que eu gosto em cima desse artista. Progressão de notas, tonalidade vocal, ou simplesmente ritmo. Fácil de entender porque alguém se inspiraria nele também.
Great album with iconic tracks!
I actually really enjoyed this album. His story telling in his songs is awesome. Highlights include: Vicious, Perfect Day, Good Night Ladies, Satellite of Love
Definitely deserves the mantle of a classic album. A few fillers, but some of Reed's greatest songs like Perfect Day, Satellite of Love and Walk on the wild side. 4/5
Pretty good, full of bops.
Not terribly interested in the first couple of tracks, but the album grew on me as it continued. Haven't listened to much Velvet Underground so I'm sure with time I'll be better able to place my thoughts on this as a piece in relation to the band. Standing alone though it was enjoyable, I think the deadpan vocal delivery can be a bit much for an entire album, but he mixed up the rest of the instrumentation as the album progressed that it kept me engaged.
Awesome and chill. 4.5
Now if Bowie sounded like this, maybe I’d actually like him. An extremely New York City record, and that makes me really like it. Definitely has a few kitschy low points, but while they’re not the songs I’d listen to on their own, I’m more than fine with them in the context of a full listen. Especially when the highlights are so high. Even at its worst, I still enjoy it a lot, in its queerness, in its eccentricities, in its alternative spirit.
Really enjoyed this whole album!
Its such a Perfect Day !!!!!!
Sounds a lot like the Ziggy Stardust album, Hangin' Around reminds me a lot of Sufragette City. Sounds great, really strange in parts but with very special moments too. Walk in the wild side is probably the album's best song, no shock it's as huge as it is. Definitely one of the best songs of all time. And Satellite of Love is a personal favourite. :) Solid 4!
Ohhh ittsss such a perfect day
Very solid album
never listened to this album before. only his more known songs. loved it.
Really interesting album. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Hits, gems and a full musical spectrum. 4.5
"Walk on the Wild Side," "Andy's Chest," and "Perfect Day" are excellent songs. Not a great vocalist, but Loud Reed is a great songwriter.
Lou will always be one of the most important people in rock music for what he did with the Velvets, but also he had some fantastic solo stuff too. This is one of them, some stone cold classics singles on here, whole album flows by in no time with just great songwriting throughout. Man was a legend.
4.3 Album sounds great, bass playing stood out as a highlight. We know that walk on the wild side has an iconic bass line but the rest of the album has really interesting lines and sounds awesome in the mix. Mick Ronsons lead guitar is great too. And Reeds lyrics are while we are all here. side note coney island baby is my favorite Lou Reed song, just thought it needed to be said
Thought starting out today this would be a solid 5 based on its release right before my senior year of high school and how much we listened to it while playing cards. Lou really wanted to be a Brill Building pop radio songwriter (like Carole King-Gerry Goffin) and some great songs here reflect that. Side 1 is solidly great and includes an achingly lovely song that is in Elizabeth’s top ten of all time, Perfect Day. Also in her top 10, the lead track from The Velvet Underground’s debut album, Sunday Morning. And imagine what it was like to hear Walk on the Wild Side on Top 40 radio several times a day. Side 2 isn’t nearly as good as side 1, save for Satellite of Love, so the drop to a 4. The only other Lou album in the 1,001 is Berlin, my fave of his, a drugged out dirge song cycle that is kinda depressing subject matter-wise, but is all very lovely in its own way.
Vicious? Maybe, but there's a lot of soft shoeing and camp too. This album didn't make sense to me for many years, but I get it now, and it's excellent.
Great chill album
Pretty great overall. Walk on the wild side a notable single. Falls off a bit towards the end.
great album
Cute. 4/5
Definitely a lot better than anything Velvet Underground did, wonder why that is?
decent 7 had some rough spots (cough cough MAKE UP cough cough) but solid record nonetheless
I love David Bowie so I loved the production on this album. It is actually quite whimsical I thought. Some songs were meh especially the slower ones but I loved Wagon Wheel, Hangin' Around and New York Phone Conversations. New York Phone Conversations sounds so much like it belongs in a musical.
Enjoyable when in the right mood
Another one I want to give a 4.5. Not feeling this atm but on I plough
First time listening to the album. I am a fan of Velvet Underground. I have heard some of these songs on various soundtracks but not as intended on album set form. Very much liked it. Favorite Tracks: Satellite of Love, Goodnight Ladies, Wagon Wheel
Great album! I know a lot of these songs already, but have honestly never listened to an entire Lou Reed album. Glad I did, and I will for sure listen to this again as well as seek out more.
Really enjoyed this listen. I listened to it before, but was feeling it a lot this time. Not amazing, but very solid. Could see it creeping up the ratings over time. 3.75/5
An undeniable classic that I mostly vibe with, but could go the rest of my life without hearing “Perfect Day” again. B
pretty much on par with velvet projects
Smooth album. Good music when you just hang around :-)
Excellent album! A real snorter full of great tunes!
Glam/pop rock. I am kind of at a loss for words for this album. Not because it's so good or so bad, but it's just so different. At least from what I was expecting. A very artsy, poetic album, Lou Reed fills each song with his deadpan delivery. I really thought I would get tired of it but I definitely found the charm in it. I won't pretend to know what each song was about, it was hard to pay attention and the lyrics were sometimes just a little too odd. I found each song to be very catchy, especially choruses. Nothing about the instrumentals really stood out in terms of like, certain instruments being written or performed well. I just overall liked the variety in instruments and song genres. A very artsy album in that way. Love some of the vocal "ba ba bas" and "do do doos" and stuff like that, always a big fan. Overall a very fun oddball of an album with very strong songwriting. Might revisit the whole thing but otherwise only select songs. 4/5
I dig Lou Reed
This album is amazing! Love the grooves and it’s obvious how much he influenced current artists like Kevin Morby, one of my favorites.
Tre ting jeg er spesielt imponert over med dette albumet: 1. Hvordan Lou Reed blander gamle sjangeruttrykk med moderne tekster. 2. I hvilken grad Lou Reed greier å lage melodilinjer som høres tidløse ut, og produsere sanger som de fleste bare kan drømme om. 3. Hvordan Reed fugnerer som bindeleddet mellom tidligere rock og nyere punk. Ikke helt min kopp te, men jeg må ta av meg hatten for nivået på plata.
It took me most of my life to fully appreciate and get into Lou Reed. Even now, I wouldn't say I am a huge fan of his music. His work is sometimes too aloof for me, which is probably why a lot of people like him so much. "Transformer" not only has two of Reed's biggest hits but it also has "Vicious," "I'm So Free," "Satellite of Love" and "Wagon Wheel" which are some of his best tracks. This is an excellent album to start with in an effort to determine if Reed's version of glam rock is favorable to you and your ears. Excellent album and "Perfect Day" is a perfect song.
All good except for the horn heavy songs.
If not his best solo album, it's certainly his most recognizable. It set the pace for his post-VU trajectory. Sometimes challenging, sometimes breathtaking but always an artist.
Great album - you can hear the Bowie influence on production from the get-go. Reed particularly at this time tells tales not otherwise heard and does so with a frankness that is unique. The mix of musical styles including what feels like Broadway musical on New York Telephone Conversation is neat, although includes a couple of misses. The inconsistency is the only thing that keeps this from a 5 star in my opinion.
Cool!
Lou Reed is such a a weird combination of brilliance and mediocrity. Walk on the Wild Side is hilarious and catchy and weirdly poignant, and a lot of the other songwriting is charming. Lou Reed is at times an objectively terrible singer, but there are times when he delivers something great.
I could easily rate this highly just because of its ‘classic’ status, but I am rating it highly because, aside from its impact and the argument that it did many things ‘first’, it is a fantastic album. It isn’t just heralded ‘classics’ like Perfect Day and Walk On the Wild Side that make this album great, although these may indeed be my two favourites. The majority of the remaining tracks pack almost the same glam rock punch.
Love it! very mellow and not boring and doesnt sound like everything else that was happening in this era and much love to the velvet undergound 3.5-4.0 for me
Lot of the music that I listen to is around this time period but why oh why haven't I given enough recognition to Lou. Well it was about time
One GREAT song. Rest of the album isn’t bad but that one hit outshines them all.
Aware of Lou Reed but never listened to any of his albums until now. This was great
Good shit, Lou Reed.
First one back for a while, actually pretty good. A few bangers I already knew on there, but a swell album all round.
#3 Perfect Day, ein wahnsinns Hit. Filmmusik. #5 genauso.
I feel torn. Some of the tracks were very good, but others seemed out of place. Overall I'd give it a 7.5/10
Important for indie
I always liked "Walk on the Wild Side". Interesting that there's actually a second track on the album, also about crossdressing - Makeup. Pretty good too. The third, of three, top tracks on this album is naturally "Perfect Day" Apart from those tracks, everything else is a little too Avant Garde / over theatrical for me. Nevertheless, those three good tracks catapult it to 4 stars
Walk on the Wild Side is one of my all time favorites and Andy’s Chest is great as well. Overall the album didn’t fully hold my attention, but there are some great songs
Outside of Velvet Underground, I never paid much attention to Lou Reed solo. But this was a very cool listen. Perfect Day and Satellite of Love were nice re-visits and the Bowie/Ronson production is very apparent given some similar sonic styles appearing here just like the Bowie albums themselves during this same time period. An easy 4 for its uniqueness, influence and staying power.
Bowie keeps popping up! He produced this album, too! I do like it quite a bit. Walk on the Wild Side, Perfect Day, and Satellite of Love (my fave) are enough to get this 4 stars from me. But once again I’m gummied-up and don’t have anything insightful to say. 4/5
4+/5
Mostly pretty sweet! I definitely lean more towards the VU sounding tracks over those that are what I'd say are more Bowie sounding. The quirky, awkward, deanpan vocals really do just work well for Lou and makes that album a really interesting listen. 7/10
"Perfect Day" and "Satellite of Love" were the tops for me though I liked a bunch of the tracks. Overall I thought it was a pretty fun album
I must be averaging a Velvet Underground, or Velvet Adjacent, album at about 1 in 6. It’s also amazing how many times - when you do a bit of reading up - how often Bowie is in the background. This has both, and it works. Some genuinely great tracks, mixed with some other solid bit and pieces of various genres.
I like the combo of styles, but his voice could use some work ;)
Perfect Day - это одна из величайших песен в истории музыки. Изначально про героин, в абсолютно нереальном постмодернистском повороте событий ставшая гимном вот этой спокойной жизни и радости мелочам (см. отличный Perfect Days). И, собственно, почему бы и нет? Песня, в которой, на самом деле, можно найти самые разные смыслы, к которой можно относиться по-своему и быть в этом правым. Этот альбом чувствуется как альбом Дэвида Боуи-не-только-продюссера, особенно в суперской Satellite of Love. Не идеальный, но очень хороший альбом. Лучшая песня - Perfect Day.
The roller-coaster ride that was Lou Reed's career had to have a snapshot that would last forever and Transformer was that snapshot. It would come to define Lou, for better or worse as he would set out to subvert and distort the perceptions people had of him based on this. But, man, what a perception. At times reflective, bombastic, revelatory, problematic and rollicking, it comes as no surprise that those who flocked to this would want to come back for more. For the first time, and what would end up being not for the last time, Lou Reed had struck a poignant note to the masses; funny how, in a fell swoop, he would tear it all down. Favorites: Vicious, Andy's Chest, Perfect Day, Hangin' Round, Walk on the Wild Side, Make Up, Satellite of Love, Wagon Wheel.
Great album with the classic songs "Perfect Day" and "Take a Walk on the Wild Side". I'd never heard any of the other songs off this album before, but they were all pretty good. Great bluesy sound. Overall a good album
Absolute essential
This album is delightful. Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side themselves make it great. There's something about his skewed take on things and slightly off key voice that I love.
听时有些迷幻，每一首的心情都不同，但总有一些幽郁，听起来没什么后劲
Transformer I remember buying this at Uni and quite liking it, although I haven’t listened in a long time. I must have known at the time that Bowie and Ronson produced it but that felt like news to me today. And listening to it their fingerprints are all over it. The guitar on Vicious (and throughout), the strings on Perfect Day, the bass and drums on Hangin’ Around, the tuba on Make Up. LOVE Bowie on backing vocals on the coda of Satellite of Love. Also didn’t realise Klaus Voormann played bass on some of the tracks . Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side are more examples of those overfamiliar songs that really are superb when you properly listen to them. Iv’e always loved Vicious and Satellite of Love is a stone cold classic. Listening through today, aside from the biggies, Andy’s Chest, Hangin’ Around, Wagon Wheel (GREAT guitar on this) and I’m so Free stood out. I wasn’t as keen on Make Up, New York Telephone Conversation and Goodnight Ladies - a bit underwhelming and feel more like exercises in production and arrangement rather than actual songs. I do like Lou Reed and his style of songwriting and really like his vocals, but I’m not sure there are quite enough good songs on here, and without Ronson I think it would be more of a struggle to get through those weaker tracks. I don’t know his solo work that well, but I do love the Velvet Underground and listening to this it feels like he does need some interesting collaborators to help elevate some of his more mundane moments or pick up some song writing slack. One of those funny ones to rate - the highs are exceptional and although the lows aren’t terrible or too numerous they are a bit deflating, so it’s between a 3 and a 4. Just because of Vicious, Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side, Satellite of Love and Wagon Wheel I’ll say 4. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good Album
Couple of real classics on here. Perfect Day is my favorite. I like these and can listen to most of them if they came up in my playlist.
Great,lots of different styles
Owned this one for a while and probably never gave it enough love beyond Perfect Day and Walk On the Wild Side. It’s much more than that, really consistent and enjoyable listen. Tails off a bit at the end or it could even be a 5.
Good album- great music and well written
Yeah there are some bangers on here. Lou Reed is a wacky character and I'm all there for it. The end of Satellite of Love is dope. Fav songs: - Vicious - Perfect Day - Hangin Round - Walk on the Wild Side - Satellite of Love
"Transformer" von Lou Reed ist natürlich ein absoluter Klassiker. "Perfect day" und "Walk in the wild Side" die tollen Songs, die in der ewigen Bestenliste auftauchen. Und die Stimme von Lou ist einfach sowas von einzigartig. Sehr schön.
Fun, emotional, lively but slow, old school (good and bad)
This reminds me of my mom - take a walk on the wild side.
Lyrics are very tactile, simple - Production quality is amazing.
His most accessible album, which also means that this is the album where his horrible singing is most at full display. Four stars out of five, I will not elaborate further.
This was a good album. If your not familiar with Lou Reed than this is a great starting point. I’ve known about him for many years, but never really had a chance to digest his music. I want to say that I can hear the David Bowie influence, but I’m not to sure who really influenced who, but if you like early David Bowie, than this will be right up your alley.
Great varied album that is never boring. Lou Reed proves he can really write some great tunes, only a little bit odd at least compared to what he was doing previously. Really enjoyed this one
I loved this album, it was one of those albums full of great songs I didn’t know who wrote them. It is my also my music genre so I might be biased
Transformative. 4.5
Cool, with an almost elegant sleaze and immaculate production. A lot more to dig here than just the popular singles.
Love Lou Reed. And this is a very very Lou Reed kind of album.
Liked it then, still like it now. There are a couple of songs the drop it to 4/5 but still a great listen.
Reminded me of dire straights
I liked this a lot more than the Velvet Underground, weird in a fun way that kept me engaged all the way through.
Yes very Important album
Packed with classics
Very enjoyable, would like to revisit again
perfect day is a perfect song
Thoughts before listening: This is the Lou Reed album that gets the most praise from journalists. I was pleasantly surprised by Berlin when that came up on this list so I'm excited to listen to this one as well. Review: This is great. Reading up on this album I see that David Bowie and Mick Ronson produced it which makes sense cause this sounds like 70s era Bowie glam rock. There are some absolute classics on here in "Perfect Day", "Walk On the Wild Side", and "Satellite of Love", but I'm also enjoying "Vicious", "Hangin' Round", and "I'm So Free". Overall a very good album that presents a much more radio friendly take on Lou Reed's sound that stands out in a discography filled with tough listens. 4-stars.
I hadn’t properly listened to much of Lou Reed before this, but he’s a great songwriter with good tunes
i'm squarely between 3 and 4 on the rating for this one. the 3 reflects how much i actually like listening to it. 4 reflects what i think about the album's legacy on music i like. I'll round up this time.
I'm gonna make my group mad and just say it: this album could use like three more songs!!!!
Great album start to finish... 4.5 Stars
Some wonderful & unique songs and some filler. I will keep coming back to "Perfect Day," "Walk on the Wild Side," and "Satellite of Love." The other songs, not so much.
Interesting listen... the tubas harken back to an older time, but the definitely still has a foot in rock and punk.
When this is good it's transcendently good. But it sort of peters out at the end. I wished it finished with a bit more oomph. If it did, it'd be a clear 5 star. But it didn't get all the way there for me. Still loved this and hope to revisit in the future.
This was good, couple great songs, some "fun" lyrics. Nothing particularly stand out, but everything gels quite well as an album. I quite enjoyed listening to this.
a nice little jaunt through the wild side, even if a couple bits did feel a bit safe. overall a very good album that is extremely well produced, i would go back to this one.
Very Dylanesque. I love his poeticism because it especially contrasts his dead pan voice. This is definitely his most popular album, and I think for good reason (satellite of love, etc). In terms of the album structure I think he went for very Beatles inspo because all of the folk/alt/orchestral mixes on here. 8/10
amazing. the jazz and cabaret undertones in rock n roll, David Bowie production (so obviously its good), and Reed's slightly lazy delivery make the album a captivating listen. vicious is now in my playlists and I'm entering another velvet underground era thank you !! 8/10
Was p good, don’t think I’ll revisit much tho 7.5/10
generally liked it, new york telephone call was a little odd though 7.5/10
Lou reed’s talk singing misses quite a bit, but there are some bangers on this album and the songs all have fantastic production. I don’t know how to rate it since a good number of the songs are ass but a few are incredible, 8/10 I guess
Classic Lou Reed. Not my favorite album of all time but I respect it. Has some great singles. Walk on the Wild Side, Vicious, Satellite of Love are standouts.
Lou Reed was one freaky dude, but I think his solo output is far superior to The Velvet Underground. While his music is still very psychedelic, I feel it's more streamlined and works better! Definitely one of his best works. Standout tracks: Vicious, Andy's Chest, Perfect Day, Walk On The Wild Side, Satellite Of Love, I'm So Free 8 out of 10
Goed album, maar had niet anders verwacht van m'n naamgenoot ;) Luistert lekker weg en heeft een aantal nummers die ik al kende maar niet mega bijzonder dus geen 5 sterren Would buy wel
Ahh, Lou Reed! This is an album I had already listened to in the past. A true classic, indeed! Great music, great lyrics, and Lou's distinctive voice. Definitely love this one!
Bowie + songwriting + Lou. Gold.
Jag tror att detta faktiskt handlar om om man prioriterar det ambitiösa, svåra och utmanande framför det tillgängliga och kommersiella. Även om det alltid borde finnas en plats för den förra, föredrar jag de flesta dagar den senare, vilket är anledningen till att jag skulle välja Transformer. Berlin är en jäkla intensiv åktur och, mina reservationer över en del av Ezrins utsmyckade produktion förutom, ett album med stor genomslagskraft. Men Transformer är ett av de fantastiska feel good-albumen som omedelbart kan ta dig till en bekant, glad plats. Jag älskar svischa av låtarna och produktionen, men det har ett tillräckligt mörkt hjärta där för att förhindra att den blir för lätt.
4/5. Not quite a 5* album, but close. Lou Reed paved the way for alt and indie rock. Walk on the wild side is still excellent.
Very modern sounding in terms of the recording quality itself as well as the disaffected post punk sound. Very cohesive record too - sounds like it could have been put together in the studio in one single session.
Bowie - good Mick Ronson - good Lou Reed - okay but with the other two, good He’s got a great voice for storytelling, but maybe not for signing. Great beats, great lyrics. Solid album that’s been imitated for decades.
7.7
A great, but inconsistent album. Very much a mash-up of Velvet Underground and Spiders From Mars.
Overall really enjoyed this. Had that weird mush mouth / acid vibe where dude was just talking about whatever.
This is the first album I’ve actually revised and rated and I’m glad I saved it for this one. 4.3/5. He is who the Beatles thought they were. I assume this album will be the biggest surprise for it least the next 300 albums we listen to on this journey.
Lou Reed's lyrics and delivery style were unique to me the first time I heard this album. There is a certain simplicity to the presentation of each song that works beautifully without needing to build to any kind of emotional crescendo. Lou Reed's lyrics are front and center in his songs--nothing getting buried behind a crescendo of sounds.
bowie produziu bum explodiu
Wow wild side is one of the best recordings I’ve ever heard. Inspired by the floating narrative, each song is a world that floats, simple, clear, production each element is highlighted at its time, wow
Song: Walk on the Wild Side This isn't what I expected from an album produced by David Bowie, but I quite liked it. I didn't know Lou Reed—although I have heard of the Velvet Underground before, I didn't know its members. This song has a really nice, chill, relaxed feeling—the instrumental feels so familiar, and I'm certain I've heard it sampled somewhere before. Also, I liked the lyrics— although he was mostly speaking rather singing than them, it made the song feel a little like slam poetry, which I liked. The saxophone solo was also unexpected and nice, capping off the song with a fadeout. I would definitely listen to it again—more like this, too.
I really enjoyed this one quite a bit as a first album. It had a lot of tracks that I really liked, and it would definitely be something that I will listen to again just on my own. I don’t think I know a lot about music, yet I think I could have placed this one as being mid 70s rock and roll. The lyrics and the way that Reed sings it make the composition feel very casual for most of the album, as if he was simply jamming and wrote the songs as he was going. I liked too when more brass was being added to the tracks, especially the saxophone (wind) during ‘Walk on the Wild Side’. I have heard this song once before, somewhat recently because I didn’t know that ‘Can I kick It?’ was a sample. I hope that I will remember this track and album going forward. My favorite track was 'Goodnight Ladies'; It felt like waking up hungover in New Orleans. Close second was ‘Andy’s Chest’ particularly when Reed said, “Now, when people say her feet smell, they mean her nose.” As it is the first album, I want to add a quick goal for this project, and then hopefully not talk about it much more. I am hoping to expand my musical taste and enjoyment. I want to learn to like albums as a format and so, unless instructed otherwise, I will try to listen to the album in the order recoreded and in one sitting. I also am hoping that I can get more granular with my musical appreciation, and hear more when I listen, as well as discuss music better. I will try the best that I can to write a review for each album, but there will be no requirement for it to be clever. I don’t want to pretend, just listen to good music.
The first time I really remember hearing a Lou Reed song was during the 1993 leg of the U2 Zoo TV tour, Bono would start singing "Satellite of Love" and a pre-recorded video of Lou would duet with him and it was cool. Then came the "Perfect Day" scene in Trainspotting at it was harrowing. And "Walk on the Wild Side" has always been around, I just never knew it as a Lou Reed song. So imagine my delight when all three are on this album. Just a wonderful listen from start to finish.
Lou Reed has always been a tough nut to crack for me, but this has to be his most accessible album. I really liked it. Will stay in my rotation
Amazing laid back vocals from Lou reed paired with distorted and garage guitars make for a fantastic glam rock record. Lou reed also has great ballads like perfect day which is one of my favourite songs of all time. 4/5
Very interesting. Similar to Sugar Man
Classic
An in my view over rated Lou Reed glam rock document with nonetheless amazing peaks and lazy valleys.
161223 14:30 4
Pretty good album for the 70s. 7/10
He sing talks and it works most of the time. The background music was nice at times and then really forgettable some other times. “Walk on the wild side” is great, didn’t realize that it was the sample for “Can I Kick it?”. “Make up” made me uncomfortable, the clown music, saying little girl, and describing what turns him on, ew. I can hear a bunch of different singers in the songs so I guess he was pretty influential. Heavy Violent femmes vibes but less unhinged. Minus the clown songs I rather enjoyed it. 7/10
Not to everyone's taste I know, but a groundbreaking album. The iconic "Walk on the Wild Side", plus the original version of "Perfect Day"; also worth a mention are "Vicious" and "Satellite of Love".
I don't think I've ever listened start to finish but I knew pretty much all of it.
the subject matter on this album is scary.
I do love the first half of this album it feels like such a stretch and a brave personal vision. Much more of a ground level exploration of identity and personal viewpoint than Bowie or glam rock. It starts to fdade some as the album closes.
fun
Really good!
Minimal with some bangers.
7/10. My guy was stoned as hell, but I liked it.
7/10
I like it. I think T.Rex does glam rock better than Lou, but if I listened to music regularly, I’d probably include this album in a rotation. Walk on the Wild Side, c’mon! 4.2
Some absolute classics here - only a couple of not so great tracks, but overall pretty fantastic.
Heel Chill, zonder wat te zeggen uit een raam staren muziek
Pretty ood
Fave track absolutely Goodnight Ladies
The list has redeemed itself. This was great.
A few stellar tracks, a few plodding ones. I listened to this and Iggy Pop back to back, wondering if the slightly creepy vibes towards young women on both albums made me a bit less excited about this one.
master storytelling ability and succinct songwriting
Perfect day je заиста прелепа песма. Цео албум је леп и квалитетан 9/10
C’est comme Bob Dylan mais sur la distortion. Très chill et énervé en même temps
This album is folksy, weird, and, at times, humorous. I found myself laughing out loud at New York Telephone Conversation. A few of the tracks have a bit of a creepy element to them but overall this was a fun listen.
Perfect day, walk on the wild side, make up, goodnight ladies are all amazing. Not a fan of the more strident songs in the first third.
I've listened to some Velvet Underground and thought this would be a Beatles scenario (I don't really like the independent Beatles work). But I really enjoyed this, I love this sound and had a fun time listening.
I think I might prefer New York to this one but it’s still great. The sound is influential, the lyrics are taboo-breaking. Walk on the Wild Side is so popular there’s not much new to say about it, but damn that song is good. So cozy. Vicious, Perfect Day, and Satellite are other standouts but this is an excellent record to listen to front to back. High 4.
Grew up listening to Take A Walk On the Wild Side. Always loved Lou Reed’s envelope pushing lyrics. I hadn’t heard most, if not any of the other songs, but it was fun musically and tonally. Great listen.
This is a good transition from Velvet Underground Lou Reed to solo artist Lou Reed. Maybe that's where the title came from? He did go on to re-record some songs originally written for VU, but I feel like this is a step away from that band. Having David Bowie and Mick Ronson produce (plus having Ronson provide lead guitars) gives this a different feel that is definitely (for lack of a better term) Bowie-esque and even a bit more commercial sounding.
Feeling very vindicated after thinking this sounded like David Bowie and then reading he produced it. My guess is that in 1972 this was wayyy ahead of its time, so it should get credit for that. I don’t think I’d listen to most of these songs again though. “Take a walk on the wild side” is just a fascinating piece and “perfect day”is haunting once I read more about it.
I really enjoyed this album. I think the songs feel very timeless, not stuck in a certain era of song production/sound. There were some parts that were a little goofy for me and Lou Reed’s voice sounds a tad weak in parts (which, I prefer bored-sounding Lou Reed over that) but I still think I’d like to listen to this album again.
33/1001 - another classic, transformative album in rock history. For novice listeners, a few chestnuts you will enjoy and have heard before. Admittedly, first time of rme to hear album all the way through but a good listen. Lou always had an instantly recognized voice! Don't ignore lyrics. Thanks!
A classic ass good album :D may be a little biased but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Czech Republic revolution
Melkee vitonen.
Surprisingly ahead of its time politically
Love having more artistical context around popular songs like walk on the wild side
Going into this I already knew Walk on the Wild Side and Satellite of Love. This is quintessential glam rock which is super fun. It's very apparent that David Bowie produced this. I really liked Makeup and I'm So Free and it also helped me rediscover Satellite of Love.
Tiptop
Lou Reed’s best work. Iconic voice and sound.
Normally don't like slow tempo music but very good.
Freakin cool!
What a classic. As a fan of the Velvet Underground, I appreciate Lou Reed's beautiful voice and the overall brilliance of this work. However, there are a few tracks where I don't quite connect with the music.
From what I gather Lou reed is a weird guy from his lyrics. Funky ass album.
Good!
Ik mag eigenlijk niet meer klagen over het zoveelste rock album want het vorige album dat iets nieuws was heb ik maar 2 sterren gegeven. Maar toch, weer een rock album? Ben benieuwd, Lou Reed is wel echt een grote naam, dus dat zal vast een reden hebben! Vicious is wel een lekkere opener dus mijn hoop is toch weer een stukje groter dan ik van tevorren dacht! Wat ik wel heel leuk vind aan dit project is dat je soms achter nummers komt die je kent maar 0 clue hebt van wie het is of hoe het nummer heet. Perfect Day van Lou Reed is zo'n nummer voor mij, classic man. WTF CAN I KICK IT!?!??! Oh nee, het is Walk on the wild side. Opzich ook wel prima, maar ik vind de versie van A Tribe Called Quest echt vele vele vele malen beter. Maar wel een prima nummertje hoor. De muziek an sich is vrij traag en een beetje saai. Moet wel zeggen dat de benadering van Rock door Lou me wel bevalt, het is wat meer soulish, wat meer bluesey en dat trek ik dan wel altijd goed. Zn stem is ook heel prettig dus dat scheelt ook behoorlijk. Snap wel dat dit een hit album is van hem, al heb ik verder niets gehoord. Ik vind Make Up een heel chill nummer, met de trombone(?) die zo duidelijk te horen is. Daarop valt ook het beste de bluesey kant van dit album te horen. New York Telephone Conversation is een fantastisch nummer en naar mijn bescheiden mening zou die elk jaar de Grammy voor beste nummer moeten winnen. Verdorie Lou, ik kom toch tot de conclusie dat ik deze Rock beter kan waarderen dan ik dacht. Dit is een prima te verteren album! FAVO: Vicious, perfect day, Make up, Satellite of Love, New York Telephone Conversation, goodnight Ladies
Musicalement c'est assez riche, mais j'aurais aimé que la voix prenne moins d'espace. Bien sûr, impossible de passer à côté de Walk on the Wild Side (qui a traversé les âges). Satellite of Love est très bon aussi.
Just good
Slaps. Solid collection of strings, keys and horns. The way Lou sings; humble, doesn’t over play it.
Now I see why They Might Be Giants write some songs as they do! Phenomenal writing here, with occasionally beautiful melodies.
What I assumed was going to be a straightforward '70s rocker surprised me. The lyrics were frequently abstract, leaving the listener to think about the song's meaning. When the lyrics were less abstract, the songs often addressed subjects in life that were not black and white. Again, this left the listener to consider the song and its implications. Reed's singing/speaking style fits the music very nicely. I could hear much inspiration from Reed's style in bands such as Spaceman 3, Silver Jews, Luna, Sonic Youth, and The Fiery Furnaces. This album was much more than I thought it would be.
What a fun album! Love the Velvet Underground, and know some of Lou Reeds later work - and of course the well known sogs from this album (Satellite of Love, Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side) but it’s interesting to hear him in his younger years. Quirky lyrics and stylistic shifts. Love the storytelling element, poetry, and humor in his songwriting. And what’s up with the tuba in some of the songs? Hilarious and unexpectedly perfect.
liked vicious, hangin' round was really good, never listened to him before, enjoyed
You can definetely hear the bowie influenze with this album, but as a bowie fan that is not a bad thing at all. It honestly matches up to be just as good as bowie, which is a big feat to achieve. Honestly I just love an album that's unapolagetically weird and taboo with weird lyrics. Stand out tracks: Perfect Day and Walk on The Wild Side.
Great album for sure. The main track is a 6/5 to me and I appreciate how raw „Super Stupid“ sounds. It‘s easy to sell me on long guitar solos and psychedelic music and this album is easily one of my favorite ones. I love the closing track „Wars of Armageddon - it’s wild but not extreme.
I want to start this review by getting a potentially controversial complaint out of the way. I'm not a big fan of Lou Reed's singing in this album. I can tell that he can sing if he wants to, but it doesn't sound like he wants to. Half the time it just sounds like he's talking. He does good when he tries though. However, despite my complaint there, I think everything else about the album is really good. The instrumentals are quite good and have some interesting sounds with each song. I really like David Bowie's work on this album. The pacing and tone of the album are just right. I think the biggest and most important thing to discuss about this album is the lyrics and subject matter. The fact that an album all about drug use, sexual orientation, and gender identity released in 1972 is astonishing. The songs get their points across quite well. Overall, while the singing could've been more interesting, this album is quite good and absolutely deserves to be on this list. High 4/5.
Pretty good
So close to a five star! Without doubt the peak of Lou Reed's powers, for me. It's hard to find a weakness in here really, and hard to pick a standout. In the end, I think Satellite of Love just pips it. It's a simple song really, but worms its way into your head and has a level of openness and sincerity that I think LR occasionally lacks. Thanks for this The Project!
Pretty damn good. A few tracks that have more than lasted the test of time and a solid supporting cast.
Not quite sure how I feel about this one. Has the two Lou Reed songs that I knew before this (Perfect Day and Walk On The Wild Side) which are both great, but there are a handful of patches where he doesn't seem to realise the limitations of his voice and takes it to places where it really doesn't belong. Doesn't tell a story in the way that Berlin does, but definitely has the better individual tracks on. I think it's a low 4 - probably not deserving of a 5 overall anyway, and the New York Telephone Conversation track definitely brings it down.
There are undeniably some amazing songs on here, but I can’t quite get over the feeling that someone is screaming “the 60s! The 1960s!“ at me every time I hear Lou Reed. He cannot sing. It’s pure over the top coolness and balls, which is simultaneously admirable and annoying.
Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side are the best. A really cool album. 3.5/5
so ahead of its time
Definitely got Bowie vibes before reading that he produced it. Really liked the album, Perfect Day, Vicious, and Satellite of Love were standouts.
Classic album with at least 2 great songs. Lou Reed isn't an exceptional singer and is outclassed in my eyes on almost all his records by Bowie but still a worth while listen for anyone.
the lyrics are the best part
the thing i really like about lou reed's music is that is just oozes cool and has a really biting sarcasm that adds to it. i think the production here is fairly plain, but i think that just amplifies his singing delivery and his lyrics. i knew the big song off of this one and a handful of the album tracks, but had never listened to this one in full. i really appreciated this album. i don't know how to describe it fully, but i feel like things lou reed touched just have this inherent coolness, and the combination of lou reed and david bowie just works so well and accentuates this.
classic cool
Classic early glam rock.
I like Lou
One of those albums that I have heard alomst every song but did not realize who it was or what album its on. It covers a really wide range of sounds levels. It can be pretty quiet and then pretty rambunctious. Good stuff.
‘Goodnight Ladies’ and ‘New York Telephone Conversation’ are the two missteps on what is otherwise a great album laden with essential tracks like ‘Vicious’, ‘Satellite Of Love’, ‘Hanging’ Round’, ‘I’m So Free’ and of course all timer ‘Walk On The Wild Side’.
I have loved this album for a long time but haven’t listened to it lately. Upon revisiting, the hits are classics. The rest is very ROCK N ROLL which luckily Lou’s voice sounds good on. A different singer and I would be bored by most of the album. Lou is the man
Even though lou reed comes off as borderline tone deaf sometimes, this album is still a great listen.
Never understood why I liked Take a Walk on the Wild Side, and now I don't understand why I liked this album. Fun and easy listen
Vicious
I can't believe how catchy these tracks are yet some how atmospheric. I've never listened to this album, just the songs. Definitely enjoying myself.
Love
This is a solid album and shows just how good Bowie was, as he had Reed give it a certain flavor that really works. I only knew Walk on the Wild Side growing up, and then later thanks to commercials I discovered Perfect Day, so saying Lou Reed is glam rock seems weird - neither is quite glam though I've always liked both. Still this album has that feel, like a Donovan (or Bowie) album and it's good. Vicious might be my favorite and Andy's Chest has a nice glam rock sound but Lou Reed's signature weird lyrics. Hanging Round is a little more conventional on both sound and lyrics but still a bit weird, in a good way. That's side one and it is borderline outstanding. Side two doesn't quite do it for me in the same way - too vaudeville or circus sounding? The ones that weren't so pompy were much better - Satellite of Love, Wagon Wheel, and I'm So Free (that one deserving of side one). Lou Reed is strange and too smart for his own good, but he has talent and really put it together on this album.
Musically and lyrically amazing, not a huge fan of Lou Reed's voice
En hel del fina spår.
Very good album. Like a 7.6/10 for me. Some songs were just a bit to much 70s Rock for me.
Not normally a "glam" fan, but this absolutely chunters along doesn't it? Plus very happy memories of a (actually, the ONLY) mixtape in my Dad's car that had "Walk on the Wild Side on it"
Really liked this one. I recognized a song or two from before. Not really type of sound but still very enjoyable. Great album
Lou! Some classics in there.
Jep no varmaan aika tyhmän kuvan antais itsestä jos tässä sanois että tää levy on paska. Mut ehk nää hitit on itselle vähän kulahtaneet ajan saatossa. Sanotaan vaikka niin. Enemmän kiinnostaa noi muut styget. Et joo loppujen lopuks onhan tää silti aika hieno. Ja olin kokonaan unohtanut että Bowie on ollu tuottajana. 4/5
Hugely influential. The glammiest of glam rock albums. Fine album. Some real bangers on here. Not entirely perfect but definitely belongs in the book.
Un poco irregular, pero con temazos. Es un 3, pero +1 estrella por que he visto Trainspotting.
Bizarre but fun album. Lou Reed just did his thing and didn’t care what others thought. Great collaborators as well. Added to playlist: Walk on the Wild Side
I originally gave this a 3, but the autoplay after this album was playing some absolute bangers so this gets a 4 now
I really enjoyed this album, it feels like Lou is still trying. So much of this feels like leftover velvets stuff, it’s no surprise it bangs. Okay, here’s the big catch. I hate Perfect Day. I know I know, people love it, it’s a wedding song, a funeral song, etc. For me it’s never really clicked. It feels too childishly written, and not in an endearing simple truths way. It has the same formula as Daniel Johnstons ‘True Love Will Find You In The End’, but all the things that make that recording so touching and deep feel missing on ‘Perfect Day’. Idk just my two cents.
Loved it
A classic album! Not listened to it in full in such a long time. Vicious is a great opener, reminiscent of the Velvets at their best. Some brilliant tracks; Walk on the Wild side, Satellite of Love and the song the wife walked down the aisle to (an edited version of) Perfect Day! Very campy and glammy in places which fits the era. A low 4 - just because it isn't the Velvets!
Some songs are classics for a reason. Some songs are barely heard for a reason!
Couple really good songs on this one. Lyrically theyre all amazing, but some fail musically.
Very good
A lot of classic tracks on here. All round good set of bops
It has some brilliant moments but there’s some nonsense on there stopping it from being a 5.
Classic Lou Reed, with favorites like 'Perfect Day', 'Walk on the Wild Side' and the lovely 'Satellite of Love'.
First time listening to this entire album. I did not know before reading the RS review that Bowie produced this which made the sound of Vicious and Hangin' Round make a lot more sense. The first half of the album sounds like T. Rex and The Velvet Underground made a record together (well besides Perfect Day where Reed does his best Sinatra by way of Cohen) and I'm here for it. Once A Walk on the Wild Side hits though, it all gets a little more interesting. That Sax and then the Tuba on Make Up. He has a really unique voice. It isn't quite as evident in the Velvet Underground stuff probably because there is just a lot more noise. He makes interesting choices vocally. This was my first time listening to this album and I will be sure to return to it.
this one I have as a vinyl! - not a fan of hangin’ ‘round
Heroinnnnnnn
Jammin
Pretty good I like Probably 8/10
Brilliant.
Hat alleine wegen "Perfect Day" schon eine 4 verdient. Insgesamt irgendwas zwischen 3 und 4.
About as close to a 5 star as a 4 can get idk it’s so close but it just is too flawed but what’s good there is so great satellite of love might be the best think Lou ever did
GOOD
Great tunes, some of those lyrics though...
Kind of like an understandable Bob Dylan, but cooler and definitely more chill. You can hear how his sound influenced many, including this album's producer, David Bowie. Some solid tunes on this album, with just a few "uh, okay - what was that about" moments. All in all, an album worthy of the list.
its called transformer but wheres optimus prime or bumblebee?? explain?! fav songs: andys chest, perfect day, hangin round, im so free, goodnight ladies
7.5/10 Perfect Day stands out the most. Walk on the wild side is great. Mostly good.
Surprised me
He's an odd one, but a hell of a songwriter.
Favourite song: Perfect Day
I really enjoyed this album and listened several times. There are some hits on here that were very familiar (Perfect Day! Walk on the Wild Side!) but I don't think I've ever heard the album and I really enjoyed listening to it in full. It still manages to sound edgy and cool after all this time and the message is on point. Probably not surprising since Bowie was involved. An easy 4/5 for me.
Perfect Day is one the best songs ever. Walk on the Wild Side is a classic. Favorite Tracks: Perfect Day, Vicious, Walk on the Wild Side, Make Up, Satellite of Love, Wagon Wheel, New York Telephone Conversation, Goodnight Ladies. 4/5
Good album. Enjoyed the variety
I really liked this album. Fav tracks: Vicious, Hangin’ Round, Walk On The Wild Side, Perfect Day
Just a perfect day You made me forget myself I thought I was Someone else, someone good.
Giving Bowie and The Stooges tbh. Not enough of music buff to know much about him but the album was great, sometimes a little slow but would probably listen again.
Yeah nice, some bangers on here.
hyvää musiikkia...Transformerit ovat kotoisin kaukaa avaruudessa sijaitsevalta Cybertron-planeetalta, jossa kaikki elämä on mekaanista. Robotit ovat jakaantuneet hyviin Autobotteihin sekä pahoihin Decepticoneihin, jotka ovat taistelleet keskenään jo kauan. Robotit tulivat aikanaan myös Maapallolle jatkamaan keskinäistä taisteluaan, missä ne tuottivat paljon vahinkoa myös ihmisille... hell music...devil songs...ei heti luulisi mutta on.. perfect day
7.6, Great production and sound but mildly creepy lyrics. Amazing record though.
Wasn't expecting so many hits in there
So easy. The voice, the rhythm, it just all plays. Without any effort. Can hear the Bowie.
Lou takes a break from shagging Iggy and gets an album produced by Bowie. His pop smarts are here in spades. Classic tracks abound and even those that have been overplayed don't sound tired in this album setting. There are occasional dips with some of the off-Broadway brass section tunes but this is a confirmed classic album. Best Tracks: Vicious; Walk on the Wild Side; Satellite of Love
Pues genial(PSP)
Fav walk on the wild side, Wagon wheel Least fav Andy’s chest The 3 song run from perfect day-walk on the wild side is amazing DANGER OOOUOH
I love this album! Couple of my favorite Lou Reed songs on this one. I just love the feel and the sound of this album. Brings you right back to New York about late seventies early 80's.
All in all, i really enjoyed it.
Good for background and feelings vibes.
Fascinating use of percussion to fill in the soundscape. The whole album feels satirical and fun, yet serious and brooding at times. Reeds voice sounds tired, but very unique and fits the style well. Lyrical content is interesting. I had a hard time deciphering if Reed was being satirical most of the time. Really a work of art.
This isn't at all my type of music. But I'm not an idiot. I appreciate what this album is and I can appreciate how it sounds. It sounds pretty good. I liked this album a surprising amount, actually. Lou has a really sick ass voice it sounds kind of drowsy at times and it just sounds good. There was a moment where I was listening to one of the songs and I thought that the production sounded really good so I looked over at Spotify to see who produced it and noticed that this album came out in 1972. I have so much respect for Lou and everyone else who worked on this album. To make such beautiful and vivid songs on such primitive technology. That sounds kind of rude lmao. Really solid album I enjoyed it. Goodnight ladies was a great closer.
Good album but Lou Reed's voice kinda pisses me off sometimes.
Great album. Love Lou Reed