Reviews (page 9 of 13)
Just a nice one
prima, beetje vaag soms
There's this strange synergy between Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie; they shared each other's sounds, they shared each others asses, they shared each other's needles, and they always had terrible album covers. Sometimes they made good music too, but that's by the by. Transformer has much of the glam sound of the time, Bowie pops up, and yes, its a truly terrible album cover. But it has some good music. As we all know, Glam was recently proven to be the worst sub-genre of Rock, so that's a point removed from the score. Reed's vocals don't suit the genre, so that's another point off. Perfect Day is great, the lyrics are solid, and the album is trangressive enough to piss off conservative and religious rypes, so that's two points to the good. The best moments in this album are those that step away from the Glam and back towards The Velvet Underground. It's either a three or a four, depending on my mood. Absolutely not a five. Actually, it's definitely a three.
it’s fine
Not very golden, but yet had good guitar instrumentals. Could you be a good inspiration to upcoming instrumental guitarists
The purveyor of rock documenting the seedy side of life again captures its vibe well but what does that mean for the rest of us?
Didn’t change me.
Eh
Favorite Song: Vicious
It was ok, still not really sure what all the fuss is about with Lou Reed though
Good but strange
the other week on bluesky june posted about how she met a trans woman that didn't enjoy lou reed and how that set us back 10 years, which everyone wrongfully assumed was me, however i am setting us back at least another 5 years i guess. i really do not like his voice. he's doing his best david bowie impression, and even with bowie producing this, i can't say i'm a fan of his voice. it's broadly unpleasant, especially every time he says 'little girl' on a track like "make up" which gave me the ick. yes yes yes, that track and "walk on the wild side" are really important for how ahead of the curve they are to have the novel concept of loving a trans woman (waow!) in 1972 and in [current year], don't get me wrong. he gets points for every pronoun, i just don't particularly enjoy listening to most of this. apologies for the continued lack of rights, everyone.
I enjoyed this way more than his other album on the list.
It’s alright. Don’t hate it, don’t love it
Dude just shut up for like 5 seconds
My expectations based on the album cover were very wrong, in a good way mostly. Instrumentals were nice, singing kind of went back and forth for me. Kind of a talker/singer. Anyways, I enjoyed this.
Perfect Day is a great song.
2.75. I just don’t think I like Lou Reed that much. Perfect Day is good
Liked: Vicious, Perfect Day, Make Up, I'm So Free
Okay
Perfect Day a banger, sadly not repeated on rest of the album. Pretty decent though
Alright Lou, some ok songs here
Enjoyed this one. Walk on the Wild Side is a classic.
Having had next to no feelings about The Velvet Underground album that previously came up, and having decided I don’t like Lou Reed, I anticipated I would dislike this. Yet again, I did not. I don’t really like Reed’s voice, but the songs on this were largely enjoyable. I had forgotten how wonderful a song “Perfect Day” is, and “Walk on the Wild Side” is a classic (even if, lyrically, it doesn’t hold up the best to a modern ear). The rest was all quite good, if a bit silly and a bit bonkers in places. If I could give it a 3.5, I would, but it’s not a 4* for me. Even if I do feel a bit miserly.
2.5 - I thought I would hate this based on what I heard in the documentary from a few years ago. Not bad.
Nice to hear the album containing some of Lou Reed's biggest hits. I did not know it was produced by Mick Ronson and David Bowie, but I'm glad it was.
great
Uno de los tipos más sobrevalorados del mundo. No sabe tocar. No sabe cantar. Pero nos tenemos que comer que es alguien importante. Este disco no está mal. Lo soportan dos o tres canciones decentes y la enorme "perfect day".
not my music, cant really get into him, maybe couple of songs, not on this album though
I would put that at a 3. It has its strengths and I do appreciate the nature of how early this album gives neutral/positive rep to communities that were even more marginalized in 1972. David Bowie producing checks out, I hear it all over the album. Perfect Day was a nice track and Goodnight Ladies is cute as well, though it'd be less so if I got even a hint of unauthenticity from it. Some of the album is dull and lacking in energy, maybe as a result of Lou Reed's singing style. It works in some places, I think the aforementioned two songs are quite good with that deadpan delivery. But some places it falls flat, any up-tempo song pretty much. I wouldn't rush to turn any of this off, but I'm not rushing to put it on either. I like some of the things I heard, and the rest wasn't grating, although tracks 7-10 are kinda sluggish. I guess it'd be a 2 if it didn't have some mysterious charm that I can't put my finger on. Maybe I'm charmed that the unique vocal of Lou Reed and Bowie's production work "find a way" through what would otherwise be a slog. I think a hard 3 is appropriate. Couldn't get through Wild Side without doing Can I Kick It and now I hope the next album is Tribe.
Vicious: I think I am unwell. I managed to misread this as: "Vicarious". As in, the song by TOOL. I think that's about all I can think of to write about this. Andy's Chest: Who is Andy, and why did we dedicate an either song to his chest? Perfect Day: I wish I could go to the zoo. Hangin' 'Round: Harry Du Bois was not a rich, young man who would've become a priest. Walk on the Wild Side: There definitely is a joke I can make here, but I think the lyrics speak for themselves. I can see why people like this, I think it's not for me. It's like Wonderwall by Oasis: so many that I know love it, but I just don't see it. And it's probably because I grew up in a metalhead family and have an older sibling that introduced me to much more louder and rebellious music than this slow song about this, that, and the other. Make Up: I don't think I'm a slick little girl. I am trans fuck who's out of the closet and on the regular flips off their bigoted father and likes Wolverine. Satellite of Love: Somewhere out there, there's a Starman, waiting for us in the sky. And we're using the Satellite of Love to find him. Wagon Wheel: I want to one day own a cheese wheel. New York Telephone Conversation: idk what to write here. New York rats are really big and fat. This sounds like something you'd hear children sing while playing skipping rope. I'm So Free: me when weekend or something. Idk, another one I can't think of anything funny to write. Goodnight Ladies: what I say to my pc set up after I turn them off and go collapse in my bed at 2:53 am
faces: vidious; walk; sattelite wagon
So, I've heard Lou Reed did a lot of drugs around the time of this record. That figures. It's fine - some classic tracks in here, but sometimes I was losing the vocals in the mix, and a lot of the lyrics were just odd for the sake of it, which I found offputting. Good to have heard it all the way through, though.
Pretty pretty good songs over here
Wanted this to be better. Lotta weird or boring songs
Your usual 70s blend of absolute classics and bang average filler. Bowie & Ronson do a great job on production.
Obviously at it's best it has some iconic songs but otherwise I think it was just an OK album.
Lou Reed. Tuttu nimi muta en olisi osannut nimetä yhtään herran biisiä. No nyt osaan. Eka biisi Vicious oli vähän, että mitä ihmeellistä tässä on. Mutta sitten levy pääsi liikkeelle ja tässä on hyviä biisejä yksi toisensa perään. Reedin ääni on tunnistettava ja taas kerran soittotaito ja dynamiikka (rummuissa varsinkin) ihan tajutonta. Positiivinen yllätys ja ymmärrän kyllä, miksi Perfect day ja Walk on the wild side on valtavia hittejä. Hyvä levy, ei kuitenkaan ominta musamakua, joten tuskin kovin usein tulee tähän palattua. Olen iloinen, että tuli kuunneltua tämäkin levy. 3/5
Listen
I could quickly put a triple album together of Lou Reed / VU songs that I love. They're spread a little thinly on this one, although Satellite of Love is one of my favorites.
A couple of great songs, an ok album.
2.6/5 I listen to an artist named Adam Green and I always thought he was a quirky dude with the way he sang and arranged his songs. After listening to Lou Reed for the first time, I now realise Adam Green must be a massive fan of Reed because they have the same style and quirks. I didn't mind this album on the first listen despite the weirdness so I might have to listen to more Lou Reed music.
Pretty solid
The 3 classic tracks on here are great. There are one or two others worth a listen. The piano and bass work is excellent. Some of the tracks, including the opener, feel like fillers and (the first track) feels like an amateur demo - not great musicianship. It's OK, but I would just listen to the big hitter tracks.
2/17 Was okay
I liked this album but still feel as though it’s a bit of a let down on first listen
Controversial take but it think this album is overrated. Velvets is much better, later Lou is much better. Feels like a less well sung Bowie album.
I guess I wasn't really in the mood for these slow songs. Besides Walk on the wild side (bangerrr), it didn't do much for me.
I like most of Lou Reed's stuff. this is by far is best album. Great songs like "Walk on the Wild Side", "Satellite of Love" and "Perfect Day" are my favorites. Produced by David Bowie (and you can tell his influence on the album).
I hear early bowie and dylan ( without the twang). This coupled with his classic walk on the wild side, made for an enjoyable alblum.
I didn't think I was going to like it because the style is very casual and silly at times, but I found myself enjoying side 2 for the same reasons that I love "Perfect Day": it's genuine and human, which makes it disarming even to the most cold, critical gaze. Not my typical go-to, but worth a listen, I thought. Also it works much better as group listening than myopically metered through headphones.
I liked this more than the Banana album, but I feel like the worst part of this Lou Reed album is actually Lou Reed.
cool for the time
I like this but don’t love it. Never connected with this one.
I bought this album on CD when i was about 18 as it was continually referenced by the indie bands that i loved as a seminal album. When i listened then i found it pretty underwhelming and didnt understand the hype. An opportunity to revisit it 25 years later was very interesting. A couple of listens through and it appears my music taste and appreciation skills have not changed. I can see some very good songs and i can see jow it influenced music to come, but i dont think it deserves much of a relisten. Lou's voice is really weak and the album is patchy at best. I think their alternative image may have caught the zeitgeist of the time to elevate their legend.
Pretty fun. Very silly
Slightly disappointing, considering how some people go on about this album. I liked Perfect Day and that's about it. I will admit that it's a definite improvement over The Velvet Underground and Nico album I had to listen to for this project.
5.5/10
Lou Reed’s Transformer is a pretty good album. Only song I knew before listening was Walk On the Wild Side which is by far the highlight of the album. It was a solid album overall and it was enjoyable
some real highlights from this one, but the middle tracks just dont hit
I don't quite get Lou Reed's “Transformer”. It wants to be a dark album, but it doesn't really deliver. His biggest hit, “Walk on the Wild Side”, doesn't really grab me because, apart from the lyrics, there's not much to it. “Perfect Day” has potential, but it doesn't sound very depressing, just slightly melancholic, which lightens the mood compared to the other songs and therefore doesn't contribute to the gloom. Overall, it has something of Johnny Cash about it, but without his charisma—and since charisma was everything for Johnny Cash, that doesn't leave much. Actually a two-star album but I give it a third one for detached coolness and the early glam rock vibes.
Opened strong so I thought I would've loved it more than I did. Perhaps a second to marinate and listen again will change my opinion but rn...
Some problematic lyrics. Not quite my vibe I think.
Such a mixed bag of an album. Includes some of the best and worst songs I’ve ever heard. So it goes with Lou Reed. The influence this had on a lot of bands I like can’t be questioned though, so it’s an album I appreciate rather than enjoy.
I do like this album - lovely music to have on in the background but nothing I would really connect to
It’s more talking than singing and this project has revealed to me that I find that style of performance very greeting. Did not enjoy. (Edit: Oh! Walk on the Wild Side! I know this song)
it's decent, i think? the vocal styling is not particularly to my taste, at least in this sort of quantity, but there's good individual tracks for sure.
Nice
tired of listening to the same albums from this progressive era, i don’t think they have aged too well. found this album to be mixed with highs and lows; could mostly tolerate lou reeds voice. the best song imo is perfect day, it has a timeless feel to it that walk on the wild side does not. this song is this album’s saving grace. 3 stars
vicious is a little goofy but it’s pretty good andy’s chest is also very random, second song in and i can already tell this guy is pretty goofy with the lyrics but he has a nice voice. reminds me a tad bit of bowie perfect day is pretty good, i like the message behind it hanging round is fire, favorite so far for sure. music is on point walk on the wild side is so good it’s great, just everything about it. think the first three songs must’ve been experimental because they were really goofy make up is good, i like the message and it sounds familiar satellite of love and wagon wheel are decent i suppose new york telephone conversation is pretty good, not too much to say goodnight ladies is fire i’m so free is also fire and i like the lyrics i think my favorite song off of this album is 🥁 🥁… hangin round
Yeah, it’s decent. You can hear a little bit of punk in there. Did I thoroughly enjoy it? Not really.
Good
I really appreciate the story-telling in Walk on the Wild Side. I remember listening to this album in high School or college for the first time and feeling really cool LOL. I'd like to appreciate more the impact Lou Reed had on creating new types of music like punk and alternative. I know people have said that Lou was more of an "observer" or reporter of the subcultures of drug use, transgender exploration etc. in New York, but I'm not sure how I feel about the morally ambiguous message and content of the songs or even the deadpan delivery/tone. The whole album sounds sarcastic to me, which is especially obvious in the song Make Up as an example. I don't know if sarcasm is the intention but either way it doesn't impress me the way that it used to when I was younger. The music certainly doesn't uplift or inspire me but maybe if I learn to appreciate the music more for what it is and the impact it had I would get more enjoyment from it. I think out of curiosity I will listen to it again and also try to learn more about the inspiration and impact of it.
Not my type of music but enjoyed it more than the other metal bands ive had so far
solid - very good rock hooks and really enjoyable to listen to!
raw, quirky and a little chaotic
Trippy and vibey!
Nothing on this album except for Walk On the Wild Side is as good as what he did with the Velvet Underground.
Would have given a 4 if not for New York Telephone Conversation Fave track: Perfect day
Vicious - 7/10 Andy’s Chest - 5/10 Perfect Day - 7/10 (liked the ending) Hagin’ ‘Round -5/10 Walk On The Wild Side - 8/10 Make Up - 4/10 (the horn just doesn’t do it for me) Satellite of Love - 5/10 Wagon Wheel -6/10 (a little catchy) New York Telephone Conversation - 1/10 (annoying) I’m So Free - 4/10 Goodnight Ladies - 2/10 (too slow) Overall Rating: 5/10 Definitely an acquired taste for sure…
Not bad, not amazing
Fair amount of forgettable tracks, but the good ones are very good.
Best - Vicious Worst - Hangin Round
First few on the album were good.
It was alright. I knew Walk on the Wild Side of course, but not sure I'd heard any of the others.
I don't know, it feels like it lost the thing that made VU work. But it does have the biggest recognizeable songs of his solo career. 3/5
Good I liked the songs earlier on better then the later one the new york telephone conversation kinda annoyed me and there was also a ballad i didn't like. Overall the songwriting was very interesting but im unsure if i would return to this.
Ну нормально
Absolutely fine.
Alright x
I understand that the album is technically impressive from a musical standpoint. But I found the songs to be uninteresting and boring. It grew on me a little bit upon the second and third listen. Not something I see myself going back to much.
This album smirks. It doesn’t smile and it doesn’t frown. It’s just kind of there. Gives a sort of urban big city feel, a bit grungy. I’d like this album more if I was the chronic school misfit, but I wasn’t, so I’m giving it 3/5
loved Perfect Day sm
Siin on päääris mõjukaid lugusid, aga ka sellist lahjemat kraami, kus mulle tundub, et Lou päris ei laula, vaid lihtsalt jutustab ja see vokaal kuidagi kergelt häirib. Muidu on kuulatav kraam, vahepeal paneb ta nilbustega üle. 3.2/5
Pretty chill, not entirely my vibe but I might have to sit with it a while.
First listen, I was like “yeah this rules.” By the 5th (bc no Sat/Sun albu), I was not as enthused. The hits are great, but a couple songs just ruin the whole thing. Also that bridge in “Satellite of Love” is duuuuuuuumb.
Another easy listening album. Not bad, not special either.
Couple of listens and there’s some interesting stuff in there. Wildside of course and the upbeat stuff I liked like Satellite. Overall meh though
This had great potential. A few really good tracks, and some so so ones bring it down to a 3/5 for me. Not enough to get me wanting to listen to the whole thing again.
Entiendo el hype pero no es algo que escucharía en mi día día. Satellite of love a bop mi favorita
Pretty good but it's reputation seems to be only be there because of it being a predecessor to other cultures.
3⭐️ enjoyed reading about how Bowie produced this album! feel like there are some really enjoyable songs and some that I wouldn’t listen to again. songs I already knew: walk on the wild side fave new one(s): satellite of love
More straightforward than I had expected. Some good songs for sure.
Liked the musicality and instruments and overall sound. The lyrics gave me the creeps sometimes... don't know if it's because it's from a different era or if I just didn't understand them.
it’s very slow and consistent, not really for me
honestly I have nothing much to say. liked hearing this album for the first time and the addition of tuba and sax was also nice. good vocals that I enjoyed listening to. -favourite track: WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
kinda giving cabaret vibes a bit
Sanullim do this better Highlights: Vicious Walk on the Wild Side Wagon Wheel
I see the appeal to some people but to me it didn't stand out very much. I enjoyed songs like walk on the wild side and satelite of love but found songs like make up unsettling.
Pink Moon was overall fine for me. Out of the entire album, I genuinely enjoyed about three songs. Folk music isn’t really my genre, and it’s not something I would normally choose to listen to on my own. Because of that, parts of the album didn’t connect with me on like a musical way. That said, the lyricism stood out. Nick Drake’s writing is very intentional. I could feel what he was trying to express in each song. Even when I didn’t love the sound, the emotions came through, and I found myself relating to the lyrics on many tracks. Every song felt meaningful and the album definitely made me feel something, which I value.
Is okey i like it
Vicious, Perfect Day, Walkin on the Wild Side are quite nice As someone really enjoys rock in general because of how it can bring out hidden joy and emotions, this was a great into album to a legend I did even know. Strong 3.8/5.
Heel leuk
Not that bad
Good, but not for me! The talk singing got tiring after a while. Perfect Day and Wild Side are objectively great though.
I had never really dug into Lou Reed's work in the past. I knew the inevitable "Walk on the Wild Side", of course, and I was aware of the Velvet Underground as a seminal force in early alternative rock, but hadn't actually listened to much of it. Listening to this album has convinced me that Lou Reed is much like Bob Dylan. This is partly because he's an extremely influential musician whose echoes are still being heard in music decades later, but mostly because he's a gifted songwriter and fantastic lyricist who is hampered by a profound inability to sing. Unlike Dylan, Reed has a very mellifluous voice, but he can't hit a pitch to save his life. Songs like "Walk on the Wild Side" and "New York Telephone Conversation" cover this up by being more conversational, but then we come to songs like "Satellite of Love" and "I'm So Free" where he's singing alongside some really excellent harmony vocals, and his lead lines are just kind of...stuck in there wherever. The production (by David Bowie, no less!) is stellar, and the music is sublime - even the quirky choices (like replacing bass with a tuba) work. I just wish Reed wasn't tone-deaf...although, given that this was the highly experimental New York of 1972, that may have been the point.
Twas ok. Not my personal taste but definitely fitting for the time it was released.
I was happy to see this album. I've been wanting to explore Lou Reed's music, specifically Velvet Underground. For me, this is a good introductory album for his work. It has the classic "Walk on the Wild Side." The line "...and the colored girls go..." always made me uncomfortable and now that I'm older, I really don't like it at all, but there's more to that song which is still good. I wish he had re-recorded it and changed that line or just let it out completely. The song simultaneously raises issues that were taboo at the time and needed to be said, and is reductive of the backup singers. Mentioning the ethnicity but not saying anything more goes nowhere. There's no stance other than the possibility of holding onto dated prejudice trope. That said, there were a couple of other standouts, "Perfect Day," "Vicious," and to some degree, "Make Up." The other songs are okay.
Lou Reed takes everything he did for the Velvet Underground and expands on it on Transformer. Reed sing-talks, and actually sings, over familiar themes of night life, danger, but also new ones like love. With David Bowie's encouragement, Reed shows what he's capable of by trying a few different styles, most of which work out. The lyricism ranges from inspired, to silly nonsense, but Reed can even mostly sell the stilly poetry, too. Unfortunately, the album suffers from being frontloaded. Most of the experiements that don't quite hit are on the back end. A revitalized Lou is good for You Highlights: "Viscious", "Perfect Day", "Walk On The Wild Side", Bowie's backing vocals on "Satellite of Love".
viscous - was moving my hips to this one!! andy’s chest is so 70s i love + the guitar perfect day - ok keeeeyz. also lyrics i like all the different instruments NY telephone conversation was worst song lol i saved a few songs
Knew about 3 songs. I didn't hate it but none of the songs stood out to me.
Liked the sound.
Eccentric glam pop/rock album that very clearly shows Bowie's production influence. Solid A side, significantly weaker B side. Decent listening overall. Top tracks: Andy's Chest, Perfect Day, Walk On the Wild Side
Transformer Lou Reed - Now, I love lou Reed, and this is an album where the highs are so so high, but some of the tracks i think fall a little bit short. - I love dry wit in writing and this is apparent in a lot of the songs - Lou Reed ur cool and don’t let anyone tell u otherwise - I would rate it 4 because of what it means to me, but genuine rating i think three at the moment Favourite: Always and forever Perfect Day. couldn’t listen to it today otherwise i’ll cry. Lots of memories to that song oml
I feel like this album some good songs and some filler ones. If it had a few more songs I really enjoyed, I’m sure I’d be a 4.
6 out of 10? Not sure it was my mood for the day
My enjoyment of this album shifted a lot during my listen with some very high highs and very meh lows. Reed's voice leans monotone in quite a few tracks, which made them a bit boring, but that's not always the case. Sometimes, in songs like Wagon Wheel, it's far more exciting and dynamic. Plus, the most well-known song on the album, Walk On the Wild Side, is one of the worst offenders of the monotone sound and manages to not be all that bad because of the lyrics and guitar. I wouldn't describe this as my favorite kind of album to listen to, but I did feel it was properly balanced and was moderately enjoyable.
walk on the wild side is super cool, but the rest is kinda meh
Loved it
3.5
Pop hits from a kind of weird guy. Listening to Berlin through this list earlier on gave me new appreciation for Lou Reed. He definitely feels like a unique and avant gard poet artist to me now. This now feels so fresh and poppy in comparison. There are some absolute classics. It's all very listenable. It's not that it lacks depth at all, but I think I enjoyed my foray into weird lou a little bit more
Because Lou Reed’s unique vocals, this kind of feels like The Velvet Underground without most of the weirdness of The Velvet Underground, which was the whole point. Some songs were pretty enjoyable, but I can’t say I have a lot of feelings about this album as a whole. Pretty good but nothing groundbreaking. 7/10
Iconic album, transformer feels like an album where directly inspired blues rock transitions into something more contemporary
Sisältää Lou Reedin tunnetuimmat biisit. Varhaista glam rokkia, en osaa paremminkaan kuvata tätä vaikka glam ei oo eka sana mikä mieleen tulee. Parhaat: Walk On The Wild Side, Perfect Day, Vicious
All goes a bit teddy bears picnic for my liking
I've heard many Lou Reed songs, but have never taken on an album from front to back. Honestly was a bit repetitive.
Surprisingly musical theatre-y? Like Chicago. But indie? And rocky? Lil jig to the beat. Liked it. Probably a grower
Very relaxing. Very rocky. I enjoyed some of the songs, it reminded me of how simple songwriting and producing used to be back in those days. It felt raw and real, not superficial or commercial, which I really appreciated. The type of album that definitely didn’t need music videos but rather, a focused ear. I enjoyed it as a first album to discover.
100 ALBUMS DOWN A BAJILLION TO GOOOOOO. Queer American who loves watching television. Just @ me next time.
It's a good album, one can hear Bowie's work as a producer.
Spoken word but not bad? Idk
It was okay, very mellow but not my kind of music.
I can see why I only know the singles. I think Bowie and Ronson were trying to make Lou Reed British.
Fun album, definitely showing its age though. Back in 1972 there were only 2 guitar tones
Parts of this I really enjoyed, especially the first half. But towards the end I was just a bit confused, especially with New York Telephone Conversation- what was going on there?
Tossing up between 3 and 4. I really like Walk on the Wild Side, and I really like Lou Reed's voice, but I felt like a lot of this album could basically be some Velvet Underground b-sides.
Very Lou Reed-y, very Velvet Underground adjacent, but a bit more New York-y, somehow.
I've never liked Lou Reed, this album is no exception. I made an exception for the one he did with MetallicA as I'm a huge 'tallicA fan. There are a few tracks on this one I'm familiar with, but I don't much like those either. Skipped a few tracks. I can't deny his legendary status, whether I understand it or not, so it gets a 3.
Not really my thing, but I get it.
An artist my dad listens to so I have heard some songs that way. He has a nice voice but the music isn't really my taste. That being said some individual songs on this album are great and I already have them on playlists before this.
Some great samples came from this record, none of which are necessarily Lou Reed’s voice. I don’t hate it but I don’t know how much I’ll come back to it.
Transformer is an album i have some very odd opinions on. On the surface, it is one that is pretty solid as the guitars are snappy, the vocals work well with the songs, the trumpets and saxophones are cool and the album is pretty well produced. However, there are some odd little things that i don't really like here. The lyrics are not something i really enjoy, especially in Andy's Chest and the album overall just has this really sleazy vibe which i just don't like. I'm not sure the main thing that is giving the album this but it's still there and i'm still not a fan of that. I still think its a solid album but i feel like i wanna like this album a bit more than i do. Best Song: I'm So Free Worst Song: Andy's Chest
Not really for me, got a little bored while listening. Liked it much more after another listen, explored some topics lyrically that were abead of its time
It was alright 3/5
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.
I'm in the 3 camp, it was decent, just not on my playlist
Pretty great - I could listen to his voice for a long while
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
Classic Lou - not much to argue with.
Good wee calming album. Lowkey and understated without becoming forgettable
comptines pour enfants qui mettent des carrés dans des ronds
confuse, perfect day un 5, goodnight ladies, qu'est ce que j'ecoute
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.
New York Telephone Conversation - raar lied
interesting album, a couple of songs I recognized
Low energy vocalist
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.
His best songs are great but there always a few that don't do it for me
Kinda like a bad Pavement record, vibed with some songs and hated others
No standouts, a few big names, 3
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
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
Cool vibes. 5 bamboo reeds out of 10 lizard wizards
important but i dont enjoy it that much
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
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
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
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.
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.
2 or so good songs on here
Love perfect day and wild side but kind of lost me on the rest. 3.5
Really enjoy "perfect day".
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.
3/5. Perfect day is iconic, the rest is pretty okay
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.
Perfect Day
*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
Enjoyed
kind a abop
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
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.
He sings out of tune and his guitar playing is basic. Velvet Underground is better.
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!
Jotenkin ei napannut, muttei kehtaa liikaa haukkuakaan
Couple of hits but the album itself didn't do much for me to be honest.
Lou Reed charms but does not transform
I can appreciate what Lou Reed has done for modern pop music, but it's just not my bag.
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.
Kinda folky
I didn’t enjoy as much as I feel I should’ve
perfect day ! upbeat - good classic not an everyday listen though
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
Creative lyrics, but I don't get it.
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
aardig
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.
Not what I'd usually listen to or enjoy much, but good album within its genre
Good album . Was surprised how many tracks i knew .
Overrated but well done
6/10… glam rock
Classic
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.
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.
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.
Favorite track- perfect day
3.0 - Ok
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).
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
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.
I think the songs that are good are classics & there’s a few skippable tracks
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.
Perfect Day is a perfect song. The rest is just fine. Seems like a 'time and a place' record.
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.
Took a walk on the wild side - I enjoyed hearing this album
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.
Definitely an eccentric and weird album; goofy but enjoyable
Great album!
swoop swoop oh baby rock rock
nothing to say about this one
Don't have a strong opinion on it sry Fav song: Make Up
Two absolute classics. Beyond those, nothing else I’d necessarily give a relisten. B-
A classic Old time rock album. The lyrics don’t hit me personally, but I like the track “Perfect Day”
An extremely boring album, the only song I found ok/good was "A perfect day"
Haven’t listened to this in ages. I recall it as being an okay album
Loved listening to this, although didn't love all the songs.
Aprovat
Mixed - 3 great songs (Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side and Satellite of Love), and a lot of mediocre songs.
Satellite of Love is awesome. The rest is okay.
As in my previous Lou Reed review, I'm definitely not a fan of his particular brand of talk-singing. That said, this one does have it's songwriting moments and a couple of tracks that sound like they could be superb when covered by a good band with a proper singer.
Vicious, Perfect Day and Walk on the Wild Side are all pretty good. I'm not a huge fan of his low energy deadpan singing style though. I had the weekend to think about this album and it stuck with me more than I expected given how unimpressed I was during the first listen. So maybe it'll keep growing on me, but for now it gets a 3.
Intellectually stimulating, and funky
Some good old tones from the past
Lou Reed's vocal style has inspired so many alternative and indie rock singers it's ridiculous. From Thurston Moore to Steven Malkmus, Beck to Ira Kaplan, Gordon Gano to Julian Casablancas, Tom Verlaine to Alan Vega, Jonathan Richman to Jim Reid, the list goes on... This fact is hilarious though, because he's often got probably the most awkward, unsophisticated, sing-songy-talky vocal phrasing imaginable. But it's unmistakably Lou Reed and somehow he makes it work. The playful rocker "Vicious" is such a solid way to start this album. I wish more of this record followed in this vein, coz a few of the other songs are just silly. It's kind of a tease because the rest of the record doesn't really live up to what we're promised with this track. It does better when it's just rocking and swinging like in "I'm So Free," "Wagon Wheel" etc.; but tracks like "New York Telephone Conversation" feel woefully out of place here. It is better suited for a children's record. Perhaps that is intentional but, mannnnn, is that track a mood killer. For someone who explored such darkly fringe themes in his music, both solo and with The VU, there's a real wholesome sweetness to "Perfect Day". But that sweetness belies a real darkness just underneath the surface here. (The way it's used as a dissonance cue to that effect in that Trainspotting scene also deserves a fucking award). There are some classic outstanders here, in addition to the aforementioned, we have "Take a Walk on the Wild Side," which although not musically super out there, has lyrics that for the time were subversive as hell. "Hangin' Round" and "Satellite of Love" are also highlights. Overall, however, the album as a whole feels rather uneven. That is, when a song is good here, it's stellar, and when it's not, it's pretty fucking not. I do appreciate risk-taking, and that is sometimes what ya get though. Deserving of 4 stars really, but any album where i have to skip a track or two gets 3. Thems the breaks.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm starting to think I dislike specifically New York-style glam rock, because this thing really only had the hits for me. Otherwise, it sounded too stereotypical and of its time, feeling more like a Rolling Stones record at points than anything by Lou Reed or even Bowie. However, I liked the show tune influences at points, and when this album slowed down it actually benefitted it quite a bit. Lou Reed is great with melancholia, but once it gets straight up rock it loses me quite a bit. Y'know, now that I think about it this feels like proto-Iggy Pop, as if Bowie was testing the waters for what it is like to produce someone else already famous, and for that I think it suffers from moments of doubt. Basically, there's a reason the two biggest songs here are the ones that are the least glam, the least rock, and in turn, the most influential.
1 cancion muy buena, el resto piola 3/5 y generoso
3.2
Unique
pretentious art rock of the kind i dont like
Glam rock. Lou Reed has a style, but musicality isn’t his thing I guess. It’s got something. Good use of rhythm guitar.
They say don't judge a book by it's cover. However, it's hard to ignore the stark difference between what's on the tin and the contents of the package. That said, I didn't particularly care for this album. It's not terrible, but aside from 'Walk On the Wild Side' being such a recognizable sample, nothing stood out for me.
The first half of this was pretty darn good with songs like Vicious (the riff on this sounded so familiar to me but I don't think I've heard this song before), Perfect Day (simply wonderful, best song on the album), and Walk On The Wild Side (almost thought I was delving into Can I Kick It...love that opening). The second half felt dull, especially right around New York Telephone Conversation. All in all, this lands at a High 3. Probably could've gone higher with a better second half.
Like Vicious a lot. Didn't know Walk on the Wild Side would be this dude. Overall this album came and went with few notes.
I feel like I should like Lou Reed more. I love his voice, I like the musical style and the odd lyrics and concepts. Maybe I need to dive deeper and find my connection. Not a bad album and well worth it just to listen to Walk on the Wild Side again.
Instrumentally I wouldnt rate this as high as I have - it’s just alright rock music. But since the rock isn’t that like impactful, I almost had to focus in on the lyrics, which was a shock to hear how powerful they are, always love an album talking about gender norms and breaking them. Note: I hadn’t listened to the last song before writing this - the last song is def the best one on the album. Love me my ragtime? music.
Lou Reed has a lot of talent, and I can appreciate that. For myself, I can't connect to his music in that same way. Rock, but just not my way.
I never understood why he never sang more, he had a good voice. Talk singing has always been a pet peeve of mine, but that was his thing. Instrumentally I love Lou Reed and Velvet Underground, it works perfectly with the songwriting and vocals - which on their own I don’t think I would care for.
Very unusual and different to the usual type of odd album on this list. Stand out song - Perfect day
Pretty good. Got some bangers.
Some very strong tracks, but the in-betweens just didn't do it for me. Favourite New Song: Vicious
His and miss, but more hits than miss.
Musically I thought this was pretty good and quite interesting and different at times. I really can't get on with Lou Reed's voice though. It's so... Basic? It never gets out of first gear, and I find his voice pretty dull. The vocals really let the music down for me, and looking through other reviews on this site, I was quite surprised to see I'm in the minority. It's a very well liked album. It's only now I can appreciate 'Perfect Day' which was yet another song I know because my dad used to play it a lot when I was young, and again, I used to hate it. It's a lovely tune but unfortunately the vocals really do let it down! It just didn't really do that much for me, somewhat interesting music aside. I found it a bit underwhelming. I'd probably stick it on if I was in the mood for some upbeat rock with a tinge of early punk.
some classics but it's not really doing it for me
Some of it's great but some of it is Andy's Chest. First time listening to this record in full and it actually mainly makes me appreciate the other members in the Velvet Underground more.
I kind of liked it and really love Walk on the Wild Side!
I don't know why, but I expected more from Lou Reed, and with those expectations I fell hard on the ground of harsh reality. It's not bad, but it's just underwhelming
Lowkey but good singles. Gets a lil extra on the wacky lyrics in others
I know and can feel how important this album is as I listen, but the deadpan voice doesn’t quite do it for me. Feels like discount Jim Morrison
Listened too. many times in past
Lou has a great voice. Really makes fantastic music. It’s not The Velvet Underground but really good.
391/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
I'm not a fan of Velvet Underground so I wasn't sure if I would like Lou Reed solo, but this is good. I immediately thought the production sounded like David Bowie's glam stuff, unsurprised to find that he and Mick Ronson produced it I like Perfect Day since it's in Perfect Days, which is one of my favourite films. I like the orchestral style, its probably the most standout track on the album. Satellite of Love sounds like it could've been a Bowie song so I like that one a fair bit too Highlights: Perfect Day, Satellite of Love
Found this album do be a bit intriguing. The folk like singing to a gentle rock beat gives early winter weekend vibes
Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, The Velvet Underground - for some reason the bands in this niche have found their way into my taste buds. Not what I would have expected being a post punk jawbreaker fan, but there it is.
God dammit. I know I'm supposed to like Lou Reed. But I just don't. I also don't like Velvet Underground. There. I said it.
I liked this more than I remember, but it's still not something I'll revisit much. I generally prefer Lou Reed in small doses and stick to the "hits." But he's an icon, so I appreciate how much he influenced people I like.
Chill album, first five songs were great.
tatsächlich auch bisschen underwelming, hatte mehr erwartet von meinem Lou. Großer Velvet Underground Fan bin ich nämlich. Aber trotzdem ganz gut.
this was pretty good!! took a couple songs to find its footing but we got there. was kinda getting hints of Elton John now and then. maybe low 4 but i’ll be happy with a high 3
Classic chill, take a walk on the wild side