Reviews (page 10 of 13)
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
Pre-listening thoughts: oh fuck me I was just talking (dreading) about how much velvet underground we had left (zero as a band, zero solo other than motherfucking Lou Reed) Post/during listening thoughts: okay so actually this wasn’t bad at all. His talk singing still annoys the crap out of me sometimes. But this is the most notes I’ve ever heard him hit. I still hate Walk on the Wild Side. Not sure why that was the song to blow up from this album. There were moments I found myself enjoying this as if it weren’t Lou Reed so congrats Lou Reed, you have made a tolerable album. 5.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Andy’s Chest, Hangin Round, Satellite of Love Least fav tracks: Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side, Make Up
I want to like it. But it’s boring. He is very poetic with his lyrics but it doesn’t excite me. Guitar drums and bass are fun
you want to love this album and then Lou throws in some bizarre tracks that make you want to stop listening
Der er et par perler på, men selv 36 minutter virker lidt langt for mig.
Lou Reed is an artist I'm a little familiar with, but haven't actually dived into a full album. Always heard good things about Transformer and I think it mostly lives up to the praise. Lou's voice and lyrics are iconic, if not divisive, and really help elevate this project. I enjoyed the variety between tracks, and "Walk on the Wild Side" is such an incredible song. I don't know if I could stand to listen to this repeatedly but I was impressed with this listen!
It's a decent album.
Bowie/Ronson’s glam production suits Lou’s sarcastic New York drawl and sly wit nicely, but I found myself wishing for better material throughout. His most influential solo work, to be sure, but not his best. Top Tracks: Vicious, Perfect Day, Satellite of Love
He's fine, just guilty by association (I really don't like Andy Warhol)
Yo yo yo it’s the big music hater Supremo here for another music hating session based entirely off of a first listen in which improbably over analyze everything tot he point that nothing is enjoyable. In response to that, explain the 5 star albums. Huh? You CAN’T, because my music reviewing is infallible. Alright. Big sigh. Got that all out the way. Now it’s time for cool hip drug man, big Louie Reed in his first appearance of what I can only assume is many entities on this list. I’m surprised it’s not entirely Lou Reed. I’m excited for this. The guy has an aura about him, and is of course a romanticized mental illness case. He at least gets some flack because he didn’t die young. Small victories. Anyway. This intro is too long. Kick off your shoes, stay awhile, and lend an ear to the musical stylings of Mr. Reed. Hopefully some interest is gained on that loan. Vicious - Did not expect this to be so uhh normal? I guess? I like it! Wow. Shocking. It’s a little odd and those famous “literary” lyrics like “I’ll step on your hands and mangle your feet,” never hit as hard as internet nerds think. Although, did he call himself a “gay blade?” Amazing takedown of BeyBlades if you’re a high school boy in 2002. Andy’s Chest - More hands and feet crossover lyrics. Fuck it, I’m on board. Get me a Lou Reed poster and some opiates. I’m invested. Perfect Day - Famous song time. For some reason I’ve only ever heard this song performed featuring a big opera singer. It was pretty funny. This is such an interesting song. It’s like a radio ballad crooned by a deeply troubled street performer. I think I love it, but I’m not fully sure I don’t hate it. That’s music, baby. Hangin’ Round - Makes me want to hang around (die in an extension cord accident). Walk on the Wild Side - Can I Kick it? No? You want me to sit and listen to stories about people from the the east village in New York? Well, actually, that’s pretty fun. This is a respite after the last song. Very cool jazz instrumentals. I love that bass. Fun track. I don’t know about the reference to “coloured girls.” Make Up - Is this a TUBA??? Fuckin rights. “Little girl” mentioned. Tuba is a win. Little girl is a loss. This is an odd song. I like the oddity, but something is missing. It’s probably that refrain. Satellite of Love - Even on the songs where I don’t enjoy the main thrust, there are so many interesting sounds. The moaning background vocals and the snaps near the end take a fairly bad song and make it tolerable. Wagon Wheel - I hate Darius Rucker, I hate Darius Rucker, I hate Darius Rucker. For that song to immediately enter my head when I see these words, AND because he refuses to be known as Hootie sans Blowfish. I also hate this song, but not as bad as old Darius. Trust me. If you grow up in a fake western wannabe saloon town as I did, you grow to hate pop country more than most. New York Telephone Conversation - Me and my dad used to listen to this song and laugh. Of course this was well before I understood any sort of mental health challenges or drug use. Listening now, all I can think is “what does this conversation have to do with New York.” Let me rewrite this puppy. *phone ringing* YEAH JIMMY’S PIZZA. I CANT DELIVER A SLICE WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS. GET OUTTA HERE *phone slams.* I’m So Free - Man, is this ever a let down. This shouldn’t have been included. This is like walking on the wild side. Goodnight Ladies - This is the Val Venis closer. He says hello, he says goodnight. Although, considering the lack of comma, I think these are the “Goodnight Ladies.” A team of ultra secretive assassins. A very silly vaudeville style closer that overstays its welcome. Shame. New Yahk baby. They had some good shit back then. By good shit, I mean STRONG heroin. I believe Lou was partaking in some of that, but I can’t tell you that for sure. I wasn’t to be born for another couple of decades. By the time I was around, Times Square was a parody of itself in the heady early 70’s. This album was interesting throughout, and TRANSFORMED my preconceptions about Lou Reed into an entirely different view. I’m surprised how not pretentious this was. Artistic music that doesn’t repeatedly slap you in the face with its intended depth. This album lets the writing do the talking. Very refreshing experience. The lyrics did end up being great and whilst bizarre, peppered the strange tracks with musings about sexuality, gender issues, mental illness and drug use. With the lyrical themes and the album title, I’d like to wish all the weird, bigoted internet dudes with sunglasses profile pictures a happy pride month. May your wives never find your Grindr account. And Lou? This thing was pretty rad. Thanks pal. 3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Andy’s Chest, Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side
Several classics on this album. Also several forgettable songs. Some of the more artsy tunes sound like he didn’t want to write something meaningful or enjoyable. Very Andy Warhol. I’ve become more of a fan of Reed and the Velvet Underground through this challenge. But, as an album, this one gets only a three.
3-4
Not my vibe. Most of the time Lou just want to be a slacker or something. He does give some passion to "Perfect Day" which I appreciate. I feel like mostly I want someone else to sing these songs and have more energy to the rockers. I'm not saying he's a bad songwriter. "Vicious" is my fav rocking song here. This is really beloved but I'm just confused (as always). Highlights: "Perfect Day" & "Satellite of Love".
A cool album, I quite liked Perfect Day, and Take a Walk on the Wild Side has a really nice vibe. This album has a lot of variety and I enjoyed listening to it. I'd definitely revisit this later. 2.5/5 stars.
Čak i kao najveći hejter Velvet Undergrounda jer smo to već ustanovili moram priznati da ovo nije sekunde loš album. Može se slušati, pa čak i solidno uživati.
Really with there was a half star, would have got 3.5
This one felt dated.
Aside from the song "Perfect Day" which was the standout in this album, it was mostly underwhelming considering the backing and the genre. With no clear negatives in the album but also not many standout songs this will get a 2.5/5 with a bump to 3.
Good album, bluesy rock vibes. One timeless hit. 3.5/5.
A classic I've never been able to connect with. Netherless, Lou Reed shows an amazing voice technic, with Bowies lyrics and an immortal sound. RIP Lou Reed, your best proyect was The Velvet Underground but this was amazing too
Vrij relaxte nummers, eentje die ik wel al echt kende.
Three good to great songs I knew already which is great for any album but the rest left no impression.
Alright, so the production’s doing some heavy lifting here. It’s glam but mellow. A few tracks really work, cool style, just not much punch. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - Perfect Day - Hangin' 'Round - Walk On the Wild Side
Solid little rock album I wish the jazz elements came in a little sooner in the album but they’re still great
good
I enjoyed it.
Perfect day is a perfect song. Satellite of love if fantastic too, and, of course, Walk on the wild side is iconic. The rest is very forgettable.
I liked the beginning more than the end, but overall a cool album and cool artist. Hangin’ ‘Round reminds me of the Strokes and I really enjoyed it. Only saved a couple of songs.
Influential. Would listen to again. Lou Reed is king but I like velvet underground better cause they jam more. That’s why it’s a three star
It’s okay. Doesn’t wow me, but easy listening.
Some classics. Some absolutely ridiculous lyrics.
Fine. Not my thing.
Vom Album isch mer nüm viel bliibe ussert de 5er track perfect day und no paar ganz okeeigi dezwüsche. Han aber nüm möge s album nomal lose und möcht gern s mäntigsalbum gseh Darum gits 3 Optimus Prime
is gon be a quick one es coast album isches gsi zum website stuff abfülle scho zwei drü lieder druf gha wommer kennt hett, aber am beste hani de album titel gfund ih dem sinn With the All Spark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. And fate has yielded its reward: a new world to call home. What I've done!!!! I'll face myself To cross out what I've become Erase myself And let go of what I've done
fast scho en chline full circle moment: zämme im toggi de album club gstartet, trainspotting gluegt & da hemmer mit «perfect day» en prominenti vertretig vom soundtrack de song hed‘s tüüf ih mis herz gschafft & sitzt momentan sogar ih minere top 32 of all time… denn muess bestimmt s‘ganze album en banger sii oder? FALSCH! muess säge de rescht hed mer wüki nöd so vill gäh… walk on the wild side obviously chillig, aber weni die melodie wott lose, denn losi a tribe called quest fazit: durchzognigs album und daher transformiered sich die lüchtchräftige 5 sterne vo «perfect day» leider nume zu 3 sterne wo mer gli d'glüehbire uswächsle muess
Some good stuff, then some clown songs haha. (33 known/68 new)
Reminds me of when I played tuba for my high school’s showing of Chicago.
Like a more relaxed Tom Waits, at least from looking at the cover, laid back and a bit silly.
Fav song: perfect day
I liked this.
Прикольно лирично
I was surprised how much I vibed to this album considering how much I disliked White light/White heat. Took me a second to get into it though because I really disliked the first two tracks, then the next two were good, and just generally the album was a little bit of a mixed bag for me. This is like a 3.5 but I don’t feel good enough about it to round up to a 4.
Two great songs and a lot of Lou being Lou. Some of these could have been pulled from a Tim Robinson sketch
Least bad Lou Reed thing (that I have heard), although he did make a pretty cool ambient album in the 2010's I think. Avant-garde pop, more listenable than the VU stuff. Walk On the Wild Side and Perfect Day are great. THe rest is very interesting thematically, lyrically, musically sort of cheesy.
Gotta be in the mood
Nothing I would return to, but bonus points for being super influential for future albums and being a staple of its time. not hard to listen to at all either, interesting lyrics all around as well
Cool guitar Nice bass Sounds like basic 70s music tho I’m sure it was new at the time Cool writing Good diversity throughout the songs while remaining cohesive Great pacing I really like perfect day, I’m so free, and vicious
I rate Walk on the wild side a 3/5 because its a littel creepy and its a littel dark. I rate Perfect day a 5 star because its calming and chill the piano is good.
I do not like this album because it is very slow and boring which is not my style
the first song is okay I don't really like it that much I like how the words are said I also like how slow it is I don't really like what the song is about though. the next song is good I like how it changes from slow to fast and fast to slow I also like the piano and how slow the words are said I also like how it sounds in general. the last song is kinda the same as the 2nd song I like how it sounds and I like the piano and I like the words and how they are said. overall I both like this album and don't, I might recommend.
Why does the cover look like a cartoon but motified? "Walking the Wildside" was interesting. The singing style was definetly diffrent. It was slow and sounded a little more like talking. The lyrics are also intresting. "Perfect Day" had the same style. The slow, almost talking singing. It also had deep lyrics just like the other one. Satellite of love was my favorite. It sounded more like a singy song than just talking but it still had that slow aspect to it. Overall I didn't really like this album and I would rate it 2 stars but I would tell anyobdy to try it because just because I didn't like something doesn't mean somebody else won't.
Jazzy. Silly. 3
Dynamic. Mindful, emotional, and energetic. I can hear the doo-wop influence. Very impressed, actually, which I can’t say for most Velvet Underground stuff.
I like Lou Reed in small doses - a whole album was a little much. Had to drop a star for the clunkers “New York Telephone Conversation" and "Goodnight Ladies"
This didn't sit quite right with me. It feels really depressing but also sweet at the same time?
It was fine.
You alright lou reed
"Walk on the Wild Side" on here. Okay album.
Some great iconic tracks but not a fan of the full album.
It was fine.
Meh. Ihan ok. En ole koskaan tykännyt Lou Reedin tavasta laulaa ja tulkita. Tämä levy auttoi minua ymmärtämään paremmin, mutten siltikään syttynyt täysin.
Decent songs but not my taste. A few notable songs that mos that have heard before. The “b” tracks are mellow and slow.
Ganz ok, man hört deutlich die David Bowie Produktion
Partially listened before Favourite tracks: Perfect Day, Satellite of Love, New York Telephone Conversation
I expected to dislike this to be honest, but it was fine, I enjoyed some stuff while overall not really vibing with his lyrics overall. I enjoyed it musically more than lyrically.
Buenazo
I've heard so much about Lou Reed and I've tried to listen to the Velvet Underground a couple times, partly because they're super-important in music history or whatever but also because everyone says it's similar to Pavement/Pavement was heavily inspired by them. I could never really get it into it. I'm already sort of primed to like it. Vicious: I like it, it's pretty good and very rock-n-roll! Sort of reminds me of Sex Pistols. I like how lowkey ridiculous the lyrics are. "Hey, why don't you swallow razorblades? You must think that I'm some kind of gay blade." ok sexually ambiguous king Andy's Chest: I like this less. I don't love his voice tbh sorry. It feels a little poindexter to me for some reason. It got groovier in the middle and at a certain point i was like "ok this is good" Perfect Day: I like this even less. It's boring af. Cute lyrics though. Feeding zoo animals is cute. Hangin' 'Round: Ok this is silly and fun. I love a narrative, like Jenny and the Ess-Dog by SM. This whole album's vibe is very very Rocky Horror to me. The album cover literally looks like a masc-er Frank N Furter lowkey. Walk on the Wild Side: This is about transvestites?? Hookers? Bitch idk but for a song about the Wild Side this is one of the most boring songs I've ever heard. Like it's good sounding generally and I like the lyrics, but .. ??? I like the ad lib bits. "Aalright. Huh" Like Mitch Hedberg tbh luv it. The doo-doo-doos are so forceful and loud and rapid and scary. I don't know if that's the intended effect but I'm lowkey scared for my life rn. I like it? I like the trumpet solo? It's good I'd lissten again but wtf Make Up: I'm always freaked out when a man from this era of history says anything about a little girl, especially a slick... wet... one. Whatever, dude, he's clearly kinda gayish so I'm like wahtever dude. It's kinda weird i kinda like it. It's a little country. I don't understand what the fuck is happening Satellite of Love: There have been too many god damn songs like this in this album. Rocky Horror is diverse. This is the same weird romantic shit that's been happening. I like the flute? Ok weird Idk boring im yawning dude it's sweet it's cute whatver dude Wagon Wheel: Watusi. Wahtever this is literally fucking country music get me the fuck out of here help help help. "Just kick her in the head and rearrange her"? the fuck? Yeah this reminds me of David Bowie a little but literally worse. I like the background singing New York Telephone Conversation: This is so funny dude what??? It's like a childrens rhyme. On purpose i guess? A little will and grace and very much the telephone song from cabaret but less catchy. I'm So Free: thank god finally a riff. Not as good as Paris Hilton's song lowkey but it's pretty good ig. Sounds like hes saying im so freaky which is prolly more apt. i like him saying he's ,other nautres son or whatevet thats cool Goodnight Ladies: Thank god i like this song legit tje best one so far. very speakeasy very chicago very kander and ebb verylaying down on a piano I think It was good but mostly not that fuckign great everyone keeps sucking Lou REed off but idk this was not as great as I thought itw oudlbe mostly just a little boring idk it's ok bc he has a sort of inherent charm maybe 3.4
Was alright
Solid songwriting but a bit too art-rock for me
This guy loves to rhyme nose with toes. I hatee the little girl song. The rest is stellar. Specifically Satellite of Love.
Optimus prime ahh album
3/5
First time to hear this and the original.
Good. David Bowie's production makes this album what it is. I'm not crazy about Lou Reed as a vocalist. "Walk On The Wild Side" is a classic.
“Transformer” feels transformative for 1972. It’s wild to imagine that Lou Reed and contemporaries like David Bowie were challenging people to take a “Walk on the Wild Side” in the early 70s, and yet there are many in 2025 regressively trying to shove non-traditional gender roles and identities back in the bottle as if they haven’t been part of cultures around the world for all of human history. That said, “Wild Side” and “Perfect Day,” the two hits, are the only songs that really hit for me on “Transformer.” It all works with Reed’s voice there, but those vocals only seem to really fit with a very certain style of song.
Reed has a tricky voice. It works wonders in the right song, but it’s not good on too many of these tracks. His voice complements the transcendent Walk On The Wild Side and the chorus for Perfect Day quite well.
Extremely original topics uniquely written. Lou is not a generational singer but he is an all time writer
Love the sleazy, dive bar sound
I like most of the songs except for Lou Reed's singing. I guess it's not a huge surprise I liked the underlying music given I'm a huge David Bowie fan. Still, other than maybe Walk on the Wild Side, I just didn't much care for Reed's singing on this one.
It was solidly OK.
Ich muss zugeben ich mag Lou Reed alleine nicht so gerne. Vielleicht hab ich die Lieder zu oft im Radio gehört. Das Album ist schon in Ordnung aber ich würde es mir nicht recht oft anhören. The Velvet Underground gefällt mir um einiges besser. Das heißt nicht das ich das Album schlecht finde aber ist eben nicht so meins. Lieblingslied: „Perfect Day“. 3/5.
Some absolute beautes, some absolute crap.
I liked the first song, but nothing else did much for me... A couple of stinkers, but mostly "meh"
1️⃣Perfect Day 2️⃣Satellite of Love
Never really been a Lou Reed fan. Some tunes on here are ok
7/10
There's some really incredible tracks on here, and then there's the other tracks.
Pretty good
Definitely interesting almost goes into a rap style with how purposefully unmelodic the singing is. Very much more storytelling than singing. Was good though.
No private session used for Spotify. Interesting album, couple of classics and then a couple of weird songs made weirder by Lou Reed's voice. I do like some of the songs on this album, but some I don't think I will ever listen to again, or at least that is my hope.
fine? 3/5
I don't remember listening to this but I think I liked it
Mi aspettavo mi piacesse di più
5/10
A mixed bag, walk on the wild side and perfect day are wonderful
I love how the chorus of “Perfect Day” takes a gentle ode to spending the day together, feeding animals at the zoo and catching a movie, and drags it over the fence into something more desperate and dark by stealing the chorus from the Supremes (by way of Vanilla Fudge). It’s brilliant. Other highlights are Reed’s lyrics about groupies, transvestites, glamming up in women’s makeup and watching satellites on TV. The production and arrangements from David Bowie and Mick Ronson do a lot of heavy lifting on this album, which offers an interesting snapshot of early ‘70s sleaze and Reed’s contrarian, awkward persona.
Campy and fun, but the only song I knew was the obvious Walk on the Wild Side.
Definitely a good record, but overrated. I don't buy that it was as much of a game-changer as critics like to claim, and while some of the tracks are good plenty can be safely ignored.
Never noticed the Bowie backing vocals on satellite of love before. This is a pretty decent record from someone who let's gave it doesn't have a great singing voice
It was okay. Some of it reminded me of circus music
Mellow and fun but aside from a couple songs it's not really something I'd want to revisit. Favorite songs were: Perfect Day Satellite of Love 5/10
I like that I could recognize the voice from Velvet Underground once told it was the same singer
Appreciated hearing more Lou reed than his mainstream hit, not sure if I connected with any of the songs!
„Walk On The Blind Side“ ist das Markenzeichen dieses teilweise durchschnittlichen Album ohne sonstigen Höhen und Tiefen. Brauchbarere Beats der frühen 70er.
Folk with some good variety, however the half singing/half talking style gets annoying
Some of the songs may not be politically correct now a days. Not a huge deal here, but just a note. Only 1 song (Andy's chest) is bad to me. 4 added to daily listeners. All others good, but not great
Now I know why wild side is the only song I know of this album. Heads and shoulders above the rest. Satellite of love and I’m so free not awful. Lou Reed really was the epitome of that super fucking talented guy who couldn’t get out of his own way. Instead of pumping out hit after hit on album after album full of bangers, he was doing heroin and getting by on raw talent at 80 to 85% of his potential. This album really just made me sad.
Had the can i kick it sample. Cool album
Gives hope for all the vocally challenged artists, if you can also be effortlessly cool
The singles and “Vicious” are the standout tracks. Lou Reed can write lyrics but I find his anhedonic performance kind of blah.
Middle of the road album with a few iconic hits. Take a walk on the wildside is still groundbreaking and important though.
Glam rock is not glam rocking
There’s a reason why no one else can be David Bowie. Even when he produces the quality can’t match what he can put out. I’ve noticed this with this album and Iggy Pop - they don’t have that same fastball that makes Bowie HIM. Not a bad album though.
Solid album that I’ve liked and listened to before. Love me some Lou Reed
It sounds like what it is - one component of VU. VU (album) and w/ Nico were magical. Listening to this makes you appreciate that the magic is so often in the tension and collaboration. That said, Wild Side is near perfect.
Een klassieker die meer berust op culturele (vooral cinematische) waarde dan op pure muzikaliteit. Het niveau van inventiviteit en muzikaal vernuft dat hij had in VU heeft hij nooit meer gehaald in z'n solo loopbaan. De eerste helft van de plaat is wel echt een heerlijke rollercoaster van glam, alt rock en proto-punk. De tweede helft laat te wensen over. 'Satellite of Love' breekt met die trend, en is één van de betere alt rock songs van de 70s. Eerste helft krijgt 4 sterren, tweede helft 2. Meer kan ik er eigenlijk niet van maken. 7/10 Highlights: Andy's Chest Perfect Day Walk On the Wild Side (shoutout naar Hans) Satellite of Love
One song. Rest is ok.
Good music overall, vocals leave more to be desired, they're a bit dull. Enjoy the songs though, reasonably relaxing, good background music.
Enjoyed the album. Violent Femmes definitely came from Lou and Television
#419. I'm sure this seemed edgy and cool when it came out, but it didn't really age well. If you're listening to it for the first time decades later, it's unlikely to leave a lasting impression. 3/5: decent
Favorite Track: Walk On The Wild Side
3.5, good stuff but then some repetitive or simple-feeling songs
Not as good as I remember but still good.
Some songs are great, some are not. Pretty good overall.
Rock, 1972 -> 3
Very nice and inspiring
I already own this album and enjoy Lou Reed's voice /sound. Perfect Day is an all time favorite song. That said, the entire album evokes an atmosphere and mood that takes me away from my day for 36 Minutes.
Not a fan. Some classics but not for me.
A bit droll and dry, reminded me of Leonard Cohen. Not really my thing usually, but this album was more interesting than I would have thought. I had heard “Wild Side” before, and it is probably the big hit here, but I preferred ‘Perfect Day’
Great songwriting for sure, and a lot of it I really enjoyed, but also some of it fell flat for me. Bowie's influence on the production comes through very clearly, and it really works at times. But it felt like it dragged on the further I got into the album.
Was ok
It was fine but nothing stood out
3.5 stars
Lou Reed showcasing his talents post Velvet Underground. Not bad. Not great, but not bad.
Hmmmmm how do I want to rate this one. Perfect Day, Walk on the Wild Side and Satellite of Love are such fantastic jams. Otherwise I am kind of neutral on this album.
As performance art, it’s pretty good…as music it’s not good.
Calming, pretty good. I would say 3.5. Not bothersome
Far from terrible. Lou walks the line of being too goofy and artsy very carefully on this one. There are some hits hidden on this one.
Pretty good. Familiar with “Wild Side”, but nothing else really. Prefer the Velvet Underground, but this was still good, though a little stranger. 3/5 Probably will listen again
Better than I expected. Even outside the hits I knew. Good production, no surprise to find out it was produced by Bowie and and Mick Ronson
nudy
Consistently good and interesting instrumentals, but I don't mesh with the vocals. 3/5
I see why this hit so hard in the 70s as it truly embodies the zeitgeist of 1972 more than any other album, mixing artsy glam rock with singer-songwriter and Wings-esque melodies. But it does not really hold up, and seems far to dated to be interesting in the 21st century. That last point is also impacted by me not really caring for this dated aesthetic.
Perfect Day and Walk On the Wild Side are justly the two hits from this album, the rest are fine, except Hangin' Round which was fun. Fine.
Some interesting moments. A lot of variety.
Bowie’s production is good, but the lyrics are just so vapid I can’t do any better than a 3 here.
Very good.
Some weird shit
Need to properly listen a second time.
I like the familiar songs.
Every album released in 1972 should have been mandatory to be that band's cover/version of Vicious
Ok, kan lyttes til men ikke mindeværdigt
Still not a fan of Lou Reed's "singing." Good groove on 2 - "Andy's Chest." 5 - "Walk On the Wild Side" still great; makes me want to listen to "Can I Kick It?" 9 - "New York Telephone Conversation." Definite skip. 3/5.
You can hear what he's influenced all over the place. An artists artist and clearly groundbreaking stuff. But other than 1 or 2 songs...I just didn't like it that much. Most of it was fine. But I won't come back to the album
I’ve never listened to Lou Reed before and was not familiar in the least bit with his music. Not something I would typically listen to, but I’m glad I heard it and opened up to a new genre of music. And I actually kind of enjoyed it and would listen to it again. The only song I was familiar with was ‘Perfect Day’ but I wasn’t aware it was by Lou Reed.
I tried.
Lou Reed is sorta like the Rolling Stones for me. I like some of his stuff, but certainly not all of it. I appreciate his cynicism and he can certainly write excellent songs. Wild Side deserves it's classic status. But I also don't love his singing on a lot of his songs. Some of the guitar work is rough, too. Lou, for me, works well on a Best Of type album.
It's a good album, very bluesey in parts. I really like the songs I know, the rest is pretty forgettable though.
Mun pitäis olla tätä kuunnellessa new yorkin kaduilla tupakka suussa nahkatakki päällä. Hyvii bängerei, pitkälti mitä odotinkin!
Nothing crazy but might be worth giving it another go
Good bangers but most were not memorable
3 really good tracks. Vicious, A perfect day and Walk on th wild side.
Complicated artistic man from an equally complicated era. Definitely transgressive - making it difficult to know who Lou Reed truly was. I’ve always enjoyed his work but an entire album at a time is too much.
Excellent album that I've rarely listened in its entirety. The hits on it are all phenomenal songs, the rest is not bad either. It's not The Velvet Underground though :)
What a weird album, to say the least. I feel like Lou is just talking to me with music in the background. However, the deeper I got into the album, the more I didn't mind the singing style. The instrumentation was unique and interesting. Nothing was overpowering, everything was balanced. The piano was nice, even adding a trombone/horns I thought was really cool and kept me interested. This album surprised me. I didn't think I was going to like it after the first song, but it grew on me. 3/5
Single songs are so out of this world, amazing, sheer unique beauties. The rest I really don‘t care about at all.
Few good tunes Perfect day Satellite of love Hangin round Don’t love the fact that most song ends with a repeated lyric or verse. Feels cheap. Not sure why Lou Reed is so highly rated, he was unique but this album is a 3.5/5 in my book
This was fun :)
Good job Lou, this time you are not insufferable!
It has a couple classics, but it's marred by the "amateurism" of Lou Reed's bad singing/mumbling. It's an album more about the storytelling than the music, but the stories are no longer that interesting. It's no surprise that the songs most enduring on the album are those with heavy instrumentation and arrangements. It's interesting to think why this album can't escape feeling "amateur", while for other punk albums, or for LCD soundystem, or even david byrne, the amateur singing "works".
I have very mixed feelings about this album. I've never really liked it, though Perfect Day is a great song, and Satellite of Love and Andy's Chest have some really brilliant moments too. Still, it feels Reed takes the easy way out with a lot of his songwriting and it's annoying. Perhaps my feelings are affected by the time I got kicked out of this bar when I was underage and wasted and played Walk on the Wild Side 25 times in a row on the jukebox which they ultimately had to unplug. I ended up puking in a snowbank in full view of all the patrons.
I really want to like this album, but I just can't get past Lou Reed's voice. Why does he sound like that?
It's fine I guess, inoffensive at worst. Production would be the highlight if anything. This man is kinda just speaking on most of these songs, not doing much for me. Doesn't help that I haven't had much exposure to rock in general
Can’t say I rated Lou Reed back in the 70’s. American artists in those days didn’t really interest me. I do have an interest nowerdays if only to ensure I have no serious gaps in my overall musical knowledge. As regards this album I can sum it up with a handful of good classic tracks - Vicious, Perfect day, Walk On The Wild Side, Satellite of Love (just maybe) interspersed with a lot of dross. Those handful of named tracks are all I need to educate myself and acknowledge what Lou Reed is about. 2.9/5 24/8/24
I feel whelmed by this album.
Didn’t really rate it, slow, uninspired. Old people like walk on the wild side
Lyrically hilarious and weird at times. Like the sound and vibe overall. Was kinda on the cusp of a two but the back half of the album pushed it up for me. Also always cool to recognize a sample from older music.
I generally thought the songwriting was good, the talk-singing just takes away from it so much though. We’ve had so many great songwriters on the list that seem to artificially limit themselves based on execution.
Ultimately it was an enjoyable album except for the talk-singing. A couple solid songs in Walk on the Wild Side and Perfect Day, but not much else stood out. I don’t know that I’d come back to it except for those two songs. Better than a good bit of what we’ve heard, so I’ll go with a three.
It was a nice chill listen, definitely recognized some of the tracks. Would I purposefully listen again? Out of all the music in the world? No. 3. LOL
Really enjoyed listening to this - better than I remembered it.
When I seen Lou Reed come up had very low expectations. Was pleasantly surprised. Quite modern sounding album.
i like lou, and sometimes i don't
Talking to music is NOT singing. Guitar playing requires talent but let someone else do vocals!
I've never listened much to Lou Reed but giving this a good listen has got my ears perked up. I like these songs, I like this sound. I don't know what's stopped me in my tracks before; I think it may have been a blend of his vocal tone and performance that often teeters on apathetic and a little too flat. "Walk On the Wild Side" is the big track on this one for good reason. It's so effortlessly cool and immensely memorable. The arrangement might be my personal favorite element- I love the sliding and gliding standup bass and repetitive guitar that stays the course on top of everything. If it had one more song that was as great as that one, I think this would be a nice 4 for me. As it is now, there's a lot of good moments and ideas on it but a lot of the songs unfortunately sound pretty dated to me. There's a few rocking parts and fun ideas and concepts, like "New York Telephone Conversation", but I kind of feel like it will be a skip the next time I put this record on. Cool album cover. Ahead of its time.
a bit depressing for me
Early rock!
Seems strange to give an album with two such hugely popular classics only 3 stars, but that's where we are
walk on ...
This is ohhkaay, nice intro to the personality and sound of a rough poet, my favorite work of his is LULU. NO LIE. I'll give this 3 stars for his golden voice
Enjoyable and a few bangers
man idk like idk man it was good but also why is he singing like that
Good album
Some good
So many of these songs I could not decide if I did or did not like. One I definitely loved was Perfect Day. I somehow escaped ever hearing the entirety of Walk on the Wild Side until now (only bits and pieces) and went down an entire wiki walk afterwards. Overall, I think the vocal delivery and strange jangly feel of production really works on some songs and doesn’t on others. Some definite keepers here, but not an album I’d listen to start to finish going forward.
the album was actually produced by david bowie, who was a big fan of the velvet underground and produced Lou's 2nd solo album - Perfect Day & Walk on the Wild Side are 2 of Lou's biggest solo songs. the glam rock influences of the album are contrasted with his matter of fact coolness and laid back delivery of vocals.
this album is decent but its not three stars
i liked a couple songs, tempted to find a few more in his discog
A good album, I liked Walk On The Wild Side and Perfect Day.
It’s giving willy wonka and the chocolate factory but make it drug addicts teehee 🏭
Pretty sure I have heard this album before, just recently. Lou Reed is a legendary artist. This style of music not really my style. Everyone loves on the wild side.
I like it, but I can't tell if this album is really cool, or incredibly boring. I think it's his voice.
a little too boring at times but he manages some really good stuff in here
Some good some, couple of absolute classics, you can really hear Bowies influence in the production. I struggled with his voice over the course of the full album though.
Good music, can listen to it no problem and even a couple hooks, but overall it does not grab me.
love lou’s voice. reading about bowie’s involvement in this record explains so much. this is a weird album shifting between excellent and weird-bad. you’re a what little what now??
I haven’t spent much time listening to Lou Reed in the past, but enjoyed this one on the first listen. Almost feels like beat poetry put to music at times, which sounds terrible but it works with Reed’s voice and lyrics (Reed’s storytelling is excellent) and the spare production. The album sounds like it could’ve been produced by Rick Rubin in a different generation. I feel like an easy marker lately but a 3.8 for me.
Mehhhhhhhhh
(pt-br) achei gostosinho de ouvir, mas não é algo que tenha vontade de escutar de novo e de novo também.
Didn’t finish but liked what I heard - all I could think of was that one Lana lyric
Worth it for 'perfect day' alone, but it's an interesting album from start to finish. Still, not something I'll probably go back to much - musically it's just not hugely interesting to me.
Alright album, sounds like 3*. Enjoyed the ride but it came and went. Highlights: walk on the wild side
Sounds like an American Bowie prototype almost. Cool record!
Vicious 3.8 Andy's Chest 3.6 Perfect Day 4.2 Hangin' Round 3.8 Walk on the Wild Side 4 Make Up 3.1 Satelite of Love 3.4 Wagon Wheel 3.2 New York Telephone Conversation 3 I'm So Free 3.3 Goodnight Ladies 2.8 Score: 3.472727273
Honestly? Way better than I thought it was going to be. Way better than velvet underground. Must be a sweet spot in drug addiction I guess.
I don't think this album is for me but I can definitely here the Bowie influences and production all over this album. There are a tonne of tracks that sound exactly like Bowie!
Meh
I've never listened to this album before but had heard 'Perfect Day', 'Walk on the Wild Side' & 'Satellite of Love'. Those 3 are great and by far the standout tracks. Of the others I also liked 'Vicious'. The rest not so much. The music is decent on them but some of the lyrics are really bad. I only tend to pick up on lyrics after quite a few listens but here they do jump out & not in a good way. Overall it's a solid 3 stars.
new york telephone conversation may just be the worst song i’ve ever heard. decent album. not a huge fan of reed’s flat vocal delivery on some of these tracks. definitely some gems on here tho
Three stars
Decent. Heard of Perfect day and Walk on the wild side which were definitely my favourite and then the rest was pretty easy listening
Some good songs, i liked 'Walk on the Wild Side' as reminded me of Tribe Called Quest 'Can I Kick It'
Few nice melodies and interesting instrumentation, with a memorable brass section, but the vocal and lyrics make it almost unbearable to listen at times. I'm not a fan of Lou Reed and probably (most likely) I will never be. Very average album.
Cool sound. Great voice and worth another listen.
Yeah, pretty okay. I didn't realize that Can I Kick It sampled Take A Walk On The Wild Side, it's been a while since I heard that song! Otherwise, kind of a talk-singing album backed up by pleasant but simple music.
I like the bass. "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Perfect Day" are the most listened to songs here by far. They're pretty famous - "Perfect day" has even been on Rick and Morty. I like the music. Feels like really good music for what sounds like a pretty small band. He kinda sounds like what I think David Bowie sounds like (but maybe he just sounds like Lou Reed lol). I don't really like that. It's kinda a weird album, all different sorts of songs here. It's fine, don't love it, definitely don't dislike it.
3.5
lúlli reed, maður þekkir þessi lög
Hmm, not sure what I think of this one. My first notes were “weird, in more of an annoying way than a cool way” and “I can appreciate that this exists, but I don’t really like it.” At the same time, it’s charmingly handmade-feeling. There were moments that reminded me of Bowie, so it made sense when I saw he was involved with the album. I’ll give it a middle rating for now, but I think this is one where my opinion would change with repeated listens.
Andy's Chest is great This a weird album in the way that I don't think I've heard anything like it yet feels so familiar
Fine. Perfect day is nice. I am sure it was revolutionary in its tim.
Great stuff with a couple stinkers. 3.36
I was a little underwhelmed the first time through. On the second pass, I liked a couple other than Walk on the Wild Side. “I’m so free” and “Perfect day” are solid songs and the one super hit is a classic for sure, but I found most of the rest largely forgettable. Some of the melodies are catchy. The last track is kind of comical. 3/5
In this era of excess, I can appreciate the restraint of Lou’s records. But for me a little bit goes a long way with him. Some classic songs on this album, and a well placed Lou song in the right movie or something can be great, but I don’t really enjoy 11 tracks straight. At what point does atonal just equate to “not a great singer”?
Interesting that the album was produced by Bowie and Mick Ronson. The talk singing gets old after a while but I enjoyed it. Perfect Day is such a great song and of course Walk on the Wild Side is fun. Lou, I just don’t think we call our backup singers that any more. 😬
Musically and lyrically interesting… he must have been a hell of a performer, bc he certainly was not hooking people with his voice.
Iconic, but boring at times
Ehhh too pop for me. But fun to find out “Perfect Day” is a Lou Reed song, I didn’t know that
Vicious 3 Andy’s Chest 2 Perfect day 4 Hangin’ ’round 3 Walk on the wild side 4 Make up 2 Satellite of love 3 Wagon wheel 3 New York telephone conversation 2 I’m so free 3 Goodnight ladies 3
A good album overall but I've never been a huge fan of Lou Reed. This one has some memorable songs so if you want to test the Lou Reed waters, this is a good one to do it.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I was going to. Lyrics we're kinda weird and not really my thing. But overall I'd check out another Lou Reed album.