Lou Reed was an iconic American musician, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame as a member of the Velvet Underground. His work as a solo artist during the period 1970-1989 was marked by experimentation, innovation, and a willingness to explore different genres and styles.
The Early 1970s
Following his departure from the Velvet Underground in 1970, Lou Reed embarked on a solo career that would prove to be just as influential as his work with the band. His debut album, "Lou Reed," was released in 1972 and showcased his songwriting skills and gritty, streetwise style. The album was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson and featured songs such as "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Vicious," which would become signature tunes of Reed's solo career.
In 1973, Reed released "Transformer," which was produced by Bowie and Ronson and featured the hit singles "Satellite of Love" and "Perfect Day." The album was a commercial success and helped to cement Reed's reputation as a solo artist. The following year, he released "Berlin," a concept album that told the story of a doomed romance in the titular city. While the album was not a commercial success, it has since become recognized as one of Reed's greatest achievements, with its bleak themes and raw emotional power.
The Late 1970s
In 1975, Reed released "Metal Machine Music," a double album of avant-garde guitar feedback that was widely derided by critics and fans alike. Despite its commercial failure, the album was a bold statement of Reed's experimental tendencies and helped to establish his reputation as an artist who was willing to take risks and push boundaries.
Reed returned to more conventional songwriting with 1976's "Coney Island Baby," which featured the hit single "She's My Best Friend." The album was a critical and commercial success and demonstrated Reed's ability to craft memorable and accessible pop songs.
The 1980s
Reed's output during the 1980s was marked by a series of collaborations with other artists and a continuing willingness to explore new genres and styles. In 1980, he released "Growing Up in Public," an album that featured guest appearances from guitarists Robert Quine and Chuck Hammer. The album was not a commercial success, but it showcased Reed's ability to collaborate with other musicians and experiment with different sounds.
In 1982, Reed released "The Blue Mask," which was produced by Quine and featured the same backing band as "Growing Up in Public." The album was a critical success and demonstrated Reed's ability to blend his gritty streetwise style with more introspective and personal themes.
In 1989, Reed released "New York," an album that addressed issues such as urban decay, AIDS, and the Gulf War. The album was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as one of Reed's finest works. Its themes of social and political commentary marked a departure from his earlier work, but demonstrated his continuing relevance and willingness to tackle important issues through his music.
