About

Sound in a sentence: "Reed's music pulses with a raw, unrefined energy, characterized by repetitive motifs that build tension and release within minimalist arrangements."
Lou Reed matters for his profound impact on the landscape of rock music, merging the rawness of street life with introspective storytelling. His work has paved the way for countless artists seeking authenticity, encouraging a shift away from polished pop tropes towards a more honest and often confrontational approach to songwriting that captures the complexities of human experience.
Lou Reed matters for his profound impact on the landscape of rock music, merging the rawness of street life with introspective storytelling. His work has paved the way for countless artists seeking authenticity, encouraging a shift away from polished pop tropes towards a more honest and often confrontational approach to songwriting that captures the complexities of human experience. Reed's process hinges on a fearless exploration of themes often deemed taboo or uncomfortable, embracing the gritty realities of urban life while deftly incorporating elements of avant-garde art. This innovative approach allows him to create soundscapes that resonate with tension and vulnerability, engaging listeners in a dialogue about their own existential dilemmas. In his songwriting, Reed frequently navigates the realms of love, alienation, and addiction, employing a storytelling style that blends irony with sincerity. His distinctive voice often feels like a candid conversation, drawing the listener into intimate narratives that reflect both personal and shared experiences. The tone ranges from stark realism to poetic abstraction, allowing for multiple interpretations while evoking deep emotional responses.

Discography

63 releases 56 studio 1972–2022
Type: |

Albums ()

Words & Music, May 1965

Words & Music, May 1965

2022

Lollapalooza Live

Lollapalooza Live

2011

The Essential Lou Reed

The Essential Lou Reed

2011

Perfect Day: The Best of Lou Reed

Perfect Day: The Best of Lou Reed

2009

The Creation of the Universe

The Creation of the Universe

2008

Through the years: New York 1983 - Spain 2004

Through the years: New York 1983 - Spain 2004

2008

Hudson River Wind Meditations

Hudson River Wind Meditations

2007

Live at Montreux 2000

Live at Montreux 2000

2005

Spanish Fly: Live in Spain

Spanish Fly: Live in Spain

2005

Greatest Hits – NYC Man

Greatest Hits – NYC Man

2004

Animal Serenade

Animal Serenade

2004

NYC Man – The Collection

NYC Man – The Collection

2003

The Raven

The Raven

2003

Legendary Lou Reed

Legendary Lou Reed

2002

The Very Best of Lou Reed

The Very Best of Lou Reed

2000

Ecstasy

Ecstasy

2000

The Definitive Collection

The Definitive Collection

1999

Retro

Retro

1998

A Retrospective

A Retrospective

1998

Perfect Night: Live in London

Perfect Night: Live in London

1998

Perfect Day

Perfect Day

1997

Different Times: Lou Reed in the '70s

Different Times: Lou Reed in the '70s

1996

Set the Twilight Reeling

Set the Twilight Reeling

1996

Live in Concert

Live in Concert

1996

The Best of Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground

The Best of Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground

1995

Magic and Loss: Live in Concert

Magic and Loss: Live in Concert

1992

Coney Island Baby: Live in New Jersey

Coney Island Baby: Live in New Jersey

1992

Magic and Loss

Magic and Loss

1992

Between Thought and Expression: The Lou Reed Anthology

Between Thought and Expression: The Lou Reed Anthology

1992

Walk on the Wild Side & Other Hits

Walk on the Wild Side & Other Hits

1992

Beauty and Rust

Beauty and Rust

1992

A Night with Lou Reed

A Night with Lou Reed

1991

New York

New York

1989

Mistrial

Mistrial

1986

City Lights

City Lights

1985

New Sensations

New Sensations

1984

Live in Italy

Live in Italy

1984

Legendary Hearts

Legendary Hearts

1983

The Blue Mask

The Blue Mask

1982

Growing Up in Public

Growing Up in Public

1980

Rock and Roll Diary: 1967–1980

Rock and Roll Diary: 1967–1980

1980

The Bells

The Bells

1979

Live: Take No Prisoners

Live: Take No Prisoners

1978

Street Hassle

Street Hassle

1978

New York Superstar

New York Superstar

1978

Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed

Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed

1977

Rock and Roll Heart

Rock and Roll Heart

1976

Coney Island Baby

Coney Island Baby

1975

Lou Reed Live

Lou Reed Live

1975

Metal Machine Music

Metal Machine Music

1975

Sally Can't Dance

Sally Can't Dance

1974

Rock 'n' Roll Animal

Rock 'n' Roll Animal

1974

Berlin

Berlin

1973

American Poet

American Poet

1972

Transformer

Transformer

1972

Lou Reed

Lou Reed

1972

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