Lou Reed, a figure synonymous with New York’s gritty artistic underground, carved out a unique and enduring space in music history. From his groundbreaking work with the Velvet Underground to his provocative and often challenging solo career, Reed consistently defied expectations and pushed boundaries. While albums like Metal Machine Music and Lulu (his collaboration with Metallica) polarized critics and fans alike, his catalog is rich with songs that are both deeply influential and profoundly moving. To truly appreciate his genius, it’s essential to delve into the highlights of his solo work. For those who might be intimidated by his more experimental phases, this list of the top 10 Lou Reed Songs serves as the perfect entry point, or a welcome revisit, to the brilliance of this rock icon.
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Metal Machine Music (Part 1, 2, 3, 4)
To call Metal Machine Music a dare is an understatement. Released in 1975, this album remains one of music’s most divisive works. Is it a prank? A contractual obligation fulfilled in the most unconventional way? Or a visionary precursor to noise rock? Regardless of interpretation, this 64-minute sonic assault of pure feedback, divided into four “parts,” undeniably challenges the very definition of music. It’s not easy listening, but its influence on avant-garde and experimental music is undeniable, making it a noteworthy, if not exactly enjoyable, piece in the Lou Reed songbook.
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Dirty Blvd.
Featured on the New York album, “Dirty Blvd.” marked Reed’s masterful return to the raw, three-chord essence reminiscent of his Velvet Underground days. This album dominated the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for four weeks, and “Dirty Blvd.” stood out as its pop gem. This track, a poignant narrative wrapped in catchy melodies, is rightfully considered one of the best Lou Reed songs. Its impact was further cemented when Reed performed it alongside David Bowie during Bowie’s 50th birthday celebration in 1997, showcasing its enduring appeal.
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Street Hassle
“Street Hassle” is an ambitious 11-minute rock odyssey, a mini rock opera divided into three distinct movements: “Waltzing Matilda,” “Street Hassle,” and “Slipaway.” This track is a sonic tapestry woven with Reed’s stream-of-consciousness lyrics, reminiscent of William S. Burroughs’ style, set against a backdrop of rock music enhanced by orchestral arrangements. Adding to its unique character, the song features an uncredited spoken-word cameo by Bruce Springsteen, making it a fascinating and experimental piece within Lou Reed’s diverse catalog of songs.
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Vicious
“Vicious” bursts onto the scene as the opening track of Reed’s acclaimed Transformer album. In just under three minutes, it delivers a shot of spiky, glam-infused pop that feels like a natural progression from the Velvet Underground’s sound. Interestingly, “Vicious” has roots dating back to Reed’s Velvet days. Legend has it that Andy Warhol himself inspired the song, suggesting the line “you hit me with a flower” when challenging Reed to write about someone truly vicious. This anecdote adds another layer to this sharp and memorable Lou Reed song.
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Caroline Says (II)
“Caroline Says (II)” is a fascinating piece in Reed’s discography, being a reworked version of the Velvet Underground’s “Stephanie Says.” While “Stephanie Says” was recorded in 1968, it remained a bootleg gem until its official release on the 1985 VU outtakes compilation. “Caroline Says (II)” thus holds the distinction of being the first officially released version of this song, showcasing Reed’s revisiting and reimagining of his earlier Velvet Underground material in his solo work.
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Coney Island Baby
“Coney Island Baby” stands out for its lyrical vulnerability. It’s arguably Lou Reed’s most tender and emotionally exposed ballad. The song’s raw honesty resonates deeply, revealing a softer side of Reed. A special bonus-track version, included in the 30th-anniversary deluxe edition of the album, features Doug Yule, who joined the Velvet Underground in 1968 after John Cale’s departure. This version offers a unique glimpse into the song’s evolution and Reed’s collaborations across different phases of his career.
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Perfect Day
“Perfect Day” paints a picture of simple, everyday joys: a trip to the zoo, a movie, a walk in the park. This seemingly straightforward depiction of contentment has sparked debate among fans. Is it genuinely about simple pleasures, or is there a darker, veiled reference to heroin? While some interpret it as the latter, emphasizing Reed’s known candor about drug use, others see it as a sincere love song. Its resurgence on the Trainspotting soundtrack solidified its dual identity: a beautiful love song that could also be interpreted through the lens of drug use, adding layers to one of the best known Lou Reed songs.
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Sweet Jane (Live – Rock n Roll Animal Version)
“Sweet Jane,” originally a Velvet Underground classic, gets a powerful transformation on Reed’s live album Rock n Roll Animal. This version opens with an extended, improvisational jam reminiscent of the Grateful Dead, stretching for three minutes before launching into the song’s iconic three-chord progression. Including a Velvet Underground song on a list of Lou Reed’s best solo tracks might seem like bending the rules, but the lines between his band work and solo career are often blurred, making this powerful rendition of “Sweet Jane” a rightful inclusion and a testament to the song’s enduring quality across different interpretations.
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Satellite of Love
“Satellite of Love,” the second single from Transformer, is another example of a Lou Reed song that originated in his Velvet Underground days. He initially recorded it for the band’s Loaded album, but it remained unreleased as a VU track until the Peel Slowly and See box set in 1995. This version, produced by David Bowie, features Bowie himself contributing soaring backing vocals, adding another layer of star power to this already stellar track. It highlights the collaborative and interconnected nature of the music scene of that era.
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Walk on the Wild Side
Is there any other way to walk with Lou Reed than on the “Wild Side”? This signature song delves into the underbelly of 1970s New York City life, fearlessly addressing topics like drug use, male prostitution, and oral sex. Despite its provocative themes, “Walk on the Wild Side” remarkably navigated its way into the Top 20 charts, becoming the definitive Lou Reed solo track. Its iconic bassline and unforgettable “Doo do doo, doo do doo, doo do doo …” refrain have cemented its place as one of the most recognizable and enduring songs in rock history, and undoubtedly the most famous of all Lou Reed songs.
Next: Top 10 Velvet Underground Songs
