Lou Reed

Lou Reed

alternative rock, art rock, folk rock, psychedelic rock

United States

"Reed's music pulses with a raw, unrefined energy, characterized by repetitive motifs that build tension and release within minimalist arrangements."

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Coney Island Baby

Coney Island Baby

1975

Lou Reed matters for his profound impact on the landscape of rock music, merging the rawness of street life with introspective storytelling.
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.

Full discography

Lou Reed's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

63 releases 56 albums 1972–2022
Type:

Albums ()

Words & Music, May 1965 album by Lou Reed

Words & Music, May 1965

2022

Lollapalooza Live album by Lou Reed

Lollapalooza Live

2011

The Essential Lou Reed album by Lou Reed

The Essential Lou Reed

2011

Perfect Day: The Best of Lou Reed album by Lou Reed

Perfect Day: The Best of Lou Reed

2009

The Creation of the Universe album by Lou Reed

The Creation of the Universe

2008

Through the years: New York 1983 - Spain 2004 album by Lou Reed

Through the years: New York 1983 - Spain 2004

2008

Hudson River Wind Meditations album by Lou Reed

Hudson River Wind Meditations

2007

Live at Montreux 2000 album by Lou Reed

Live at Montreux 2000

2005

Spanish Fly: Live in Spain album by Lou Reed

Spanish Fly: Live in Spain

2005

Greatest Hits – NYC Man album by Lou Reed

Greatest Hits – NYC Man

2004

Animal Serenade album by Lou Reed

Animal Serenade

2004

NYC Man – The Collection album by Lou Reed

NYC Man – The Collection

2003

The Raven album by Lou Reed

The Raven

2003

Legendary Lou Reed album by Lou Reed

Legendary Lou Reed

2002

Ecstasy album by Lou Reed

Ecstasy

2000

The Very Best of Lou Reed album by Lou Reed

The Very Best of Lou Reed

2000

The Definitive Collection album by Lou Reed

The Definitive Collection

1999

Retro album by Lou Reed

Retro

1998

A Retrospective album by Lou Reed

A Retrospective

1998

Perfect Night: Live in London album by Lou Reed

Perfect Night: Live in London

1998

Perfect Day album by Lou Reed

Perfect Day

1997

Different Times: Lou Reed in the '70s album by Lou Reed

Different Times: Lou Reed in the '70s

1996

Set the Twilight Reeling album by Lou Reed

Set the Twilight Reeling

1996

Live in Concert album by Lou Reed

Live in Concert

1996

The Best of Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground album by Lou Reed

The Best of Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground

1995

Magic and Loss: Live in Concert album by Lou Reed

Magic and Loss: Live in Concert

1992

Coney Island Baby: Live in New Jersey album by Lou Reed

Coney Island Baby: Live in New Jersey

1992

Magic and Loss album by Lou Reed

Magic and Loss

1992

Between Thought and Expression: The Lou Reed Anthology album by Lou Reed

Between Thought and Expression: The Lou Reed Anthology

1992

Walk on the Wild Side & Other Hits album by Lou Reed

Walk on the Wild Side & Other Hits

1992

Beauty and Rust album by Lou Reed

Beauty and Rust

1992

A Night with Lou Reed album by Lou Reed

A Night with Lou Reed

1991

New York album by Lou Reed

New York

1989

Mistrial album by Lou Reed

Mistrial

1986

City Lights album by Lou Reed

City Lights

1985

New Sensations album by Lou Reed

New Sensations

1984

Live in Italy album by Lou Reed

Live in Italy

1984

Legendary Hearts album by Lou Reed

Legendary Hearts

1983

The Blue Mask album by Lou Reed

The Blue Mask

1982

Growing Up in Public album by Lou Reed

Growing Up in Public

1980

Rock and Roll Diary: 1967–1980 album by Lou Reed

Rock and Roll Diary: 1967–1980

1980

The Bells album by Lou Reed

The Bells

1979

Live: Take No Prisoners album by Lou Reed

Live: Take No Prisoners

1978

Street Hassle album by Lou Reed

Street Hassle

1978

New York Superstar album by Lou Reed

New York Superstar

1978

Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed album by Lou Reed

Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed

1977

Rock and Roll Heart album by Lou Reed

Rock and Roll Heart

1976

Coney Island Baby album by Lou Reed

Coney Island Baby

1975

Metal Machine Music album by Lou Reed

Metal Machine Music

1975

Lou Reed Live album by Lou Reed

Lou Reed Live

1975

Sally Can't Dance album by Lou Reed

Sally Can't Dance

1974

Rock 'n' Roll Animal album by Lou Reed

Rock 'n' Roll Animal

1974

Berlin album by Lou Reed

Berlin

1973

American Poet album by Lou Reed

American Poet

1972

Transformer album by Lou Reed

Transformer

1972

Lou Reed album by Lou Reed

Lou Reed

1972

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lou Reed sound like?

Reed's music pulses with a raw, unrefined energy, characterized by repetitive motifs that build tension and release within minimalist arrangements. Rooted in alternative rock and folk rock. Start with Transformer.

What is the best Lou Reed album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Transformer" (1972). It's the most representative of what makes Lou Reed worth hearing.

Who is Lou Reed for?

If you're into alternative rock and folk rock, Lou Reed is worth your time. Reed's music pulses with a raw, unrefined energy, characterized by repetitive motifs that build tension and release within minimalist arrangements.

How many albums does Lou Reed have?

Lou Reed has 63 releases in their discography, including 56 albums.