The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground

alternative rock, blues rock, folk rock, psychedelic rock

United States Est. 1965

"The Velvet Underground crafts dense layers of sound with repetitive motifs and an urgent tempo that propel their narratives forward while evoking a sense of restless energy."

Start here

Begin with The Velvet Underground…

Loaded

Loaded

1970
Play this

Career Arc

The Velvet Underground's discography from 1968 to 2015

1968 1991 2015
White Light/White Heat (1968) The Velvet Underground (1969) Loaded (1970) Andy Warhol's Velvet Unde... (1971) Live at Max's Kansas City (1972) Squeeze (1973) 1969: The Velvet Undergro... (1974) VU (1985) Another View (1986) The Best of The Velvet Un... (1989) Chronicles (1991) Live MCMXCIII (1993) What Goes On (1993) Peel Slowly and See (1995) The Best of The Velvet Un... (2000) Bootleg Series Volume 1:... (2001) Final V.U. 1971–1973 (2001) Rock and Roll: An Introdu... (2001) The Very Best of The Velv... (2003) Gold (2005)
The Velvet Underground reshaped the landscape of popular music by introducing a raw, unfiltered approach that embraced the darker corners of human experience.
The Velvet Underground reshaped the landscape of popular music by introducing a raw, unfiltered approach that embraced the darker corners of human experience. Their influence reverberates through generations, inviting artists to explore themes of alienation and desire in ways that challenge mainstream conventions. This band didn’t just create songs; they ignited a cultural shift that made room for authenticity and avant-garde expression within rock music, setting the stage for future waves of alternative sound. Their process was marked by a willingness to experiment with both form and sound, fusing art, poetry, and music into a seamless exploration of life on the fringes. The Velvet Underground's collaboration under Andy Warhol’s guidance transformed their performances into multi-sensory experiences, blurring the lines between visual art and music, while their instrumentation often pushed tonal boundaries, creating textures that felt both abrasive and beautiful. In songwriting, they often delve into themes of love, addiction, and existential despair, employing a stark yet poetic voice that balances irony with sincerity. Their storytelling captures gritty urban life and introspective moments without romanticizing hardship, inviting listeners to confront uncomfortable truths. This blend of observation and emotional depth allows their work to resonate across diverse audiences.

Full discography

The Velvet Underground's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

22 releases • 22 albums • 1968–2015
Type:

No releases match the current filters.

Like The Velvet Underground? Try these next

Similar artists with their own starting points

Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Velvet Underground sound like?

The Velvet Underground crafts dense layers of sound with repetitive motifs and an urgent tempo that propel their narratives forward while evoking a sense of restless energy. Rooted in alternative rock and folk rock. Start with The Velvet Underground.

What is the best The Velvet Underground album to start with?

The best album to start with is "The Velvet Underground" (1969). It's the most representative of what makes The Velvet Underground worth hearing.

Who is The Velvet Underground for?

If you're into alternative rock and folk rock, The Velvet Underground is worth your time. The Velvet Underground crafts dense layers of sound with repetitive motifs and an urgent tempo that propel their narratives forward while evoking a sense of restless energy.

How many albums does The Velvet Underground have?

The Velvet Underground has 22 releases in their discography, including 22 albums.

Deezer Soundcloud Spotify Youtube Website Facebook Instagram Wikipedia