Lou Reed – Transformer

Transformer is the second solo studio album by American recording artist Lou Reed. It was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, who were both strongly influenced by Reed’s work with the Velvet Underground. The album was released in November 1972 by RCA Records. It is considered an influential landmark of the glam rock genre, featuring Reed’s most successful single, “Walk on the Wild Side”, which touched on controversial topics of sexual orientation, gender identity, prostitution and drug use.

The album contains songs that Reed composed while in the Velvet Underground, such as “Andy’s Chest”, “Satellite of Love” and “New York Telephone Conversation”. The album also reflects Reed’s connection to artist Andy Warhol, who inspired the song “Vicious” with his remark, “Oh, you know, like I hit you with a flower” . Transformer showcases Reed’s diverse musical styles, from the catchy pop rock of “Vicious” and “I’m So Free” to the mellow ballads of “Perfect Day” and “Goodnight Ladies”. The album also features Ronson’s elaborate arrangements, such as the string section on “Perfect Day” and the saxophone solo on “Walk on the Wild Side” .

Transformer is widely regarded as one of Reed’s best and most influential albums, as well as one of the greatest albums of all time. It has been ranked among the best albums of the 1970s by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, NME and others. It has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry ¹³. Transformer is a masterpiece of glam rock that showcases Reed’s unique voice, vision and versatility.