Berlin
by Lou Reed

From HoldenM 06/19/2026 15:40 | #314972

I like this more than Transformer. So close to loving it.

"Berlin", which was Reed's follow-up to his highly succesful ( both musically and commercially ) 1972 album "Transformer", showcases a radical change in Reed's direction. Whereas "Transformer" was a mostty light and musically catchy album, "Berlin" is a more complex and darker album; both musically and lyrically.
No tracks have the commercial appeal which characterized many tracks on "Transformer", and the album contains no new hit-singles. The album works much better to be listened to as a whole, and only few tracks are suited for "Best of" compilations. Songs like "Caroline Says" and "How Do Think it Feels" would be the most obvious selections to put out. This doesn't mean that this is not good album; on the contrary; it may be his artistically most successful. Musically it's very varied in style and instrumentation.

The "Berlin" theme seems to have influenced the arrangements of the two opening tracks; especially "Lady Day" ( Kurt Weil ).

The songs are generally longer than on Reed's two previous albums, but you are never bored when listening to the album; and once you have gotten to know the songs, you'll notice that it is really a very melodic album, with no unimportant tracks. This is Reed's Dark Masterpiece!

https://www.angelfire.com/nv/Badfinger/BANDloureed.html

An extremely well written album but in terms of musical quality this one is a little bit below some of his other releases. I think the main issue is that he gets to bogged down with the story of the album and it leads to a few songs which do struggle in comparison with the better tracks. Despite this, there are some absolutely phenomenal tracks on here. The peak of this being Sad Song with its grand feeling that makes it feel like an important and climactic conclusion. It wraps up the concept of the album nicely and finishes it on a flourish. The song writing is fantastic as well and I really enjoy the concept of the record as it makes for a unique listen that stands out from other artists around this time. Overall, there is a lot to love about this record and I really enjoy listening to it but Lou Reed has made superior albums in terms of musical quality.

Not my favorite from Lou Reed but still worth a listen

Not half as good as Transformer, but has some really good tracks like both parts of Caroline Says.

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The story Caroline and Jim is as enchanting as it is harrowing , the frustration in Reeds voice at the end of the ‘ The kids ‘ makes it feel really vivid , love this album .

From teague 04/13/2020 17:44 | #249890

Lou Reed comes through with another classic. Berlin sounds like Lou's response to Ziggy Stardust. The songwriting is of course near perfect because it's Lou Reed, the performances are great, and the lyrics are on point. I think this might be tied with Transformer in his solo discography.

Extreme sorrow and distrust. Great.

From Brad1770 03/15/2019 10:05 | #233576 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Lou Reeds 3rd solo album 'Berlin' is essentially a rock opera that tells the sad tale of Jim and Caroline. The albums themes of drug use, prostitution, depression, domestic violence and suicide make for a harrowing listen but one that is weirdly intoxicating

Centre piece track "The Kids" is one the 70's great tracks , the children crying and "Mummy Mummy " screams that close the track still gives me chills even after all these years

My only nit picking would be track 9 "The Bed" and I'll often skip past it , still , this is my favourite LR album