10 More Perfect Rock Albums Of The 70s With No Bad Songs
9. Transformer - Lou Reed (1972)
In the early '70s fans of The Velvet Underground had been eagerly awaiting Reed's solo ventures, but his debut album proved less than inspiring. That all changed with the release of the aptly name Transformer.
The late great David Bowie can be thanked for pushing Reed to put out this masterpiece. Although Bowie's solo career was having a degree of success, this was before his Ziggy Stardust debut, and as such he was often working behind the mixing desk. Bowie made no secrets about his admiration for The Velvet Underground and jumped at the chance to work with Reed in the studio.
This was the results. Reed had made his name making hauntingly atmospheric music with the Underground, delving into the shocking but tantalising world of the heroin laced bohemian lifestyle. Although he explored these themes on Transformer, for the most part, the album had a far lighter tone to its sound. In many ways it was a continuation of his last album with The Velvet Underground, a record which also strived for an easier sound in order to achieve more mainstream success.