Transformer Review: Glam, Grit and 'Walk on the Wild Side'
9/10 — Lou Reed - Transformer (1972)
Pros
- 'Walk on the Wild Side' and 'Perfect Day'
- Bowie and Ronson's production
- Reed's wry voice
Cons
- Polished sound
- A couple of throwaways
After the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed’s solo career took off with Transformer, produced by Bowie and Mick Ronson. It features stories of New York’s underground.
What works
‘Walk on the Wild Side’, ‘Perfect Day’ and ‘Satellite of Love’ are all brilliant, and Ronson’s string arrangements are lovely. Reed’s deadpan voice is wry and weary, and the album has swagger.
Where it falters
The production is polished compared to his earlier work, and a few songs are throwaway.
Verdict
A sleazy, witty and tuneful classic.
