Lou Reed was one of the most influential and iconic figures in rock and roll history, known for his raw and honest songwriting, edgy guitar riffs, and distinctive vocal style. With a career spanning over four decades, Reed created a vast and diverse body of work that has left an indelible mark on music history.
It is no easy task to rank the top 10 best Lou Reed songs of all time, given the breadth and depth of his discography. From his early hits with the Velvet Underground to his later solo work, Reed’s songs captured the full range of human emotion, from the pain of heartbreak and loss to the joy of self-discovery and liberation.
This list includes some of Reed’s most iconic and beloved tracks, each of which showcases his talent as a songwriter and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. These songs capture the spirit of rebellion and experimentation that defined Reed’s career, while also exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Each of these tracks has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and move listeners today, cementing Reed’s status as one of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time.
1. “Walk on the Wild Side”
“Walk on the Wild Side” is a classic song by Lou Reed, released in 1972. The song’s smooth and sultry melody, combined with Reed’s distinctive and edgy vocals, create a mood of cool and detached urbanity. The song’s lyrics, which describe the colorful characters who populate New York’s underground scene, are both provocative and poetic.
Reed’s lyrics celebrate the lives and experiences of transgender individuals, sex workers, and other marginalized groups, challenging mainstream societal norms and expectations. The song’s unforgettable saxophone riff and catchy chorus have made it a staple on classic rock radio stations and a favorite among music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
2. “Satellite of Love”
“Satellite of Love” is a classic song by Lou Reed, released in 1972. The song’s soaring and anthemic melody, combined with Reed’s distinctive and gritty vocals, create a mood of longing and wistfulness. The song’s lyrics, which describe a relationship that has ended but is still deeply felt, are both poignant and poetic.
Reed’s lyrics capture the intense emotions of a failed romance, as the narrator yearns for a lost love and imagines them watching over him from afar. The song’s memorable guitar riff and lush string arrangement add to its epic and cinematic sound, making it a standout track in Reed’s impressive discography.
3. “Coney Island Baby”
“Coney Island Baby” is a heartfelt and nostalgic song by Lou Reed, released in 1976. The song’s gentle and melodic sound, combined with Reed’s emotive and tender vocals, create a mood of warmth and affection. The song’s lyrics, which describe a lost love from Reed’s youth, are both poignant and deeply personal.
Reed’s lyrics capture the sense of longing and regret that comes with looking back on a past relationship, and the nostalgia of remembering the good times. The song’s intimate instrumentation, featuring a simple guitar and piano arrangement, perfectly complements Reed’s emotional delivery, making it a standout track in his impressive discography.
4. “Perfect Day”
“Perfect Day” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Lou Reed, released in 1972. The song’s gentle and melancholic melody, combined with Reed’s emotive and tender vocals, create a mood of bittersweet longing. The song’s lyrics, which describe a day spent with a loved one, are both poignant and deeply touching.
Reed’s lyrics capture the beauty and fragility of life, and the fleeting moments of happiness that make it all worthwhile. The song’s understated instrumentation, featuring a delicate piano and string arrangement, perfectly complements Reed’s emotional delivery, making it one of his most beloved and iconic tracks.
5. “Vicious”
“Vicious” is a raw and energetic song by Lou Reed, released in 1972. The song’s driving guitar riff, combined with Reed’s snarling and rebellious vocals, create a mood of gritty and edgy rock and roll. The song’s lyrics, which describe a self-destructive and dangerous relationship, are both provocative and defiant.
Reed’s lyrics capture the raw energy and danger of youth, as he celebrates the reckless and wild side of life. The song’s frenzied guitar solo and pounding drums add to its intense and visceral sound, making it a standout track in Reed’s impressive discography.
6. “Strawman”
“Strawman” is a politically charged and provocative song by Lou Reed, released in 1989. The song’s aggressive and confrontational sound, combined with Reed’s scathing and satirical lyrics, create a mood of anger and disillusionment. The song’s lyrics, which take aim at politicians and the media, are both incisive and powerful.
Reed’s lyrics criticize the greed and corruption of those in power, as he rails against the injustices and hypocrisy of society. The song’s distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums add to its intense and visceral sound, making it a standout track in Reed’s later work.
7. “Street Hassle”
“Street Hassle” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Lou Reed, released in 1978. The song’s emotive and melancholic melody, combined with Reed’s spoken-word delivery and emotive vocals, create a mood of raw emotion and despair. The song’s lyrics, which describe the struggles of life on the streets, are both poignant and deeply personal.
Reed’s lyrics capture the grit and darkness of urban life, as he portrays the pain and isolation of those living on the margins of society. The song’s haunting piano and guitar arrangement, combined with the inclusion of a full choir, add to its epic and cinematic sound, making it a standout track in Reed’s impressive discography.
8. “Dirty Blvd”
“Dirty Blvd” is a gritty and powerful song by Lou Reed, released in 1989. The song’s driving guitar riff and pulsing drums, combined with Reed’s raw and emotive vocals, create a mood of urgency and defiance. The song’s lyrics, which describe life on the streets of New York City, are both provocative and thought-provoking.
Reed’s lyrics capture the desperation and hopelessness of those living in poverty, as he confronts issues of inequality and social injustice head-on. The song’s searing guitar solo and pounding rhythm section add to its intense and visceral sound, making it a standout track in Reed’s later work.
9. “I Wanna Boogie With You”
“I Wanna Boogie With You” is an upbeat and infectious song by Lou Reed, released in 1983. The song’s funky guitar riff and lively rhythm section, combined with Reed’s enthusiastic and playful vocals, create a mood of pure joy and celebration. The song’s lyrics, which describe the desire to dance and let loose, are both lighthearted and fun.
Reed’s lyrics capture the spirit of partying and having a good time, as he encourages listeners to forget their worries and hit the dance floor. The song’s groovy bassline and catchy chorus add to its infectious sound, making it a standout track in Reed’s discography.
10. “Think It Over”
“Think It Over” is a soulful and introspective song by Lou Reed, released in 1976. The song’s gentle and melodic sound, combined with Reed’s emotive and tender vocals, create a mood of contemplation and reflection. The song’s lyrics, which describe a moment of self-reflection, are both poignant and deeply personal.
Reed’s lyrics capture the struggle of trying to make sense of one’s life and find meaning in the world. The song’s intimate instrumentation, featuring a delicate guitar and piano arrangement, perfectly complements Reed’s emotional delivery, making it a standout track in his impressive discography.