Lou Reed was a true icon of rock music, known for his distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and uncompromising style. Throughout his career, he produced a vast catalog of songs that continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world. In this article, we will be counting down the Top 10 Best Lou Reed Songs of All Time, exploring the masterpieces that defined his career and cemented his legacy as one of the most important figures in rock history. From classic hits like “Walk On the Wild Side” to lesser-known gems like “Talking Book,” this list represents the best of Lou Reed’s unique and powerful artistry. Each song is a testament to his incredible talent as a songwriter, and a reminder of the enduring impact that his music continues to have on the world today. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported on a journey through the best of Lou Reed’s legendary career.
1. Street Hassle
“Street Hassle” is a compelling, dark masterpiece by Lou Reed. The song is a three-part epic, with spoken word verses, haunting vocals, and an evocative saxophone solo. Reed’s lyrics paint a gritty picture of life on the streets, with a narrative that touches on addiction, love, and loss. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with Reed’s signature drawl lamenting the fragility of life, the complexities of relationships, and the brutality of the city. The saxophone solo adds an emotional depth to the song, conveying the sense of isolation and despair that permeates the urban landscape. “Street Hassle” is a tour de force that showcases Reed’s lyrical prowess and his ability to evoke raw emotion through music.
2. ‘Halloween Parade’ (New York / 1989)
“Halloween Parade” is a poignant tribute to New York’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The song captures the spirit of the annual Halloween parade, with its exuberant celebrations and colorful costumes. Reed’s lyrics pay homage to the individuals who make up the parade, celebrating their diversity and resilience. The song is accompanied by a simple, yet stirring piano melody that adds to the song’s poignancy. Reed’s vocals are understated but powerful, conveying the sense of community and belonging that the parade represents. “Halloween Parade” is a beautiful song that celebrates the human spirit, and the power of community to bring people together.
3. ‘NYC Man’ (Set The Twilight Reeling / 1996)
“NYC Man” is a celebration of New York City and the people who call it home. The song is a jazzy, upbeat track, with catchy guitar riffs and a driving rhythm. Reed’s lyrics paint a vivid portrait of the city, capturing its energy, vibrancy, and diversity. The song is infused with a sense of nostalgia, as Reed reflects on his own experiences in the city, and the changes he has witnessed over the years. The chorus is an anthem for all those who have fallen in love with the city, and who continue to be inspired by its spirit. “NYC Man” is a joyful tribute to the city that never sleeps, and the people who keep it alive.
4. ‘Cremation (Ashes to Ashes)’ (Magic & Loss / 1992)
“Cremation (Ashes to Ashes)” is a hauntingly beautiful song that reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The song is a somber reflection on loss, with Reed’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of the mourning process. The song is accompanied by a mournful, yet beautiful melody, with Reed’s vocals conveying the sense of sorrow and grief that accompanies loss. The song is a deeply personal tribute to Reed’s friend, Doc Pomus, who died of lung cancer in 1991. “Cremation (Ashes to Ashes)” is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
5. ‘Coney Island Baby’ (Coney Island Baby / 1976)
“Coney Island Baby” is a beautiful, melancholic love song that showcases Reed’s lyrical prowess. The song is a nostalgic tribute to a lost love, with Reed’s vocals conveying the sense of longing and regret that accompanies the end of a relationship. The song is accompanied by a simple, yet evocative melody, with Reed’s guitar providing the perfect backdrop for his vocals. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of a relationship that has come to an end, but that continues to haunt the narrator. “Coney Island Baby” is a masterpiece of songwriting, a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to lost love, and a testament to Reed’s enduring talent as a songwriter.
6. ‘Sad Song’ (Berlin / 1973)
“Sad Song” is a haunting ballad from Lou Reed’s 1973 concept album “Berlin”. The song features sparse instrumentation, with Reed’s mournful vocals and acoustic guitar taking center stage. The lyrics are a bleak reflection on the human condition, with Reed’s poetic imagery painting a vivid picture of despair and isolation. The chorus is a powerful lament for a lost love, with Reed’s vocals conveying the sense of longing and regret that accompanies heartbreak. “Sad Song” is a masterpiece of songwriting, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
7. ‘Walk On the Wild Side’ (Transformer / 1972)
“Walk On the Wild Side” is a classic rock anthem that has become one of Lou Reed’s signature songs. The song is a celebration of the New York City underground scene, with Reed’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of the colorful characters that inhabit the city’s streets. The song features a memorable bassline and a catchy melody, with Reed’s vocals perfectly capturing the sense of rebellion and freedom that the song represents. “Walk On the Wild Side” is a timeless classic that showcases Reed’s gift for storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of a moment.
8. ‘How Do You Speak to an Angel’ (Growing Up In Public / 1980)
“How Do You Speak to an Angel” is a tender ballad from Lou Reed’s 1980 album “Growing Up In Public”. The song features a simple, yet beautiful melody, with Reed’s vocals conveying the sense of vulnerability and longing that the song represents. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the human condition, with Reed’s poetic imagery painting a vivid picture of the complexities of relationships. “How Do You Speak to an Angel” is a beautiful tribute to the power of love, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing the people we hold dear.
9. ‘I Wanna Know’ (The Raven / 2003)
“I Wanna Know” is a powerful rock ballad from Lou Reed’s 2003 album “The Raven”. The song features a driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs, with Reed’s vocals conveying the sense of urgency and passion that the song represents. The lyrics are a poetic reflection on the mysteries of life, with Reed’s imagery painting a vivid picture of the search for meaning and purpose. “I Wanna Know” is a reminder of the power of music to inspire and uplift, and a testament to Reed’s enduring talent as a songwriter.
10. ‘Talking Book’ (Perfect Night / 1998)
“Talking Book” is a beautiful, understated ballad from Lou Reed’s 1998 album “Perfect Night”. The song features a simple, yet evocative melody, with Reed’s vocals conveying the sense of intimacy and vulnerability that the song represents. The lyrics are a poetic reflection on the power of music to connect us to our emotions, with Reed’s imagery painting a vivid picture of the transformative power of music. “Talking Book” is a beautiful tribute to the power of music, and a reminder of the importance of staying connected to our emotions.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
