Lou Reed
Lou Reed
1972Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
Artist profile · 05/07/2026
Lou Reed
Lou Reed, born in Brooklyn in 1942, led The Velvet Underground before a prolific solo career spanning glam, art rock, and avant-garde styles between 1960s and 2010s.
- 17
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 2.4M
- Last.fm listeners
- 55M
- Last.fm plays
About
Lou Reed, New York rock poet and pioneer of glam and art rock.
21 vinyl titles blending raw urban stories with avant-garde edge; original pressings of key albums like Transformer hold steady value.
Lou Reed emerged from New York's experimental and rock scenes, gaining early recognition as frontman of The Velvet Underground in the late 1960s. His solo work after 1972 showed bold exploration in rock, glam, and electronic ambient styles. Reed's songwriting combined candid narratives about urban life, personal trauma, and underground culture, often expressed through his signature spoke-sung vocal style. Vinyle releases reflect this evolution from his debut solo album Lou Reed (1972), through classics Transformer (1972) and Berlin (1973), to later experimental works.
Collectors value original and limited pressings worldwide, with numerous versions available for landmark albums such as Coney Island Baby (1976) and Street Hassle (1978).
Discography
Lou Reed discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Lou Reed Live
Lou Reed
1975Live
- Vinyl 6
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
Metal Machine Music
Lou Reed
1975Studio
- Vinyl 4
- CD 4
- Cassette 1
Rock and Roll Heart
Lou Reed
1976Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
Walk on the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed
Lou Reed
1977Compilation
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Live: Take No Prisoners
Lou Reed
1978Live
- Vinyl 2
- CD 3
- Cassette 2
The Bells
Lou Reed
1979Studio
- Vinyl 2
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
The Blue Mask
Lou Reed
1982Studio
- Vinyl 3
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Legendary Hearts
Lou Reed
1983Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette 2
Live in Italy
Lou Reed
1984Live
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette 2
Mistrial
Lou Reed
1986Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
American Poet
Lou Reed
1989Live
- Vinyl 3
- CD 2
- Cassette
Magic and Loss
Lou Reed
1992Studio
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Set the Twilight Reeling
Lou Reed
1996Studio
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Perfect Night: Live in London
Lou Reed
1998Live
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Ecstasy
Lou Reed
2000Studio
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
The Raven
Lou Reed
2003Studio
- Vinyl 1
- CD 3
- Cassette 1
Frustrate and Antagonize
Lou Reed
2007Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Lou Reed’s Berlin: A Film By Julian Schnabel
Lou Reed
2007Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Berlin: Live at St Ann's Warehouse
Lou Reed
2008Live
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Live Performances: 1972 & 1974
Lou Reed
2011Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Thinking of Another Place
Lou Reed
2014Live
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette
Coffeebreak Concert, Agora 1984
Lou Reed
2015Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Dealing on the Boulevard
Lou Reed
2015Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
New York in LA 1989
Lou Reed
2016Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live at Alice Tully Hall (January 27, 1973 – 2nd show)
Lou Reed
2020Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Lou Reed FM Broadcast Germany April 2000
Lou Reed
2020Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Wild Side Radio Broadcasts (live)
Lou Reed
2020Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Dust to Dust (live 1992)
Lou Reed
2021Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Ultrasonic Recording Studio, New York 1972
Lou Reed
2024Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Shootin’ You Up: Stockholm ’74
Lou Reed
2025Live
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
The Live Archive Classic Radio Transmission Radio Broadcast 1970
Lou Reed
1970RadioUnofficial radio recording
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
John Cale : Pablo Picasso - Live In Stockholm, 1975
Lou Reed
1975RadioUnofficial radio recording
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
Greatest Hits Live Radio Broadcast Usa 1976-1992
Lou Reed
1976RadioUnofficial radio recording
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
From$23.82
at eBay
The Boston Strangler (New England Broadcast 1976)
Lou Reed
1976RadioUnofficial radio recording
- Vinyl 1
- CD
- Cassette
Bottom Line Radio Broadcast New York 1977
Lou Reed
1977RadioUnofficial radio recording
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Walk on the Wild SideTransformer · 1972 - 02Perfect DayTransformer · 1972
- 03Satellite of LoveTransformer · 1972
- 04ViciousTransformer · 1972
- 05Andy's ChestTransformer · 1972
- 06Make UpTransformer · 1972
- 07I'm So FreeTransformer · 1972
- 08Wagon WheelTransformer · 1972
Essentials
3 Lou Reed albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1972Producer David Bowie shaped this glam rock album featuring the hit "Walk On The Wild Side," capturing Reed’s urban narratives and distinctive style.
11 tracksStereoProduced by David Bowie & Mick Ronson1972 release
#2 · 1973Dark concept album chronicling a tragic relationship, notable for its emotional weight and vocal delivery, with multiple vinyl editions available.
10 tracksArt rock style1973 releaseMultiple vinyl versions
#3 · 1976Reflects a softer side with glam and classic rock influences; original US stereo pressing highly sought after by collectors.
8 tracksStereo1976 releaseOriginal RCA pressing
Go further
Artists similar to Lou Reed
Artists who share part of Lou Reed's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Lou Reed
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
01Live Recording
Rock N Roll Animal captures Lou Reed’s 1974 NYC concert
The 1974 album Rock N Roll Animal was recorded live in New York with dynamic renditions of classics including "Sweet Jane" and "Heroin," showcasing Reed’s theatrical stage presence.
02Collaboration
David Bowie produced Transformer in 1972
David Bowie and Mick Ronson took on production duties for Transformer, fostering Reed's breakthrough into glam rock and pushing the edgy themes of the album.
03Concept Album
Berlin portrayed a troubled love story in 1973
Berlin is a concept album telling a dark tale of addiction and heartbreak, with careful arrangements and Reed’s signature spoken vocals adding dramatic intensity.
My songs are slices of life, sometimes beautiful, sometimes ugly — but always honest.— Lou Reed
05Experimental Music
Metal Machine Music challenged listeners in 1975
Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music from 1975 is an experimental drone noise album that defied rock conventions and polarized fans and critics alike.
Lou Reed vinyl discography
See allNew New Le Bataclan 1972/Deluxe Gatefold
Nico & John Cale
Rock internationalRock
2023-02-24Easy ActionFrom$63.99
1 offerGREATEST HITS LIVE RADIO BROADCAST USA 1976-1992
Lou Reed
Rock internationalRock
2022-12-02GET YER VINYL OUTFrom$23.82
1 offerThe Boston Strangler (New England Broadcast 1976)
Lou Reed
Rock internationalRock
2021-09-03PARACHUTE MUSICNEW YORK DELUXE ED. Coffret 3CD/DVD/2LP ed. limitée
Lou Reed
Rock internationalRock
2020-09-25SIREFrom$19.99
1 offerI NEVER SAID IT WAS NICE/ORPHEUM THEATER BOSTON MA 76
Lou Reed
Rock internationalRock
2019-10-11RED RIVERLIVE IN NEW YORK 1972
Lou Reed
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / PsychobillyRock
2018-02-09ZYX MUSICFrom$19.37
1 offer
Lou Reed CDs
See allJohn Cale : Pablo Picasso - Live In Stockholm, 1975
Lou Reed
Rock internationalRock
2026-08-01PROPER MUSICThe Live Archive Classic Radio Transmission Radio Broadcast 1970
Lou Reed
Rock internationalRock
2018-04-06THE BROADCAST ARCHIVERock'n'roll animal - rock'n'roll heart - street hassle - the bells - growing up in public
Lou Reed
Rock internationalRock
2011-10-10SONY MUSIC CATALOGUE
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Lou Reed and what genres did he influence?
Lou Reed was an American songwriter and rock musician known for pioneering punk, glam, and art rock with introspective and often edgy lyrics from the 1960s through the 2010s.
What are Lou Reed's most notable vinyl albums?
Key vinyl albums include Transformer (1972), Berlin (1973), Coney Island Baby (1976), and Street Hassle (1978), each showcasing different stages of his artistic evolution.
What is the significance of Lou Reed's album Transformer?
Transformer, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, brought Lou Reed mainstream success and features the influential track "Walk On The Wild Side."
Where can I find original pressings of Lou Reed albums in France?
Vinyles.com tracks original pressings including those released in France, featuring albums like Transformer and Berlin with detailed price indications.
Are there rare or limited edition Lou Reed vinyl releases?
Yes, limited and deluxe editions such as the 2024 Hudson River Wind Meditations Deluxe LP, and original 1970s US and European pressings are noted for rarity and value.
How does Lou Reed's vocal style impact his vinyl recordings?
His signature spoken-sung delivery adds narrative depth and emotional intensity to his albums, which can be appreciated distinctly on high-quality vinyl pressings.
What live Lou Reed vinyls are recommended for collectors?
Live albums like Rock N Roll Animal (1974) and Lou Reed Live (1975) capture his energetic performances and are valued among collectors for their sound quality and historical significance.
Is Lou Reed's vinyl discography available in French record stores?
Many of Lou Reed’s albums, including reissues and deluxe editions, are accessible through French retailers and collectors' markets, with prices and editions tracked online.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 05/07/2026