Artist page · 05/07/2026
About
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
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
RCA Victor · 2020
The Bottom Line · 2017
Warner Bros. Records · 2011
Matador · 2008
Sister Ray Recordings · 2008
Sounds True · 2007
Asphodel · 2007
Artificial Eye · 2007
Reprise Records · 2004
Sire · 2003
Burning Airlines · 2001
Reprise Records · 2000
Reprise Records · 1998
Warner Bros. Records · 1996
Sire · 1992
Sire · 1990
Sire · 1989
RCA Victor · 1986
RCA Victor · 1984
RCA · 1984
RCA Victor · 1983
RCA Victor · 1982
Arista · 1980
Arista · 1979
Arista · 1978
Arista · 1978
Arista · 1976
RCA · 1976
RCA Victor · 1975
RCA Victor · 1975
RCA · 1974
RCA Victor · 1974
RCA Victor · 1973
RCA Victor · 1972
RCA Victor · 1972Playlist
The tracks that sum up Lou Reed's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Producer David Bowie shaped this glam rock album featuring the hit "Walk On The Wild Side," capturing Reed’s urban narratives and distinctive style.
Dark concept album chronicling a tragic relationship, notable for its emotional weight and vocal delivery, with multiple vinyl editions available.
Reflects a softer side with glam and classic rock influences; original US stereo pressing highly sought after by collectors.
Go further
Artists who share part of Lou Reed's musical DNA.
Collectors
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
My songs are slices of life, sometimes beautiful, sometimes ugly — but always honest.— Lou Reed
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.
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.
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.
Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music from 1975 is an experimental drone noise album that defied rock conventions and polarized fans and critics alike.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
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.
Key vinyl albums include Transformer (1972), Berlin (1973), Coney Island Baby (1976), and Street Hassle (1978), each showcasing different stages of his artistic evolution.
Transformer, produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, brought Lou Reed mainstream success and features the influential track "Walk On The Wild Side."
Vinyles.com tracks original pressings including those released in France, featuring albums like Transformer and Berlin with detailed price indications.
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.
His signature spoken-sung delivery adds narrative depth and emotional intensity to his albums, which can be appreciated distinctly on high-quality vinyl pressings.
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.
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
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
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