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Rating: THE REVIEW
"He could have recorded "Transformer 2-transformer 3" and other versions of "Walk on the wild side." But instead, he decided to undertake the most courageous act ever seen in pop history. He created a work that delves deep into the artist's soul, more than any work published on the American scene in the last 50 years."
Thus Bob Ezrin, producer and arranger, speaks of Lou Reed and the work that involved both young men so deeply that it brought them to the brink of yet another crisis. The success of Transformer gave Lou the opportunity to work with the brilliant producer who, at only 24 years old, had already worked on all the biggest successes of Alice Cooper, and with one of the greatest line-ups he would work with in his entire career (including Velvet Underground): above all the Brecker brothers on horns, Jack Bruce on bass, and on guitars, brought by Ezrin, Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner.
With these premises, what actually came out could only have succeeded: the portrait executed in strict realist style of pain and degradation. The musical part, constructed with great care around Lou's lyrics, particularly by Ezrin and Jack Bruce, forms a very compact sonic wall composed of guitars, drums, keyboards, horns, and strings, especially over "Sad Song," an authentic masterpiece of the album. This is no small feat for an artist who, with the Velvet Underground, had reached the peak with the union of just guitars, drums, and bass.
Furthermore, for this album Lou reaches his highest poetic inspiration, telling the story of a couple of junkies in Berlin who sink into degradation and tragedy. "Berlin," "Lady Day," and "Caroline Says Pt.1" convey the idea of a dream, of almost joy, but already surrounded by a macabre atmosphere. This explodes in a continuous crescendo from "How Do You Think It Feels" through "The Kids" and "The Bed" to the summary of the entire CD represented by the fantastic "Sad Song." I believe that with these lyrics, the "cursed poet of the big apple," deserves a prestigious place in American poetry of the second half of the 20th century, alongside William Burroughs (author of naked lunch) and his great mentor Delmore Schwartz.
Berlin. The absolute masterpiece (among the many) of the New York author deserves a place among the greatest records of the 20th century, in its own little corner, which has never been explored so deeply by any other rock work.
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Summary by Bot
Lou Reed's Berlin is a groundbreaking album that explores deep personal and social themes with poetic lyricism. Produced by Bob Ezrin and featuring a stellar lineup, it presents a powerful sonic experience. The album tells the tragic story of a couple's decline in Berlin, blending realism with musical mastery. It stands as a significant work in American rock and poetry alike.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Lou Reed
Lou Reed (born Lewis Allan Reed, March 2, 1942 – October 27, 2013) was an American musician, singer-songwriter and founding member of the Velvet Underground. He had a long solo career noted for albums such as Transformer, Berlin and New York and for experimental works including Metal Machine Music.71 Reviews
Other reviews
By luca reed
Berlin is a record that wounds, shocks, destroys.
An unattainable album that forces the listener to immerse into the coils of a gloomy atmosphere.
By Stronko
Beyond being beautiful and particularly inspired, this album becomes indelibly linked to episodes in one’s life.
This CD, which, beyond anything else, will always be a unique and unforgettable album for me.
By AR (Anonima Recensori)
Here Reed strips himself bare, poetically, cruel towards himself.
"I am the water-boy" captures the excessive emotionality and vulnerability conveyed throughout the album.
By carlo cimmino
One evening I put on "Berlin." It was raining outside. I floated in a shabby and dusty leather armchair and in the dark, I listened in reverent silence, when I understood.
I had too many problems and she didn’t want to be involved. She was tired of being with someone who only played the role of the loser.
By Meco
The main problem is Lou Reed himself, with his monotonous, clinical, and borderline unmelodic singing.
Essentially, the album sounds bad, and not because the arrangements are intentionally sparse, but because it often lacks a fundamental blend between the various components.
