Transformer (1972) — Lou Reed

I first heard this album after my best friend, Sofie, recommended it, so it's long had a special place in my heart. It also has my favorite song ever ("Perfect Day") on it, so even more bonus points there.

The sound and vision were both precursors to the glam rock explosion of the 80s, but neither feel kitchy or disingenuous. Commercially minded maybe, but more like that was a filter to move through, not a true artistic lens.

There are moments on this album that sound like they were directly pulled from an early rock and roll catalogue, and moments that feel revolutionary. To assemble of collection of songs that has that range is a feat in itself.

I only recently learned that David Bowie produced this and it felt like a lightbulb went off. DUH!!! The structure and flow of this album is very similar to my favorite Bowie album, Hunky Dory. Both albums get a little silly, a little fruity, but also have these wildly subdued moments that shine amongst the glitter of the other tracks. What a joy to listen to!