Walking on the Wild Side: The Lou Reed Classic That Defined an Era

A Step Beyond the Conventional with Lou Reed

Often hailed as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his time, Lou Reed was a master at pushing boundaries and redefining what it meant to be a musician. With a career spanning over five decades, Reed’s unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics left an indelible impact on the world of music.

One cannot discuss the late and great Lou Reed without delving into his iconic and provocative song “Walk on the Wild Side.” Released in 1972 as a part of his sophomore solo album, Transformer, the song was produced by the legendary David Bowie and guitarist Mick Ronson. It was during this time that Reed began to solidify his name as a solo artist, separate from his time as the frontman of the Velvet Underground.

“Walk on the Wild Side” is a beautifully crafted and daring song that explores the lives of five individuals, all of whom were a part of the iconic artist Andy Warhol’s “Factory” scene. Each verse tells the story of someone who has decided to defy societal norms and ‘take a walk on the wild side.’ The song’s catchy bassline, sultry saxophone, and Reed’s unmistakable, half-spoken vocals make it an unforgettable classic that has withstood the test of time.

Although adored by many, Reed’s no-holds-barred approach to songwriting and storytelling occasionally went beyond what some listeners and critics were comfortable with. The brazen and honest portrayal of themes such as drug use, gender identity, and sexuality, often caused controversy during the more conservative times in which he was releasing his music. However, it is this same fearlessness that has earned Lou Reed a reputation as a trailblazer and a voice for the marginalized.

Throughout his career, Lou Reed received several accolades and awards, including two Grammy Awards—one for Best Long Form Music Video for “American Masters – Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart” in 1999 and another for Best Recording Package for his 2015 album, “The Velvet Underground – 45th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition.” Reed was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once as a member of The Velvet Underground in 1996 and again as a solo artist in 2015.

In summary, Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” serves as a testament to his creativity, fearlessness, and undeniable influence on the world of music. Despite the controversies, it’s clear that Reed’s artistic vision and dedication to authenticity continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Charting the Course of a Classic

“Walk On The Wild Side” by Lou Reed, released as a single in November 1972, remains one of the most intriguing and unique songs to have ever graced the music charts. The track was the standout single from Reed’s second solo album, “Transformer,” which was released on November 8, 1972, and produced by the legendary David Bowie and Mick Ronson.

Upon its release, “Walk On The Wild Side” received widespread acclaim and quickly climbed the charts. In the United States, it initially entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at an unassuming position of #87. However, the song’s distinctive sound and candid lyrics captivated listeners, and it soon achieved a peak chart position of #16 in June 1973. This made it Lou Reed’s most successful single in the US and his only top 40 hit in the country.

Across the Atlantic, “Walk On The Wild Side” experienced comparable success. In the United Kingdom, the single entered the Official Singles Chart at #33 on February 10, 1973. After steadily climbing the chart, the song peaked at #10 on March 24, 1973, earning Reed his first-ever UK top 10 hit.

Interestingly, the song’s unique chart performance didn’t end there. It experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1990 when the UK reissue of the single reached #21 on the Official Singles Chart. This resurgence can be attributed to the use of the song’s iconic bassline in A Tribe Called Quest’s hit single “Can I Kick It?” which was released the same year.

Additionally, “Walk On The Wild Side” proved to be a significant hit in other countries as well. In Canada, the single reached #9 on the RPM Top Singles chart, while in Australia, it peaked at #34 on the Go-Set National Top 40 chart.

It’s worth noting that despite its controversial subject matter, “Walk On The Wild Side” enjoyed considerable chart success in various countries, solidifying its status as a timeless classic. This enduring hit has firmly etched its place in music history and continues to be celebrated and rediscovered by new generations of music enthusiasts.

Decoding the Wild Side

Lou Reed’s “Walk On The Wild Side” took the world by storm with its evocative lyrics that painted a vivid picture of New York City’s counterculture in the early 1970s. It is a song that tells stories of individuals who dared to challenge societal norms and embrace their own identities. Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics and their meaning.

“Walk On The Wild Side” is packed with cultural references and anecdotes about real-life characters who were part of Andy Warhol’s Factory scene. For example, Holly Woodlawn, a transgender actress and Warhol superstar, is mentioned in the first verse. The lyrics tell the story of her journey from Florida to New York City and her transformation into a woman.

In the second verse, we hear about Candy Darling, another Warhol superstar and transgender actress. The lines highlight her popularity in the underground scene and her ability to maintain composure despite being in the spotlight.

The song captures the spirit of the time and events of the early 1970s, an era marked by experimentation, sexual liberation, and the rise of the counterculture. It was a time when people who were deemed “outsiders” by mainstream society came together to redefine the norms and expectations that had been placed upon them. In doing so, they created a vibrant scene that celebrated individuality, creativity, and self-expression.

In conclusion, “Walk On The Wild Side” is not just a catchy tune but a powerful ode to those who dared to break free from society’s constraints and embrace their true selves. It serves as a reminder of an era when New York City became a melting pot of cultures, identities, and ideas – a time when the wild side was a place where anything could happen, and often did.

A Stroll Through the Visuals of “Walk On The Wild Side”

Despite not having an official music video, the iconic tune “Walk On The Wild Side” by Lou Reed has inspired countless fan-made videos, YouTube tributes, and artistic interpretations over the years. As a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and captivating storytelling, these visual creations pay homage to both Lou Reed’s artistry and the song’s unique subject matter.

A particularly noteworthy fan-made video was created by filmmaker and animator Kieron Heavens, who masterfully combined vintage photographs, film clips, and animation to visually represent the colorful cast of characters introduced in the song. The video, which can be found on YouTube, takes viewers on a nostalgic trip through the streets of New York City, as it explores the lives of the song’s protagonists, such as Holly, Candy, Little Joe, and Jackie. Heavens’ artistic approach effectively captures the essence of the song, immersing the viewer in the gritty yet glamorous world of the characters while offering a fresh, contemporary perspective.

Another homage to “Walk On The Wild Side” comes in the form of a YouTube tribute video by user LouReedVEVO. This video features a montage of photographs of Lou Reed, as well as images of the individuals who inspired the song’s lyrics. The photographs are set to the song’s recognizable bassline and saxophone solo, creating an immersive experience that invites viewers to appreciate the rich history and cultural impact of “Walk On The Wild Side.”

It is worth mentioning that there have been numerous live performances of the song by Lou Reed himself, which have been captured on video and shared online by fans. These live renditions provide an insightful look into the evolution of the song over time and showcase Reed’s ability to connect with his audience through his captivating storytelling and raw, emotional delivery.

In the absence of an official music video, the various fan-made creations and tributes to “Walk On The Wild Side” are a testament to the song’s enduring appeal and the power it holds to inspire creativity and spark imagination. As Lou Reed takes listeners on a journey through the wild side, these visual interpretations continue to breathe new life into the timeless tune and ensure that its legacy lives on.

The Mastermind Behind “Walk On The Wild Side”

Lou Reed, the unforgettable composer of “Walk On The Wild Side,” was a true innovator in the world of music. Born in Brooklyn in 1942, Reed began his journey in the industry as the lead singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground, a highly influential band in the late 1960s. Reed’s avant-garde approach to songwriting earned him a legendary status, and his work has gone on to inspire countless musicians.

Aside from “Walk On The Wild Side,” Reed also composed numerous other notable songs during his illustrious career. One such example is “Sweet Jane,” a rock anthem that remains a staple in the genre today. Another unforgettable track, “Heroin,” showcases Reed’s raw songwriting talent, as he tackles the difficult subject matter with unflinching honesty. Throughout his career, Lou Reed remained a fearless and influential force in music, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.

A Walk Through the Wild Accolades and Adaptations

“Walk On The Wild Side” has been acclaimed by fans and critics alike since its release in 1972. Over the years, the song has solidified its place in the pantheon of rock music. In 2003, it was ranked number 221 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Additionally, in 2010, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further cementing its legacy.

The popularity of “Walk On The Wild Side” has extended far beyond the realm of music awards. It has made numerous appearances in various forms of media. Some notable examples include the 1998 film “SLC Punk!” and the 2006 movie “Danny the Dog” (also known as “Unleashed”). Television has also embraced the wild side, with the song being featured on shows such as “NCIS: New Orleans” and “The Simpsons.” Furthermore, the world of video games has also welcomed the classic tune – with the song making its way into the 2008 game “Rock Band 2.”

As is often the case with iconic songs, “Walk On The Wild Side” has inspired a number of cover versions throughout the years. Interestingly, these covers span multiple genres, showcasing the song’s versatility and far-reaching influence. A few notable examples include:
– A 1993 jazz rendition by Maceo Parker, which added a robust new dimension to the original.
– A Tribe Called Quest’s influential hip-hop track “Can I Kick It?” which heavily samples Reed’s classic.
– British trip-hop group Massive Attack lent their distinct sound to the song for a 2001 cover.
– The Hot 8 Brass Band released a vibrant New Orleans brass band interpretation of the track in 2016.

Each of these covers and adaptations showcases different aspects of “Walk On The Wild Side,” demonstrating the song’s enduring appeal and adaptability. From award ceremonies to film soundtracks, and from jazz renditions to hip-hop samples, Lou Reed’s iconic tune continues to walk the wild side, leaving an indelible imprint on the world of music and beyond.

Diving Deep into the Musical Layers

Lou Reed’s “Walk On The Wild Side” is a masterclass in songwriting and production, a blend of catchy hooks, innovative techniques, and intricate details that make it stand the test of time. One of the most striking aspects of the song is its simplicity, with a straight-forward chord progression and a sparse arrangement that allow the lyrics and vocal performance to take center stage. Yet, there is much more going on under the surface that makes this track a classic.

The song is written in the key of C major, featuring a repetitive IV-I-IV-V chord progression (F-C-F-G) throughout its entirety. This simplicity creates a hypnotic, almost trance-like quality that allows the storytelling in the lyrics to truly shine. The tempo is relatively slow, clocking in at 69 beats per minute, which adds a laid-back, nonchalant vibe to the track. The slow tempo also creates ample space for Reed’s signature speak-singing vocal delivery, which further enhances the storytelling aspect of the song.

One of the most notable features of “Walk On The Wild Side” is its prominent bass line, played by session musician Herbie Flowers. The bass line is constructed around a double-tracked recording, with Flowers playing a standard electric bass guitar on one track and an upright bass on the other. This unique combination of instruments gives the bass line a distinctive sound, with the electric bass providing a smooth, melodic foundation while the upright bass adds a punchy, percussive element that drives the song forward.

Another notable aspect of the song is the use of lush string arrangements by producer David Bowie and arranger Mick Ronson. These strings add a sense of grandeur and drama to the otherwise sparse instrumentation, creating a beautiful contrast between the simple chord progression and the intricate string parts. The strings also add a layer of complexity to the song, as they weave in and out of the main melody, often taking unexpected turns and adding a sense of tension and release throughout the track.

Furthermore, the song is punctuated by the iconic saxophone solos performed by Ronnie Ross. These solos not only add a touch of jazz to the overall composition but also serve as a counterpoint to Reed’s dry vocal delivery. Ross’ saxophone playing is both melodic and expressive, elevating the song’s emotional impact and providing a satisfying resolution to the various sections of the track.

Finally, the backing vocals are an essential element of “Walk On The Wild Side.” The female vocalists, known as the Thunderthighs, provide a rich, gospel-inspired harmony that serves as a perfect foil to Reed’s deadpan delivery. Their vocals soar during the chorus, adding a catchy, sing-along quality to the song, while also providing a sense of depth and texture to the overall sound.

In conclusion, “Walk On The Wild Side” might appear simple on the surface, but its intricate layers of musical elements and innovative production techniques make it a timeless classic. The combination of a memorable bass line, lush string arrangements, expressive saxophone solos, and soulful backing vocals create a rich tapestry of sound that perfectly complements Lou Reed’s evocative storytelling.