The Velvet Underground is a band that has done so much for rock music. Despite their lack of commercial success when they were active, the Velvet Underground has been recognized as one of the most important bands of the 1960s. As documented by BBC and Allmusic, their disturbing lyrics and experimental sensibilities have proven to be highly innovative. The Velvet Underground has been extremely influential on punk and alternative music, and their sound differed radically from musical trends of the 1960s. The Velvet Underground's innovations resonate with listeners today, and one album that shows their excellence is their self-titled third album from 1969.
The songwriting in "The Velvet Underground" is consistently excellent. This album dropped the nastiness of "The Velvet Underground & Nico" and "White Light/White Heat" in favor of a quieter sound. The muted nature of the album shows a beautiful side of the band, and proved that there is nothing they couldn't do. Additionally, the instrumentation is executed to perfection, as every note is played with a gentle simplicity.
Whether it is the overwhelming feelings of freedom on "I'm Set Free" or the hallucinatory positivity of "What Goes On," much of "The Velvet Underground" presents a unique take on rock music. The album has subtle instrumentation and a relaxed atmosphere, but it is presented in a manner that feels humble and potent. It uses a sparse mood to communicate various feelings in an unobtrusive and touching way.
The lyrics are fantastic as well. For this album, Lou Reed chose to write about elements that are commonly found in life. His lyrics tell tales of emotions such as sadness and love, and he wrote his lyrics in an extremely relatable manner that can appeal to everyone. Lou Reed's lyrics contain so many truths about life, and the listener feels as though he wrote a song just for them. The self-doubt of "Candy Says" and the plea for strength on "Jesus" are superb documents of life's hardships, whereas "Beginning To See The Light" exemplifies hope for the future. The themes of common struggles and feelings give the album a down-to-earth vibe, and it makes the listener feel like they are not alone in the world.
Finally, "The Velvet Underground" has a special mood to it. The hushed atmosphere that permeates the album feels intimate and inviting, and the album is capable of overwhelming the listener in its quiet grace. It feels honest and genuine, and much of the album feels like an incredibly revealing conversation with your best friend. It has this wistful aura around it that always feels natural and pensive, and the album shines in its subtlety. There is thoughtful ambiance that can approach heartbreaking territory.
In conclusion, "The Velvet Underground" is an excellent album with immaculate songwriting, played with a peaceful nuance that remains powerful throughout. The lyrics tell highly relatable tales about life, and they perfectly document emotions that everyone goes through in the world. The album has a unique tone to it as well -- an authentic mood that leads to an incredibly emotional experience. This is a great effort, and its understated demeanor makes it into a timeless album.
