Lou Reed - Transformer

Transformer is the second solo studio album by American musician Lou Reed, originally released in November 1972 via RCA Victor Records.

Transformer was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson who had been admirers of The Velvet Underground. The album is regarded as a classic of the glam rock era, and touched on then taboo subjects such as sexual orientation, prostitution and drugs.

Mick Ronson (who was at the time the lead guitarist with David Bowie's band, the Spiders from Mars) played a major role in the recording of the album at Trident Studios, serving as the co-producer and primary session musician (contributing guitar, piano, recorder and backing vocals), as well as arranger, notably contributing the string arrangement for "Perfect Day".

Reed lauded Ronson's contribution in the Transformer episode of the documentary series Classic Albums, praising the beauty of his work and keeping down the vocal to highlight the strings. The songs on the album are now among Reed's best-known works, including "Walk On The Wild Side", "Perfect Day" and "Satellite Of Love", and the album's commercial success elevated him from cult status to become an international star.

The cover art was from a Mick Rock photograph that inadvertently became over-exposed as he was printing it in the darkroom. Rock noticed the flaw but decided he liked the fortuitous effect enough to submit the image for the album cover. Karl Stoecker (who also shot the first three Roxy Music album covers) took the back cover photo of a woman and a man. The man is portrayed by Ernie Thormahlen (a friend of Reed) and appears to have a noticeable erection, although Reed has said this was actually a banana which Thormahlen had stuffed down his jeans before the photo shoot.

The first single released from the album was “Walk On The Wild Side” which became an international success despite the controversial subject matter of the song. The song's lyrics mention transgender issues, sex acts, and drugs, causing it to be edited in some countries and banned in others.

The second single “Satellite Of Love” has gone on to become another signature Lou Reed song.

The album received mixed reviews upon release, however as time has passed, it is now regarded as a classic landmark album. In 2003, the album was ranked #194 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

This album is a 2023 repress on black vinyl housed in a single pocket sleeve with remastered audio, pressed in Europe via RCA Records.