Lou Reed was always an artist who pushed boundaries. From the glam-rock of Transformer to the art-rock of The Velvet Underground & Nico, he never took the easy route. His goal was always to provoke, challenge, and defy expectations.
By the 2000s, Reed could have retired comfortably, celebrated as a music legend. But for someone like him, resting on past success wasn’t an option. In 2011, he chose to push the limits one last time — teaming up with heavy metal giants Metallica to create the album Lulu.
What Was Lulu?
Lulu was inspired by dark plays written by German playwright Frank Wedekind. The story is intense, exploring themes of desire, abuse, and tragedy. Lou Reed contributed his unique spoken-word lyrics, while Metallica added their heavy, powerful instrumentation. The goal was to create something completely different — a collision of art-rock poetry and metal riffs.
Reed called the project “awe-inspiring” and claimed it might be the best work ever done. He wasn’t joking — this was him creating art on his own terms.
How Fans and Critics Reacted
When Lulu was released, reactions were intense. Critics were harsh: some called it “audacious but exhausting,” while others said it was “gruelling” to listen to. Fans were divided, with some praising the daring experiment and others completely rejecting it. On review sites, the album scored very low in user ratings, showing just how controversial it had become.
The album’s sound — Reed’s spoken-word over Metallica’s heavy riffs — was unusual and jarring for many listeners. Songs stretched long, with dark and intense themes, making it a challenging listen.
Support From Fellow Artists
Despite the criticism, not everyone dismissed it. David Bowie called Lulu Reed’s greatest work, comparing it to his own experimental projects that took time for audiences to understand. Even some Metallica members defended the album, saying it pushed their fans into new musical territory.
Why Lulu Matters
Even though Lulu was not widely loved, it stands as a final statement from Lou Reed. It reflects his courage to keep experimenting until the end of his life. The album wasn’t made to please listeners — it was made to challenge them.
Lulu may be difficult to listen to, but it’s a testament to Reed’s artistic bravery. It shows that true innovators never settle; they keep pushing boundaries, even when the world doesn’t understand.