Throwback Thursday Vol. 2: The Velvet Underground and Nico

In the pantheon of rock music, few albums carry the weight and mystique of The Velvet Underground & Nico. Released in 1967, this debut record by The Velvet Underground, coupled with the ethereal vocals of Nico, wasn’t an immediate commercial success — but its influence has reverberated through decades of music.

Produced with the artistic oversight of Andy Warhol, who also designed the iconic banana cover, the album broke every mold of what rock music could be. It melded raw, unpolished soundscapes with lyrics exploring taboo themes — topics that mainstream music largely shied away from at the time.

Tracks like "Heroin" and "I'm Waiting for the Man" laid bare the gritty realities of addiction and street life, while songs like "Sunday Morning" and "Femme Fatale" showcased a haunting, delicate beauty. Lou Reed’s lyrical storytelling, combined with John Cale’s avant-garde musicianship, crafted a soundscape that was both provocative and poetic.

Though it sold modestly upon release, Brian Eno famously noted that “everyone who bought the album started a band.” Indeed, its DNA can be traced through punk, post-punk, indie rock, and countless subgenres that thrive today.

Overall, it was an album that dared to be different and, in doing so, changed music forever. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, revisiting The Velvet Underground & Nico is a reminder of the power of art to challenge, inspire, and endure.