Lou Reed expands the definition of being cool. Specifically with his 1976 release, “Coney Island Baby,” is so good. I mean, the melodies behind each song, the beat, and Reed’s cool smooth vocal tone just makes you want for more, and more of the music.  And please do me a favour, and don’t confuse yourself with “Metal Machine Music.” If you’re tempted to listen to nothing but debauchery, then please be my guest! But as for me, I think I’ll give it a pass. I’ve already heard some songs within “Coney Island Baby ” like “Charlie’s Girl,” and “Crazy Feeling,” but I’ve never taken the time to listen to the record as a whole. And, I’ve already been listening to Lou Reed’s music since high school. We would mostly loop his songs like, “Walk on the Wild Side,” “Vicious,” “Perfect Day,” “Sunday Morning,” and my personal favourite “Sweet Jane.” But, really digging into the records that he made solo wise, or either within The Velvet Underground was barely. Yeah it’s kinda embarrassing to say, but I never gave them a chance. I’ve only known those songs, and stuck with them. But throughout the years, as I was understanding the importance behind listening to albums fully, I FINALLY came around, and listened to “Coney Island Baby.” All to tell you, it was amazing, I felt as if a whole new “Lou Reed world” had opened up for me. But don’t get me wrong, his 1972 record “Transformer,” and the records that he’s done with The Velvet Underground kicked ass, but “Coney Island Baby,” just had a special magical musical touch to it, and here’s why.

The record starts off with “Crazy Feeling.” An easy, yet beautiful song, that’s soon to be followed by one of my favourite songs of the record, “Charlie’s Girl.” It has such a mesmerizing, and beautiful guitar line, that’s accompanied by this sort of backbeat of a pattern. Plus, Reed’s vocal tone fit so well in the song, showing off his coolness. Pure Badassery! Like just listening to this gives me this impression that he’s not even putting effort in his vocal tone, he’s just rolling with it. The funny thing was that I had this song on repeat for an entire week during the summer of 2024. I would listen to this song during my walks at lunchtime with my sunglasses on, and just enjoying the beautiful summer weather. The album comes to an end with its title track, “Coney Island Baby.” It’s such an easy beat with this nice smooth melody where the guitar playing reminds me of your typical jazz guitarist, that’s being accompanied by Reed’s poetic voice. This song makes me think of those late evenings, sitting alone, and slowly watching the sunset. Making you reflect about anything, from what was done today, all the way towards the purpose of life.