"Loaded" is the fourth studio album by the Velvet Underground, released in November 1970 under Atlantic Records' Cotillion subsidiary. It marked a transitional period for the band, being the final album featuring all of its original members—Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen Tucker—although Reed departed shortly before its release, and Morrison and Tucker left soon after.
The album, often regarded by fans as the last "true" Velvet Underground record, featured multi-instrumentalist Doug Yule as the remaining member. Despite spawning several singles, "Loaded" itself did not chart upon release. However, over time, it has garnered significant critical acclaim. Rolling Stone magazine has included "Loaded" on its prestigious lists of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time," ranking it at number 110 in 2012 and number 242 in 2020.
This retrospective acclaim highlights "Loaded" as a testament to the Velvet Underground's enduring influence and the band's ability to blend various musical styles, ranging from rock and pop to experimental and avant-garde elements.
