"New York" is the fifteenth solo studio album by American musician Lou Reed. Released in early 1989, it features Reed's distinctive narrative style, offering accounts about life in New York City, strongly marked by his typically dark lyrical approach. The album's themes cover a vast spectrum of issues, ranging from AIDS, drug addiction, social injustice, romance, to political corruption.
Lou Reed himself considered "New York" as a form of long-form writing, so much so that the liner notes suggest listening to the album in one sitting, akin to watching a film or reading a book. The album is critically acclaimed and is viewed as one of Reed's best solo works. It includes brilliantly written songs such as "Romeo Had Juliette," "Dirty Blvd.," and "Busload of Faith."
As a background, Lou Reed was a singer and songwriter who co-founded the rock band The Velvet Underground, whose disruptive sound had a significant influence on the rock music landscape. After leaving the band, he embarked on a successful solo career. While known for his introspective and often provocative lyrical style, "New York" is particularly notable for its stark portrayal of the city's social landscapes.
