← Back

Loaded

by The Velvet Underground

Released: November 21, 1970

Rock, pop, proto-punk

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

"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.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Rolling Stone magazine has included "Loaded" on its…

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.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

The Velvet Underground - Loaded

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Despite spawning several singles, "Loaded" itself did not chart upon release. However, over time, it has garnered significant critical acclaim.

Now

Legacy

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.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

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.