Metallica and Lou Reed’s “Lulu” (2011)
It’s difficult for a mashup of celebrated artists to sound off, but this one did. Metallica, the father of thrash metal and Lou Reed from the Velvet Underground, a mastermind in the art rock genre, originally outshine their competitors. But this project that Metallica and the Velvet Underground’s lead vocalists co-wrote, “Lulu,” tells a different story.
This record failed spectacularly. Lou Reed’s vocal style, suited for whispers and ambient guitars, mixed with Metallica’s intensity as nicely as oil on water. From the opening track, “Brandenburg Gate,” to the last, “Junior Dad,” the sounds constantly drive away from each other.
Regardless of their individual talent, their soundscape lacked the harmony for a successful blend. For now, only a minuscule fraction of the niche remains fans of this album.
