Lou Reed - 'Transformer'

Lou, the ex-Velvet Underground, hit the big time in his solo career with this cult classic album, 'Transformer, after a mediocre solo debut, he proved any critics out there that he can create the magic of VU on his own. This 36 minute-long album is a wonderful trip of utopia but with moments of great sadness. Kicking off the album is 'Vicious', it captures the essence of the album right from the beginning, 3 tracks in, the classic 'Perfect Day' begins, this song has soundtracked many epic moments in a huge variety of people's lives, the string arrangement works so perfectly with Lou's vulnerable voice, but with the song's epic chorus the music suddenly changes with Reed's vocals joining the music on a more confident pitch. 3 tracks into this classic album and the listener is enticed by Lou Reed's style of storytelling, this glam-rock album is very camp in places, Satellite of Love, Make Up, New York Telephone Conversation, etc. this can be linked to the use of David Bowie co-producing the album, Reed and Bowie were two figureheads of the glam-rock movement, and have left massive footprints on the history of music, both being amazing at their profession and causing controversy in the public's opinions. The album completes a circular structure with the final song being 'Goodnight Ladies'.

Bob Dylan - Hurricane

'Hurricane' tells the story of the boxer Rubin Carter, the night that changed his life. Rubin Carter was framed for murder and the racist nature of the New Jersey police force and Law hierarchy claimed he did it, and they chose to believe petty criminals, Alfred Bello and Arthur Dexter Bradley,  over the highly respected boxer. The song features heavy violin sections, which create an authentic sound, as this was not an instrument Dylan featured on many of his songs, it also gives it an emotional quality as the sound of the violin and the lyrics created a sorrow atmosphere. The song is the first on the album Desire, and is 8 minutes long, it captures the essence of Bob Dylan's songwriting style and his way of telling stories to his audience.