Various - The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed (CD)

Sealed.

It goes without saying that the legendary Lou Reed was a true rock ’n’ roll pioneer. From The Velvet Underground’s debut in 1967 all the way through the end of his days, Reed sang truth from his heart. He lived life to the limit—and then some. The Power of the Heart is a tribute to Reed’s freedom of expression with covers spanning his ground-breaking years with the Velvets into his majestic solo career. Each track is a glorious extension of the Rock ’n’ Roll Animal’s soul, ever adventurous and avant-garde.

The Power of the Heart: A Tribute to Lou Reed kicks off with a legend in his own right, Keith Richards, reimagining the Velvets’ classic, “I’m Waiting for the Man.” Richards’ rendition instantly invites you on board this unforgettable ride. In stark contrast, “Perfect Day” is somehow even more melancholy than the original given the Rufus Wainwright treatment, featuring sparse fingerpicking and gentle harmonies. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts deliver a version of “I'm So Free” that would have even Lou rockin’ in his grave. It’s thrilling to hear these songs reinterpreted and sung by such heavyweights; you can even hear as Lucinda Williams channels the spirit of Lou with her take on “Legendary Hearts.”

Other notable tracks include a punk-drunk, loved-up duet by real-life lovers Angel Olsen & Maxim Ludwig with “I Can’t Stand It,” and Rickie Lee Jones’ reimagining of “Walk on the Wild Side,” both whimsical and enticing with her whispery vocals, stripped-down percussion, and a piano fit for a late-night lounge. This tribute album truly defies genre, but its throughline, in the end, is its heart: a deeply thoughtful collection of songs that shaped a generation, each paying homage to a man whose body of work still sings.

1 Keith Richards - I'm Waiting for the Man
2 Maxim Ludwig & Angel Olsen - I Can't Stand It
3 Rufus Wainwright - Perfect Day
4 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - I'm So Free
5 Bobby Rush - Sally Can't Dance
6 Rickie Lee Jones - Walk on the Wild Side
7 The Afghan Whigs - I Love You, Suzanne
8 Mary Gauthier - Coney Island Baby
9 Lucinda Williams - Legendary Hearts
10 Automatic - New Sensations
11 Rosanne Cash - Magician
12 Brogan Bentley - The Power of the Heart (Bonus track CD/Digital Only)