Loaded

album by the Velvet Underground

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July 20, 2026

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Loaded is the fourth and final studio album by the American rock band The Velvet Underground. Released in 1970, it marked a shift in the band's sound, incorporating more elements of rhythm-and-blues and pop classicism into Lou Reed's songwriting. This album featured iconic tracks such as \"Sweet Jane\" and \"Rock & Roll.\" Despite its eventual critical acclaim and influence on subsequent genres like punk and alternative rock, Loaded initially faced commercial struggles, mirroring the band's broader career trajectory marked by personal upheaval and financial difficulties. The album's release preceded Lou Reed's departure from the band in August 1970.

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the Velvet Underground
…The Velvet Underground (1969) and Loaded (1970). But the strain of commercial failure led Reed to quit in August 1970. A version of the band led by Yule limped into the early 1970s.
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…The Velvet Underground (1969) and Loaded (1970). But the strain of commercial failure led Reed to quit in August 1970. A version of the band led by Yule limped into the early 1970s.
Read More