title: The Essential Lou Reed
text: # The Essential Lou Reed
  
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  The Essential Lou Reed is a compilation album by Lou Reed released in 2011 by RCA Records. The album features classic Lou Reed solo work and songs from his band the Velvet Underground. The track listing is identical to NYC Man (The Ultimate Collection 1967–2003).
  
  ## Track listing
  
  ### Disc 1
  
  All tracks are written by Lou Reed, except where noted.
  
  