After two albums of bizarre, hard rock (which later became known as punk), the Velvet Underground actually slowed it down, with their third, self-titled album. There are still some songs which are hard hitters. But with this album, they’ve either grown up or been woken up.

Starting off with “Candy Says” you can tell it’s going to be slow and calming. Right after that, they speed it up with “What Goes On,” pretty much showing off their pre-punk style. Continuing on with “Some Kinda Love” almost sounds country-like, but fits the words that include “No kinds of love/Are better than others”.

“Pale Blue Eyes,” the fourth track, is honest and almost depressing, but moving none the less. Using the simplistic couplet rhymes which end with “Linger on your pale blue eyes” repeated as verses does seem lacking, but fits with the simplicity of a tambourine and acoustic guitar. Almost anyone who has had even a crush on someone can relate to this song. It ends on a sad note, though of “It was good what we did yesterday/And I’d do it once again/The fact that you are married/Only proves you’re my best friend”.

“Beginning To See The Light” again shows their pre-punk rockin’ side. Actually, it is an amazing song if thought about, as if suddenly understanding the world around you. "The Murder Mystery," nearly 9 straight minutes of vocal chaos is probably one of the most original songs ever created. It has all four members of the band singing/reading a poem at different points, but on both speakers. If played on the correct stereo, you can listen to the left side and the right side for a more clear version. “After Hours” closes the album very well.

Some songs are lacking, including “Jesus,” “I’m Set Free” and “That’s the Story of My Life,” but no album can be perfect. They do definitely have an affect on the album, but this is definitely the best efforts from the Velvet Underground. Plus, this is a great place to start with the Velvets, pretty much a pre-emo album.

-LGF