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Transformer, with key tracks “Walk on the Wild Side”, “Perfect Day” and “Satellite of Love”, marked Lou Reed’s breakthrough. His second solo album, it was released in December 1972. Unlike his eponymous solo debut, primarily new material encompassed this effort. It is considered a stateside glam rock landmark and was produced by major scenesters David Bowie and Mick Ronson, who in turn had been strongly influenced by Reed’s work in the Velvet Underground. “Walk on the Wild Side” was released as Transformer’s first single and was an unlikely commercial success given its seamy lyrics about gay hustlers, drag queens and drugs. It remains his only mainstream hit - a tune that somehow made it past the censors of the day.

Official Website
Lou Reed on AllMusic.com
BBC piece on Transformer
Nick Tosches’ 1973 review of Transformer
Lou Reed Transformed