Loaded was a album that was recorded under duress, pressure to become even more commercial and drug usage.  Atlantic signed the band to a two album deal and they put the screws on the band to record some commercially viable material. During the recording one of the Velvet's key members Maureen Tucker took a leave of absence from the band (she was pregnant with her first child) before she recorded several demo tracks.  Lou Reed voice was really strained from the constant touring whilst promoting the third album, giving Doug Yule the bass and keyboard player and opportunity to sing on several tracks (New Age, Who Loves the Sun, Lonesome Cowboy Bill, Oh! Sweet Nuthin".  The drumming duties were shared by Doug Yule, Billy Yule (his brother and part-time member), Adrian Barber and Tommy Castanero.  Sterling Morrison played lead and Lou Reed handled the rhythm guitar and piano tracks.

A lot of controversy about the final mix and edits arose.  Lou Reed claimed that a few of the songs were edited without his permission (Sweet Jane and New Age), he wasn't pleased with some of the vocals on the songs and that he wasn't allowed to have a say in the final mix.  But according to Doug Yule, he released the album like he wanted and left the band afterward. The ten tracks that were released were very commercial sounding (it's the band's most popular album) and I was surprised that it didn't break into the TOP 40 when it was released.  Reed said that he called the album "Loaded" because it was what Atlantic wanted, an album loaded with a lot of potential hit pop singles.

The album didn't chart and Lou Reed left the band stressed out from the music business, drugs and exhausted from the touring.  Doug Yule, Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker continued to perform as The Velvet Underground hiring Walter Powers to play bass whilst Yule moved up to lead vocals and guitar.  This line up would remain together and they toured the country promoting the Loaded album until one day Sterling Morrison decided to leave the band.  According to Doug Yule he packed an empty suitcase, drove along with the band to the airport and told them that he quit.

A real good album filled with a lot of pop tunes.  The Velvet Underground's pop album filled with bouncy tunes and for the first time a traditional drum tracks and rock guitars.  Recommended.