Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” isn’t known for being the cheeriest of songs.
It details drug addiction and deprivation, and in its time, was usually sung in darkened clubs amid a cigar smoke haze.
But one busker takes the song into sunlight, offering us a brighter, much more cheerful take on the classic hit! Backed by blue skies and cotton candy clouds, Alice Phoebe Lou truly makes the tune her own with her sweet, gentle voice and soft acoustic guitar strumming.
There have been many versions of “Walk on the Wild Side” over the years, but Alice Phoebe Lou’s is one of the best we’ve heard.
She put an indie-folk twist on the popular tune, and we’ve never heard it sung sweeter!
The blonde-haired busker has reached impressive heights of fame since her days of starting out on the streets of Europe. Born in South Africa, Alice Phoebe Lou first ventured into music armed with just her acoustic guitar and took to Berlin, where she won over a large fan base with her distinctive, captivating voice.
Tourists and passersby were so impressed with Alice’s sound that they started to post videos of her singing online—just like this one—and that’s how her career really took off! She was approached by record labels, but she decided that she wanted to stay independent and took matters into her own hands.
Alice released her debut EP, titled MOMENTUM, in 2014, which was followed by her first album, ORBIT, in 2016.
With these albums, she has toured across Europe, South Africa, and the United States. It’s easy to see why the 26-year-old has so quickly shot to fame. Her beachy, hippie sound has the ability to brighten anyone’s bad day, regardless of their usual tastes in music.
Her version of “Walk on the Wild Side” has captured the attention of people all over the world.
The YouTube video, which was produced by a fan, has so far amassed nearly 5 million views since it was first uploaded. Viewers have commented that she looks like “sunshine in the blue sky,” and she takes them to a place of “joy and freedom.” We certainly know the feeling!
Reed’s hit was released back in 1972, and was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson.
It was ranked as one of Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest hits of all time in 2010. Alice’s performance of the song proves just how adaptable it is, and how enjoyable it is to hear performed by a fresh young voice nearly 40 years on from its release!
As much as we love mainstream pop performers, it’s always inspiring to follow the story of a young woman like Alice and watch her shoot to fame based on pure talent alone.
Even while touring the world, this cheery country singer hasn’t forgotten her roots. She regularly returns to Berlin, the place where it all began, to perform in parks and U-Bahn stations. She’s humble and talented—the best recipe for success!
Above all, it’s videos like this one that remind us why so many people love YouTube so much.
If you’re keen to hear a completely new take on a Lou Reed classic, take a look at the video below and prepare to become one the newest members of Alice’s fan base!
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