This album is super melodic and had a more commercial attempt at radio play - hence the title (meaning loaded with hits) 

It was also the last album that featured most of the original classic Velvets line up.

Some critics balked at them caving into record company pressure to make a less controversial and radio friendly album.

Some criticized the band leaving their proto- punk roots encapsulated in the ground breaking 1967 debut album The Velvet Underground and Nico - with the drug addiction and prostitution realism of “Waiting For The Man” and “Heroin”.

However I am sure they were very aware of their situation -enjoying the double entendre of the title!

In fact Lou Reed left before the album was released, to commence his solo career with future landmarks such at “Walk On The Wild Side” - tackling the gritty New York realism of the street.

However “Loaded” is a wonderful melodic album and showed the adaptability of Lou Reed and the band to smooth out some of the realism and controversial themes- to more melodic and soothing arrangements.

Check out the mini biopic “Sweet Jane” super sweet and catchy.

Other tracks such as “Rock & Roll” presage David Bowie by a few years and feels like a gateway to Ziggy Stardust and a new era of glam.

One of my favorites is “New Age” a look back at a faded actress beyond her prime.

Above all, this album demonstrated a high degree of originality in the musical arrangements and the subject matter.

There is a sense of newness and not a reworking of the past.

There is a noble sense of purpose to document the times - even when the record companies and radio were behind the times and afraid to court controversy.

Eventually everyone would catch up to the visual representations of life , sexuality and drug addiction personified in Lou Reeds writing , the following year with “Transformer” in 1972 - and bring it into the mainstream.

More info here:

https://www.discogs.com/master/35308-The-Velvet-Underground-Loaded