More often than not I disagree with the critics' assessment of Lou Reed albums. There are some great melodic songs here, like the poignant Billy that tells the story of a childhood friend, the fierce Kill Your Sons (an autobiographical narrative of psychiatric shock treatment), the title track with its nervous but gripping rhythm, and New York Stars which is reminiscent of tracks like New York Conversation and Vicious from Transformer. Just like on the latter album, an atmosphere of decadence pervades the work. Sure, the attitude is cheap, nasty and cynical (except on Billy) but it works in the context and Lou uses his best singing voice here for a change. The arrangements are fine and the music is very accessible overall. Those who like albums like Transformer and Berlin should find enough to appreciate on Sally Can't Dance.