Nico's debut solo album, Chelsea Girl, is a melancholic yet stunning chamber folk record that reflects her journey of self-discovery. A former muse to many artists and collaborator with figures like Andy Warhol and the Velvet Underground, Nico's deep, haunting voice contrasts with the sunny instrumentation and lush string and flute arrangements (which she later rejected). The album features compositions by Lou Reed, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, and others, creating a unique blend of beauty and unease. Its standout track, "It Was a Pleasure Then," foreshadows her later, darker proto-gothic style. Chelsea Girl is both.
