This album, now considered to be one of the greatest of all time, was a commercial failure when it was released.

The album "The Velvet Underground and Nico" is now considered to be one of the greatest of all time, but it was initially a commercial failure when it was released. This can be attributed to several factors, including its avant-garde and experimental sound, unconventional lyrics, and controversial subject matter. Moreover, its lack of mainstream appeal and limited promotion from the record label also contributed to its initial commercial disappointment. However, over time, the album's unique and influential style, along with its significant impact on subsequent generations of musicians, solidified its reputation as a groundbreaking masterpiece.