Much of the album features instrumental work and songwriting credits from Velvet Underground members Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, and John Cale.

Before the EPI came to an end in 1967, Nico took up residence in a New York City coffeehouse as a solo folk chanteuse; accompanied in turn by guitarists, such as Tim Hardin, Jackson Browne, and also her Velvet Underground bandmates Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison and John Cale.

[2] The musical backing is relatively simple, consisting of one or two guitars or, alternatively, a keyboard instrument, played by either Browne or (a combination of) her Velvet Underground colleagues, but there are no drums or bass instruments, hence the absence of Velvets drummer Maureen Tucker, and adding to the chamber folk feel of the music are the string and flute overdubs added to the initial recordings by producer Tom Wilson and arranger Larry Fallon without involving or consulting Nico.

But its desolate beauty — and Nico's unique, provocative later work with John Cale — has fascinated subsequent generations", citing Patti Smith and Siouxsie Sioux as influenced artists.

"The Fairest of the Seasons" was also used in Gus Van Sant's 2011 film Restless and Yuri Kanchiku's 2022 drama First Love.

The Tallest Man on Earth recorded a version of "The Fairest of the Seasons" for his 2022 album of covers, Too Late for Edelweiss.