Reviews (page 8 of 13)
Meditative off-center melodies and lyrics. You hear the folk and other traditions he comes from, but he makes them his own. I would need to listen to this a number of times to fully appreciate.
I say this every time he comes up, he should have stuck to the poetry side of things. I can’t take to his voice at all and the songs are dreary for the most part
This was an easy listen but it didn't stand out to me and I don't think I would put it on the list
Oh man, I thought I'd hate it, this is something I don't usually like. However, like a movie you don't like as it doesn't resonates with you, but you can definitely see why it could resonate with others, this was a surprisingly well spent time. This is what an exercise in 1001 albums should be.
вроде канадец, а звучит как будто с американского среднего запада. ну в целом норм
I was previously familiar with Leonard Cohen, but not this album. This album does well represent what you think of with him - brilliant lyrics, stripped down arrangements, and his voice. I appreciate this for what it is, and while I would listen again, I am not exactly rushing to do so.
Good
2.75-3.25 pretty standard folk, lol zero sauce, wonder what else he has cooking.
He's got a nice voice
3.2/5 debut leonard actually better than i thought very si get songwriter mostly voice and guitar
I’m pretty sure this is the first folk album I got, and it’s fine. I don’t think I would listen to it again.
Coincidentally, I have now spent two consecutive days listening to Leonard Cohen's early work, as part of working through this list: yesterday with his second album, "Songs From A Room", and today with his 1967 debut, "Songs of Leonard Cohen". Overall, the debut is an agreeable listen, characterized by plaintive, minimalistic tracks gently adorned with swells of orchestration here and there. The guitar work, both acoustic and electric, serves mainly to add subtle colour. Cohen's vocal delivery is purely utilitarian, designed solely to articulate the lyrics. "So Long, Marianne" was probably the stand out song for me. That said, the backing vocals sounded somewhat twee and out of keeping, otherwise a fine song. While I recognize the considerable influence Leonard Cohen's song writing has had, as evidenced by the familiar covers, this album doesn't strike me as essential listening for my personal taste. Between the first two, I marginally prefer "Songs From A Room". (3/5). On a final note, the visual presentation of the debut seems as questionable as Cohen's second album; I find the cover art for this album equally poor. Side one 1 "Suzanne" (4/5) 2 "Master Song" (3/5) 3 "Winter Lady" (3/5) 4 "The Stranger Song" (3/5) 5 "Sisters of Mercy" (4/5) Side two 6 "So Long, Marianne" (4/5) 7 "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye" (3/5) 8 "Stories of the Street" (3/5) 9 "Teachers" (4/5) 10 "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong" (3/5) Total - 34 Average - 3.4 157/1001 86/157 albums reviewed were new to me.
This is my third Leonard Cohen album on the list so far, and as I've gone back in time I've enjoyed them less. This one is a bit inconsistent for me. There are some songs with really interesting lyrics that warrant relistening and analysis, some are pleasant enough slightly Dylan styled numbers, and there are a couple of skips.
The lyrics are gorgeous but the music gets old fast.
Listened Before? N This was better than his other stuff. Before he got TOO weird. There's still some weirdness here but not to the level of his later albums. I didn't hate this one - but I'm not sure we needed of his albums on this list. This is may fave though. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye
Cohen’s lyricism is undeniable, he is a poet at best and a man at worst. Likewise, this album is enchanting for better and for worse. The songs start to drone into one another about halfway through with similar pacing and sound, which contributed to a seamless album listening experience, yet leaves no distinction track to track. “Suzanne” as an opening track had me hooked because it reminds me of my partner and I sitting in the back of his mom’s car, driving to his sister’s housewarming party through a ravine-esque area with large trees and dancing leaves. We held hands, gazing out the window, humming and feeling. Favourite song(s): Suzanne Least favourite(s): Master Song
I think this highlights a problem with listening to a new album every day - if I had more time to get into this, to really feel it and get in the mood, then I think I would really enjoy delving in and analysing it. But, just listening to it for today, it's kinda boring.
Not really my cup of tea, tbh. I'm not very into the singer/songwriter albums, even though I understand the power and impact they had. Especially Leonard's. I liked it more than Bob Dylan's records, but I guess that is because of the tone of his voice and a more polished approach to the record, but lyrically I prefer Dylan. A solid and cohesive record, just not my genre.
GOOD MUSIC
He’s good but nothing standout
I don't really have much to say about this one. I had a hard time paying attention to the lyrics because of a busy day at work. Sonically, I feel like his vocals and guitar pair very well together. I could see how this would be a boring record to a lot of people but I found it to be a pleasant background listen. There are many other singer-songwriters/folk records that have a little more umph that I'd listen to over this. It feels wrong to rate a Leonard Cohen record a 3 but I'm gonna do it.
Man, Leonard Cohen is one of the strangest songwriters of the mid 60s Greenwhich folk revival. His songwriting is incredible. He's a poet. And yeah, a lot of it is sad and dark, but also really pure and human. Love and joy and heartbreak and heart ache. Its kind of everything. Its also mundane, its hard to tell one song from the next. His vocals are dull and droning. But his songwriting makes for great covers. I love a Leonard Cohen cover usually more than the original. Notable songs: Suzanne, So Long Marianne, Hey That's No Way to Say Goodbye.
No doubt the songwriting ability is apparent and the minimalist production pairs well but it ain't my cup of tea.
Good singer, unique voice. Some good songs.
Highly respect his gift of writing but I just do not enjoy listening to him. Even younger.
I don't mind his voice or the storytelling. Nothing remarkable though. This album would be much better with more instruments, backing vocals, really anything... 3/5 Favorite song: Stories of the Street
Songs of Leonard Cohen, is a masterpiece of poetic folk. Focused almost entirely on his intensely personal, literary lyrics, the album established Cohen's signature style: that deep, meditative voice set against sparse, melancholic acoustic arrangements. Some easy classics like "Suzanne" and "So Long, Marianne" really lift this up from its depths.
This was really great. I had never listened to one of his albums before and this was terrific. Really enjoyed this.
3/5
Kinda boring but okay
Suzannes a great song to start the album off. Good for a calm sunday before you stick on ITV to watch a James Bond film.
Bit dull.
Im not not into this, but Cohen doesn't really excite me. Covers of his songs always slap tho.
Cohen is a master songwriter, just wish the musical accompaniment on this one was a bit more varied.
Beautiful songs and storytelling. Vibes are just way too mellow for me. Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): N/A ⭐⭐⭐: S'alright. Saved no tracks.
This was ok, I wouldn’t be rushing back to it though
favorite song from the album: Suzanne
A lot better than I expected from "the most boring voice ever". 3/5
A few good ones here
Kind of Bob Dylan-esque. Slow but I'm sure the lyrics are powerful. 6/10
A nice, gentle and easy listen. It is good but didn’t stand out to me. I’m not smart enough to explain why this is so much worse than stardust, but it is
very different than his first album, reminds me of simon and garfunkel but with less instrumentation going on. Love the sneaky bagpipes and general upbeat turn in so long, marianne. Another highlight was the aca and digeridoo moments in hey that's no way to say goodbye
Quite samey. Enjoyed So Long, Marianne
7/10
Very interesting, his voice is not bad at this point in his career. Not my thing but I'll say interesting again
I liked it and can appreciate the skill displayed here, but I didn’t love it. I think perhaps Cohen isn’t suited to the quick fire listen-once-and-make-a-snap-judgement nature of this 1001 album journey. It’s probably a slow burn that needs multiple listens to unwrap fully.
Very relaxing for an afternoon in the kayak.
I’m not about to rush out and listen to more Leonard Cohen but this was kind of good, Needs a beat thiugh
Oli mielenkiintoista kuulla Leonard Cohenia hieman kirkasäänisempänä hänen myöhempiin julkaisuihinsa verrattuna. Levy oli aika tasainen paketti laulutarinointia/-runoilua ja akustista soittoa. Ihan ei saanut kaikkea irti, kun sanoituksiin ei ihan täysin kyennyt keskittymään, mutta yleisfiilikseltään levy oli "ihan hyvä". Mennään taas tylsällä kolmosen arvosanalla, koska ei tämä nelosta ansaitse, muttei ole kakkosen arvoinen keskiarvoa heikompi suorituskaan. Joku Cohenin tuoreempi levy saattaisi saada korkeamman arvosanan, koska pidän hänen vanhemmalla iällä olevastaan tummasta lauluäänestä, esimerkiksi "You Want It Darker" on huikea kappale, joka on myös musiikillisesti mielenkiintoisempi ja monipuolisempi.
Oorraid nyt päästiin og-runopoikaan levyvalinnoissa. Tunnelma hyvä, laulu herkistelyä. Musiikki tietty aika pelkistettyä, jotta runosuolen prööt prööt -pulputus pääsee oikeuksiinsa. Ongelma toki sitten siinä, että kun ei jaksa perehtyä lyriikkaan, niin jää 70% pois. En nyt tee tämän suhteen poikkeusta ja hae lyriikkavihkosta googlella, niin mennään perstuntumalla. Iha kiva, ei kyl tuu kuunneltuu.
Ihan yllättävän hyvä. Cohenia en ole kauheasti kuunnellut, kun oikeastaan en ole ikinä pitänyt miehen tuotannosta. Mutta tämä oli ihan kivaa kuunneltavaa, ei ihan niin taidepläjäys kun se tuotanto mikä entuudestaan oli itselle tuttua.
Is a challenging listen for me as the unitiated. Not because it's bad, but because it's so unconventional. It's not traditional music in the usual sense, yet Cohen somehow extracts profound emotion and atmosphere from the barest arrangements. You don’t have to love it to appreciate how much he achieves with so little. Somewhere between a 3 and 4, depends on the mood, the moment, even the verse. Let’s just call it good and leave it at that.
Good album. I think Leonard Cohen would be amazing if he were a better vocalist
Jag vill gilla detta mer än jag gör. Försökte verkligen känna "men det är väl grymt". Men i ärlighetens namn känner jag inte mycket. På pappret är det musik jag definitivt kan gilla. Det lågmälda och stillsamma. Men jag vet inte vad problemet är. Tror det är avsaknaden av melodi, eller iaf lite roligare arrangemang. Det är förstås inte dåligt. Men jag kommer nog sällan/aldrig välja att lyssna på Leonard frivilligt. Det är inte ett gott betyg.
Very strong storytelling album.
Возможно, это великий альбом, но я его, честно говоря, не оценил. Это такой набор старых балладных песен для грустных мыслей, если вы пенсионер. Может, оно и не так, но я ощутил это так. Не знаю в общем, красиво звучит, но что-то не вкатило.
10,000,000,000 times better than Bob Dylan, but still not that interesting. Maybe if he would sing about something other than sexy legs or whatever.
The storytelling aspect of this album is off the charts. The melancholic tone, while appropriate to the subject matter, is…polarizing.
A very relaxing album, not a regular listening but I won't be mad to hear it in a restaurant 3/5
Silda and ela rate 3 out of 5 stars, Adam rates 3 as well. I liked it, chill. 1st song very good
Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye.
A pleasant buffet of melodic medieval mastery. Feels like a story book desperately needing to be read by someone who had little choice in the matter but a great sense of pace, channeling his ancestral bards.
Folk music full of 60s vibes. Themes are love, lost loves, infidelity, drugs, independence, war. Depth in most songs to unpack.
Kudos to the late Mr. Cohen for his lyrical prowess, but I just don't really like the music. On all but a couple of the tracks, I find the arrangements too sparse to distract me from the dull timbre of his voice. I would happily listen to the album again if my arm was twisted, but I wouldn't be likely to deliberately seek it out.
Bekend van de titel 'Suzanne'. Vond de rest van het album hier erg op lijken.
Pretty decent, most songs have a good start, but the religious undertones kinda throw me off. instrumentally, it’s amazing, until some obscure or random instrument (during my time) starts being used and it throws off the whole vibe for me. 3.49/5
Whoo Haaa! Looks like a young to middle aged Al Pacino gracing the album cover. This was relaxing and easy listen. I liked “So long , Marianne”, and “Hey, That’s no way to say goodbye”. 3.5/5
A perfectly fine listen and a good debut from someone who was just finding his voice, long before it matured into what I know Cohen to be. Most songs had the same feel, but I particularly liked “So Long, Marianne” with its instrumentation and 3/4 waltz time.
A very different vibe than his later work. It was fine.
A little too samey for me
Overall, great piece of work with tons of lyrical meaning and Dylan-Esque to it. I thought that So Long, Marianne was the song that stood out the most. A guy and his guitar, ya can’t go wrong.
I wanted to love it, but just liked okay.
Slow Leonard Cohen
This is a guy who put all his skill points into lyrics. The music is pleasant. Sometimes his words grab something inside of you and twists out before gently letting go. The second half of the album is especially good. The last song is my favorite.
Bruh, this thing keeps using the review from the previous album and not saving my notes. This album is not my favorite of Cohen’s but it’s very singer/songwriter and calm and very much of its time. I enjoyed the listen. Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye was probably my favorite song.
Suzanne hits like heroin. Father John Misty is just a Leonard Cohen with a beard and better voice. Someone asked the question “what if Lou Reed had a bigger brain and got way more ass?” Then Leonard Cohen came to answer. This dude be yearning like a mf’er This is songwriting on a different level. It feels like poetry put to music. But it’s still music. This feels like he hasn’t hit his stride musically but he knows who he is as a songwriter. That was a rough outro to the album.
Deep.
Pretty sad but something about it is appealing to me.
Hard album for me to review. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve struggled with the more lyrical compositions on the list. Lots of interesting imagery and story telling here, but as far as “music” goes, it’s let’s rhythmic. For that reason I think it’s probably a 3- I didn’t mind it, but I’m also not sure I would go out of my way to listen again personally.
Bleak and dark. Definitely need to be in a sad mood to truly appreciate this.
He has a recognizable style and I do enjoy it but I feel like most his songs or at least this album has the same energy
Honestly the album grew on me, delicate in ways I didn’t expect to like
People fall into two categories with Leonard Cohen, those who deeply and implicitly understand his genius, and those who just don't get it. Unfortunately I fall into the latter category. So many people whose taste I respect love him, but I've never gotten it I've tried to like him so many times and I just can't get over line, he's just too sentimental for a flippant soul like me. It sounds like a cop out but I just find his music boring and a bit self indulgent and his voice does nothing for me. This album is inoffensive and I enjoy So Long Marianne so I'm not gonna slam it too harshly
Fantastic voice, not really my cup of tea though.
Tickle me taint there young feller
Not a bad listen, but I did almost fall asleep. Better than I thought
Thoughtful lyrics set to calm, soothing acoustic folk. - 2.5/5
Knew the name but had never listened before. Classic, authentic folk songs—definitely not my usual taste, but a reminder that I should keep my ears open beyond my comfort zone.
Me gustó mucho, todas las canciones tienen una guitarra muy linda. Mi favorita fue "Master Song".
umm… what is he talking about?
i only have one thing to say about this album: leonard’s got BARS.
Medio aburrido el ritmo (algo que detesto) peeero la letra es hermosa asi que le doy puntaje por la lirica
Gode vibes - røget bodega/chill/shelter
Leonard's singing and storytelling carries this one, because I was fully prepared to dismiss it as another boring folk rock album, but the way he sings and the lyrics he uses is very good and quite clever.
Nett, wenig besonders.
Not as good as some of his others
Tbh this album is poetry set to 4 chord acoustic guitar. It does what it sets to do, and doesn't deviate from that, imagine Bob Dylan without harmonica and a better sounding voice.
his songwriting is so pretty and his voice is so soothing
Not as refined as his later work. Good listen, but wouldn't put it on again.
Strong lyrics, voice puts me to sleep.
Calming
I was very surprised the moment he started singing. I find his voice to be beautiful, enrapturing, and maybe even haunting. I loved that just hearing him sing hit me so hard; I couldn't tell you the last singer, that I hadn't heard of, has made me feel that way since starting the list. Even though his music was coming out around the same time as The Beatles, I couldn't help but think they took some inspiration from Leonard. I didn't quite connect with the older structure, or lyrics, that he uses but really enjoyed myself either way. Favorite songs: Suzanne Winter Lady The Stranger Song Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye
7/10. Música tranquila, conocia una sola cancion “I’m your man”
I had a headache all morning, so I was relieved this album was nice and gentle. Though the headache also probably made it so I wasn't fully listening to the lyrics most of the time. I wanted to like it more, and maybe in other circumstances I would.
This guy is a Canadian legend, wrote one of the most beautiful songs I know ('Hallelujah') and is utterly beloved by a ton of people I respect. Here's the problem: I don't get it. He writes lovely music, it's all just so very, very slow. My hottest take is that Leonard Cohen songs are better as covers. I've just never loved his voice; it's deep and fairly soothing but his music (when performed by him) always plods for me. And for a singer-songwriter (especially one with a reputation for meticulousness), there's no one else to blame. If you don't fall asleep during 'Winter Lady', I'm very impressed by your alertness. Highlights: 'Suzanne' and 'So Long, Marianne'. 3/5 because everyone loves Cohn except me, and even I like his songwriting. Check out any tribute to Leonard Cohen; they're all pretty good.
So longgg mAAArieeeeeEEENE
Good songwriter for sure, but I don’t connect with the voice
Heat
3.5/5 I really enjoy the storytelling of this album. The layered imagery, stories of humanity, and emotional conflicts. That said, there’s a time and place for this album, otherwise it can easily feel boring
I've never really bothered with Cohen, but I'm not sure why. This was beautiful.
Not my cup of tea.
estuvo ok
Well crafted songs and a lovely voice but a lot of the same format. Chilled album but somewhat repetitive.
love his voice and his work, i don't think this one is his strongest work but still an enjoyable one! 3.5/5
на любителя.
3/5 Favourite Song: Master Song Least Favourite Song: Teachers
Dark, poetic, LCs voice is rare and for me best in smaller doses than a whole album
Superb! A classic :D
Brassens en pas drôle Mais sympatoche
I've never really listened to him outside of a song here or there, but this was delightful. Reminds me of dramatic Finn Andrews (Veils)
Not for me
Perfect album for someone recovering from surgery and heavily sedated.
I liked the lyrics, but not my genre.
Leonard Cohen is arguably one of the greatest storytellers every and an incredible poet and songwriter. Compelling lyrics, beautiful structures and arrangements abound. But Leonard Cohen the singer/performer just makes me want to take a nap while stoned out of my mind.
i dont listen to songs for lyrics so leonard cohens whole schtick is kinda lost on me
Didn’t love. Reminded me of a non mumble Bob Dylan without catchy melodies.
Soft and sparse. Enjoyed listening to this but probably not something I will revisit too often, alot sounds the same. Suzanne was the peak imo
Easy listening. I like the songwriting and storytelling. Overall, nothing crazy, probably won’t go back to it.
Holy his voice changed SO much since then I prefer this version tbh, less lung cancer-y Calmth
Song writing is great but his voice takes a little getting used to. Also, his picture on the album cover looks like a still from the Godfather.
I see why some people might like this but it is not for me
Good but I don't remember a thing about it. 6/10
He looks like Michael Corleone. Kinda melancholy album.
Solid album but not as good as his other work
It's alright. Nothing really amazing, but nothing terrible either.
Was ok. Kinda relaxing
i can't really follow the lyrics. nice i guess? pretty one note.
I found some of it fairly boring, but there were a few standouts. "So Long, Marianne" will stay with me. Unlike some of the other reviews, I don't find Cohen's voice particularly annoying - and do really like his backing guitar work. I do wish he would do a little more at points. 3/5
J - 3/5 Best Track - "So Long, Marianne" F - DNL
Second time listening to this on the 1001 album thing. Still grates quite a bit, although I appreciated the guitar playing a lot more this time. But stop droning on and on and get to a chorus or something. Some good songs, but not a 'driving home from work on a 28°C Friday' album listen
Better than I expected
So Long, Marianne slaps
Best Song: Suzanne This was a first for me. I listened to this with my 18-year-old daughter who said, "all the songs sound exactly the same." I may blame this on naievete but the fact of the matter is, she was right. Not my thing.
Was really not into this one today. I get this guy is respected but just did not do it for me. Specific rating - 2.5 Fav song - stories of the street Least fav- one of us cannot be wrong
I thought all of the songs here were beautiful, but this is still a really generous 3 - the timbre of Cohen's voice just doesn't sit right with me
6.5/10. I found this album a tad boring, but the songwriting is incredible.
Back half from So Long, Marianne is where it’s at. Didn’t quite make a 4, close.
eigentlich wäre es eine 2 aber weil mir letztes lied so gut gefällt kriegste 3
Listened in the truck via YouTube music. The singing all sounded the same but the words were great. Way more a poet than singer. The last couple songs I liked best.
Works when you think of it as a poetry album. Cohen's delivery is very much like Bob Dylan, more so than his later albums.
It’s ok.
beautiful voice, unfortunately not my cuppa overall. open to hear more from him tho.
Probabilmente da riascoltare
Perfectly good music that doesn't suit my tastes.
= the Beatles
Surprised by how much I liked this, even though I think the second half of the album is largely a let down. It has a melancholic nostalgia to it that's hard to dislike.
Tender, dark and beautiful. Then it gets weird. Favourite tracks: Master Song, Teachers, One of Us Can't Be Wrong
Full of strong Melodie’s and very easy listening.
Pretty solid but nothing special, had some good listens on there but just sounded like the average 60s folk album to me
Great songwriting mediocre performance
Poetic, melancholy and timeless. Some beautiful songs but ultimately rather dour.
Was a bit dull for most of it but the songs sister's of mercy and so long Marianne save it
Each of these songs is fascinating, beautiful, compelling, haunting - and all of them are absolutely screaming for a more capable vocalist + better instrumentals. If he’d let someone better pick them up and run with them, this album would be incredible. As it is, meh. And frustrating because greatness is like, right there.
Definitely out of my wheelhouse but very good. Beautiful songwriting , so poetic. I don’t think this is an album I can listen to in full, just out of personal taste, but certain songs like “Suzanne” and “Teachers” I see myself coming back to. 3.5/5
My first experience with Leonard Cohen. More of a poet and lyricist and less of a singer, like Lou Reed. I can see the appeal, but not something I would go back to a lot.
I get it, just not my cup of tea.
Not bad. Was probably peak in its time but not really for me. A little too slow
Pas mon style mais c’est pas désagréable à écouter.
Bom álbum. Verdadeiras canções de um intérprete muito bom!
Would give 3.5 if I could. We love him but other albums better, a little too calm and sleepy for my liking.
It’s hard to rate this as an album that contributes to music as a whole. It’s not a “bad” piece of work. I respect it. It’s storytelling with raw vocals that walk a fine line between singing and talking over acoustic guitar. As someone who likes the production aspect of music, it’s not really my thing. But I’ll give it a respectable 3. 3/5
Good Album but expecting better to come 3.8/5
Not bad
Toppnivået er bra, bunnivået er fyllerør. Dette er stort sett heismusikk.
This is great poetry and pretty good music.
That's not my taste in music - But ok
I like it. It reminds me of Bread (the band, not the food) which I got into during Covid to help with my anxiety. It's literally so chill and mellow it pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and your two best friends -- that is only if super chill nights with your friends is something you enjoy.
Okay this one was better than the last Leonard Cohen record. “So Long, Marianne” is a good one. 3 stars
i dont typically choose to listen to mr leonard cohen but i am glad that this was the album for the day. this was the first time i actively listened to his music. i really love bob dylan so this felt like a toned down version of his music. i like the storytelling aspect of his lyrics. he sings with a peaceful tone and i think that it is good background music. i can definitely see how he may have influenced paul simon's solo work. but overall, this album was gentle and lovely. however, i still wouldnt reach for most songs from this album. my favorite song was "hey, thats no way to say goodbye". i would rate it a 2.5 or a 3, but im feeling generous so ill rate it a 3.
Solid.
Clearly brilliant song writing but I have to admit I find it a little boring, just not to my taste.
I like the quiet nature of this album.
3.5, it’s great but not elite by cohens standards
bro just did spoken word poetry over some guitar
10/10 makes me feel melancholy and moody
3,5/5 Melkein jopa nelosen levy. Jotenkin miellyttävää kuunneltavaa.
Onhaan tää Gubbe legenda. Toki si taas albumillinen menee överiksi
Hyvän kuuloista tunnelmointia. Kyllä levyllisen jaksaa helposti kuunnella.
Som en levnadsglad man som har gett upp
LC is one of my all time faves. Through many pub conversations, I've come to the conclusion that some people just derive more value from lyrics & storytelling, others from musical and technical ability. I'm the former. It's poetry set to music really, this is. THAT BEING SAID Cohen has like, 4-5 albums which are far better, and more enjoyable, and interesting than this one.
Not a bad album. Not really my style tho. Has some good songs.
Enjoyed more than I thought I would.
Iconic Canadian! Enjoy some of his music. There's a lot I haven't heard though, including on this album.
Love Leonard Cohen, but this isn't his best work.
where is HALLELUJAH as featured in SHREK by rufus wainwright/john cale/leonard cohen/jeff buckley/pete wentz's suicidal depression? it's not here. i thought that was his only song. i don't really care for his other music do i this reminds me of a sleepier simon & garfunkel. it's sort of a transitional folk album that almost becomes rock sometimes but mostly stays the same. highlights for me are his lyrics and i didn't hate the overall vibe. so long, marianne was the only one that i really got into. but i did get really, really sleepy listening to this, which was NOT good because i was driving. having given our s&g album a 5, i can't deduct too much from this, because the biggest difference is that one has sentimental value for me and one doesn't. weirdly intense album cover. 3/5 i think i need to give paranoid another shot
Good songwriting. Very pretty. It was nice to hear his older albums when he doesn't sound like he is on the verge of dying. I appreciate this album, but it doesn't move me like some of the other albums we have had.
This album bought an incredible amount of goodwill with me with "So Long, Marianne". I find 60s folk usually deeply boring, I'm not much of a lyrics guy and the artistry of "grand poetry atop sparse instrumental" is often lost on me: guy who likes Charli XCX a whole bunch. That being said, Leonard Cohen does show some solid ability to put together something interesting under the vocals. I don't have a ton of love for this album, its just too slow and sparse for my liking, but Leonard Cohen shows flashes of his ability to arrange a hell of a song on here. You can see how he eventually created "Hallelujah", but he's not there yet.
Found this the weakest of the three len albums we’ve had but can see a lot of his later stuff in this
Decent.
I remember my dad warning me that Leonard Cohen was 'pretty dark'. I was big into Joy Division at the time so whatever. Anyway this album is just the same sad folk song over and over again. There isn't a lot going on musically until Sisters of Mercy halfway through when you get some accordion and bells. So Long, Marianne is has a mandolin and fiddle and backing singers. None of it is any better than the tracks that are just sparse guitar strumming. Stories of the Street is the highlight employing some more interesting scales and feeling a bit more full bodied without actually adding any extraneous instrumentation. Cohen's lyrics are effective but this is 1001 albums not 1001 poems.
Heck of a first album. Not quite there yet, but as proofs of concept go, it’s awfully solid.
Cohen's debut is quite unusual as far as debut albums go. Him being already pushing 40 meant he was a mature writer from the get go, and his experience as an author gave him a different approach to writing lyrics. What I do associate this album with the most is that my father sometimes randomly sing the chorus of "So Long, Marianne". He does it hopelessly out of tune, but in an endearing way. Key tracks: Suzanne So Long, Marianne
Not bad, not great.
Some good sad vibes
Was expecting a higher rating, but the musicality just isn't that interesting for too many re-listens.
Some excellent guitar playing on teacher!
Wasn’t the worst I heard. I like singer songwriter type music content bad but it didn’t give me any energy that was great to me.
Hadn't heard this one at all. A master of lyrics but not my kind of general listening. love the stranger
With the mostly sparse musical content, the lyrics have to carry so much weight and while he’s obviously a brilliant song writer, I was kind of hit and miss of whether a song captured my attention or not. Probably need a few more listens to rate it properly
Well, 1960s music poetry....You can see where the legend of the great poet singer came from at least even if you don't love the music per se.
Deep, needs a few listens
Perfect, sleepy little album. Great for a late afternoon nap outside in the hammock.
Not terribly interesting to me, but not terrible.
I hate when artists get the title of their album wrong. This should definitely be called The Sad Ass Songs of Leonard Cohen. In all seriousness, the folk genre is one that I never thought I would enjoy as much as I do now. Yes, it’s a sad ass album but hidden there is a beautiful gem, the songwriting shining through and touch us all. Beautiful album and I’m always a fan of a good melodic whistle to end an album.
(listened twice, was also working on my pc both times) A lot of women being mentioned. Suzanne, Winter Lady, Sisters of Mercy, Marianne, Teachers. Interesting. One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong was my favorite, what an incredible song, and beautiful ending to the album! Suzanne was also a banger, but I knew that. So Long, Marianne was cool as well with the girl singing in the chorus Never listened much to Cohen tho. But I liked it. The songwriting was great and interesting. Although it didn't really hit as deep as I thought it would. But every song can't be Hallelujah I guess. I like the minimalism as well. Mostly just guitar and him. Besides the 3 songs I mentioned, I can't really differentiate the other songs from one another. They kind of just melted into eachother. And again... i got kinda bored tbh. Actually so much that I'm not giving it the highest rating. Would have given it 2,5 if I could. That doesn't mean I won't listen again. I think I'll even buy the vinyl. It just didn't grap my attention that much. Funny to think this is almost 20 years before Hallelujah.
Easy listening with stories from the heart.
Hmm. This is my third Leonard Cohen album, if memory serves. So far, I've liked his late 80s album the best. This was a little bit too out there for me. I'm more of a music person and less of a lyrics person. Since I listen to these albums when I drive, it's hard to give the lyrics the full attention they deserve. I didn't dislike this but I didn't particularly care for it, either.
This slow, melancholy music worked out well on a somber St. Patrick's Day morning. Favorite Track: "One Of Us Can't Be Wrong".
3.5⭐
6/10 Best track: "So Long, Marianne“
Much prefer his early years. Does he really stand out and above others of his era? Probably not but it's a good listen.
Good songwriting but it does feel repetitive about 4 tracks in. The arrangements and background vocals work nicely with Cohens singing.
debut album from this legendary artist. he often utilizes the “sing-speaking” style of vocals. good listen, although some of the songs seemed a little too long.
unauffällig
I like Leonard Cohen but I'm not going to pretend I love his songs with all my heart, like a wannabe intellectual.
un poco rollo pero melancólico
Lyrical poetry. And yet so boring at the same time
Favourite Track: Winter Lady Honourable Mention: Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye An atmospheric, soft album that prioritizes lyrics over musical complexity. I definitely need to be in the right mood for this one (i.e. A cozy bookstore nestled in a quaint neighbourhood during the fall season). Cohen's whispery, conversational vocal style is definitely an acquired taste too.
This is #day207 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… this turns out to be my first ever listen of a Leonard Cohen album. By chance, it’s his debut. What can I say? I find the whole thing rather inoffensive, though it’s easy to lose track of the narrative, and I guess that's typical of the folk-rock and singer-songwriter genre. As a result, I can’t tell the songs apart. I'm quite unlikely to revisit this record anytime soon, if ever. The Album Explorer feature here says there are 4 more albums of Cohen down the road. Oh well... This is a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day208.
I've only heard a small sample of Leonard Cohen, but this album was pretty much what I expected. I dug about half of this album, but the other half all kind of sounded the same to me. Not a bad album but probably nothing I'll want to relisten to.
Depressing and I feel like I would really dislike him as a person. I do love sad music though so I guess 3 stars.
Very kind of mellow album, pretty inoffensive music for most of it but feel like it just falls a little flat some of the time.
Some pretty good songs on here. Very enjoyable!
I'm not huge on Cohen, but he's a great song writer and lyricist. His very late stuff is incredible.
Very much not his best work, but it’s ok. Nothing more than middling.
Prima album Ik kan niet kiezen tussen Sisters of Mercy & So Long, Marianne welke van deze twee mijn favoriet is
Look, Leonard is a great songwriter but the album is very slow. Some of my favorites of his are on this one and we're highlights in the never ending song that is this album
Nice nice songs to have on while you do stuff. Favourite: so long marianne
Favorite Track: Master Song
Such a wonderful songwriter. I still put this on from time to time.
Slow, but interesting musical elements/lyrics
I was gonna give it a 4 but then he started loudly moaning at the end.
not into the creepy undercurrent
Has a lot of great ballads, some uplifting and some depressing. I wouldnt downplay his songwriting. 3/5, as it's memorable but only with a few listens in the bank.
Good
He has one note that he really likes singing
Songs Of Leonard Cohen was a pretty good album. The music here did it's job pretty well and even had some cool elements like the little parade like instruments in Sisters of Mercy traveling throughout the audio channels. The songwriting here is also very solid. The main issue i have with this album is the fact that since this is Lenny's first album, It falls into the traps of one as in he didn't have a fully established style yet meaning that the songs here all sound like typical folk songs rather than sounding like Leonard Cohen songs. I still think that this album is good and has it's moments, i just think the later albums are better due to having Lenny's established sound. Best Song: Sisters of Mercy Worst Song: Teachers
Has the best of Leonard Cohen from what I have heard so far
Decent solid album
This is the 3rd Leonard Cohen album I've had. The others I rated a 2 - because his voice was that bad. So I fully expected the same from this album To my surprise, his voice isn't as bad here at all! Songs were alright, nothing that stood out massively 3 ⭐️
About 15 years ago, I almost got into a fist fight with a guy outside of a bar. I recognized him from another city. Dude sold poems on the street for a dollar a piece. I appreciate hustle so I bought a few. They were not particularly good, but art is relative I guess. I later saw him in this other town and said, "Heeeeey, I recognize you" and made the poetry connection. He was super rude and basically said who gives a f**k. In retaliation, I told him his poems weren't worth the dollar I paid him and should reconsider his business model. He proceeds to tell me that I was full of it, and that he was on par with Leonard Cohen. I took great umbrage to this (had been drinking) and the situation escalated to near fisticuffs as I tried to make him see the error of his ways. Anyways, there was no street fight that night and the issue remains unresolved. This is a solid record and I do enjoy the poetry and lyricism from one of the best Canadian artists of the genre/era, though though some of the faith content doesn't really resonate. The busy finger picking on several tracks is also pretty dope.
It’s pretty and great for a rainy day.
A truly wonderful songwriter, but definitely more "vocal stylist" than "singer" as a performer. :-)
Leonard Cohen twice in a week is a lot of Leonard Cohen for me. This isn't as dark a record as Songs of Love and Hate, but still one has to wonder if Canadians are okay, or if we should bring over a lasagna or something.
Obvious why he is so revered as a poet and songsmith. The Canadian Dylan
There’s no denying he’s one of the GOAT storytellers, but I just personally like some more song-to-song variation on an album. It’s a weird one where I just didn’t connect with it, but I can see why it’d be a favorite for a lot of people.
Geen banaan op de cover, dat is natuurlijk al jammer en een puntje in mindering! Wel fijn; de diepe stem waar Leo toch bekend om staat. Zijn zang, die eigenlijk geen zang is maar voordragen van z'n teksten en de vrij minimale instrumenten op de achtergrond. Ik kan er wel van genieten, alle albums van Leo ademen sfeer! Moet wel zeggen dat ik de nieuwere Leo albums beter vind. Dit is zn debuut album en dat hoor je ook wel een beetje. Hier kun je het nog een beetje zingen noemen wat hij doet, en zn stem is nog niet zo diep en duister zoals op latere albums. Wat wel nu al opvalt; zn teksten. Deze man draagt voor wat er gebeurt en je word meegezogen in zn wereld. Maar eerlijk; hij probeert op dit album meer te zingen, en dat moet ie gewoon niet doen. Ik wil een veel te diepe stem die me vertelt wat de fuck er aan de hand is terwijl er op de achtergrond zachtjes een piano speelt ofzo. So long, Marianne is wat mij betreft een dieptepunt. Veel te hard aan het proberen te zingen, man práát gewoon! Uiteindelijk vind ik het geen vervelend album om te luisteren. De sfeer druipt er van af en nog steeds is de stem van Leo prettig om naar te luisteren. Wel is het duidelijk zn debuut en is hij nog zoekende qua sound. FAVO: Suzanne, The Stranger Song,
3.5
as que são boas são boas e as que não são tão boas são muito, muito longas
Super chill listen. Not something I’d reach for all the time, but i wouldn't turn it off if I was like at a dinner party with my in laws or my parents, and we were having like some charcuterie. 3⭐️
bob dylannnnnnnnnn sure why the hell not
3/5
eh.
Leonard Cohen is just not my vibe. I definitely know him and have heard of him but just not my vibe. Will give him 3 stars for an average rating.
This one was just ok to my tastes. I don’t enjoy him nearly as much as Bob Dylan.
Kind of blows my mind that this album came at me immediately after a Kanye album. Everything is the polar opposite here. Bombast is replaced by understatement. Vulgarity is replaced by poetry. This will be hard to get through for a lot of people, it offers so little sonically. Its success hinges almost entirely on the poetry of the lyrics, and to a lesser degree on the delivery. "So Long, Marianne" comes across as the only song approaching pop, with some extra production flourishes, but it goes on for five and a half minutes. Take THAT, pop radio! Suzanne, Masters Song, Marianne, and especially Sisters of Mercy do it for me. I'll take that as an EP and feel content. "If your life is a leaf That the seasons tear off and condemn They will bind you with love That is graceful and green as a stem" Nobody's proclaiming the glory of their big black balls. Hallelujah for that.
Nothing special musically but good lyrics and also relaxing which i like
very chill, and Leonard Cohen definitely has a very calming voice to listen to, but every song felt veeery samey, with what felt like the same guitar tempos and chords throughout. the calming effect really carries this one.
It's a fine album, but no single song jumped out at me and it goes on a bit
Acoustic guitar is very nice and he has a great voice but getting a little bored.
I would categorize this as folk music with complex lyrics. Enjoyable to hear what Leonard has to say in each of his compositions.
Lenny, we meet again! This is so old it sounds like Simon and Garfunkel. Very peaceful. Not a top album cover. Also not my favorite Leonard Cohen era, apparently, although maybe I'd change my mind if I listened a few more times. But as of now, it's a little bit boring, I fear. Highlights: 'Sisters of Mercy' (a bit like I'm playing a 90s RPG), 'So Long, Marianne' (classic)
a sweet calm listen
Not my favorite but definitely worth an occasional listen. I do live many Cohen songs though.
Found it a bit samey across the whole album but I like the vibe - quite recognisable
Not as bad as the other Leonard Cohen albums. Still not my favorite, but a few decent songs.
Enjoyed the meandering tunes and quirky lyrics
Didn’t mind this one at all. Very poetic. Didn’t even have hallelujah on it.
World’s most serious man competition winner 1967. And it was tough sledding back then. You had nothing but serious fellas. Look at this guy though. Depressed? Check. Looks to be disgruntled? Check. Stressed about a multitude of things?? Check again. Whether you incorrectly call him Leonard Nimoy or you just call him the guy that wrote the second most famous shrek song, I call him, a friend. Let’s get on with it you zany old Canadian. Welp. I mean I knew that this would be the general tone. The lyrics are interesting if not a little cringeworthy at times. This does feel LIGHTYEARS ahead of its time. Really in its own world, which earns some points, but the melody isn’t slaying me. The melodies are not meshing just yet. Two odd, rudimentary song structures that don’t fully appeal, BUT this song is still pretty cool. The lyrics are worth a second pass which this will probably get, and the odd instrumental makes this song a good experience overall. I am keen to see if we get some songs that can keep up with the poetry and atmosphere. Winter Lady probably takes the best swing at what could be considered a conventional song. Short and sweet. Pretty song. More spoken word, which typically may irk me, it the instruments are varied and bare. They create an excellent atmosphere and a backing for the stark poetics of the Canadian eccentric. Is “poetics” a word? I like it, either way. I’m just a Joseph looking for a manger pal. This album is super cool so far. Another interesting song. Mouth clicks forgiven. I absolve you Lenny. Drink some water though. While kinda cool, I don’t know how I feel about the circus instrumental break. This one is not as much for me. Not bad by any means, but not as gripping. Is fatigue setting in? Is my feeble brain struggling against the weight of poetry?? I suppose we’ll never know. Suzanne??? Marianne?? Lenny is plowing through these Anne based names. The lively female backing vocals are nice here. Create a very folk feel and add a ton of energy. A little “godfather in Italy” near the end, but not a bad track. Pretty enjoyable actually. Hmm. This has to be the same as another song we’ve heard. A rare lowlight. Stench Town USA. I trust Lenny Co more than anybody to regale me with tales of the street. Buddy has been up and down the blocks and posts up regular on corners from the mean streets of Ottawa to the tumultuous avenues of Mississauga. This song is fine. “One hand on a hexagram, one hand on a girl.” Math teachers are flooding to MySpace to post that lyric. This one is kind of frantic. Interesting, but again, we struggle a little bit from bad melody syndrome. Not terrible. A little same-y once again. He doesn’t have much variation in range. The shrieking outro is pretty interesting. Well Leonard. You did it again. With what is essentially a spoken word album, sometimes the music can take a backseat. The bare guitars along with Cohen’s soulful vocal delivery create an enjoyable musical experience in amongst the poetry slam. While not resonating with every line, the poetry is intriguing and worth revisiting while the music takes me along for the ride. The songs themselves range from excellent to middling and some repetition lets down what is a super cool listen that feels fresh to this day. Combine these lyrics and atmosphere with a better songwriter and you’ve got yourself a classic. The songs of Leonard Cohen delivers in the end despite its shortcomings. 3-3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Master Song, Winter Lady, The Stranger Song
Leonard Cohen - another guy I heard of often but know nothing about. Is he a broadway show writer? Or is he just a folk singer? Why is Dustin Hoffmans picture on the cover? Ok he is like a cross between Bob Dylan and Nick Drake. I like it. Actually he may have been on this list already. Must not have left an impression. Update confirmed first time on this list. Three stars. Final answer.
Creo que prácticamente no se puede decir nada sobre Leonard Cohen que ya no se haya dicho. Sus letras son perfectas, pero eso se lo podemos atribuir a su carrera como escritor. Su talento para la guitarra, sencillo, pero eficaz, es destacable considerando que no es un artista que nació como tal. Songs of Leonard Cohen podrá no ser el mejor trabajo del crooner, pero definitivamente es una forma espectacular de comenzar una carrera icónica que inspiró a cientos de otros artistas similares.
Hey that’s no way to say goodbye is very good. And Suzanne
Have to be in the right mood to enjoy this. It’s fine. Good songwriting.
This album feels like a series of lullabies, softly whisking me away to sleep. The lyrics are well-written and conjure vivid imagery. It's not bad, but it does start to blend all together and I doubt I'm going to revisit any of the tracks on it.
Repetitive but in a nice, calm Sunday morning kind of way
God damn Leonard, lighten up a bit x
I have only recently began, last 2 years, to listen to Cohen and I think he is brilliant. This album however is not my favourite although still enjoyable.
No disrespect for the man, just not really my sound.
Very good album. I can see why this would top some lists. Of course great writing, but I found it great that I didn’t hate his voice. Always thought I did. Not my favourite album but definitely a good one.
Pretty good but its very clear that this was made for the 1960's audience. Did not age that well in my opinion. 3/5
I'm really depressed "diet" Bob Dylan. Not for me. It's well done. But I won't come back to it
I liked the vibe of it.
You know, I’m a bit happy that the first Leonard Cohen album I get is his debut (I assume there will be others) because I wasn’t a huge fan of this. It’s far from bad. Cohen’s voice makes this a cozy album to listen to and his songwriting is most certainly his strong point. But a lot of the songs kind of felt…one note. They just feel similar as Cohen sings through them, not really adding any variety to his vocals. It becomes more poetry to me than music, which is alright. But I’m not really into that and I want to brush if off on the fact it’s his debut. Maybe some of that will change deeper into his discography, but as is, this one was ok. Favorite track: So Long, Marianne Other hits: Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye, Suzanne, Sisters of Mercy, One of Us Cannot Be Wrong
Very pleasant to listen to. Haven’t listened to much LC before and will probably revisit this. Suzanne, So Long Marianne, and Teachers.
I just said Van Halen are serious musicians but not serious songwriters. Leonard is a VERY serious songwriter, maybe too serious. Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave both exist as artists I respect and can get into at moments but both seem to pretty explicitly want me to kill myself. The outro of "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong" made me audibly laugh...lookin' like Michael Corleone on the album cover and just HOWLING in pain. Maybe this is what Michael listened to after Apollonia got blown up. At the outset of Suzanne you can immediately tell he's a storyteller...I owe this album more listens to fully appreciate all work he put into his poetry. For the time being I'd rather listen to Paul Simon or Bob Dylan, but Leo is OK in my book.
Sounds for the background of my dad's dinner party (which he never has)
It's a good album, to be sure, but the minimalist instrumentation becomes grating.
#80 Really good voice.
Bob Dylan meets Simon and Garfunkel. The whisper/monotone singing gets pretty old after a few songs.
осенние вайбики, мили. вайбы джона леннона немного