Songs From A Room

2.5/5 good lyrics and instrumentals but often whiny and annoying vocals

bored on a wire

It sounds a lot like earlier Leonard Cohen, but it still sounds really good and is pleasant to have on.

Chill Montreal cafe vibes.

Strang to hear Cohen sounding so young.

Wow this is beautiful. I know Cohen for somewhat rougher music

Un peu trop triste et monotone mais beau sur l'ensemble.

Reminds me of Bob Dylan, but slightly less iconic. Decent album but not mind blowing. Best Songs: Bird on the Wire, The Partisan, Worst Songs: Story of Isaac, You Know Who I Am

It was a decent album, instrumentally sound and was easy to create an image in ur head through the lyrics

Was an okay listen. Fav song: Tonight Will Be Fine

Bird on the Wire is great, Tonight Will be Fine was pretty good. Seems like a bit of a sophmore slump between two better albums though. They blew their production budget on Jew’s harps. And the lyrics are a little uninspired sometimes.

It was a pretty short album but I liked the first and last song. Feels like an album where if I gave it time I’d learn to like it a lot.

I grew up with "Songs of Leonard Cohen", his first album (followed by this one). I learned to play fingerstyle guitar for several of those songs, and they're etched in my heart. I did always wonder about some of the more extravagant arrangement/production choices on that album, and it seems LC did too, insisting that this album would be more simple, even stark. But having pulled that off, I'm listening to it and missing something. Or is it just that the songs themselves aren't as good?

Absolutely loved the first album but this sounds like the same tunes with different words. Maybe you're supposed to see the songs as musical poems and the tunes don't matter, just the words? Then I read the reviews and even the high score reviews admit it's this way. It's pleasant, and there are high points but a lot of it can be left on in the background.

Familiar with Leonard Cohen thanks to Dad. I have always liked his vociferous and his lyrics. He is VERY singer-songwriter style. Can get repetitive especially because the music itself feel pretty minimalistic, and his singing has an almost spoken word quality to it. Not really the type of music I go out of my way for, but I don’t hate it. Notable tracks for me: -The Partisan

Fine, ploddy and morose but generally easy listening. Still haven't quite got why he's such an icon but that's probably my fault.

Should go back to this

Jesus, my 3rd Leonard Cohen album. Apparently the editors of this book are in the Cult of Cohen. But really, this is alright. Peaceful acoustic guitar and interesting lyrics.

This was pleasant enough but a little dreary.

A little slow and not very memorable, but I don't have no complaints

Just okay to me. I don’t get him generally

Not my favorite Cohen album, however it wasn't bad. He's typically more lyric focused and I tend to ignore lyrics and focus on the music. It's still something I am getting used to. There's a dark vibe about Leonard Cohen that I love so much and that's what I enjoy about his music.

Good old folk

Lovely.

Idk it's aight, kinda like lou reed meets b dyl ig. Prob need to revisit.

Dark

Another Leonard Cohen Album that provides you with good music but this one is even more slow and minimalistic than the previous one and thus is just a little bit too boring for me

Fine, if a little on the boring side

han är ju för rar, lelle cohen.

Compared to both albums of Cohen’s discography surrounding this one, Songs From a Room seems like the weaker option. I understand the sentiment of a record as sparse as this, but more than a few times it doesn’t quite hold up. Bird On a Wire and especially the Partisan more than makes up for it, but it seems like something is still missing altogether.

To Leonard Cohen, music isn’t so much about instrumentation but more over lyricism. Most of the tracks were very dark and Cohen’s voice isn’t the most pleasant thing to listen too at points but that doesn’t take away from the lyrics which are pretty dark. 3/5 Favorite Tracks: Bird On A Wire The Partisan The Old Revolution Tonight Will Be Fine

It was ok. Can see where he influenced Nick Cave. Also, Story of Issac very similar to a Dire Straits song?? (32 - 37 seconds) or at least another song I’ve heard. It will come to me.

I have an appreciation for this one. I can hear in this where artists like Andrew Bird and Arcade Fire found influences. Two or three of the songs grabbed my attention, but the rest passed under my radar and would probably be better appreciated by someone more into singer songwriter albums. Interesting to hear more work by the writer of the famous “Hallelujah” regardless. Probably a 2.5 or 3 from me, and not likely something I’d revisit.

There's certainly a Leonard Cohen in here. Beyond that, I'm not sure: Bounced off the minimalism, perhaps just today. Cohen is neither balanced atop surprise nor deep in his lane. This is the hard work of chipping out that niche captured.

As much as I prefer lyricism and storytelling (which this album has in spades), I do find myself missing the music a bit, which just acts as texture over which the stories are told.

Letras interesantes, música simple. Un poco monótono. 2.5 estrellas que suben a tres por las dos últimas canciones, Tonight Will Be Fine y Lady Midnight

I definitely enjoyed my time listening to this album. It had a sound that I usually like, yet it was still unique (to me at least) and the lyrics were emotional and deep. I enjoy songs like that but, as an album itself, it doesn’t have the musicality and the craftsmanship that would propel it to 5 star status.

Good songs but the delivery doesn't make the most of them.

You know this was not so bad, better than I thought. He can sing (after a fashion) and the songs are pretty strong.

A continuation of the last few Cohen albums I’ve gotten. I’m still not sure about him, I definitely prefer his younger voice here though.

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: The partisan

I like Cohen, but overall felt there wasn't even a standout track for me, so it's unfortunately just average.

Predictable I know but he's a bit dour and dull...I think the lyrics look great written down (hey, he was a poet first) Can you whistle a tune from this 2nd) album? Bird on a Wire? No, nothing! The words alone are not enough. If Len sounds bored singing it then surely I'm allowed to be bored listening to it. Also, too many tracks with a Jews Harp. (Is this still an acceptable term?) He looks really good in a hat though.

Strong 3, he do know how to use his voice

Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Not bad

Not as bad as I expected it to be.

Sorry, but the songs sound too much samey.

Quality lyrics from a brooding man. Music was nice but not incredible got the feeling that if I listened it loads I'd love it.

Great lyrics, grating delivery.

Coulda used more Jew’s harp.

Ever wanted to wake up and take a nap? "He threw the bottle over, broke a minute later, and he put his hand on mine." was this a weird Doctor Who episode where they were drinking from the upper edge of the troposphere and engaged in active littering? Jaw harp. Interesting add, but it works here and its modest usage is worth noting. In fairness, at the time of this review the desire for a bit more energy skews the favorability one might have for this album on some other lazy day. Unlike many songwriter/singers (the inverted labeling is intentional) Leonard Cohen's offerings here are fine at best. His lyrics are a bit interesting at times, and musically there is nothing super amazing about it, but at the least he does sing with his music rather than in opposition to it. It seems that some songwriters when writing their songs, treat the music as an afterthought because the focus is on the writing/lyrics. This is fine, there are people who certainly prefer one over the other. However, where Cohen does excel over songwriters like that, is that he seems to have given equal effort to the lyrics and music working in harmony together. His songs present a complementary experience of verse and song rather than a contradictory one. This complementary presentation soothes (or bores, depending on the day) the brain, and if the energy of an album is going to be low like this, then this is how it might should be done.

Great writer. I like some of his material but wasn’t big on this album.

Much like the previous offering from Cohen, very decent minor key stories. Voice sounds like it never really gets to where it should be

I like Leonard Cohen more than I thought I would before I'd listened to him. However, this is not his best work. His voice sounds a bit thin here, and it hurts the overall feeling of the album. The beauty of his poetry is still here, but it just doesn't sound as good 3/5

Love Cohen. This album did lose my attention however.

Personally would not have put this on this list. Not his best album, still cool. Cohen is as poetic as ever, and the prominence of sounds such as the mouth harp gives the album it’s own identity

bruuuuh det är som om ajag var musiker

I'd never actually listened to a Leonard Cohen song beyond Hallelujah. I know he was greatly revered for his music and I get it after listening to this. It's pretty good and I love his lyrics. Great stuff and very chill vibe. 3.5/5

Estilo inequívoco asociado al este cantautor. Canciones que más parece cuentos, en el que predomina un estilo tranquilo y sosegado. Bien para escucharlo de vez en cuando. Personalmente, le falta algo más

3.7 - I love Leonard Cohen but I feel less strongly about this album. For me, the slack vocals and persistent fingerpicking work so supremely well when Cohen unbares some bone-deep pain, as on “Famous Blue Raincoat” or “So Long, Maryanne.” To be sure, there’s poetry and intimacy here, and some sense of longing. But the emotions don’t seem to cut so deep, making the entire affair feel kind of sleepy.

Ægte Singer/songwriter, melankolsk, akustisk, fortællende

I get it, but it’s not for me I think

Moody, sparsely rendered songs. I really like the guitar work and Cohen's songwriting is always interesting. I don't like the use of the mouth harp, which gives a kind of hokey vibe to an otherwise serious collection of songs. "The Partisan" is gorgeous with some really lovely guitar work and violin, best song on the album. Fave Songs: The Partisan; Bird on a Wire; Tonight Will Be Fine; Lady Midnight

Some solid songs, liked this more than I thought I would. Will definitely check out more of this

Non lo so, saranno arance con mele, ma secondo me è meglio de andrè.

Less inspiring to me than You Want it Darker

The guitar is great, and the lyrics are better. Most of the songs were hit or miss, with some that are more bland then others. The story telling is the highlight of the album. Favorite Songs: Story of Isaac, A Bunch of Lonesome Heros, "Seems So Long Ago, Nancy"

Der raum muss ziemlich langweilig sein 🤣 ist schon in ordnung meistens wenn man sowas mal braucht aber 6 songs hören sich gleich an und das erste ist das interessanteste weil es bisschen streicher hat

sind ein paar echt gute songs dabei ( z.b. "bird on a wire"), viel kommt aber einfach nicht bei mir an. manche songs sind einfach uninteressant? die instrumentation ist hier sehr simpel, was aber nicht heißt, dass sie gut gemacht ist. die verwendung der maultrommel in der zweiten hälfte ist besonders unnötig und stellenweise sogar nervig

Nicht sein bestes aber Leonard Cohen chillt immer, mag den Stil, die Stimme und das Storytelling sehr

Kp gibt mir nicht viel so type musik aber war nicht langweilig das ist schon viel wert

ich mag die generelle Stimmung auf dem album ziemlich gern, den Raum von dem die Songs kommen würde ich gerne sehen. Aber es bleibt nicht viel hängen, die Songs gleichen sich einfach zu sehr.

ich hab das schon so oft probiert aber das gibt mir musikalisch nichts, also rein poetisch sind das nette bilder und geschichten aber selbst wenn ich mich darauf konzentriere holt mich das nicht so ganz ab. so lieder wo mehr passiert wie a bunch of lonesome heros oder the partisan find ich dagegen dann doch ganz schön

I kinda dig it. Not a big Leonard Cohen guy but I few of these worked for me

Pretty good, I enjoyed Cohen's voice, and I look forward to seeing some of his other albums. Favorites: "Bird on the Wire", "Story of Isaac", "The Partisan"

Góð plata en aðeins of róleg fyrir stemninguna þegar hún var spiluð

I liked the album but was not exactly in the mood to appreciate it

Not as awesome as I expected, given his reputation, but I suppose there had been less music back when this came out. All the songs were pretty similar, but bird on a wire stood out as really good, rather than just quite good.

It's ok. I was told he's a great story teller in his songs, but the lyrics didn't really convey that. The music was good though.

Respect but this was a tough listen

Artful but still sort of boring.

Really enjoyed the husky tones and odd lyrics.

Pretty good

A peaceful drive home

More of the same from Leonard. 3 albums in and I have yet to figure out *why* he deserves to be on this list. Like it's all just fine.

Chilled out, the album flew by without any real standout songs but also was more than happy listening to it

I liked the music and the lyrics, but I think I would like this a lot more if someone else was singing. There were times that it sounded like he actually had a good voice, but for the most part was purposely tired and pitchy.

I like this a lot.

Unusual dark jazz

More familiar with Songs of Love and HAte and the first album. This was decent but prefer those two albums. Need to explore Cohen a bit more.

Very simplistic. Not outlandish instrumentals. There’s a unique instrument in the background. The guitar is beautiful. Very thoughtful lyrics, some very storytelling like. Sounds and lyrics seem to have a sullen, dark theme. Some biblical themes. Personally, I’m trying to get used to Cohens voice - I’m not sure it’s entirely for me. Although, I can see how it could be a very folk album like style, just simplistic in that sense. But I can completely see how people wild really like this. It’s easy to get into a trance listening to this album.

No one tells a story quite like Leonard Cohen. That being said, this would not be my go to cohen album. The melodies feel like sad reflections of the stirring themes on songs of leonard cohen, and we don't yet get the more sonically interesting construction of songs of love and hate

Poetry in song--pure and simple. I'm not 100% into the aesthetic--some songs speak to me but a lot is lost. It is gorgeous, but it feels like nice old-school art in a museum that I'd pass by in favor of something shinier.

He's not as sad a bastard as I thought?

Haven't listened to a lot of Leonard Cohen despite the fact the man is a national treasure in my country. The sound is sparse and has shades of early Dylan, but his vocal delivery is unique and his songs express more emotion. The album isn't essential, but the previous record, Songs of Leonard Cohen, his debut is. By comparison, Room is a letdown, but still a solid album. 3.5/5

I know people really rate Leonard Cohen, but I can't get over how he doesn't really sing his songs. Songwriting still mostly good but other people sing them better.

This is the fourth album by Cohen that has been recommended by my feed. Cohen is a little bit like Bob Dylan for me. I think I like Cohen's song writing, but his singing not as much. All of the music was new to me off of this album. The one exception was "Bird on a Wire" which I've heard a cover of, ¿perhaps the Johnny Cash version? "Lady Midnight", "The Old Revolution", and "Story of Isaac" are tracks that I'd listen to again. The basslines of "Story of Isaac" brought me in to that song. Congratulations Leonard, another "okay" album

Was ok

Felt like a lot of church music, not really my taste but not awful.

A solid 2.5. Not unpleasant enough for a 2. Appreciated the talent and composition but just not really my thing hence got a 3.

3.5 stars

Pretty, but very similar to other classic Cohen LP's. Includes Story of Isaac

Okay, not as good as his others. 6

The one song with electric guitar in it sounded amazing and I was really disappointed that Cohen didn't experiment further with that sound, instead opting for a fucking jaw harp in every song. 6

Slow, old, unfamiliar

Initially I was turned off by the sort of stripped down nature of the recording and how sort of weak it makes his voice sound but as I got into the record I found it grew on me and came to enjoy that aspect of it. Noticed a weird buzzing noise in the back of the mix, really quiet. Turns out it's an instrument called a "Jew's Harp". Really interesting - never come across this before. Seems like it's on basically every track. I suspect this is a record that probably gets better with more listens. It's also of a certain mood and tends to be a bit one-note. I can see why it's on the list but it's not something that jumps out at you as a classic right away.

Strong 3. Not sure what I was expecting but wasn’t this. May revisit his music, but only if I have more time to digest it

Not being much of a lyric listener, I guess the best part of this album was lost on me. Actually, the best part of this album is the Jew's harp. +2* for that.

I tried playing "Songs From a Room" in the background while doing my morning routine and quickly learned that Leonard Cohen isn't really suited for that. I dig that his songs tells stories, I wish more modern artists would do that. The problem for me is that his vocal tone doesn't exactly make me want to sit down and really take them in. If an album is going to require me to focus on nothing else - it has to have something that draws me in and engages me. Cohen's monotone drawl doesn't do that for me. Like Bob Dylan, his song writing genius is undeniable but the listening experience is so polarizing that you're either into the extremely stylized sound or you're not.

Not as good as his debut or You Want It Darker which we've already listened to but still a very solid album.

3.5/5. The more I listen to Leonard Cohen, the more I realize I have to be in a certain mood to really enjoy his music. I also realize that most of his songs sound similar. I don't know if I could tell the difference between two of his albums.

Same as the other Leonard Cohen, pretty decent

Similar vibe to his 1st brilliant album, but without the strong songs. I really like the pared-back instrumentation though, with his crisply-recorded acoustic guitar and vocals front & centre.

Rustaaaagh Maar wat is dat fluitje op dat laatste liedje, epic.

Mooi album, ga het nog eens beluisteren en meer naar de lyrics luisteren

Surprised by it, because I'm not really a fun of the genre, put it doesn't get boring at any point

Had this on in the background while i worked on my PC - thought it ok, not one I would go looking for, but wouldnt turn it off if it was on. 3 stars

This album isn't bad, I don't have a very strong dislike of it. I think its neat however it isn't really my style.

I enjoyed The Old Revolution, but overall it wasn't my vibe. I can appreciate the slightly romantic/melancholic sound

Nice album. Not as catchy as some of his other albums but strong lyrics. Some of the songs seem to have more of a country-folk feel. Great listen. Favorite songs: Bird on a Wire, The Partisan, A Bunch of Lonesome Heroes 3 stars

Ich war nicht so ganz bei der Sache, aber ganz nett.

Cohen-esque halt. Schön und ruhig. Manchmal jedoch zu schön und zu ruhig.

The songs themselves were good, with fantastic lyrics. However, it doesn't work as well as an album. All the songs sound the same, and there's no real flow. OK album.

Enjoyed sitting through this one. Admittedly my favourite track was 'the partisan' which is a cover. 3.5

Een album om bij achterover te leunen en te luisteren naar de teksten. Kippenvel bij het Franse stuk in 'The Partisan'. Maar tegen het einde van het album had ik het wel gehad, moest niet veel langer zijn.

I'm biased as I had to hear this wayyy too much in the past and I wasn't really hyped to hear it again :P

More crackin' wise from Laughin' Len. Sounds like there's someone pinging a plastic ruler on a tabletop in the background of each song. Weird production choice. BT: Bird on a Wire, Seems So Long Ago Nancy, Lady Midnight

Good but not amazing. Preferred his later stuff I think

Hallelujah

Soft and interesting

meh. Bird on a wire obviously class. the rest passes you by . think another 2 caught my attentions and i can't mind there names, This was half an hour ago. says it all. 3, just for bird.

Lovely vibes

Highlight: The Partisan The strange mind of Leonard Cohen ranges from unlistenable to brilliant, sometimes even within the same song. I have a lot of respect for the his songwriting chops and its social commentary, but I have to be in the mood for it. Songs From A Room is no different, with the standout for me being The Partisan. This is probably the album I'd reach for if I was in the mood to listen to Cohen.

Folk. Pelín triste y aburrido.

I like the dour downbeat vibe, but sparse folk songs still not my cup of tea

Perfect driving album

I think Leonard Cohen is a brilliant songwriter and lyricist, but I just can't get past his voice on his earlier work. The later, gravelly-voiced Cohen is much better for me. I'll give this 3 stars, as there are some great songs on here, especially Bird on the Wire.

niet slecht, beetje country achtig

It's basically an old time rapping. Music is just there to be a background for a guy to "sing" his poems. Quite enjoyable, melancholic in it's slow tempo and emotional lyrics.

3 starts i think, but a strong 3

Nice easy listening album

Chill Cohen vibes

Bird on a wire is a true classic, but the rest is very standard Leonard Cohen.

My favorite period of his but not my favorite album.

Kinda boring

nice classics!

Again, sung poems and stories. Not much of a voice, the music is somehow fitting, but quite simple.

I'm sure this is deeper than I give it credit, just lacking for me

Not my favorite.

Another Leonard Cohen? I don't get it, man. I really did try to listen carefully--I listened to it twice through. Not a single song was something I would want to put on again, even putting aside that voice.

I hate leonard cojones Se parece a adam sandalias

Es verdad se parece a Adam Sandler Bob dylann't

I find him musically boring. I know he’s supposed to be a great lyricist but I don’t want to listen to his words because of the way they’re delivered.

Boring, but not as boring as the other Cohen Album I got before. Still boring, though.

“What? Another Leonard Cohen album? This is exactly what we need!” - said nobody. Seriously. We don’t need a 5th Leonard Cohen album here. This sounds like the last albums, which also had a few good songs but could be combined with this one and the previous to that into a ‘Best of…”. The only two songs that jumped at me were Bunch of Lonely Hero’s and Lady Midnight because those two sounded distinct from the other eight, and I don’t know if I will remember to come back to them. Please, no more Cohen. My ears can’t take any more poetic dirges.

Comes off trying to be to experimental. Not an easy listen.

Poetry!

This sounded like dollar store Bob Dylan. I'm not the biggest fan of folky, singer songwriter music, and I found the songs not very interesting and just kind of a slog to get through.

Leonard cohen, we meet again…. Tbh I’m not the biggest fun of spoken word, or folk, or Leonard Cohen's music... it's just not my cup of tea

Standouts Tonight Will Be Fine

A man who cannot sing. Would give only 1 star but I already got worse on this list. 2/5

Bird on the wire - 4/5 Story of Isaac - 2/5 A bunch of lonesome heroes - 4/5 The partisan - 3/5 Seems so long ago, Nancy - 1/5 The old revolution - 2/5 The butcher - 2/5 You know who I am - 1/5 Lady midnight - 3/5 Tonight will be fine - 4/5

The term "Songs" is used very loosely here, seeing as it feels more like poetry being read while an acoustic guitar is played haphazardly in the background. Easily the most boring album I've hit so far, neither the vocals nor the instruments are particularly good. The few times other sounds and instruments show up it Somehow makes it worse.

Sometimes one must listen to an album like this, among one thousand other albums, to be reminded that the great spectrum of music includes work that is objectively bad. Cohen's music is the turd in the egg salad of musical art, and establishes a datum of low quality. The poor lyrical writing, the annoying jaw harp in every song, and the utter lack of vocal effort remind the listener for 36 minutes that there is music in the world worse than most other music, which really makes all other music more impressive by comparison. This realization is the only reason to listen to Cohen's music before death.

fine

I lived in Montreal for a couple of years and had a great view from the office window of one of the two the giant Leonard Cohen murals painted on a building (the one in Le Plateau). It was much more appealing a sight than his records are to my ears.

Lyrically interesting but ultimately boring to actually listen to.

Did not enjoy this one bit, very slow, weird lyrics and weird jaw harp in the background.

Should probably treat this one like a podcast. But it's tough to find the time when I could also listen to Anna Faris choosing whether to have bread or poppadoms.

eh

Not for me - don't listen if depressed.

Оппозиция бобу дилану

So, that's gonna be a no from me Dawg. Stay in your room and maybe invite a partner over to cheer you up.

This might be good as a series of lullabies 🥱 Not without beauty. Probably important. Pretty boring. 4/10 Acceptable

I was a bit shocked by how bad this album was. I'm a fan of much of Cohen's later output. This early album, though, was a rough listen. Poor production, and surprisingly bad vocals from Cohen. And did he need a mouth harp on nearly every track? It's hard to sound sincere with some guy going "boing boing boing" behind you.

Well it was much better than Ice Cube.

2nd album this week by Cohen and I want to die. These songs work much better as covers because Leonard Cohen's lyrics are ok but he is just bland. Perhaps if I just heard 1 or 2 songs, I'd be ok, but 2 albums is too much for me. Now, on to the other 2 albums I put off this week: Jimi Hendrix and Zepplin. What a diverse Sunday!

The boring room

Love Cohen the songwriter, hate Cohen the singer

Compared to the other work of Cohen that I'm more familiar with, this was a bit bland. Almost forgettable.

I like where Leonard is coming from and he can turn a phrase but this album was one song over and over.

Eh. Was looking forward to this album cause I've heard he was a music revolutionart but it fell short for me.

I prefer Leonard Cohens later work.

This was just kind of fine. A little boring at times, but I did appreciate the song writing. 2/5

Какой-то типичный американский бард. Я-то и русских не люблю

Unique voice, and artist. Some decent songs.

Didn’t care for this one at all

I’m not certain that I’m familiar with Leonard Cohen. I didn’t like this album.

I think this artist is more focused on lyrics, and I care more about music, so this isn’t for me.

Im partial to Partisan. Everything else I’d have been happy to stay in the room.

Off key vocals offend the ear, and even the poetry of the lyrics can't compensate.

This must have been a very boring room.

Passable et oubliable Ce n'est pas de la mauvaise musique mais dans une semaine j'aurais oublié cet album

Опять песни, в которых нужно вслушиваться в тексты. Ну и не хватает не только музыки как таковой, но хоть какого-то характера. У Дилана хотя бы есть харизма, и запоминающиеся крючки во многих песнях. Здесь просто бубнеж под гитару. Bird on a Wire единственная хорошая вещь, но Джонни Кэш ее в сто раз лучше спел. Не аллилуйа

What's going on with the jews harp? Just twanging away annoyingly in half the songs. Anyways, I like Lenny, but this is hit and miss. And that twanging loses a star.

All the songs were a bit too samey for me

I really like his songwriting for the most part. But he cannot sing! And this album is quite boring and what’s up with all that kazoo (or rubber band) sound on this? How did he record all these songs with his voice? And he has 5 albums on this list!

old and sleepy

This is the second album of Leonard Cohen’s that I had to listen to….not my style

Ah that Leonard Cohen... never met a note he could hit. I think this album would be great if basically anyone else had been singing it. I have to give it some credit because the songs are written quite well and the instrumentation is good but I cannot get over the monotone "wa-wa"-ing from Len.

Great poet. Terribly boring album. Why does there need to be 2 Cohen albums 2 years apart?

He writes great songs. I'd just rather hear anyone else perform this collection. He's clearly aping, at least to some degree, the affected vocal slouch of Fraud Dylan. And bad vocals in 1960's American folk music doesn't leave much else to listen to.

Only really vibe with Bird on a Wire

My 4th Leonard Cohen album and my opinion is unchanged. Booooooring. 2/5

Blind album and artist. Shamed i didn't like this until the final track.

2.0 - Weak

There may be a devoted fan base for Leonard Cohen, but I can’t say I understand the appeal. Songs from a Room was exactly what I feared it would be: a steaming pile of smelly feces stretched out to a full 36 minutes—complete with far too much jaw harp—that I will never get back. I know his sparse style and somber tone resonate deeply with some listeners, but for me the experience felt flat and monotonous, ultimately amounting to time I wish I’d spent elsewhere.

Saved? ❌ Would listen again? 🤔 Would recommend to anyone? ❌ Would buy on Vinyl? ❌

Leonard Cohen is an acquired taste. I haven't acquired that taste as of yet.

got bored so quick sorry

Me gusta la forma que tiene de escribir, narrando una historia distinta en cada una de las canciones; lamentablemente, el álbum se hace monótono si no te interesa nada lo que está contando (como fue en mi caso). Considero que está todo bien con querer usar únicamente la guitarra como instrumento, pero maestro, si es así, ponele un poco más de ganas. La lírica es lo único que salva a este disco de ser un completo aburrimiento. ↑: Story of Isaac ↓: You Know Who I Am

The entire time I’m listening to Leonard cohen, I’m debating with myself whether I actuallly like it or if Im convincing myself I like it because I’m supposed to. Not really his fault but that’s how I feel. Bird on a wire is good.

Singing and banjo. Meh. 2/5

I think it might just be Leonard's vibe but dang, this was a little depressing! Felt myself losing the will to live with each track

Disappointing for me. I have enjoyed the other Cohen stuff. Unfortunately this just didn't hit. Something about the way his voice sits in the mix just felt off to me on think one. Kind of grating somehow. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood

darei 2,5. ho sentito solo le prime due canzoni e credo non sarei riuscita a sentirlo tutto (un po’ triste un po’ pesante), però la prima canzone mi è piaciuta abbastanza

The man writes beautiful songs, i just wish he’d give them to Someone else to perform

I expected to hate this more than I did. I still don’t like Leonard Cohen. I still found myself sad and slightly depressed after listening to this - just not as sad and depressed as I had thought. It’s a 1.5* album for me, but it’s not as bad as a 1*.

Leonard Cohen is so depressing. That doesn't mean an album can't be good obviously, but there's a time and a place for this record. And that's not when you are in a great mood, because this would instantly reverse it. He can't sing. At all. And, you know, there are some artists who objectively have terrible singing voices and despite all the odds I still enjoy them (see both Johns from They Might Be Giants, and John Darnielle from The Mountain Goats... so weirdly, mostly people called John). But not Leonard. He is, I will admit, a great storyteller. And that's a plus point. But it's all so... dour. This is not for me. I don't have a high point, because it essentially all sounded the same to me, and it made me sad. 2/5

I know some people love him. I don’t get it.

I have tried to listen to this for about a week, and it's so incredibly boring.

Not sure what to write about this really. Listening to this and Leonard Cohen for the first time all these years later, I haven’t really got anything from it. It’s dull and insipid, and very much outstayed its welcome after about five songs.

I wasn't going to give this a good rating to begin with but the flute at the very end of the last song sealed it for me. No thank you.

Not really a fan of Cohen's voice overall, it has its moments ("The Old Revolution" was a stronger one for me). Nothing going on musically of interest; usually a 2-note plodding bassline, with some gentle guitar playing in harmony with the vocals (or plodding along with the bassline). Something that might be a jaw-harp (or an elastic band, I guess) is irritatingly twanging along in the background of most of the tracks - doesn't really fit for me at all. Lyrically it's a mixture, there's definitely some decent imagery and some powerful songs, but most of it didn't particularly resonate with me. Depressing, particularly "Seems So Long Ago, Nancy" - especially since that's apparently a true story. This is my first encounter with Cohen and I'm not looking forward to listening to more. At least it was a short album.

cute on occasion, mostly pretty boring. The Partisan was a highlight

I hate country! (Wednesday are cool) Minimal instrumentation meant to highlight his voice, unfortunately his "singing" seems to be "he got out of bed and is putting as much effort into it as he can" At least there's not a extremely loud harmonica in this one I didn't hate it 2

Bird on a Wire has pieces of it that remind me of Bridge Under Water. Intentionally? Probably not or there would be some suing going on I’d suppose. Good start. It’s not that droning sleepy time typical Cohen sound. There’s definitely some Bob Dylan sounding shit on this album. Who did it first? I dunno. I cannae be arsed to check. It works and it doesn’t. This sound. The album gets worse as it goes on. After Isaac it sucks until we get to Lady Midnight but that just isn’t enough to save this. I needed more.

What a wet blanket

folky. mellow. chill. emotions.

Quite boring and plain

Truly some of the songs from a room of all time.

I am 30 years old, I have a master's in music and I have worked in publishing. I am tired of telling myself I'll start to enjoy this sort of dull pretentious stuff when I am older.

Well, somebody was trying to sound like Bob Dylan, wasn't he? His songs aren't the same without that deep, deep voice. I walked out of this room.

< the Beatles

This is the third Leonard Cohen album that I have reviewed so far on this list. Once again, I will state the obvious…he can’t sing. And some of his lyrics are really out there. Still, if someone else was singing, it would be a big improvement, and I would rate it higher.

boring

Aan de eerste albumtitels van de man spreekt nou niet per se creativiteit. Liedjes van hem (waarschijnlijk vanuit een ruimte) en liedjes vanuit een ruimte (van hem). Yep, de albums zijn nogal hetzelfde. Dus net als het vorige album, komt ook nu de emotie bij mij niet binnen. De man heeft een flink en gewaardeerd oeuvre. Kon er echt niets gevonden worden uit een andere tijd?

I don’t I was in a depressed enough mood to enjoy this.

Another dude who can write decent songs, but cannot sing the songs. Give all of these songs to other artists, and they'll be much more enjoyable. I just can't with this.

Wasn't sure about this after not really feeling the last two Leonard Cohen albums I've heard from here. But this one was way better. It still had some duds to me, but it also had some good tracks. Had some Bob Dylan vibes. The standout track to me was "A Bunch of Lonesome Heroes".

Bored out of my skull

I don't doubt the quality of his lyricism but this album is way too sleepy for me. Maybe I'll listen again if my valium prescription expires.

Es klingt wie ein sehr unschuldiges Album. Nicht so krass meins

Still dont care about his music

I will affirm that this has a place on the list. I also affirm I don't care for it. Dirges for the Dead would be my instrument title. Poems from a room is another. Either way, it's dull.

Didn’t hate it, but not for me. Probably will not revisit.

I'm good on this one bruh

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed his debut album, but in turn this was miserable. There's some talent poking through here, but the song structure is mostly basic and a lot of his singing out of tune. At times I hated it but wasn't all bad.

I listened to it...

I said in my review of Songs Of Leonard Cohen that his writing tics reveal themselves so you can see the pattern, making the listening experience a little bit like find the motif. Well, here, some of those repetitive tics have been made larger, across the album rather within the song. that makes them harder to spot, but it also makes the spare, consistent plodding tone harder to manage. Listen to one or two songs, not a whole album. Yeesh. He's a better writer than Dylan, but here (at least) he's a much worse musical arranger. Parts of this are a 5, real works of art, but as an album it's less than its parts, a slog.

Kinda boring

Just really couldn’t get into this one. Cool voice, but not really enjoying the songs.

Fine but kinda boring

Myv4th Leonard Cohen album. That's enough. I don't know how people enjoy that voice.

While always an immaculate lyricist, able to build the most stunning narrative arcs, I have to admit that Leonard Cohen, in his primary folk streak, did not manage to replicate the magic he conjured up on his debut. Mostly because his debut came across as a poet’s humble excursion into music, and the understated nature of the recording only added to the fascinating world his characters live in. The slight embellishments of the songs on his subsequent albums, including his sophomore record cannot cover the fact that he still pretty much relies on the same songwriting formula. Which, mind you, is not a bad thing when your first record was Songs of Leonard Cohen. But he just doesn’t deliver the same goods; the songs feel reheated. Also, I really don’t like the sound of the Jew’s harp that accompanies him on the first songs (the soft organ touches on “Story of Isaac,” on the other hand, are amazing). “The Partisan” is, of course, masterclass. But unfortunaley it is the only song on this collection that meets the "masterclass"-threshold.

Miserable.

I love Cohen's lyrics but musically I've never been a fan of his earlier work because his voice lacks the gravitas that came later.

Wow! This is just really not for me. Not bad, just reeeeeally not my preference, and doesn't strike enough of a chord otherwise.

Look, I understand the place that this dude holds in the greater conversation. However, it comes off as vapid and as Taylor Swift's music today. The poetry (arguably the only draw here?) is simplistic to the point of nausea. I'm sure there's a historical context I'm missing here, but I'm really growing to dislike Ol' Leo because of this list. This is the 3rd Cohen album I've heard on this list and I would have a hard time differentiating them to someone who has never heard of this guy.

Nothing that really impressed me on this album. It kinda sounded like every other Leonard Cohen album I'd ever heard. Was there something profound that I was supposed to find here? If there was, I missed it.

Zzzzzzzzzzz

I can't believe there are 3 of these "daddy didn't love me" albums. Is that what he's singing about? I don't know, I tried not to listen.

Für Ajoy

Previously rated: #164 - Songs Of Love And Hate (2/5) #569 - Songs Of Leonard Cohen (2/5) #753 - I'm Your Man (3/5) #818 - A Short Album About Love (3/5) #897 - You Want It Darker (2/5) ******************************************* Album #962 Sixth album from an artist I don't much care for. He couldn’t sing worth a crap, and nothing stuck with me. Last album from him please?

Honestly a bit sad for me.

I liked/respect parts of this, but man a lot was quite dull.

After an album or two of his, this was very meh for me. 2.5

для любителей леонарда коэна.

Sparse, somewhat rambling second track, singing doesn't follow the song's melody. Voice is open, honest and raw. Important album, but unenjoyable.

Only interesting thing I learned while listening to this album was that Leonard was Canadian. I always thought he was British

this album is the logical stepping stone between the funeral dirge that was his debut album and the more haunting poems of his third. unfortunately its more like the former. id probably enjoy the songs performed by another artist.

Such an important artist, I find his younger self unlistenable. See you in 20 years or so, Leonard's amazing.

Sounds like a dull Bob Dylan

The type of music one writes for oneself, not necessarily to sell records I guess… Not really my thing, pretty bland and predictable.

More of a Leonard Cohen song person than a Leonard Cohen album person…

I didn’t really enjoy this

I gave this a few listens. I don’t think it was worth the extra time, but I tried.

Sad, folksy tunes for me just don't work with a full album. It's hard to keep your attention for such a slow crawl of songs that make you feel like such a bummer man. Props for infecting me at least with a sense of ennui.

As a storytime this is fine but musically it is rather uninteresting and the performance lacklustre. Not something you can put on in the background as the lyrics carry everything on this record.

Listening to many of these albums at work is probably skewing my scores. I didn't mink this one too much but mostly because it was good background music. Other than that I thought it was boring musically to annoying with the jaw harp haha. Reading about it, people say that Leanard Cohen is a great lyricist but not a great musician and singer. I agree that his singing isn't very good. Another thing about my music taste is that the melody and musicality or whatever you call it is what is most important to me, especially on the first listen of a song or album. It typically takes me multiple listens for me to appreciate lyrics, so that puts musicians like Leonard Cohen at a disadvantage if their primary strength is their lyrics. Anyways, wasn't a huge fan, but I recognized The Partisan from the movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople and enjoyed that. Standouts: The Partisan Rating: 2.5/5

As unremarkable as youd assume Does what it says on the tin, does it to an average level. Its short so that's a positive. Nothing really sticks out.

Mouais chiant

Singer/songwriter music just isn't for me. The lyrics and the melodies all seemed to meander, and the singing sounds very half-hearted.

A bit meh… Didn’t concentrate on the lyrics enough maybe, but musically it didn’t do much for me.

Standard cowboy vibes

I know he’s great but I don’t like his records……

I much prefer Old Man Leonard

There's been much better folk than this. Just didn't feel like there was much substance.

This is like bob dylan but with somehow worse singing

This dude does not deserve to have 5 albums on here. Sadly I have 1 more of his to look forward to.

I vastly prefer Songs Of

Not a very interesting album for my taste. I appreciate the voice 2/5

Monótono

I am not a fan of Leonard Cohen, he sounds like he’s reading a book!

Not a huge fan. Can't really say there was any part of this that I enjoyed a whole lot. Might be something I'd enjoy in the future but I'm not sure. It's just not for me. Slow, quiet, boring, nothing that stood out or made it special

Odd that, he sounds like Bob Dylan trying a bit harder to hold a note here. The Partisan and one or two others aside, not much moved by this.

Haven't heard this album before. I do like some Cohen but this album simply bored me. Couldn't even tell when one song ended and another one started 2/5

Not terrible

Jeder Song hört sich gleich an und ich möchte mir dabei in den Kopf schiessen