I'm Your Man

OK album.

Enjoyed, but several songs were a bit too samey. Likely won't listen much in the future. Maybe here and there.

I didn’t expect to like this but I did. I’m not sure if I can see myself listening to it again, but for now, I’m just lowkey happy I don’t hate Leonard Cohen.

omigod its so 80s slow and kind of could all blend in together mid but i see the appeal

Never heard this album. From the first couple of seconds, it's not what I expected. I normally associate Leonard Cohen with folksier stuff, but this is like some Kraftwork 80's synth type of stuff. Great album, spooky almost. Leonard's low gravely voice paints along with the futuristic sounding instrumentals paints this almost bleak dystopian vision of the world. On first listen, it's a little hard to pick up on the minutia of what he's talking about. I hope to go deeper with more listens. I've listened to this album quite a few times, and I really love it. Leonard's vocal delivery is very unique here, and it really draws you in and makes you want to understand what it is he is saying. An album that will be in rotation for years to come!

No you are not

I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of Leonard Cohen, except for his final album You Want It Darker, which I think is a masterpiece. So when I heard that I'm Your Man had a lot of synthesizers in it, I didn’t have high hopes. However, I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed some of the songs on this album, especially the ones where Cohen's deep voice and witty lyrics creates a dark and moody atmosphere. Unfortunately, the album also has some flaws, such as the cheesy backing vocals and the almost cheap sounding backing tracks. I think this album is worth a listen, but I can understand why some people will hate it. I give it 3 stars out of 5.

Favourite songs: Ain't No Cure For Love, First We Take Manhattan, I'm Your Man Least favourite songs: Jazz Police 3/5

Better than the last Cohen album. A few songs were pretty good, and had some fiercely good lyrics.

Leonard Cohen wrote such wonderfully deceptively simple songs. The super-80s production here serves these songs in an way that works very well. First, we take Manhattan....

Leonard cohen never really resonated with me. I know brilliant lyricist etc. But for whatever reason I never embraced him the way others did. Having said that, this is a pretty good album. Cohen IS a terrific lyricist and can draw a picture in the mind’s eye that is detailed and clear even when the lyrics are obtuse and hidden in allegory, allusion and metaphor. Everybody knows is probably the track I most enjoyed.

such a legacy, such a masterpiece and influence - and the quirky bits really come through. Its the vulnerable/raw/real imperfections of it, and the poetry, which make it so appealing and accessible 9and easy to criticise)

Possibly his greatest album. Not only is the material great - the words and the music - but his voice was never better than this. Quite a few of these tracks were covered at the time & in the ensuing years, but I honestly don’t think anyone outdoes Cohen. My favourites are Everybody Knows & Tower Of Song. But there is not a dud song here. He was at the peak of his powers. Nothing sounds like anything else on the album. I regret I didn’t see him perform in his later years. I saw him at The Capitol in Sydney in March 1980 with basically a gypsy band. It was his first Australian tour. People did not stop screaming out requests. But he was still to record some of his greatest songs & quite a few of them are on this record. The only other concert I ever attended where the love of the audience for the artist was so palpable was the first Brian Wilson concert at the State Theatre in 2002. Giants.

Some all-time great songs on this (First We Take Manhattan, Everybody Knows, I'm Your Man, Tower of Song). But, oof, that 80s production. The synths, the saxophone solos, the stacked backing vocals. His singing is not bad, probably amongst the best he has ever sounded. But is it a coincidence that I love many of these songs in cover versions? The production really distracts me. Five stars for the songs, one off for the sound. {Footnote: I love the cover photo. Leonard's looking pretty sharp in his double-breasted suit and shades, but holding a half-eaten banana. Hilarious!}

Negatives

Per i classici

Really not a fan of his vocal styles but this is the album I’ve liked the most. The funky instrumentals help (2.5/5)

As someone else on here reviewed: as a music first listener, it's hard to get into Cohen's work. This album is no exception.

4.5 Leonard Cohen, the man, the myth, the god. I do find this particular album, while full of some of his classic iconic songs, has a bit too….commercialized 80s sound to it. Just a bit though. Manhattan, Everybody Knows, Jazz Police, I’m your Man, Tower of Song….Brilliant. Love this man

Some REALLY good songs and some REALLY meh songs.

Dark brooding stormy synths replace the classical guitar on this very 80s sounding album. LC is playing with a much bigger persona, stepping with some swagger out of the confines of his folky singer-songer writer era into a new phase as a disco-goth front man. It's a bit like Depeche Mode. The lyrics - cynical, jaded, lusty - and vocals - deep hoarse crooning - are still the main thing, but the production and arrangements are totally different than his early work. He's drawing on a pretty eclectic sonic pallette: synths and cheesy keys, drum tracks, gospel choirs, lap steel guitar, and even a bit of the old classical guitar for added flair. Favorites: First We Take Manhattan, I Can't Forget, Tower of song

Love a bit of Leonard but I thought the first half of this album was incredibly strong but the second half was a lot weaker.

I love the first side of this album. Cohen is funny beautiful serious rough polished all at once. I love confidence of his voice. The second side is not as engaging for me. I listened to this when it came out and remembered the first song but I appreciate it much more now. Late mid life creativity at its best.

First we take Manhattan on hyvä kappale ja erinomainen avaus! Hyvin ranskalainen, kuten on lopulta koko levy Sinatra-flirttisen lisäksi. Ehkä se on just huumori, joka tätä kantaa niin hyvin. Muutenhan tämä olisi liian nokkelaa huokailua (liian ranskalaista).

Tämän artistin kiinnostus melodiaa kohtaan näyttää liikuttavasti kasvaneen sitä mukaa, mitä vaikeammaksi melodioiden esittäminen hänelle tuli. Ongelman kiertämiseen tarkoitetut kikat (joista ykkösenä gospel-stemmaajat) toimivat muutaman biisin ajan, mutta käyvät loppua kohti raskaiksi. Mikä on valitettavaa, koska sävellyksissä on puolensa.

As good as it gets - classic Cohen at his best!

What did I just listen to. While the lyrics were good, the 80s synths just killed my taste for this album

This site has a serious crush on this guy. Maybe you had to be there?

Excellent, not quite up to his other albums, 80's synth is an odd fit which i don't totally hate. 4

I'm going to give this one 5 because I think it could use another listen to really marinate.

So 80s and so Cohen. My favorite part may be the bg vocals. Lovely if more dated than I would have expected

Pretty good but also pretty depressive

More of first we take manhattan

Even as a lover of the spoken word genre i can't get around this at all

to me, Leonard Cohen sounds like a nap. and naps dont jive with synthesizers.

I see you, Leonard Cohen.

1.25/1.5 not for me. I like the harmonies and come aspects. Idk man he ain't that good

A classic, every song hits except Jazz Police.

"I'm Your Man" by Leonard Cohen is a haunting and introspective album that showcases Cohen's deep and soulful songwriting. Released in 1988, it's a testament to his ability to craft poetic, emotionally resonant songs. Tracks like "First We Take Manhattan" and the title track "I'm Your Man" are standouts for their lyrical depth and Cohen's distinctive, gravelly voice. The album's production features a mix of electronic and acoustic elements, adding a layer of modernity to Cohen's timeless sound.

This one was unexpected. It's Leonard Cohen but with a very typical 80s production that almost clash with his folk rock I'm used to. This album is syntheziser heavy and features prominent backing vocals. At first it was jarring but it grew on me and I liked it. It's a cool album.

fine ig

Eh. Good lyrics. Cheesy sound.

Is this guy actually singing or just talking cringely?

A certain charm, but not very exciting

Didn't enjoy the music that much, i think it was very naive, although i understand the main focus on the album was the lyrics, i didn't find them that interesting.

It's not his best work, but bad Leonard Cohen is better than most anything

boygenius is RIGHT. This man just writes horny poetry. I have no idea how I feel about this tbh. I think I love it ?

This sounded like a Halloween album. My distaste for Leonard Cohen grows.

Not a fan of the late 80s Leonard Cohen

Lyrically it's great, but I don't care because musically it's nothing.

Best

I might be the only person, but I really like 1980's Leonard Cohen so much more than 1960's Leonard Cohen. If this album were to be judged purely on the 80s production alone, it would get an insufficient score for me, but the songs hold up more than well in a different arrangement (live in London), so my final assessment is more about the songwriting and lyrics so is more than good. Only the subpar Jazz Police is out of place here, but otherwise all 7 are wonderful songs, which Cohen throws into the world with a great sense of irony and even cynicism. That lyrical venom in songs like Everybody Knows and First We Take Manhattan always works an extra degree for me to make the man even be more appreciated. The minimal accompaniment to the songs eventually forces you to absorb the lyrics and there is some brilliant ingenuity woven into it. I like it.

Not as good as I had hoped, to repetitive

It’s really good, I actually in particular thought jazz police was cool cuz of the goofieness ( i know its meant to be hated and stuff but it’s good) the rest of the songs are great obviously, definitely 5/5 worthy

Better than expected but I'm still not a Leonard Cohen fan. First we take manhattan is good, others felt forgettable to me.

I appreciate the music and lyrics but I've never been a fan of his vocals which makes it difficult for me to enjoy.

This guy is not about the music but the lyrics. His lyrics are amazing the cynical humour on everybody knows a prime example. Every now and then the tunes are ok which make it great. I would happily read a book of his lyrics but probs not listen much. Out of interest Terry Hall did a great cover of everybody knows.

Good but not his best album

I had a mixtape from my first girlfriend with Everyone Knows on it. I am unable to separate the nostalgia from any subjective appreciation. ####

Leonard Cohen don't give a fuck, just look at this badass mofo, superfly, eating a banana, not a friggin' care in the world!

Such a brilliant lyricist, mellow and brooding.

80’s Cohen is all about his dark voice. Contrasts well with female backing on a lot of songs. Better than I remembered but still too eighties.

Can't dispute his lyrical genius but his voice is an acquired taste. And the music has not aged well - it sounds like something you'd here in a 80's arcade game.

Funky, soulful, and a very clever reimagining of Leonard Cohen for the late 80s/90s. 3.7

Dark, dated (production is so 80's) and very blah. Not his best.

Almost a one, some comedy 80s backing

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Ain’t no cure for love, Everybody knows

Great voice

Never my favorite of Cohen’s, the 80’s treatment doesn’t hold up so well. Would be a pinnacle for most artists, but just another entry from someone already well-represented on this list. 4 stars for great lyrics, but I would not have missed its absence from 1001 to make room.

finalement un album où sa voix ne me dérange pas. 6/10

I am going to kill Leonard Cohen.

I really like Leonard Cohen, so this is a solid album for me. 5/5

Pretty boring to me. The half sung/ spoken lyrics are not it

пидор без голоса поёт околошансон с продакшеном 80х срань ебаная

Cohen is a genius is a poet. Of that, there is no debate. This album is a time capsule from the late 80s in both lyrical content and production. The real stand out here is “Everybody Knows” for me. Overall, this album did not connect with me.

meh

I like the 80's synth in this first song. Not typically his style.

Honestly enjoyed this partially due to the dated 80s production hopefully will listen to more cohen

Leonard Cohen is one of Canada's greatest poets, and some of his greatest songs are here. But if I have to get critical...yowza, this is clearly a product of the '80s! Still, the songs themselves overpower the more aged elements of the production. I very much enjoyed this listen.

This Album is funny as fuck, there's something about the confidence in which he says "First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin." That had me laughing so hard. I mean I was never bored listening to this, it's just a really weird Album and I can't say it's unironically good but that First song was a time to be sure.

This album is a bit of an interesting one, it's definitely lyrics first music second. It sounds a bit like old mate Leonard is just talking whilst there's someone banging out the tunes behind him. Doesn't really do anything for me but I cannot deny I know people who this really clicks with. It's like Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen), I think it has a good message but it just doesn't do anything for me as a song, but each to their own!

Wasn’t the best Leonard cohen album as I found the upbeat/disco background did not suit his voice at all

Everybody Knows Take This Waltz (backup vocalist Jennifer Warnes). Otherwise, synthesizer based album would sound better with real instruments.

I was very surprised by how lukewarm I was to this. Obviously some well known songs on the album. But, they just didn’t sound special. Surprised I’m giving it a 2

Bit of a hard listen this. Starkly brutally 80’s. The production really grinds against Cohens voice. I enjoyed parts and especially ‘Everybody Knows’ but I can’t say I was sad when the album finished and thankfully it was rather short.

He may be good at poetry but I don’t give a fuuuuuuuuuck, this album stanks!

This was my introduction to Cohen, and it was love at first listen. Heavily influenced by 80s music styles, this is still peak Cohen with such songs as "First We Take Manhattan", "I'm Your Man', "Everybody Knows", and my all-time personal favorite "Take This Waltz".

I’ve never met a Leonard Cohen song I didn’t like. I love this album. It’s been one of my go-tos for years. I saw him sing at the Royal Albert Hall and even though he was pushing 80, he sang for three hours and still had charisma in spades. Timeless!

LC is a great lyricist with a distinct singing style. I love ‘Everybody Knows’. The Concrete Blonde cover is fantastic.

It's hard to separate what I hear when I listen to Leonard Cohen and the idea that he's "important" or influential or "good." I can't hear him with fresh ears anymore, so I can't tell if I really am enjoying the music or if I've been convinced that it's worthwhile. On the surface, it isn't. The synth and electronic drum sounds on some of this are terrible, the juxtaposition of Cohen's spoken-word delivery with the R&B background singers is close to scandalous, and moments like "Jazz Police" expose the potential for this to be awful on its face. But for the majority of the album, I was buying what Cohen was selling. "Everybody Knows" was first introduced to me by Concrete Blonde, though I was familiar with his version before this. But taken as a whole, this particular group of songs never rose to a full-fledged 4, and certainly "Jazz Police" dragged it below that status, so a 3 it is.

I dug this more than I expected too, especially given the cheesy Casio-tone production. But I don't know. It grew on me. I was familiar with Everybody Knows and Tower of Song but the the other tracks like Jazz Police and I Can't Forget won me over more. Some of these songs, like the weirder ones on that Specials album from the last week, were simply unclassifiable. That's mean feat. Maybe a 4 is too much, (though the lyrics are definitely at least a 4) but I kinda dug the groove on this. Every track isn't great. The first two didn't really work for me. (The background singers kind of annoyed me on those.) But when it works, it works and sounds unlike anything else. So, kudos. You got me to like something from the '80s.

This man, this album just oozes cool. I love the universal and timeless lyrics yet elements of the music and backup singers clearly places this album in the 80s. Jen introduced me to a documentary of his last tour, which he had to do because of financial troubles. If I recall, it was a few years before his death. He was old. He was oh so damn good. Classic.

Interesting record by Leonard Cohen, with some electronic sounds brought in. But at the heart still trademark Cohen. Not his greatest work, but still some strong songs I liked! 7 out of 10

I don't like this one as much as the other Leonard Cohen album, but I still really like it

My all time favourite Leonard Cohen record. I love every last second of this - yes, even fucking 'Jazz Police'. 'First We Take Manhattan' and 'Everybody Knows' are certified classics, but it's 'Take This Waltz' that always gets me. Pure beauty exemplified in songwriting.

The first Cohen album I ever owned. He’s my man for sure.

Solid

Me duele ponerle solo tres estrellas a un disco de uno de mis cantantes favoritos, pero la verdad es que debe ser el disco que menos me gusta de su carrera, sobre todo porque debe ser el que peores arreglos instrumentales tiene

Leonard is brilliant. But soggy and soaked with 80's drip

Amazing record. 9/10

This is miles worse than listening to Dylan's endless harmonica. Was the budget only good enough for a children's Casio keyboard?? I give it a star solely because by the end I was laughing hysterically at how bad the music production of this album is.

Call it good. Call it bad. Call it anything you want to, baby.

everything but the synduck

I was not expecting the synthesizer drum machine vibes straight out of the 80s for many of these songs. Somewhat silly, but underneath all of that are just absolutely beautiful songs. Truly a poet. Excellent record.

Finally! A Leonard Cohen album with a real title. unfortunately its probably his worst that I've heard. It has great moments but overall it sounds like edgy David Bowie.

This one had its goofy moments (first we take Manhattan and jazz police being the prime offenders) but overall I enjoyed it. Really liked the run from Ain't No Cure for love through I'm your Man. For me this is a high 3.

Len’s beautiful poetry set to music played on a Casio organ. The artistry shines through but would prefer to hear it without the 1980’s gloss.

It's just different than a tradition pop/rock album. Cohen just talks/sings through the whole album. Some of the musicians are good (nice piano solo on Jazz Police), but other than that, this album is just not my kind of music.

Leonard Cohen songs are meant to be covered, not listened to by the original artist.

Cohenin kasaripoplevy joka kyl on ansainnut paikkansa! Avausraita on hieno kuten muukin levy. 3/5

Tälle on minussa jokin heikko kohta. Jotenkin tää tyyli sopii Cohenille tosi hyvin.

Leonardin musiikin nosti uudelle tasolle vanhan miehen perspektiivi. Nää vanhat levyt on toki hyviä, mutta mestariteokset syntyivät myöhemmällä iällä. 3/5

Really liked some songs

I'm a sucker for Cohen. I'd love his poetry if it were on a metal album sung by Gilbert Gottfried. First We Take Manhattan, Everybody Knows, and Tower of Song are truly exceptional.

Top Album

Lou is an interesting person

His best.

This feels like it might be good if someone else was singing. I saw "Leonard Cohen" and thought "Hallelujah" but then the first song started playing and I thought "this sounds like every generic eighties song I've ever heard". This whole album seems like a good album in need of a remake. 3.5 stars

I like this Leonard Cohen fella. Good voice, good lyrics, some interesting sounds/instruments used in this one.

Mr. Cohen's very deep voice is so unique and it goes very well with the female singer who is in a few of the songs. It also sounds amazing with some of the electronic/synthesizer instruments that are in the album

Pretty interesting album but just doesn't hit me the way some other albums do. His voice is pretty incredible though.

My first prop introduction to Leonard Cohen was through this album, specifically Everybody Knows appearing in the movie Pump Up The Volume. With the exception of the song Jazz Police, this is my favourite Cohen album. It has more range than his folkier albums and it excels at a sardonic humour that stops this from being moribund.

Starts of with some weird disco, 80's sound with a poorly, amaturistic arranged synth which is not a good fit with Cohens voice. The last part is what I expect from Cohen, but musically very boring. Not a fan

Like it more than the last one but still not a huuuuuge fan

Lovely voice, smooth and rough at the same time

Was not familiar with this album. The uptempo beats combined with Cohens timbre create an amazing eery distopian vibe. I'm ready to take Berlin.

While this is not my favorite LC album, it's still a great album.

This was my first interaction with Leonard Cohen. I’m not if it was the best way to be introduced to him but I can’t be sure. I was familiar with “Everybody Knows” already, but otherwise this album was a weird product of its time. Late 80’s synths cheapened the overall sound of the album along with his voice being mixed too loudly. It was interesting, to say the least.

Album 54 of 1001 Leonard Cohen - I'm Your Man Favorite Track : I Can't Forget Rating : 4 / 5 (Rounded Up) He baffles me. First instinct is to say "Who is this guy and why is the creator of this album list continually pushing him?" Then I listen. Dude is an enigma to me. I always enjoy listening to him but not to the point of saying "this is for me". This offers much more instrumentation than earlier albums He is a wonderful lyricist and has a very unique voice. He does have my attention. I'll be hearing more from him and will work it out later.

Ok album but not my thing

He has a nice voice. I added three songs to my playlist. Didn’t think I’d like his music that much but this is my first 4/5.

A flawed masterpiece. It has taken me decades to warm up to this album musically. They lyrics kept me coming back and somewhere along they way I found myself enjoying it.

This is more my speed. Liked First We Take Manhattan and Jazz Police. Everybody Knows is great as always.

Chill

Not my favorite Cohen album...

Not a huge fan of this, but it's smooth and sexy in a way I can't quite explain. Not in standard rotation, but I see the appeal for date night.

The vocal delivery paired with the extreme 80s vibe is too wild for me. I bet Leonard was a big weirdo in real life.

To my knowledge, the only Leonard Cohen song I know is Hallelujah (I challenge you to find someone that doesn’t know that song). I’m assuming this album will be of a similar sound, but who knows. Let’s listen. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: First We Take Manhattan, I’m Your Man Ten seconds into track one, I was already surprised. The album kicks off with synth reminiscent of Depeche Mode, which I certainly wasn’t expecting, but definitely enjoyed. I’m Your Man was a slower, more piano driven song and Leonard’s voice sounded fantastic. The gravelly baritone had me hypnotised, and I loved it. The rest of the album was interesting, but no other songs really stood out for me. Overall, quite different to Hallelujah, and I’m glad to have heard it.

Entiendo la importancia de este álbum, qué loco que pudiera sonar a pop pero no ser, tener a pesar de su ritmo algo payasesco una impronta digna.

It was fine. Much like pretty much every other Cohen album on this list. I think this was number 5 or 6, maybe 12? I think I'm good now. No more please (though I realize it could be much worse)

This particular album of his is too 80s.

I'm a fan of Cohen but this album was so disappointing. Hated the music and the backup singers. Lyrics are his edge but not strong enough to save this.

I only liked Take This Waltz.

kinda vibey ig

Oh my, no

Interesting listen, definitely a different sound than I've ever heard from Leonard Cohen. I'll probably give it a re-listen at some point, there are a lot of details, like the background singes, that I really like.

you lost me at jazz police

great record.

Sterk begin, verder niet mijn stijl

Leonard Cohen is one of those musicians that you expect to be floored by. I wouldn't listen to this album again. It was a difficult listen. Made me uncomfortable. Jazz police? Wanting to see someone naked? The production is so 1980s, cheesy backing vocals, lift-music style instrumentals, fade-outs, and his vocal delivery is.... idiosyncratic. He sounds like Tom Waits but it's earnest and sort of half-singing, half talking. Not my cup of tea.

Cohen is wonderful . . . but this album is a little too 80s.

Not a fan of Cohen's "modern" sound, but it did revitalize his career and found a new younger audience for his work. There are some good songs on here and maybe even some of his best known works. Let's face it, he's not a great singer and I prefer his earliest albums, but someone thinks he's cool. His old fans (middle-age women) and younger woman in their 20's love this old French-Canadian guy for some reason. He's just not my man.

I understand that Leonard has an iconic and great voice, but it's hard for me to get into his music.

The poet.

Þessi var mikið spiluð í kringum mig á sínum tíma (þessar eldri systur maður...), svo hún er svona quasinostalgísk. Soundið er svo er afgerandi síðníunda tugar að manni finnst það varla passa við Cohen á köflum. En lögin eru ansi góð, og ef maður sættir sig við mixið má hafa mjög gaman af þessu.

Was tossing up between 3 or 4 out of 5. I love Leonard Cohen's music and poetry but this 80s style electronic sound made it just a little hard to get into, I feel it will get better after more listens but it's normally not my thing. Lyrically this album is great. What made it a 4 outta 5 was 'take this waltz' - what a fucking tune.

This is my second album of Leonard Cohen's, and although I enjoyed the other one slightly more, this one was decent in it's own right. He is a very eloquent and poetic way of using words to tell stories. His method of saying the lyrics did get a bit tiresome here and there. I'll be looking forward to listening to more of his work.

Not a huge fan of the "I'm not singing but just talking over some music" genre. Man has a nice voice, but doesn't seem to do anything with it. Just annoying to listen to in the long run.

Great deep soothing voice. Enjoyed the majority of the album especially the first stint of 4 songs or so. Jazz Police was really bad though. Looking forward to listening to more of his work

Not his best work, not a fan of the synth

Solid, and the contrast between Cohen and the 80s cliche instrumentation is kind of interesting, but ultimately it didn’t grab me

Un Cohen qui s'essaie à la synthpop avant que son entourage ne débarque dans le studio et lui demande de se calmer. L'album finira plus tranquillement.

Robert nous a donc sorti sa carte spéciale "double Leonard Cohen". On ne s'attendait pas à le voir utiliser cet atout majeur si tôt dans la partie, il prend ainsi tout le monde à contre-pied et s'impose encore un peu plus en tant que patron du générateur.

bello

Excellent tracks, a few of which I recognised used in various media over the years. I had low expectations for this album but it's his voice that really does it for me.

Interessante, ritmato lento con voce suadente e calda. Da riascoltare

3.5

Some songs great. Some not so great. I was never a huge fan of Cohen’s so this is about what I expected.

Man the 80s must have been rough

At the risk of damning with faint praise, this album is okay but I can't say it has left much of an impression on me. I know a lot of people absolutely love Leonard Cohen, but on the basis of this album, I really cannot see what the fuss is about

eh

This album is fucking goofy. It leans very heavily into stereotypical 80's sounds (silly synths, farty bass lines, etc). Like, I can tell that Leonard was going for a silly, almost slapstick sound and it's very intentional, but that doesn't mean it sounds good. I could help but laugh at a few moments. It wasn't necessarily a bad record because the vision is strongly executed, but I don't know if I'd ever want to hear this again.

I do not like his voice, still.

This felt like a weird vibe from Leonard, but I didn’t hate it completely.

Singer/songwriter, folkrock, Cohen med lidt mere smæk på

The amount of synths on this one always bothered me but, man, there are some classics here.

Well it's that he tried new things.

Disappointing. 1 star for Everybody Knows, the rest gets a star. First album from Leonard that I haven’t loved.

I don't know, this was pretty bad, imo. The only song of interest was Everybody Knows, but Concrete Blonde did that better. Tower of Song ain't bad, either.

Hij is ontzettend goed in teksten schrijven en de muziek zit erg goed in elkaar, maar ik vind dit gewoon helemaal niet leuk om naar te luisteren.

Het album dat van Cohen een bestselling artist maakte. Gelukte poging om Cohens poëtische muziek de jaren '80 in te lanceren. Fascinerend doch lastig om relaxed naar te luisteren door de pessimistische thema's en toon en Cohen's zware stem. leukste nummer: Take This Waltz Album is een favoriet van Tom Waits.

ballads, listenable but not my favorite

I like Leonard Cohen a lot. I'm not always a fan of his music and production (though it's never bad and some of it is really, really good), but I am such a big fan of his lyric and artistic position that it almost doesn't matter. I'm not here for musical virtuosity or for jazz theory or for clever staff work. I'm here for the art and he doesn't need all that shit to get his ideas across. That's why he's one of the greatest songwriters of all time, but not really on the list of greatest musicians of all time.

Leonard is playing us, right? Jazz Police is completely over the top but catchy if you can look past or even embrace the campy lyrics and choir. Fun album — I might listen to it again sometime — but I’m mainly happy to have experienced it.

This whole albums feels like a big "you had to be there" joke. After 2-3 songs I wanted to stop and move on to something else, but instead I kept listening with it in the background and actually found that I started enjoying it. That's got to be a rare phenomena for me, but I think it's because the music being produced here is SO different and unique than anything i've ever listened to.

Did Leonard Cohen lose a bet? I'm glad he did.

Like most people I prefer the more guitar-based Cohen. But from his 80s era this is really good. There are some very political, complex themes in this album which portrays the maestro with a banana on its cover. Cohen knows how to deal with life.

There are some songs I really love, despite the whole album being essentially spoken word poetry overlaid with a late 80s film soundtrack. No album with Jazz Police on it can ever be give 5 stars. A truly horrendous song.

I can't get over the 80s soundtrack here.

Enjoyed it alot.

Interesting album with great writing

My only experience with Mr. Cohen is my dad's Songs of Leonard Cohen CD that has been riding with me in basically every car I've ever driven. So you can only imagine my surprise when "First We Take Manhattan" started. At first I was thinking, ehhhh I don't know about this one. I thought I missed something. I read all of these snippets of praise and I was thinking to myself "how?" And then it clicked. I don't know when it happened exactly but I realized that this flavor of Leonard was friendly and approachable. A little tongue-in-cheek. Not too serious but still sees the glass half empty. A guy who I can wholeheartedly identify with. Someone somewhere said that this album was one of the first Cohen albums you could listen to "during the day" but, see, I listened to this at night and really felt it was the perfect accompaniment to the after-hours. This was such a weird experience for me but I ended up feeling so comfortable basking in the strange backdrop Cohen's voice sang along with. Will definitely listen again. 4/5

Some parts I liked, and some that were very very 80’s that I very much did not like.

I’m no expert in Leonard Cohen’s music and am only familiar with a handful of his songs and two of his albums—Songs Of and Death of a Ladies Man. None of that could have prepared me for this. Like, I knew he could get weird. But this is really weird. It’s like…Huey Lewis and the News meets Tom Waits?? But no not Huey, because this is dark as hell. It doesn’t have to be though, much of the actual music is upbeat, technically, but listen to it twice and you have no choice but to hear a middle-aged artist working from the absolute depths of mortality and depression. Looking for life there, purpose, anything. I appreciate greatly just how weird this gets, like “First We Take Manhattan” and “Jazz Police,” and how he’s eating a banana on the cover, but I can’t say I always enjoy it, again “Jazz Police” which reminds me of something Negativland might have pressed. I appreciate greatly just how intimate Leonard Cohen is in his darkest hour. His songwriting feels extraordinarily powerful, heartfelt, funny, and even…hopeful; eg, the marching, fading coda of “Everybody Knows.” Some songs I truly liked immediately: “Ain’t No Cure for Love” and “I Can’t Forget.” Others, I had to let grow on me, to read the lyrics, and supplement my listening with some research. On surface level, this album reminds me of Neil Young’s Trans; an established, critically-appraised artist venturing out into the contemporary future in search of new sound. But, thematically, lyrically, there is so much more at stake on this album. Everything perhaps. It’s miraculous and a gift that I will treasure. Probably should be a 5.

Man, I super wish I liked this album, but I did not. I feel left out. There's clearly a joke here I'm not getting. Or rather... I might be getting the joke, but the poor execution is keeping me back from enjoying this album in any way other than to say "fine, I get it." Put another way: there are other albums that do this kind of thing. But they do it better. Tom Waits comes to mind... someone who captures that misanthropic, guttural, antagonistic character. Comedic, yet deadly serious. The cartoon villain is the facade, he draws you in. Slowly, you understand his inner logic. In that way, this version of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits' characters share more than a little family resemblance. But unlike any Tom Waits album– whose music is equally compelling– this album falls almost totally flat musically. It feels like either a) the production was put together in a lazy, half-assed way, or b) the production was put together in a lazy, half-assed way, AND Leonard Cohen intended it to sound lazy and half-assed. Either way: that's what I mean when I say I don't get it. I'm not going to lie that I loved "First We Take Manhattan" in a deadpan, ridiculous, laugh out loud kind of way. Same with "Everybody Knows." But the songs overstay their welcome, and the production gets lazier and more karaoke-like. There are some seriously bad, bad background singers. It just doesn't work. It would only work if I had no ear whatsoever for music, and only cared about lyrics. Even then! Great concept, just poorly (or lazily ? ?) executed. 2/5

I want to love Leonard Cohen. His lyrics are inspired, his poetry amazing, but his music has never captured me outside of Hallelujah. I'm hoping this album can enchant me. It was decent! It did not blow me away like I would have liked. I'm teetering between three and four stars.

Not bad. But his work started to all blend in together.

Nothing with production *this* 1980s should be this good. And yet, this has First We Take Manhattan, I'm Your Man and Jazz Police. It's all up there. Leonard Cohen almost sounds like he's having fun here, which is a mode I actually enjoy!

This was weird. Lyrically, it was really good and I liked most of it sonically too. The background vocals are camp tbh. But Leonard Cohen’s talk-singing got annoying, fast, and made some of the tunes blend together for me.

It has its moments, but just didn't stand out.

Beautiful voice. Not something I'm going to seek out as an album. 3/5

Boring. Had potential with first song, but same monotonic voice throughout deters from enthusiasm. 3.5/10.

Great as always. Leonard Cohen is one of the best songwriters

Always thought it was odd that Leonard Cohen went in this electro, synth-based direction, but this album is executed phenomenally. Cohen’s baritone voice is full and rich. He’s even more of the drab, monotone singer he started as, but somehow he’s taken that approach far beyond what I thought would be possible. Excellent.

Raspy

Incredible record but maybe not as good as “Songs of Love and Hate”, at least in my eyes

Sexy as fuck

Good album. Not every song was a winner for me but most kept me interested.

The open synth melody on First We Take Manhattan always reminds me of the Vangelis soundtrack for Blade Runner. It's such a relic of its time, but also incredibly interesting. I can't imagine the meeting that convinced Cohen to go from acoustic rumblings to this synth masterpiece(?). Another one of those that I discovered more or less accidentally as I was trying to expand my musical vocabulary. I had downloaded a bunch of Warren Zevon on Limewire that ended up being misattributed Leonard Cohen. The humor is surprising. I like the vague quote of the theme to Star Trek when the girls sing the chorus on Jazz Police. This seems to be a Cohen without something to prove, but I can't say I think it's his best work. It almost feels like he's telling a really obtuse and deadpan joke in album format.

Sensational album. Its biggest issue for me is that it has a great rise, hitting the climax with Take this Waltz, only to come crashing down with Jazz Police (by far the weakest song in the album, and one I wouldn't care to listen to again). Overall, a hand full of these songs have been added to my library, and I will be listening to more stuff by Leonard Cohen.

Nope. Nope and nope. I'd rather listen to Bob Dylan on repeat.

Its like if Sadness from Inside Out were in charge of a slam poetry evening. I'm surprised I made it out without topping myself.

A very smooth listening experience.

I really don’t get the appeal.

Jaime leonard cohen, et je n’avais pas ecoute beaucoup d’album avanf de commence cette loste. Mais vraiment cette album, dans sa musicalite est vraiment bof. Et les paroles. Correct sur cette et tres bine sur d’autres. C’est pas un album qui ma marque et probablement pas un des grands de cohen. 2 pour la musique t 3.25 les paroles. 2.75

This guy's really growing on my. Voice sounds like mud, in a good way. Great poetic story telling lyrics. Simple at times, but quality

das klingt wie die musik von william shatner nur slightly besser

Bockt mir iwie auch nicht, Stimmlage, synth Zeug alles net so meins.

I have the same feelings towards this album as I did about Tom Waits and most of Nick Cave's work: I appreciate the artistry but I am not into the music very much. I can see why someone else might like it I like Cohen's early work

J'aurais donné plus mais impossible avec les arrangements cheezy et le saxophone.

Bastante cool la instrumental de este álbum, cada canción la disfrute bastante y no se porque me recordó a la música de Depeche Mode que solía escuchar. Siento que tiene un poco de jazz o blues pero de buena forma

Om man spelar den baklänges så hör man tydligt:”Hjälp! Jag har blivit kidnappad av Taco!”

His voice takes some time to get used to, had to relisten to the first half of the album because of it. I like how smooth it is

this sounded like an amateur heard a disney song and a Johnny Cash album and decided to emulate those two together

The voice and lyrics overcome allot, but not all of the shitty 80s production. I need to check out more of Cohen's stuff it seems and will round up for this one.

I’ve always been more a fan of Cohen as a writer, not a performer. This does little to change that, but there are some great moments. First We Take Manhattan is a triumph on both fronts.

My first Leonard Cohen album. Bought it because I went and saw Pump up the Volume and wanted the Everybody Knows track... Then heard First We Take Manhattan, I'm Your Man, Take This Waltz... And so then I loaded up on early Leonard Cohen...and have to be honest despite hearing this album first much prefer his older stuff but there are great tracks and memories for me here.

Very good, better than I was expecting, hadn't heard this album before. Could see me rating it higher given a few more listens

Leonard Cohen is incredibly divisive, but at least we can all agree that the 80s were a mistake.

Bit weird... I don't like his voice that much, it's okay but it's not as soothing as I thought it would be.

So I'm at a bar and I hear what sounds like my creepy uncle, doing karaoke, after getting on the whisky at 5pm. This is before I realise I'm wrong and they've just put on I'm Your Man by Leonard Cohen on the sound system.

That opening track is 80’s personified Everybody knows is an all time track

J'avais déjà écouté un peu de Leonard Cohen. Je m'attendais à des chansons acoustiques sombres mais au final j'ai eu un style très années 80. Etonnamment il y a un bon nombre de chansons up-beat voire humoristiques comme "Jazz Police" qui cassent avec l'ambiance sombre qu'on peut trouver dans beaucoup de chansons de Cohen. Au final, je pense que c'est pas mon style du musique. Pour moi, la voix du chanteur ne passe pas vraiment avec les synthés. Je préfère ses morceaux des années 70 que j'ai pu écouter précédemment. Malgré tout il y a quelques jolies chansons sur cet album comme "Take This Waltz", mais rien qui me fasse sauter de ma chaise. Je trouve que le style ne colle pas du tout au chanteur. Les instrus sont souvent assez minimaliste. Si je devais décrire un album en un seul mot ce serait: "dommage". On sent qu'il y avait de bonnes idées, mais la production finale est très moyenne.

drum machine ruins this for me sorry

OMG! Leonard Cohen does 80's musak including cheesy backing singers and even a Kenny G sax? This is a terrible moment in a great man's career. This is so wrong in so many ways and even Leonard's words are drowned out. I can't even blame the music label or producer since it's evident this was 100% his idea.

semmonen...iskelmäesque,.. 80 luku twistillä.. MIKSI VITUSSA 3.14 porukka ei tiedä musiikista.. ei ymmärrä mitään.... oottakaa muutama vuosiKYMMEN.. alatte tajuu hiljalleen nyt ette tajuu. abbey road tulee alas luota siihen, siihen voit luottaa kun kokemusta tulee vyön alle heh voit olla varma, voi olla vähän muuttunut asenne silloin... singer songwriter genre... huhhuh... ok pari pätkää lopusta vähän paskoja everybody knows

Not a fan

Scale: 1: Dissapointing 2: Didn't enjoy 3: Decent 4: Enjoyed 5: Would listen again (My first impression if not mentioned otherwise in a comment) First We Take Manhattan: 2/5, not my cup of tea Ain’t No Cure for Love: 2.5/5, fine Everybody Knows: 2.5/5, idk I’m Your Man: 1/5, worst one so far Take This Waltz: 3/5, cool Jazz Police: 2/5, idk I Can’t Forget:1.5/5,nah Tower of Song:2/5, idk Overall: 2.1/5, pretty monotous and too simple

All the cool kids seem to like Cohen, but hard as I try, I just can't get into him. Guess I'm not cool.

Of the Leonard Cohen songs I've heard, I liked these very much. His voice & style reminded me of Serge Gainsborough at points, and I liked the use of synthesizers/key boards. I'll definitely revisit this.

Love that rough voice. Canadian legend. Was very happy to see this album on the list. I listened to it twice. "Everybody Knows" and "FIrst We Take Manhattan" are personal favourites. They've been covered many times, but never quite surpass the original. "Jazz Police" was kinda weird.

30 seconds in - not what I was expecting. Down with the clapping percussion!

This is kind of weird to listen to after just listening to this same man coming to terms with death just a few weeks ago, so the whiplash of this 80's cheese is a little goofy. Certainly not bad, but hard to get into, as the words don't much the artificial sounding music, unlike the guitar playing of earlier albums or orchestra of later. I have to give credit that a lot of similar singers were struggling in the 80's, such as Bob Dylan, but perhaps if I looked at these albums of Cohen's all as purely poetry they would all be equals.

I can imagine Leonard Cohen being taken, against his will, to a meeting with a bunch of corporate executives from his record label. There, they force him to make an album that will guarantee commercial success. "Try to channel Depeche Mode." says one suit. "But also, put in some B52's and The Go-Go's in there!" says another. "And you know those emotional or sexy ballads like Straight from the Heart or Careless Whisper? Do one of those too!" adds a third. It's gonna be great, they think. A quintessential '80s album from a traditionally folk artist, no one will ever expect it. It'll take over the airwaves! Before Cohen leaves the meeting, they hand him a CD with the most basic backing instrumentals probably meant for a seventh grader's music class. Bravo! Another musical masterpiece! Three stars, if only for the amusement I got out of listening to this record. So so weird.

Best track(s): First we take Manhattan. Actually loved this album! He has a very deep voice and he uses it well. Lots of variation in between the songs (at least in rhythm). Sometimes funny and/or clever lyrics. Perfect for dark evenings, perhaps less so for the summer. I would probably listen to this again.

Many people love his lyrics, but man, the music is just straight bad. Some of the songs are painful and, even if they had the most moving lyrics of all time, I’d avoid. Sorry Leonard!

What the fuck is this

Not a fan. Lyrics were kinda strange and the vocals were not my favorite.

one of the greatest voices of all time shows up full force on this one. an 80s gem.

The 80s production and backing vocals really suit his style. Really got into it.

Ok, so no problem, I can knock this album out in a day, I got lyrics out the butthole, you know? Just get me some of that sweet drum machine and casio space-age shit that's all the rage, and I'll do my thing over it. It's gonna be timeless.

I've never really cared for his music

поняла почему мне так противен Коэн: он поёт как великие русские шансонье, очень расхлябанно и панибратски

This is like... fine? But the production is weird, man

This album brings back so many memories of my Dad. I know it backwards. The first 4 songs are masterpieces. Cohen is an amazing poet. Just didn't quite make the 5-star for me though.

Well, this is a much different sounding Leonard Cohen than I'm used to, even though his voice and poetry are as rich as ever. I'm not sure that I like the addition of synthesizers and drum machines to his oeuvre as compared with his being accompanied by analog instruments. There's nothing wrong with this album, I just think that his voice is better complimented by folk and/or orchestral instruments than by synthesizers 3/5

I was reminded how great a songwriter Leonard Cohen was, and how terrible a singer he was. 5/5

I can’t work out how I feel about Leonard Cohen. His voice is certainly unique. I don’t hate it but I don’t exactly love it either. The songs are a bit cheesy but I think with better vocals and arrangements they could be amazing.

I liked several of the songs on this album, but not sure I'd listen again (except in a very cynical/depressed moment). Lyrics are incredible, and I'm a sucker for a voice like Cohen's. Musically though, quite esoteric. Highfalutin, even.

No lo escuchen en un día gris o en una ruptura amorosa, hace mal

4.5. Just shy of perfection for the amazing Mr. Cohen. I'm a huge fan.

Very Leonard Cohen-y

Very mellow, reminds me of something that would play during the credits during The Sopranos. Definitely an acquired taste. Relaxing. Very strange vocals, but I guess that’s what he’s known for.

Leonard Cohen + late-80s music production techniques is such a crazy and incongruous combination, but it somehow works so well. The album cover's sunglasses and banana sums it all up. Gravitas and humor go head-to-head here with some absolute classic tracks like the ominous 'Everybody Knows' and the sly 'Tower of Song'. I'm your fan.

Did not like this. Very weird and sultry. 4/10

This one was fun, the instrumentation makes this album more varied than other Cohen albums. The cheap synths and backing vocals really make the songs shine more at points than the usual plain acoustic guitar. It is really cheesy and feels dated, but not in a bad way. The album is mainly cool fun and goes by like an 80's action pop corn flick. For some reason, some songs sounded a bit like David Berman's songs in Purple Mountains. First we take Manhattan is an awesome opener and the title track is a classic. Jazz police is AWFUL though. Fun. 7,8/10

Playoff Lenny (Cohen)

I liked it. Little Cohen album i never listened to before

best song is take your waltz and background vocals are the thing that is holding up this album up, leonard vocals are very monotone, his singing sucks, the record is very mediocre, it’s horribly produced there are weird places in songs that are so unessesary it’s so underwhelming and it feels like they should be more grand and the producing feels like they half assed it and just left it there thinking it was decent only thing holding it up as I said were background vocals and the underwhelming strings and some of the songs are uncomfortable to me and in such weird places 1.5/5 it sucked (i think i’m too nice)

I think we need to get this album to the Ukraine as a WMD

His voice takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do it just flows like musical poetry.

I don't like Leonard Cohen 1.5

I enjoy the apparent musical contradiction of Cohen plus synth. Beware the Jazz Police!

Pretty good album. My first Leonard Cohen album, and I could see where the love for him comes from. I didn't completely enjoy the production, but it worked pretty well on a few songs. Would love to hear more from him. 3.5/5

More pop and synth driven than I expected but an enjoyable listen nevertheless

His unique storytelling and vocals remain on top, but with a contemporary, refined and fuller sound. I enjoy all his albums, as they are all like reading classic novels.

Surprisingly modern album by Cohen which still works good with his singing style. The faster music is a good counter balance to his slow, almost spoken like singing style

Just not for me. Lyrics, and music were actually good, his voice ruined each song 2.5

Can really see the inspiration for purple mountains at parts, other parts sound like the voice at the end of thriller made an album

eh, not bad not good. 5/10 generic 80s

He has a spooky voice

I think this album is a little too slow for my liking. Instrumentals and vocals are great, but I don't think this is the tempo I was looking for today. Sometimes, the songs feel a little empty, like instruments are just missing, but I think that adds to some of the charm of this style.

I think Leonard cohens early stuff is the only era I don’t like. This album was cohen evolving into the 80s really well and was nice to listen to. No songs really were memorable though, maybe on another listen

Undoubtedly a total mensch but I don't love the music (see Jazz Police). Love the story behind the suit / banana photo though.

You're boring, mate.

There’s no “You Want It Darker” to bump it up this time, still would rate 2.5 if I could

2.5

His voice only became better and better the older he became. This album is a bit to slick for me, prefer his older work and final masterpiece You Want it Darker. His last album would be my candidate for the 1001 albums.

An album by Leonard Cohen that's actually decent! Favorite track: Take This Waltz

Tears streamed down my face when I saw we had him. I literally cant listen to this man without dying his voice not so slowly kills me.

o my GODDDDDD i am not listening to any more of this man's shitty music AGAIN 4 of his albums?!?!?!????? GET BENT and and and on this one his horrid MIXED WAY UP FRONT IN YOUR FACE vocals get treated with sequencers, the worst of 80s keyboard sounds, and drum machines? Also this dead emporer was buried with no clothes: these lyrics are embarrassing. I need to be more clear: this is utter utter shit. 0/10 and chafed that I can't give 0 stars

Its got one or two good tracks, but its fucking leonard cohen. again. 3/5

Shite. Rubbish vocals, dull lyrics, terrible music, weird arrangements and instrumentation. How is this even on the list?

1. Jesus christ

Makes me think of Natural Born Killers. Get rid of that first song and it’s not a terrible record

Fantastic.

This album was pretty weird. I can’t say I loved every track, the backup vocals and synth was a bit too much at times but even the ones I didn’t really like at least kept me entertained or interested. Listened to this one twice today, didn’t expect such heavy 80’s vibes. Kinda had me thinking of Dan Bejar/Destroyer with the witty odd lyrics. Everybody Knows was my favourite song and Jazz Police was the weirdest but fun. The cover is also hilarious. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I have heard a lot of about half this album, as when my family gets together the playlist is often a bunch of the same albums on shuffle. This brings me nostalgia, much like “Buena Vista Social Club”, “Graceland” + the Beatles’ “1967-1970” compilation are all ingredients in a big, nostalgic soup. So maybe I was conditioned to like this, though it may not be quite as good as Cohen’s “Songs” from ‘67. “Take this Waltz” is an example of some dated synth strings, but it’s still in my top 5 Cohen songs. And “Jazz Police” is delightfully weird & unfamiliar to me, considering how much I’ve listened to “Manhattan”. HL: “First We Take Manhattan”, “Take This Waltz”, “Everybody Knows”, “Jazz Police” November 30, 2022

grande leonardo

Crap