You Want It Darker

Good

Great album. Really cool vibe

Liked some of it. I feel like this might be an album more than any other album we've heard here, where it really benefits from hearing the artist's earlier work to get the context of this. I'm glad I procrastinated on this and waited for "Songs of Leonard Cohen" to be randomized at me.

this was exactly as weird as you'd ever want it to be! he's a genius of the weird lil guy genre! there's not really any issue i can take with anything here except that if I'd not been in the right space for it i would have not liked how weird it is instead of loving how weird it is

Oh my God. This was torture. He wasn't even singing!!! He was just speaking, and not even speaking clearly. He was mumbling! And WOW was this album boring. Even at his best, Leonard Cohen was boring, but this is on a whole other level. Truly, I don't know who this album was made for. The whole album went by and not a single song stood out to me. I was just made deeply uncomfortable with his mumbling gravelly voice. God, I am glad this is done.

i love knowing that someone was stuck listening to this full album on the car radio at 7am. a real 50/50 for me. 2.5

After a week of weird little guys (derogatory) finally we are gifted a weird little guy (complimentary) This might be a 4 if I didn't get to play it on the radio (torturing the tri-county area) and hear it in the station. I'm not actually sure the mixer's speakers are that great but it has string lights.

Yes, I really do want it darker.

Second time listen-through. I’m inspired to not really sing either.

Yikes I did not enjoy this at all.

Soooo good and mysterious and dark Love the first track Really liked the religious theming throughout

4.5★. Not the most musically interesting among Cohen's discography, but the stripped-down production only adds to the dirge-like quality. No skips as far as I'm concerned but Traveling Light is a particular favorite*; "Traveling light, it's au revoir / My once so bright, my fallen star / I'm running late, they'll close the bar / I used to play one mean guitar" ... "Traveling light, like we used to do / I'm traveling light" When it's time to go, we all do. *Though I do looove the violin on Steer Your Way, plus: "And say your mea culpa, which you gradually forgot / Year by year, month by month, day by day / Thought by thought"

wtf is with his voice

It was calming. Almost too calm for me. Tim loved him.

Yet another album written and recorded by a man who knows he’s on his way out the door. Bowie, Cash, Zevon…. This one is equally haunting and beautiful. Cohen has always been an acquired taste. My ability to appreciate his brilliance is nearly always equaled by my consistent desire to put a Leonard Cohen album on to listen to. Dude was a certified genius but always one I’ve appreciated most from afar or in limited doses. If halvsies were a thing I’d do a 3.5 but since it was his swan song I’ll round up

Didn't really care for this. Probably should have liked the "talking" singing since I like William Shatner's stuff, but this guy didn't impress.

Loved it.

Another leonard cohen?!? Jesus. This is the third one! Have mercy!

Really not a fsn

One word, cool. The voice, the minimalism, great stuff... Perfect length and perfect 1st and last track. Easy 5.

Loved it!!!!!!!

Great ASMR voice. Very musical album as well. Not into all of the religious under/overtones.

He has a unique voice and the songs didn’t stick around too long. However I just couldn’t get through it because I was scared. I guess this is a sign of powerful art but it’s not for me in this moment

111 albums in, my third Leonard Cohen. I have to confess, I was not excited about drawing this today. I like it a bit better than Songs of Leonard Cohen and Songs of Love and Hate, but... this style is still not really my thing.

epic late era Cohen. The master.

Kelpo musiikkia, jota ei tule itse uudelleen kuunneltua.

I don’t want it any darker Leonard I assure you. This album sounds like the track list about a Disney movie where the villain turns out to be the good guy, his voice isn’t doing him any favors here. Im impressed he’s been making music for so long, but this is my second album of his on the list so far and you can tell the drop off in ability- tough to do the singer song writer thing when you know…can’t sing anymore.

2016 Leonard Cohen wat een verdrietig albumpje, zielige boomer

Alright I must admit I was blown away on the first song, his voice is so aged and sinister. I do think that effect overstays it’s welcome. But I appreciate an album from someone who isn’t in the prime years of their life, even if there should be many albums from the mid-2010’s on this list instead

Cool to have, quiet

I guess one must be a fan of Cohen to appreciate this album. It is quite interesting how he combines his "murmuring" with the music. And the songs are quite ok. With another singer it would probably be better - for everybody except the Cohen fans.

You smoking too much Leonard.

Brooding and beautiful

Ya gotta listen, with your ears on and mind open. Once you do, those that like Leonard, would love this. Those that have never encountered him, would be intrigued by this. Those who like your music to be thrashy, nope, not for you. If you have a spiritual side to your being, you would probably connect strongly to his work. The pieces are poetry plus music. As his work evolved through his years, it became more poetry and philosophy than music n beats. There is a beauty, and grace to his work, it's not just music, it's a mixture of the human condition set to music, and placed on an album. I think we are all better for having Leonards efforts and vulnerabilities at such a striking time near the end of his life, shared like this. 5 stars.

Whispery.

Steve Hogarth’s hero is mine too now. Wow.

It's a hard voice to get used to, but this had good instrumentation and the lyrics were good.

Early Leonard Cohen sounds like Leonard Cohen, and late Leonard Cohen sounds like Jarvis Cocker?

Dark and moody. A LOT of religion and poker themes that kind of made me chuckle after a while. An entertaining listen. Do not listen to this while tired.

I loved this. It felt like a spoken word evening at bible study. On top of the sparse background, his voice sets one helluva a mood. You can almost sense his acknowledgment of the end.

The less said the better about a man who has said so much. I would rather let him do the talking. The quiet power of the album is undeniable. While I wouldn't call this album joyous - there is plenty of light amidst the shadows. The production is minimal but sublime - matching the tone of the music. Single violins and subtle choirs add beauty. It's only with the final reprise that the true sadness comes and you feel the full weight of a life fading.

Didn't expect to like this so much, kind of sounds like tom waits if you gave him a Xanax and told him he was dying tomorrow.

ZZZZZzzzzz. I wanted to like this album, but it was a struggle - just so dang boring. Like the hit every member of The National with elephant tranquilizers and thew them in the recording studio.

Great voice. Not my favorite Cohen stuff, but enjoyable.

Like a grandpa with laryngitis singing on his deathbed, but somehow really interesting. I listened intently.

Very different, enjoyed the baritone but became tedious after a while.

I don't get it, not my style.

Awful

Nope, not for me thanks.

I did not expect to cry this morning. 4

Excellent

This ain't it for me. He didn't even really sing, it was closer to reading poems to soft background music. The instrumentals are fine I guess, but I can't see myself relistening to a single song of this. This is a deep cut arthouse type of album.

Quite slow and darker than expected

Surprise surprise.. another fucking Leonard Cohen album on this list.

STANDOUTS: You Want It Darker Treaty On the Level OVERALL: 3.5/5

Тембр у него просто шикарный

Poetic, but with what felt like Christian undertones. Spoken lyrics rather than sung would take me a while to desire.

Depressingly boring. Same type of tune in every song.

Second Cohen album and this one is weaker than the first. The album does not really get going. The instrumentals are very good but I feel like Leonard Cohan is breathing, not singing, into my brain. 3/5

It's a very dark album. He knew his time had come, so this was about the ending. Most lyrics are just spoken, or better whispered, so there is not much singing on this besides the background singers. No easy listening, so I think you have to be in the right mood to listen to this.

This listen took me to someone elses's experience of life (ending). Someone of a different gender, age, nationality and religion than myself. And I loved it exactly for that.

3+

Favorite Tracks: You Want It Darker Treaty Traveling Light

Truly a breathtaking record. In the final days or his life Leonard put together this collection of beautiful songs bursting with tragedy and accepting of the fate of death. This album really is a masterpiece in complementing instrumentals with lyrics/vocals, as both are stunning. 8/10

I don't get the appeal of Cohen at all. His voice, the lyrics, the music, just is dreadfully boring

Famous last words!

It's OK. I kind of like it, but it's definitely one of those things where I have to be in a very specific mood. 3 stars.

This could really grow on me. I loved the lyrics and vocals.

Gravelly, like pouring whisky directly into my ears. Would say I appreciated it, rather than loved it.

The legend’s swan song.

That gravely voice- so good.

Pretty weird album. Wasn't all that into it.

I love it

I love Leonard Cohen, but this is my first time listening to this album. Beautiful and heartbreaking, especially with the knowledge that he died so soon after. R.I.P. to an absolute legend.

Interesting album. Title track is great but rest are too similar.

Had his Songs of Love And Hate just recently, as my introduction to the work of Leonard Cohen. Which I was very thankful for. Sublime. This one? Yes but no. I'm not a lyrics person so I'm left with this pastiche of some Eastern European circa jazz blues soundtrack - oh, so grave! - for a deep voice. I have no desire to disrepect this, but... except for the title song and "Steer Your Way" this just isn't giving me a lot, musically.

The vocals are good, but this style of music is boring. I could see these songs being cinematically, though. Pass. 2.5 stars.

Noooo not this old bag of bones again. Turning off at the start of the second song. I don't want this old man raping my ears with his creepy voice. 1/10 (0.5/5)

Cannot get over his voice, sorry Leonard. 1/5

Yessss

wow, what crap. I normally love rough, deep voices, but what Cohen is saying is an absolute disgrace. Not even close to spoken word. Of course you can flatteringly title it all with 'you want it darker', but it's not dark, it's dull. Absolutely wasted time listening to it for even a minute

I havent listened to this straight through since it came out iirc, and god what an album..!! I've listened to more cohen since then, so i dont think this is my fave necessarily, but its so so strong

That was a striking experience. Very emotive. Glad I’ve listened to it as probably wouldn’t have stumbled across it. Glad because it’s just a very unique piece of work and the backstory to it is incredible. Won’t listen to it again, but can appreciate and respect it for what it is. 2 stars

I was wondering if this was recorded 17 days after he died. It's not his best. I don't mind the odd Cohen song, but not this.

kinda weird, good lyrics

Tom Waits meets Bob Dylan at the local coffee shop open mic night.

Brilliant

Better than expected

Is this Pedro Abrunhosa? 2.5 stars for the plagiarism. He does sound better though.

Much more moody compared to the seductive tone to I’m Your Man and I preferred this.

Pretty decent not great for me.

I never want to listen to another Cohen album again

Un disco muy íntimo. Realmente puede que la voz de Cohen no sea melodiosa y no tenag unas entonaciones locas, pero su tono te absorbe, es atrayente y te atrapa con su tono como si fuera cosa de hipnosis. Muy interesante, la parte instrumental detrás es bonita y se disfruta mucho. El disco además no es largo, por lo que considero que para el formato que es tiene la duración ideal.

If Cohen had lived longer, no one but whales and moles would be able to hear his singing. The dude sounds like he’s singing from his grave on this record. Moribund and beautiful just like The Man Comes Around by Cash. Not a cheer-you-up kinda record.

- you want it darker - treaty

You Want It Darker is the last studio album released by Leonard Cohen during his lifetime. Cohen had an unmatched literary and musical career that spanned decades, and this album is his curtail call. Cohen made his near-monotonic baritone into an expressive instrument - his version of the jazz-crooner was not made from a strong voice. Cohen's somber delivery matches the stories and images in his songs. You Want It Darker is an incredible collection of songs - a few last words from one of the most talented songwriters in popular music.

They say that, ultimately, everyone dies alone. In this album, Cohen rejects that idea. We are taken on his journey, sharing some profoundly intimate thoughts and moments. These are the final moments of a broken man, trying to find peace. It deserves to be listened.

sorry - not in the mood for this.

You Want It Darker

I love his work, but a whole album at one time? Not without Xanax

4.75

More like spoken poetry than music- not sure if I can bring myself to finish. Just not my style, although the instrumentals are nice and peaceful.

One of a kind. Iconic.

Raspy, slow, and dark. With a knack for lyricism, Leonard demonstrates that even in old age he still has the ability write solid spoken verse blues.

It was darker. Good album to illicit a certain brooding mood.

Tried to not fall asleep while listening to this. 2 stars because I am feeling generous

Very Cohen

WTF was that?

Bard forever. RIP

I have a ton of respect for Cohen, obviously. Especially being from Montreal, he’s like a god, who literally looks over the city. At his best it’s fair to say he might be the best songwriter ever. One more than one occasion at a concert, I thought the best song an artist played was a Cohen song, and not even a famous one All that said, You Want It Darker isn’t his most riveting. He sounds like Tom Waits. The album is so dark, virtually every song about his impeding death. 3rd star for lifetime achievement 5.9/10

Nunca lo escuché mucho. Solo la voz del primer tema ya merece la pena. Creo que al final es más el mito y las letras que el músico. Tiene su mérito forjar una carrera de prestigio y respetada por la crítica y el público.

I remember this being released and then hearing some of the songs on NPR after Leonard Cohen passed. The prophetic lyrics (I mean he knew he was at the end) made me sad. I didn't know much about Leonard Cohen aside from his name being mentioned in Pennyroyal Tea by Nirvana. I believe I looked him up based on the lyric and I was probably too young to be into his music. Such a deep dark voice on this album. It's not entirely my type of music but there are songs here that I enjoy and all of the lyrics are deep and sound as thoughtful as a man on his death bed could write. It's just not an album I want to listen to all the time but the background makes it something special.

A beautiful,deep, dark place

A perfect album to end the journey for a poet turned singer. He questions everything on this record, his belief, and everything. Rest in Peace, Leonard Cohen.

Cohen tends to be hit or miss for me, but this one was a hit. His voice is peak deep and gravelly, and the instrumentation is beautiful without being intrusive. Knowing this was his last album before passing adds a lot of weight to the lyrics as well.

Dark moody poetry

A bit boring

This was completely devastating.

Never heard of him. His lyrics are moving. Glad I was steered to this.

Moving between a 4 and a 5 on this one, but that opening song... Man. Insane that in 2016 we got two different incredibly strong albums about death from musicians who died right after.

B You Want It Darker 4 Treaty 3 On The Level 3 Leaving The Table 3 If I Didn't Have Your Love 3 Traveling Light 3 It Seemed The Better Way 3 Steer Your Way 5 String Reprise / Treaty 3 I immediately recognized You Want It Darker because it sounds identical to the intro for True Detective S2, but it turns out it's a different Leonard Cohen song. So I didn't actually recognize it. Sniffle, sniffle.

I have no idea how to rate this album. Part of me feels like I’m being read a bedtime story by someone else’s grandpa. Strange but yet still comforting. The other part of me thinks it’s one of the most beautiful & unique pieces of music that I’ve heard in a while. So I guess that means it’s a 3????????

I have never been a fan of Leonard Cohen's music. I know why he is so popular and it may just be his voice that causes me to struggle to get into his music in-depth. This is a really good album, though I don't like the title track that much. I am interested to hear more of Leonard Cohen's material, especially if I am able to contact with it like I did this album.

Good, strange album

Death sells, huh? Nearly liturgical in its orientation, and profound in its poetry. Lovely light-touch arrangements despite all the mournfulness. Haunting, too. “Treaty” is gripping. “On the Level” bittersweet and sung a bit tongue-in-cheek. Among the most overtly death-head records, one will take this over Zevon’s and Bowie’s. And the voice holds up way better than, say, Sinatra’s in his last efforts. Stark and powerful, a beautiful and most fitting exit for an artist of massive, massive stature.

Learning how close to Cohen’s death this album was released certainly makes the lyrics more haunting. But it’s not any easier to listen to.

The deep voice is very charming, furthermore really enjoy the decent production.

This is the album that made me appreciate a bit of Mr. Cohen and I was obviously late to the party. An album of much melancholy yet extremely soothing with the old man’s husky vocals. Standout track is You Want It Darker but the whole album positively glistens.

An extraordinarily powerful and profound work of art. Produced and delivered so close to his demise adds to the effect (obviously). If you had tto pick just one record to listen to before you die, this might very well be it.

3/5 - I just find his sound exhausting. It’s like listening to molasses. I like molasses, but this is just unrelenting molasses.

I don't have a single bad thing to say about this album. The arrangements are beautiful. The mournful lyrics and delivery are peak Cohen. The sadness is palpable. It's heavy, as you'd expect, but it feels rather cozy. Standout Tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty, Traveling Light, Steer Your Way

Beautiful words in places but very depressing

I love listening to dark albums, so this one didn't spook me or depress in the least, as it has others in these reviews, but at the end of the day it is just more of the same boring schtick by Leonard Cohen about the same handful of subjects that he is obsessed with. In my opinion, music is the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms by which the lyrics are delivered. The lyrics themselves are not music, and and ike most of Cohen 's catalog there is nothing instrumentally melodic, melodically, or rhythmically interesting going on here. No real substance, just more smoke and mirrors to memorize the hipsters. This is my third Cohen album and I haven't even gotten to his album that is most bearable of his on this list. This artist is waaaaay over represented on the list. It is just weird to me when people compare him to Johnny Cash or David Bowie, as he does not possess the musicality or lyricality of either of them.

barely classify this as music.

Not for me, like late Johnny Cash

How is this a top 1000? I get it's a good bye album, but that should have no bearing on placement on this list. Definitely a miss for me.

This website has made me a much bigger fan of Leonard. I never used to be a fan of his voice but still liked his song writing, especially when performed by other singers. However, the more I listen to him the more appreciation I have for him.

Cool

The somber vocals laid over the haunting music made this a powerful, reflective, melancholy record.

95/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑

Still had it in him. Chur my Len.

If I wanted it darker, it'd have to be pretty bloody black to get there. I'm not usually a fan of Cohen, but this album is one that I respect. It's beautiful in a way few things can be, and dances around the limits of rawness without becoming a charicature. Great.

Probably the dullest album he recorded. He could do so much better - and he did.

Commuting to work thinking I'm in a David Lynch movie.

Not for me

Dark!

It seems a bit wrong to listen to his dying album only having listened to one of his others (his first one, too), but it’s an interesting contrast between the two. This gets overshadowed by Blackstar in terms of 2016 death albums, but it’s still a great look into one of the greatest songwriters’ outlook in his last days.

Just pretty grumbly but had some nice bits. Not super into the gravelly talk/singing which is pretty much all this is.

The songs are good and if I listened to them one at a time theyre all 4s. But listening to the entire album is ALOT

I really love Leonard Cohen and enjoyed the lyrics but I was disappointed everything was very talky instead of singing. I thought about Johnny Cash and how he still sang on his final albums even if it wasn’t the same as his younger years and wish there was a little more of that. I did enjoy the melodies from the back up singers in the latter half of the album.

Got the dark and brooding part right

Scared me when it started , his voice is really… different. Ok music at times, overall not good.

Not a fan of the mumbling/talking over the songs 2 ⭐️

Very good album! I thought it might be too dreary but it ended up being quite good.

★★★★½

Om Tom Waits var lättare att lyssna på

Just a monster album released on his deathbed. Almost transcendent in his messaging and writing

God I love Leonard Cohen. I’ve been giving these 4’s, but honestly I keep thinking about it so it’s probs in 5 territory at this point.

Great voice. Would much rather he spent the time recording audiobooks than this slog (1.5/5)

flojardi

Darker and deeper voice. Cohen a classic...3/5

Immediately before listening to this, I was listening to Paul Simon’s Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes. This is quite a contrast. Darker indeed. “You Want It Darker” is the last album by Leonard Cohen before he died. He was 82 when recording this album, and he died 17 days after it was released. The sound is sparse, the vocals are more spoken than sung. The pace is languid. The overall feel is reflective. The thoughts of a man who was winding down, and knew it. There’s no illusions of immortality in your 80s. All that sounds horrid, but it works. It’s genuine, it resonates. I’m not sure how much I would’ve liked this when I was 20, but in my 60’s I get it. 4/5

The allure of Leonard Cohen for me is that he is an uncompromising artist. He pursued his passion and was unapologetically himself. His journey is absolutely intriguing. That being said, this album for me was very one note. His words are always strong and the core of what he does. That is there, the music is minimal and subdued.

If you make a morbid list of the albums an artist released shortly before his death this one would be one of the greatest, hands down. Cohen gives no quarter as the title track is already very dark. What follows are other songs of longing facing the end of this hard life. 'Treaty' is also another great contribution describing an interesting contractual social relationship with one's God. Maybe that's one of the few things that could give us a little bit more security considering we can't ever know the answers to the big questions. What a masterpiece. Rest in peace, Mr Cohen. You were one of the best lyricists music ever had to offer.

A very interesting album full of moments to contemplate.

Not a huge fan of late era Lenny but he certainly has a style about him.

Um álbum com um sentimento melancólico único, composto de um misto de tristeza, aceitação e até de contemplação, escrito por um homem que sabe que vai morrer. Se cria uma atmosfera sombria e taciturna através de um vocal monotonal, moroso e minimalista, em que o cantor se preocupou em falar (e não cantar) somente o necessário que conduz todo o instrumental. A melhor forma de ouvi-lo é dedicando um momento só para ele, para que todo esse sentimento complexo de premeditação do fim possa assentar de acordo dentro do seu âmago.

Perhaps a little bit generous

Len was into Late Style early, so at the very end this is unsurprisingly an impossibly severe exercise. The voice is reduced to a whispery speech-song, the instruments are hushed and the actual tunes evaporate almost as they are played. Expertly done, but rather a tough listen.

Leonard Cohen’s acceptance is one of the most poignant statements in music I have seen in a long time. It’s on par with Bowie’s Blackstar

Homelesscore

Man, this one got me in the right mood I guess. Loved it.

Good record.

I almost like Traveling Light

Great album - what an emotional experience

Good album, a fitting farewell

I’ve never real understood Leonard Cohen. I like some of his music but aside from a few songs it isn’t something I really listen to much. I know this was a late career one. And the first song got a little radio airplay. I liked that one and a few others. But it is a bit dark for me.

Not my jam

Herrlich... einfach nur gut. Mal nicht Mainstream.

Really unique listen. Thought it was strange at first but it’s actually pretty cool to listen to someone on death’s door throw out some slam poetry. Probably will come back to this.

This dudes voice is so depressing. Its the final push for anyone thinking about it. Amazing album start to finish. Really liked it only one song wasnt great and maybe too slow and depressing but good as an album for sure

At the end of every Leonard Cohen song, say “in bed.” Hilarious.

Wow, such dark, religious, end of life introspection.

Not for me.

This is just kinda terrible.

I draw parallels between this album and David Bowie's Blackstar. Both released days before the demise of their creator and carrying gravitas and a rather sombre atmosphere.

I haven’t revisited this as much as Cohen’s earlier albums but it’s a fantastic final project. I find it difficult not to compare it to Blackstar by Bowie - the last album of a decades-spanning era-defining artist, released in 2016 shortly after returning from a lengthy hiatus and just days before their deaths, and lyrically very aware of what lay around the corner. While Blackstar experimented more sonically, diving into new genres, You Want It Darker is just Cohen doing what Cohen does best, while being very aware of the physical limitations time has imposed on him. Bleak and uncompromising but with some gorgeous arrangements, it utilises the gruffness of his voice in those later years perfectly, the pained growl of his vocals adding such a unique texture to these very emotional songs, and adding a fitting closing chapter to an incredibly storied career

I did not expect to enjoy this. Generally I prefer the melody and harmonies of a song to the lyrics but the words just hit hard. It was truly beautiful. Coupled with the extremely subdued arrangements it was a haunting listen.

I didn’t know what to think of this at first. Turns out that Leonard can come up with some interesting melodies to go with his dark poetry. This was better than expected but still isn’t something I would put for anyone or would find myself with an urge to listen to it. 2.5 goin down.

Despite being a bigger Bowie fan, I think this may be a better album than Black Star and it's impossible to not compare them. Definitely dark, but with a surprising softness despite the tone and vocals. The instrumentals feel sentimental contrasting Cohen's voice and lyrics, but the mix works astonishingly well. I kind of dreaded listening to this so the surprise enjoyment boosted this to a 5 for me. It's like being at a wake in the nicest way possible. 23/04/24

Back up vocals and music are very good. His voice just doesn’t do it for me. I have a feeling some of his earlier albums will be on this list and curious if his “singing” style still was the same in his earlier days. Was getting kinda droopy about halfway through the album. Leaving the table has a really good clean sounding lead guitar riff. If I didn’t have your love seems segmented between piano and guitar sections. Traveling light sounds like it belongs in a fugitive movie moving through the rio grande valley trying to get to Mexico. I will say each song sounds kind of the same but has very different styles or uses of instruments to play the same song.

Wonderful album. I hear the sound of Tom Waits in the voice in many of the songs. Is suspect that is on purpose.

Poems with music in the background………..

So respect his eloquence and his beautiful way of looking death in the face and creating such reflections for us to share. This may have been his best.

Like Johnny Cash's last album, you knew when you heard this that Leonard Cohen was about to depart this veil of tears. Powerful music from one of the most important songwriters of the past 100 years.

Very different, wonder why this is labeled rock instead of gospel. Christian rock.

Ominous

Haunting and beautiful. Love it.

It's something. That's for sure.

In his last few months before his death, Cohen curses God and all He represents. The compositions are minimalist. Very slow and simple, it's a focus on Cohen's repeated motifs (like the flame of flowers), and the despair in his aged voice. The strings and back vocals match the vibe well. It seems like he wrote the lyrics first as poetry, and requested what kind of accompaniment he wanted. It works well, but the instrumentals sound purely supplementary which often leads to a forgettable experience if you weren't particularly moved by his words. "You Want It Darker" is a powerful opener, and likewise "Steer You Way" and the "String Reprise" beautifully and solemnly close the record. Everything else could've been stronger in some way. But nevertheless, a beautiful listen, just as long as you pay attention. Favorites: You Want It Darker, Steer Your Way

sounds like being stuck in church listening to some old guy talk to you for hours way too close to your ear. maybe i'm too young to understand, I gave songs from a room a real shot, but i just couldn't stand it. had to turn this one off and listen to some weather report.

This was a very melancholic album and that feeling is definitely maintained throughout. A lot of songs about loss of love and religion with Leonard Cohens poetic, almost spoken vocals accompanied by a layered but simple instrumentation. I enjoyed trying to focus on individual aspects of these songs such as the lyrics or music or beat which really demonstrate that a lot of thought went into arrangement and putting these songs together. Still, I think ill probably enjoy some of these songs more individually and removed from this album, or maybe re listening to it in a sadder mood. Giving this a rating was hard because i did enjoy elements but also definitely prefer other Cohen albums more but im gonna bump it to 4 stars.

Marginally better than the previous Cohen album I listened to. Still not a fan, but this is a strong 2 stars rather than just reaching that level.

I have heard a couple of his songs in movies, but was not familiar with all his stuff. Very unique voice and an easy listen.

01) You Want It Darker - 10,0 02) Treaty - 9,0 03) On The Level - 8,5 04) Leaving The Table - 9,0 05) If I Didn't Have Your Love - 8,0 06) Traveling Light - 8,5 07) It Seemed the Better Way - 8,0 08) Steer Your Way - 9,0 09) String Reprise / Treaty - 7,0 TOTAL: 8,56 (86/100) I'm leaving the table, I'm out of the game. I'm traveling light, it's au revoir. I'm ready, my Lord! What a great farewell album from a legend. There's something so soothing about this album, his lyrics and his voice make me feel so calm, so peaceful and I really like that feeling. It's not five stars, but it's very close.

Fedora wannabe Solo pilla reproducciones por que habla como si se hubiese fumado 3 cajas de puros, lo cual viendolo es posible que sea verdad. Va a ser que no man, vuelve al bar a beber copillas y mirarle el culo a las shavalas.

Super sick

I can see why someone would like this, but to me it wasn't a very enjoyable listen. The lyrics were good, really good even, but the actual music itself was kinda boring. Not a fan overall, but it wasn't bad either.

Love this guy! Jazz and poetry blended together.

Having never heard them before surprised me with the arrangement and lyricism. All really good. Would listen to again.

That felt much longer than it was. He has a good voice and the strings were a nice touch, but there was nothing interesting or challenging on this album. Very straightforward. 3/5.

Wonderfully dark and haunting. Stripped down and simple. A beautiful gift to give the world before leaving.

I like this album a lot and I want to love it since I see a lot of parallels with David Bowie's Blackstar. This album is so much more interesting than the last Leonard Cohen album which was on the list, and the instrumentation is really great. I even think that the vocals work for this album. However, my biggest problem with this album is that the vocals are mixed WAY TO LOUD. The title track has a really cool baseline but then the vocals come in and you can barely hear any of the instruments. Who mixed this album Billy Corgan and Lars Ulrich. The second half is better, but the vocals could still be turned down just a little bit.

I took my time approaching this one. I prefer early Cohen before his voice deepened. This was a delight.

Okay. Leonard Cohen is a legend. The lyrics? Depressing but they made me stop and reflect which I can appreciate. Listening to an old man talk/sing over basic pop chords and instrumentation though? Definitely not easy listening or for me. For the music alone? 1 star. But after reading about the history of this album. I'll give an extra pity star.

Probably the dreariest record I've heard so far on this list. Knowing Cohen was on death's door during its making explains that. This isn't the kind of music I can bump endlessly like most of the other stuff on this list, and I have to be in a very particular mood to properly enjoy it, but I know this will hit me hard when I do find myself enjoying it.

Probably deep and awesome but I just can't bear his voice so I couldn't stick this one out

Kinda spooky

Didn't like this guy whispering in my ear

taas tämä jutskupoika... ei voi julkisella paikalla itkeä.... mitäs tässä nyt kirjottahanan... hyvä musiikki., hyvät lyriikat, hyvä ääni... menee kuunteluun kun paremmat ehjät kuulokkeet joskus.. haavoittuvainen vanha mies... NOSTAKAA ELÄKEIKÄÄ... pakko otta eläkkeistä pois NYT.. NYYYYYYYYYT!!!! helposti paras albumi herralta, kaikki mitä hyvää artistina tulee tässä yhteen pakettiin, viimeisinä päivinä kuoleman partaalla...taivaan porteilla...niin hyvää puuta... Useless cunt leaving the table

Though I knew the name, and likely heard his music, I couldn't have named one Cohen song. At all. This album reminded me of Tom Waits, though that may be unfair, as I don't know who came first. Slow, but not dull, the lyrics and music blend to set mood. Well done.

soooooooooo gravelly 0/10 do not recommend get gud sing hallelujah instead next time poser

😭😭 ved ikke om jeg er ved at blive gammel men den her ramte mig lige i solar plexus

Får altid gåsehud af den her! Elsker gamle Leonards stemme, hans pitch er så lav at man nærmest kan tælle de enkelte stemmelæbevibrationer bare ved at lytte

Can I have it even darker?

dark and depressing

Haunting but impressively so. The story behind the album makes it that much better. His words strike at your heartstrings in a way few lyrics do.

This one was definitely brutal, as someone who hasn't listened to any other Leonard Cohen album, this album still very accurately described the haunting final days of someone's life; the ones where they know there time is almost up. The best comparison I have for it is probably Hurt, the Johnny Cash version; fitting as I haven't fully listened to a Johnny Cash album either. Both the cover and this album use this sense of finality in a sort of uplifting ending. Despite this album *sounding* downtrodden, I think it's an acceptance to the certainty of death. While I wouldn't say it's my favorite album in the entire collection, I have to give a 9/10 (rounded up to 5 stars) on the sheer message alone that I took out of it: Cherish your life, it's gonna end soon.

Found it lyrically interesting but musically lacking.

Oooh! Beautiful! Those choirs!

Good album to listen too on a rainy day and have some tea. Simple soothing music for the soul

I understand Cohen is a legend but I couldn’t get behind the almost spoken word vocals. Just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Just a dude whispering in my ear

You have to enjoy the vocalist to appreciate this. I can't get past that and it was a struggle for me.

Haunting beatnik style spoken lyrics with beautiful instrumentation and backing vocals. Out of context the album would be weird, but knowing the state of the world and Cohen at the time of production makes the album profound. I don’t want to listen to it again, but appreciate the experience.

Great, sadly last, album.

This was actually pretty good, the style is not my go to and won't start now. Was a good listen tho Will I listen to again: 5%

Really unique. Slow and throbbing. Sooooo far outside of other music I listen to, but genuinely quite enjoyable.

Do I Leonard? Really? I’m not so sure to be honest, the darkness is one of the principal reasons that I’ve steered clear of you over the years. But I’ll be the first to admit that’s been my mistake. This is a beautiful, poetic and, yes, dark, collection of songs that reek of regret, integrity and a life rich in experience. Top drawer.

Yeah he’s influenced a shit tonne of bands, but I’ve never really understood the appeal (probably as I’m not so influenced on lyrics alone). TBH, his voice is pretty reduced to speaking only given his age at this point, so this album just sounds like a bad version of Mark Lanegan.

Need to listen to this again. He new he was on the way out and laid some personal stuff down. Lots of good funeral songs, quite liked it.

Nicht meine Richtung

Wow! I thought Leonard Cohen wasn't for me, but I was wrong. This is so darkly atmospheric, I was happy it was raining outside while listening to it. The arrangements are sparse but it works wonderfully.

Great misnight album, so haunting...

4.5

Very pleasant. I enjoy this album.

A voice that makes the speakers in your trunk rattle like a trap hit. Paired with sparse instrumentation from across genres (gospel blues, country, jazz, industrial), the voice is front and centre, sultry slow and steady, so low and heavy that it barely raises itself into song. Urgent but not rushed. Weary, but willing to try a near final gasp - an affirmation of the art that made a life. The violins and lap steels and choir all hint at what's next, morbidly uplifting the music soars while the voice remains tethered to the body. Favorites: traveling light, leaving the table

Like a fine instrument filled with gravel, Leonard Cohen's voice. Lyrics are beyond compare.

Sounds like him

I think it’s unfortunate that this is the first Leonard Cohen I’ve listened to properly cos I don’t really get it - I feel like if I had the context of his career I’d like it more.

The lyrics are entertaining, and impressive that he created this at his age, but all of that does not make me want to listen to it again.

I would of gave it more stars if it was one of his early ablums.

Give me a Leonard Cohen after-world... So I can sigh eternally

Hella talent just not what I listen to. Unfortunately it's just not my music.

I was expecting to kinda hate this because an entire album of Leonard Cohen grumbling into a mic? But ... I was wrong. Something about it struck a chord with me. I won't go out of my way to own it on vinyl, but I'll add it to my streaming library in the "Sitting In The Dark Drinking Whiskey" moods/vibes playlist.

Not his best

Definitely one of the albums I would play on the day I decide to kill myself.

Deep voice, Deep lyrics, centering love and connection (w girl or faith?). Unique voice

Not a big fan of Leonard Cohen, didn't know this but found it surprisingly interresting.

Made me sad :(

I think Leonard might have depression. He has an incredible double bass voice, but that is really all the album has going for it. I hope he gets therapy, favorite track was make it darker.

Not really. This is dark enough. Gentle night music with the soon to die LCs poetry over a sparce melodic background. You've really gotta be in the right mood for this.

I'm familiar with Cohen but I've never listened to him before. The reason is that I'm not a big fan of his is the voice and delivery. This is not something that I would listen to again.

Easy listening, more spoken word than singing

Another slow and depressing Leonard Cohen album. The one does have better instrumentation and sounds more polished than some of his previous albums.

Nice instrumentation. I'm not really a fan of spoken word, but I could think of it as a poetry recital. It does fit

very very good.

Beautiful album. Some songs end up a little too similar to the opening track.

Never really listened to him before. Mesmerizing voice and nice lyrics. Time and a place for this kinda stuff though I guess.

Soothing background music. Probably quite poetic if you listen closely enough.

I'm torn on how I feel about this album. It's so unique that it's hard not to like it for that alone. Cohen's voice is very powerful, every word he says feels like it has weight. Unfortunately, as a musical number it feels very flat. Especially in the first half. His cadence doesn't really change over the course of the whole album. His "singing" consists of just barely changing the inflection in his voice. It's a weird dichotomy where the lyrical content is very emotional but the delivery of those lyrics is very emotionless. Songs with some extra flare and background vocals like "Traveling Light" helped break up the monotony. I think Cohen just needed some more variety to accent his one-note vocal style.

Geheel niet fraai

Maat dit is echt niet om aan te horen zo saai hahah hoe heeft you want it darker 75 millie streams

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: You want it darker, Traveling light, It seemed the better way, Steer your way

I liked the first song because of the halo soundtrack. Otherwise, Leonard’s style isn’t really for me. 6/10

I feel like I am inside his throat. He’s got a great old person voice. Good backing music. Lyrical style was very repetitive to the point I thought I was listening to a duplicate song. Not as good as the first album we had of his. Definitely have to be in a certain mood for this kind of music. 6/10

The perfect swan song. Cohen meditating on life, faith and death 16 days before his own. It gets darker. But also beautiful as last rites and the juxtaposition, like Dylan, of beautiful, masterful music, and the stark reality of age in the vocals.

Love the choral elements.

Okay, not a mood I often find myself in

Leonard Cohen’s You Want It Darker is a drowsy, solemn epilogue. Really, he is basically just talking on the album, but that isn’t necessarily horrible for the tracks. Sometimes, the comfortable and relaxed production, which is evident on all the songs, takes over and nicely balances with his voice. Other times, Leonard just talks with no evident cohesion. Highlights include It Seemed the Better Way and String Reprise / Treaty. All in all, You Want It Darker is an alright album. Best Song: String Reprise/Treaty Worst Song: You Want It Darker

Oh! Sing melancholy of love and regret. Sweetly serenade the last pains of my heart.

Blew me away! The tempo gets a little samey as you go on but the individual songs are all excellent.

This album was recorded and released shortly before Leonard Cohen’s death, so unsurprisingly it deals with some heavy topics - love, pain and faith, but it manages to sound bright and positive too. Cohen is accompanied by a synagogue choir and a cantor in places, and the whole thing sounds very atmospheric and moving. I’d put this along side Nick Cave for an album to listen to in a darkened room when you have time to meditate on what he is saying.

Sorry, I'm still not a fan of Cohen. And with time flying by, it seems to me that he became a caricature of himself. His slow, drowling voice may be soothing to some, it is irritating to me. And I've never been a huge fan of slow music; there are very few exceptions, but Cohen is not of them. I still find it pretty boring.

I still think, Cohen is better as a poet than as a singer. He brilliantly creates a dark atmosphere, but I probably won't listen to the album again.

Fucking church music, this is ass, period. I was so fucking bored lissenign to this, i gave up on the second song, im gonna go cry.

With over 50 albums listened to and rated I can honestly say this was the first one that really REALLY impressed me. Lyrically intense, melodies that are subtle and complicated, and subject matter that was deep and intense. So good I listened to it back to back and again later that day.

Snoozer

Blimey. On a reflective Sunday morning, the opening couple of tracks on this landed HARD. Heartbroken old boy hymns. What's worse, the unrelenting horny frustrations of the younger man, or the feeling that chapter of life has ended and you no longer care? Leonard knows. Making his peace with a god he no longer wants to believe in. Love it.

I couldn’t listen to this. I tried, it was bizarre.

A bit strange.

This is so simple, yet just as fantastic. The fact that he died less than a month after making it adds to the album’s effectiveness, in my opinion. The arrangements, though sparse, are beautifully powerful. The structure and production are phenomenal. The lyrics are some of his finest, which is high praise for Leonard. It’s a shame his vocals can’t match the weight of everything else in his songs. I know he was in his eighties, but it’s practically spoken word. Otherwise, incredible through and through. 4/5

Very Tom Waits

Somber, dark, decent

Music to examine your mortality by. Cohen has never done it for me but this is an experience. I don't think I'd ever listen to this again but I'm not mad that I did.

Love the title track, and Treaty always gets me. I think the existence of this album is more compelling than the actual musical quality. Will inevitably come back to this, even though it's more spoken word than song

Make it stop.

prettyyyyy pretty good. starts very strong, kind of gets monotonous after awhile

Cohen experienced some kind of revival when Old Ideas came out. His humour and sense of self-awareness made him relevant again. You Want It Darker is certainly the best of his three most recent albums and a fitting way to say goodbye. But outside of two or three tracks, Cohen just fails to capture my attention and nothing really sticks with me. The biggest advantage this one has over his other albums is that the production is actually nice for a change.

Old man talking about old man stuff.