You Want It Darker

So this is my third Leonard Cohen album now and it's still just fine. I like it but don't love it. Obviously this album being recorded just before he died makes it interesting and his voice sounds actually really great and I quite like it. But again you kinda get the same sounding song repeated over and over again.

Dark and brooding, nice

love the man but his voice is just too close to ASMR here and it's actually hard to listen for me

I really didn't understand the appeal of Leonard Cohen until i listened to some of his earlier records, which I thought were quite good. Later in his career, he had a bit of an revival and attracted new fans and treated his old fans with new material. This music i have less interest in, unless you're old and/or female, it's not for me. Listenable, but I prefer his back catalog.

I’ve been listening to some Cohen recently so it was fun to see this pop up. As usual, lyrics are introspective and pseudo religious, with some straightforward but not too simple backings.

Puro Cohen

This album compares and contrasts well with Black Star in different, morbid ways. I feel like they are both sort of reaching the same conclusion, but approaching it a bit differently as they age and mortality creeps closer. I feel like "You Want It Darker" and "Treaty" are the stand-out tracks. You Want It Darker is a better-than-average but feels like an intro that doesn't stand on its own as a track. Treaty I do like a lot. It reminds me of something Tom Waits would do, which is great in my book. From here after Treaty, it falls a bit short of what I'd want. Maybe I'm just not old enough, but it's just ok for me. The spoken-word delivery gets older and older the longer the album goes for me. I don't dislike it, but I want a lot more out of it.

Preferred this over Songs Of Leonard Cohen. Not exactly uplifting though

You Want It Darker is the fifth album from Leonard Cohen that I have reviewed for this list. I think I liked this album perhaps all of the other albums so far. I was still left wondering at times if Cohen is actually singing on this album. I have not yet reached a full appreciation of Cohen. I am primarily just getting through the albums. This album does have some guitar work that adds to the mood of the album. The overall mood of the tracks is okay and interesting even if I don't get in sync with Cohen's work. The lyrics to "You Want It Darker" are dark, but the track was a good opening for the album. I think I enjoyed "If I Didn't Have Your Love" and "Traveling Light". This album gets three stars because it was okay with a few additional bright moments spread over dark themes.

Eh, cool, but not really into Liam Nieson-esc vocals.. 6/10

Not used to this genre, but grew to like it towards the middle. A nice sombre album

Get this man a throat lozenge and a cup of lemon tea! Jokes aside, this is a beautifully intimate album. The backing band is a tight and dynamic collection of instruments, that is varied from track to track but cut down to just the essential pieces within any given track. Leonard's vocals whisper, growl, rumble and occasionally claw their way up into the lower musical register. The lyrics are quintessentially Cohen; poetic, built on a frame of relatable narrative and decorated to the hilt with evocative imagery and metaphors. I entered into the album thinking I wasn't in the mood for it. Turns out I was wrong.

Not my style of my Music, wouldnt listen again, but it is its good music

Definitely grows on you

That deep rasp tho 😍. Really really enjoyed it!

Loved the voice loved the mood 3.5/5

RIP Stripped back Lenny ❤️

Po prostu Cohen, nastrojowy niski głos. Spokojny, wyważony całkiem ciekawy.

I appreciate the music, but I don’t really enjoy Leonard Cohen.

I know he's a popular guy but this was a little too monotonous for me.

Second Leonard Cohen album to show up. His older gravelly voice gets a bit much for this long but I enjoyed it still.

David Bowie, great in his own right, released his last album in life "Blackstar", and passed away mere days later. As if he also knew his time was up, great Canadian folk artist Leonard Cohen followed suit in the same year. You Want It Darker, Cohen's last album in his life time, came out October 21, 2016. 17 days later, he died. There's not much left of Cohen's voice on You Want It Darker. What he has, though, he leans into. The titular song and opening track is, in fact, dark. Cohen sings about death in a very religious way. Similar to Balckstar, it's as if Cohen knows his time is up. Unlike Blackstar, Cohen prefers to keep things simple with his last album. This subdued sound is nice, but can lose steam after a few songs on account of sounding samey. Cohen is really dwelling in this sombre, grizzled mood the whole time, so you'll really need to be in the mood for that.

3/5 beautiful to hear, but not enough to buy it.

halleljewha

Dat zijn stem zijn uithangbord is, staat als een paal boven water. Muzikaal vind ik dat album net iets minder. Aangenaam om te luisteren, maar geen hoogvlieger

Leonard Cohen's a legend. This album isn't my usual cup of tea, but I'm glad to have experienced it.

Like the title suggests this a dark plodding album that is still quite fulfilling ecause of Cohen's incredible lyrical sense and dramatic delivery. The music matches the lyrical themes perfectly. I found something to enjoy in most every song. Thouvh in the end s little monotonous t ate higher than 3.5🌟

From the first track Cohen's vocals were like wrapping yourself in a warm fluffy blanket of "zero fucks given". Would pair well with whisky and a nice cigar

Perhaps never the artist to listen to if you're feeling a little down. Leonard's remarkable voice is always worth it though. Could listen to him read the phonebook.

This is the guy that does the true detective intro songs! Not something I would listen to a lot but a cool sound

Like a William Shatner album, but classier. Seriously, though, I was a little befuddled by this one. But still enjoyed it somewhat. Fave track was the title track.

6/10

I didn't expect to see this on this list at all. Only ever listened to Cohens best ofs/greatest hits. He died not long after this record was released and that hits home in the lyrics

Dark indeed. Quite cool if viewed as poetry set to music. I might listen again on my death bed with a whiskey in hand. Did hold my attention until the end though, even on a second listen.

Good songs. I wish I liked listening to L.C.

Salmer med bedre tekster og lyd. Men stadigvæk lidt kedelig til tider.

Cohen's farewell album. It's his later work so there's more electronic bubbling than acoustic folk. All that's left to say is thanks Leonard; you made us all want it darker throughout your career. Best Tracks: You Want It Darker; On The Level; Traveling Light

Comme vous le savez, j'ai une bonne dizaine d'albums a rattrapper suite a une semaine de vacances bien méritées sur la côte Atlantique. J'ai donc des preoccupations bien plus importantes que d'analyser l'album du cadavre de Leonard Cohen

Track 1- No Thanks. Track 2- I now remember how much I dislike Leonard Cohen as a performer. Track 3- This isn’t really for me. Track 4- Would be a really good song he actually sang it. Track 5- I would really love this song if someone else were singing it. Beautiful Lyrics but sounds like its being sung by Lurch from the Addams Family. I get that’s supposed to be his appeal, but it’s not working for me. Track 6- See notes for Track 5. Track 7- “Seeing a better way” to my heart if this were covered by someone. Track 8- A solid song. Love the fiddles. It’s got a good beat. I can dance to it. Would love to hear this without the vocals and just scrolling lyrics across the screen. Track 9- I do like the concept of the reprise. Bookends everything. The album is engineered beautifully- and you can hear every nuance of his voice (which for me is unfortunate.) Overall, I respect this man for everything he’s created. He wrote some amazing songs. The Jeff Buckley cover of ‘Hallelujah’ is one of the most amazing songs ever. Also I have a special place in my heart for Canadians. If I were a troubadour looking for songs to cover there’s a treasure trove here. I simply don’t like his vocal styling. Thanks for including me! I promise I’m not a contrarian!

I can appreciate Leonard Cohen as a lyricist, but as a singer/musician, not so much. Reading his words, I am a fan. Listening to him perform them, I am not. I just can't get into the talking over the background sounds, which always seem slightly religious. The mood is like being in a dimly lit cathedral where some creepy cult is going to jump out of the shadows. I think this was among his last albums, and perhaps he was trying to excise some demons because he knew his time was limited. I know I should probably like Leonard Cohen, but I don't.

Bien mais un peu déçue. Après avoir tant entendu parlé de l'artiste je m'attendais à quelque chose de grandiose. L'album est très très calme et assez monotone.

good background music.

Once I got over the initial weirdness factor, I actually didn’t hate it!

He comes off as using other songs to jump start his, then doing a tom waits voice over impression. The arrangements and assembly are top notch however. Does he do anything not sleepy on the edge of creepy?

2 1/2

It was alright. The instrumentation was pretty good paired with Cohen's voice, but I just didn't vibe that hard. Highlights: 1, and 4.

This was enjoyable, highlight track was traveling light for me, its not the best driving to work on Friday morning music but can see myself listening too again.

It starts great and it ends perfectly, it's a shame that the middle of the album is one long drone of boredom.

A me la voce di Cohen piace e questo disco potrebbe annoiare di più ma non lo fa e alla fine scorre abbastanza tranquillamente. Mi piace come il cantato si appoggia sull'arrangiamento minimale, il risultato l'ho trovato cinematico ma non scontato. 3.5 pieno.

Ah

Feels a bit unfair to review this as I could have paid more attention to it but in the right mood it would probably gain more stars. Recognised ‘Treaty’ from the recent Your Honor tv series and caught various lyrical gems that other writers would murder for. Pretty dark.

It finishes strongly but ultimately the title track sets expectations that aren’t met. Nonetheless it’s a beautiful and heartbreaking piece of work.

The song I already knew was the best one. A pleasant listen but nothing much stood out that I didn't already know. I find elements of the arrangement and production distracting.

Like pouring a fine aged brandy into a small, new glass.

interesting seeming to chronicle his wrestling with the end of his life, death, and religion. I am not a huge fan, but respect the content. Probably 3.5

This man's voice! Good lord, it does things to me. Didn't have my favourite leonard cohen song which is 'i'm your man' but still a really good album, love the dark/existential themes

An album that lives up to its name! There is a time and place for this album and I'll give it this - he's good at picking interesting lyrics. I kept finding myself guessing what he was going to say and kept being wrong. The lyrics can be... obtuse. Dude speaks in metaphors constantly. I loved the addition of backup singers and collabs. If the whole album was this guy, I think it would be a two. It's a solid three though and deserves to be heard.

Dark, bluesy on places, great feel voice. Good.

It finishes strongly but ultimately the title track sets expectations that aren’t met. Nonetheless it’s a beautiful and heartbreaking piece of work.

Not bad

A little somber, great deep voice tho! More references than I expected to gambling...?

Fande das sterbe Album von Jonny Cash besser.

Good for a listen, lots of raw emotion, but not something I'd listen to on the regular.

Nooit echt mijn ding geweest. Moest ooit Suzanne zingen bij zangles. Wat een hel! Wel een mooie Peaky Blinders sfeer, dus toch drie sterren

He’s got a very deep voice hasn’t he.

‘You want it darker’ is natuurlijk een fantastisch nummer. Verder had ik op iets meer zang en iets minder gepraat gehoopt.

Pretty cool 80 year old. It was a good listen, but not one I’m likely to go back to, save the first track. “As he died to make men holy, let us die to make things cheap” was an interesting lyric

Another Leonard Cohen. Again, nice to listen to. 3/5

Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. It was really crazy listening to very early Leonard Cohen after listening to this album.

Cohen is good when you first encounter him but like Nick Cave, I've kind of grown tired of his schtick.

Good but like you get ir by the third track

almost a 4

3 - Musik, die man allein beim Rauchen hört.

Well, new Leonard Cohen certainly isn't my fave and this less little impression on me. Some nice bits and as ever, the poet over the song writer.

Decent.

It's darker alright. I like it decent enough. 6-7/10

Think of Johnny cash but down one octave. A little slow for me, but good album.

This one was okay. I don’t really prefer albums where the person is sort of speaking the song, so I guess I didn’t like it as much as the other album by him that I’ve listened to with this project.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It could have been the alcohol.

Good ol' "new" Cohen. Quite alright but nothing spectacular.

Me gustó lo tremendamente melancólico que es en algunos puntos, aunque creo que ese es el sello de Cohen. Sorpresa que un álbum relativamente tan nuevo esté aquí, hace obvio que al menos habrá uno o dos más de él.

Bit over the top but I really liked Travelling Light.

Nada mal, mesmo sendo quase todo falado. Dá a impressão de palavras finais, com tom mais macabro e só um pouco ébrio.

My least favorite LC album, though his voice still sounds buttery.

Great lyrics

Too slow and too much talking for me

It’s like a story book opera. Leonard Cohen is one of a kind

I think I've listened to enough growling old dudes but this was fine. There was one track on it that I really enjoyed

Dark

12/8 Certainly dark, a coming to grips with certain demise album. Lot of religious themes, which I guess you get into at that stage of one's life. Standout Tracks: You Want It Darker, If I Didn't Have Your Love, Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better Way, String Reprise / Treaty

Good album... probably requires listening in a different time and space to the one I currently reside though.

Boring

A great songwriter, but he made far better albums. He was never a great singer but here he barely sings. These are the final breaths of a dying man.

Didn't really like it. Would probably read pretty good as poetry, but I don’t feel the gap was bridged here. Dark and fairly monochromatic, laid over music that didn’t lend any favors — no style or tempo changes made this listen much more like a spooky spoken word session than a musical work. Maybe I just don’t get it and it’ll grow on me. Until then.

I Did Not Want It Darker

no, im OK thanks giving sensual or maybe even grandpa singing you to sleep (respectfully)

unexpected spoken-word? very sad; not my kind of thing but I respect the emotional/spiritual depth

i appreciate this album more with the context of him recording it in a sick state and releasing it just weeks before his passing. but it’s not for me. his voice is like a more ominous version of Louis Armstrong, specifically in the first song. i did like Traveling Light.

It's basically spoken word poetry over some background music. Leonard has a very deep, almost creepy voice. I really don't have the patience to give this the attention it deserves (because this seems like a lyric-forward album), but I suppose if I did, I might appreciate it more. (2)

How many Leonard Cohen albums are on this list? I just don't find him very interesting

I’ve always appreciated Leonard Cohen as a great songwriter, but his voice has never really clicked for me. This is brought to its worst extreme on this album as he was at the end of his life and the substance is all but gone from his voice. The bits that were there and were tolerable have vanished. He grumbles and mumbles his way through some beautifully written songs that I’m sure could have been performed quite well by somebody else.

ooof.

Sleepy

moving. not the kind that touches me really though

Posthumous (or at least, near humous) albums are always difficult, but, this was interesting. I'd need to listen more.

another slog from leonard

well this might be a bit heavy for a monday workday it's not too bad very somber, but not overwhelmingly so 💥you want it darker

meh not my thing too dark and broody unique voice which is cool

I have only lightly encountered Leonard Cohen in the past. THose encounters have consistently left me skeptical. Plus, I lowkey hate that Hallelujah song. It's ok. Hearing something that is ok many, many times is a solid formula for turning hostile toward that song. I don't hate this album, but I definitely don't get it. And I'm not a fan.

As you commented last week, Joe, thank goodness we’re done with this band now. Our 5th of 5.

You Want It Darker Leonard Cohen 2016 Genres: Folk, Rock Styles: Singer Songwriter, Folk Rock, Ballad 1. You Want It Darker (★★★☆☆) -Contexto: Cohen enfrenta la oscuridad del sufrimiento humano y su relación con Dios. La canción mezcla referencias bíblicas, violencia, culpa y una especie de aceptación de la muerte; "Hineni" expresa estar presente y dispuesto ante Dios. 2. Treaty (★★☆☆☆) -Contexto: Una canción sobre el deseo de reconciliación con alguien —posiblemente una amante, pero también interpretable como una figura divina— después de una relación marcada por distancia y desencuentros. El "tratado" representa la paz que Cohen quisiera alcanzar entre ambos. 3. On the Level (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Cohen reflexiona sobre el deseo y la tentación desde la perspectiva de un hombre mayor. No presenta el deseo como algo que haya desaparecido con la edad, sino como una fuerza que todavía lo atrae y que, en el fondo, no quiere abandonar. 4. Leaving the Table (★★☆☆☆) -Contexto: Una despedida y un acto de renuncia. Cohen declara que abandona el juego: deja atrás una relación, las disputas y las expectativas, aceptando que ya no necesita seguir luchando por nada. 5. If I Didn’t Have Your Love (★★☆☆☆) -Contexto: Una canción de amor relativamente luminosa dentro del álbum. Cohen imagina cómo se derrumbaría su percepción del mundo sin el amor de la persona amada, presentándolo como aquello que vuelve real y soportable la existencia. 6. Traveling Light (★★★☆☆) -Contexto: Cohen habla de marcharse llevando poco equipaje, tanto literal como emocionalmente. Es una despedida de alguien o de una etapa de su vida, asociada con la soledad, el desprendimiento y la aceptación de seguir adelante. 7. It Seemed the Better Way (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Cohen recuerda una forma de fe que alguna vez parecía ofrecer respuestas y consuelo, pero que ahora ya no consigue proporcionarle el mismo alivio espiritual. Es una reflexión sobre la pérdida de certezas religiosas. 8. Steer Your Way (★★★★★) -Contexto: Una canción sobre atravesar conscientemente el sufrimiento y continuar avanzando pese a la oscuridad. Cohen exhorta al corazón a mantenerse en el rumbo incluso cuando el dolor, la muerte y la fragilidad humana resultan inevitables. -Fav 9. String Reprise / Treaty (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Relectura instrumental de "Treaty" que funciona como cierre del álbum. Al desaparecer prácticamente la voz y quedar las cuerdas, la canción adquiere una sensación de despedida y deja suspendido el deseo de alcanzar finalmente esa reconciliación. -TOTAL = ★★⯨☆☆ (2,72)

Appreciating the context of this release, I wonder if this album is included somewhat on a sentimental basis. No doubt the lyrical genius is still there, and his voice plumbs even new depths… In that it’s super deep on some tracks (of course) but on first listen - that I can recall anyway - this doesn’t come across as super memorable. Surely another Cohen album belongs on this list.

To boring

kinda boring

Стоило ожидать что за 2 хороших альбома подряд есть своя цена. Как и предыдущий, этот оказался никакой. Мелодия вроде хорошая, поёт тоже мелодично, но так, как будто выдавливает из себя через силу.

I feel bad because this album definitely caught me on the wrong day. But I couldn't get behind the depressing weathered old man thing when it's so sunny outside

Good song writing, good instrumentals, don't like his singing

I don't really want it darker, or at all.

I’ve given this a couple of listens and it’s just too 1-dimensional, he needs to step back from the mic for a couple of songs. Every track sounds the same

No I thought it was already pretty dark thank you for your concern tho

Meh. Pretty samey. That first track is great though.

Like, y'know kudos to the guy for making music while actively dying. also mega shoutout to the producer for making him sound actually somewhat decent and not crusty. I don't know how they pulled that off. but yeah, once you get over the whole mortality thing you're left with gravelly whispers and not much else. also i think my biggest ick is whispering in your ears in a song. its just so weird and i hate it

Not for me

Slightly better than solid but not really relistening so still a 2

I appriciate the poetry and might come to like it more by the years but right now this is not what im really looking for at all

Not really my type of music. Basically 36 minutes of a Man with a deep voice talking over a slow Jazzy/soul instrumental. ITS NOT BAD but i dont like it.

I respect the artistry of his old man spoken word poetry, but this album seems scientifically designed to put me to sleep.

Bit slow. An unsuccessful Tom Watts interpretation. He did indeed make it darker, and we were not a fan.

Well, this was the first Leonard Cohen full album that I've ever heard, which I acknowledge was probably a bad starting place to really dig into his discography. This just didn't really do it for me overall. There were some kind of cool spots where the music felt like 2010s era Peter Gabriel stuff with the orchestra and gravelly vocals, and I appreciate that he seemed to come at the topic of death head-on. I did find it to just be a long drag, with very little differentiation between all of the tracks, and wholly unmelodic. Maybe it was bad timing, as I got Bowie's death album literally the day before, but I found that one to be just so much more engaging and unique than this. Ah well. RIP bro.

Excellent songwriting but the vocals make it almost unlistenable

A couple memorable songs here, but his really "old" voice just gets tiring very quickly. It definitely gets points for having that "haunting" vibe to it given that this was recorded when he was basically on deaths door, but it just was nowhere near interesting enough from an instrumental standpoint either to keep me engaged. Maybe I wasn't the target audience though and need to revisit this when I'm also 80. 2/5

Cool

This album parses what are beautiful orchestra arrangements with Leonard Cohen's rather grating and boring voice.

✸ In my mind Leonard Cohen and Ron Perlman are in a competition for deepest voice. ✸ Unfortunately this isn't my musical taste, so this is a more challenging listen (I'm tempted to just skip songs, or scrub through them). ✸ Trying to remember that what I like about this project is that it stretches your capacity and experience, surfacing things you might have not listened to otherwise.

Too slow for me

Instrumental and vocals are evil as fuck. Love that bit of organ and choir throughout the title track. Treaty has some heartfelt lyrics but I find Cohen’s vocals don’t match the vibe of them. The instrumental carries this for most of it. On the Level is a little more upbeat but only slightly. It has some nice female group vocals that add alot. Leaving the Table has a simple guitar and strings but changes to some piano. His vocals are starting to do less for me as it goes along. Track five has similar problems too but the music worked more this time. Traveling Light starts strong but it’s the vocals that do less and less for me. Better Way is pretty similar to the title track which I enjoyed the most. Even if it feels repetitive it’s still solid. And that violin is fire. Steer Your Way has all the pros of the previous track. His vocals go hardest here for sure. The last track feels like a credits roll moment that is fine while it’s on.

I have really liked Leonard Cohen in the past but this swan song just did not do it for me. It felt like he was fading away and just doesn’t hold a candle to his previous work

Hated it ngl (why is he reciting a poem💔)

i dont know how i feel about this one. the story behind the album is compelling of course it’s his last work before he died and the pain he felt can be heard through the lyrics and vocals(?) but it seems like more of a personal project than anything. i’m not sure i’ll come back to it, but it was worth the initial listen.

The background vocals were doing a lot of heavy lifting on this album. Leonard Cohen has always been an epic songwriter but a subpar singer. This album would not been on this list if he wasn’t near the end of his life. I admire the bravery it must have taken to write and record when death was so close at hand. But, his voice is really awful.

Christian themes and raspy voice, just not my style unless i have a cigar

Why do people like this?

From title to execution this feels.. manufactured. It feels like someone knew there was limited time left, but that someone was an exec at a label and not Leonard .

2.3/5

This album is really fucking weird?? It is the most best poetry thing I've ever listened to and like it's cool and all but it was not hitting for me. I feel like this kind of thing is maybe best live for the full vibes

Too slow and not musically sound enough for my tastes. I feel like this album would go well with the people that like a dark and gruff voice. I am not one of those people.

This grabbed me more in the tracks where there was more than a single instrument, or other singers, or what have you. I get this man is a legend, but this did not grab me at all.

leonard cmon man

I get that he’s a great songwriter, but I can’t stand his voice and it just ruins it for me

Total weirdes album. Ist eher wie eine Erzählung als musik

Penultimate Cohen. After this, I only have Songs of Love and Hate to get through. I don't remember anything about Songs From a Room because it was BORING, though I admittedly am interested in hearing what a late-career Cohen album sounds like. I'm pretty sure Leonard Cohen is the artist with the biggest decade spread on the list. He has albums from the 60s, 80s and 2010s. Technically the 70s as well, but does it really count if Songs of Love and Hate was the third consecutive album of his to make it onto the list and released in 71? Anyways, time to rip this open. Man if this fella's voice ain't gravely. Anyways, I wasn't feeling this one. Folk isn't my style, and having some creepy old Jew whispering in my ear for half an hour isn't my idea of a good time. The album is notably weak in the instrumental department, featuring a lot of the subdued, minimal compositions. The pianos in particular are airy to the point of being non-existent, and the folky guitars are incredibly mild, even by folk standards. Fortunately, the string sections are generally quite nice - notably on the final track of the album. The organs are decent, too. I feel ashamed for admitting to being a simpleton, but I didn't bother paying attention to Cohen's lyrics this time around. I know his style, and I find it to be a bit rambling. The songwriting, on the other hand, is generally quite adept. The rolling, smouldering vocal style never ceases to be distinctive and contains an intensity which is befitting of folk. Overall, I can see this album being a strong player in folk, but the style and sensibilities of this genre just don't resonate with me. Book time. This was added to the 2018 edition of the book. I don't have a scan of the 2018 or 2021 revisions, so book time is cancelled, it seems. Guess I'll bee line it right over to Wikipedia. Released 17 days before Cohen's death. Wow, 2016 was a cursed year, huh? First Blackstar and now You Want it Darker. Cohen's spine had fractured in multiple places by the time he got around to recording this album, with it being recorded exclusively in his living room as a result, with the songs being turned over to Cohen's collaborators via e-mail. The album also marked a pivot towards a more minimal sound and was very well-received by music critics, who put it on a few year-end lists. The album topped the charts in 12 different countries and peaked in the top 10 in 11 more. The album made it on to a ton of year-end charts, notably being the fourth best-selling album of 2016 in Belgium in addition to being the fifth in Poland, the seventh in Austria and the ninth in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Belgium especially liked this album, with it having also lingered on the 2017 and 2019 year-end charts. Yeah, these all seem like good enough reasons to me. I cosign this inclusion.

О, мой любимчик. Давайте до конца списка все альбомы будут только его. Полный восторг. Диапазон и мощь его вокала оставит не у дел даже Брюса Дикинсона. Разнообразие песен такое явное, что будто каждый трек писали разные люди. Количество интересных мелодий и гармоний в каждом треке просто зашкаливает, а аранжировками и продюсированием наверно занимались одновременно Рик Рубин, Брайан Ино, Буч Виг, Мартин Берч, Доктор Дре, Джек Антонофф и Макс Мартин. Удовольствие на кончиках пальцев, 12/10

he got old, it is just like reading your diary out loud… sure it may ne lovely but it is not really music

Recognizing the unappreciated goodness.

Meh

day by day does he sing or just talk rhythmically String Reprise/Treaty was my favorite- nevermind he started talkig again.

The best part of this album is where the cover looks like it's a highway billboard and his arm is that extra-deluxe extra piece outside of the normal rectangle.

This is not for me.

This one was better than the Leonard cohen lp I got one

This is decent. He uses all his history to eek out another drop. Not really my thing, but good to see people keep going with their passion. The earlier albums obviously sit at the peak of the mountain.

Strangely intrigued, but not something I's listen to intentionally. I'm totally curious to experience a live performance, just to people watch, and to know if his other albums are similar.

Oh goddammit more Leonard Cohen. I begged for no more and the universe did not listen. Alright, so we've jumped forward to right before Cohen's death, and we now have raspy old man Cohen talking at us. The music is more produced, and I actually like it better than the older stuff, which is not saying a lot because I have no love for Cohen's music or style. Standout tracks for me were "You Want It Darker" "On The Level" and "Traveling Light" I liked the subject matter of the album, it's grim and personal; the thoughts and words of a dying man reckoning with his fate. But Leonard Cohen is still just so boring to me. Every song is mostly the same. It's a bit better than some others of his, but not by much. It's fine to experience once, but I don't see myself ever revisiting this. The music itself is more fleshed out and interesting, but it's still 2 stars for me.

Not for me but I appreciate the talent

Really tricky album to rate, it's moving but it's ultimately not very enjoyable to listen to, more of a meditation if anything. I'm going the perfect midpoint which is 5/10 which is a 2 here

This f’n guy again… I will say this is better than the other albums he’s had on this list, but still boring as hell. I don’t care for his voice or singing style, but the music itself isn’t terrible. 2/5

not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue

I get that people love his poetry. It's not bad. But he really shouldn't be a singer.

Probably more suited to a 2am listen with a whisky

1.8/5 First time I've heard Leonard Cohen and I was surprised at his style. It's not something I'm usually into but it was an interesting listen. I'm sure if I gave this a few more spins I could appreciate it more but is was just ok.

it's not for me!

no. guy whispering in your ear for 5 minutes.

I have no idea how to rate this. It wasn’t really music in the traditional sense.

..

2 stars I don’t know. Low droning voice over and over. It wasn’t bad but I wasn’t interested.

Doesn't work for me

This was the most recent album we've heard so far and an interesting case study on how an artist's style can develop over the course of several decades. I wonder if he smoked too many cigarettes? XD There is some decent music here, but this album won't be for anyone who can't get into his "singing." Similar to the last album we heard from him, he still displays skillful lyricism and chooses to employ sparse instrumental accompaniment. I didn't mind the minimalism and I actually liked a lot of the instrumentation and supporting vocals, especially on the two or three gospel inspired tracks. There is a soothing quality to his voice, but it's mostly hard to take seriously. It's a little sad and pitiful, but also slightly heartwarming to hear an elderly man croon about his loss of love and luster as he enters the dusk of his life

Kind of getting tired of all these artist repeats. On this one, I don't think I can get past his voice (as an obstacle to me potentially enjoying it). And, since this album is more about the words, and I'm more about the music (and tend not to like music where I don't like the singer), well, I don't think I can go higher than 2. Somehow, a 1 would feel wrong, as I think there's some artistry here, but, since I don't appreciate (enjoy) it very much, 2 it is. I'm more annoyed, though, by there being 2 Leonard Cohen albums on this list, than by this album in particular (not that this affected my rating of this album). I know there are people who LOVE Leonard Cohen. I'm just not one of them. I liked the string quartet, on the last one, though.

Maybe I'm cynical, but I don't think the context of an album alone can make it great. I like the line: "As he died to make men holy, let us die to make things cheap" IF it's a criticism of capitalism

Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 🚬😎🔳 Production:😌👂🧈 Music: 👴🕊️⚰️ Rating: 🖤🖤(🖤)/5

Boring

#905. Were the people around this guy just too scared to tell him the music he was making was boring as shit? I think this is the third one I've heard so far, and every time I just can't wait for it to be over. 2/5: yawn

no es exactamente mi gusto pero fue una experiencia interesante

Played this a few times, thought I would have been able to really listen to the lyrics the way he talks them. But no, I kept getting distracted by the sound of his voice, it just became a background drone. I do respect him as an artist otherwise it would have been a one

2,5

Holy what a voice. Shook me to my core the second I heard him sing. Very poignant sound to the whole album. The instrumentation is quite minimal which compliments the robust voice of Cohen. Created a great, moody atmosphere. However, I didn't get much enjoyment out of it. Not an album I would listen to over and over again or have songs get stuck in my head from. Favourite tracks: You Want It Darker 2/5

Dit genre is nogal oververtegenwoordigd. En dan kan een in het genre weinig vernieuwend album uit 2016 wat mij betreft wel wegblijven. Dat zing-praten, het is gewoon naar om aan te horen.

I get it, its just not for me. I'm probably not cool enough.

Full disclosure I did not listen to the entire album. Also full disclosure, I recognize that Leonard Cohen is talented and I appreciate that his style is “different” than much of the mainstream music available today. That said, my God, what frame of mine do you have to be to appreciate an album like this? I’m picturing someone sitting upright at a table in an uncomfortable chair with one bright white light hanging above, the rest of the room dark, wearing a black leather jacket, staring at an ashtray full of smoked cigs, a gun, and a shot of whiskey.

not my thing but not horrible. think i would've enjoyed some of the songs better with a different vocalist

This was atmospheric & a good background soundtrack to work time

The lyrics were fine, his voice was just too grating.

Fine. Dark. I don’t know if it’s worth revisiting.

dude im 21, never have i said this about an album before now, but like fuck man, wtf am i supposed to glean from an album from Leonard Cohen!!! what could he possibly have to day to me

I really liked a lot of this music but then, as usual, Leonard Cohen has to open his mouth and ruin it. I clearly don’t get him. Two stars.

Best Track - "You Want It Darker"

Depressing

There are moments where this feels very powerful but much of it quite honestly bores me. I'm glad I listened to it in a way and I can see what's interesting about it, but it's nothing I'd ever revisit.

It sound like less horny Peter Steele talking over some violin underground bar melancholic sounds. Oh how I love that music but vocals were sometimes pissing me of.

I almost feel bad giving this a low score, so maybe I’ll listen again at some point in the future and feel differently, but this album just wasn’t for me at this time.

Interesting but won't be part of my usual rotation

This was a pretty heavy listen. I think to fully ‘get’ this album I need to listen to it while I’m not driving as it is so lyrically dense. Music was somber but interesting. Will have to revisit.

On the Level Steer Your Way

Depressing as hell.

I didn't like it; the songs sound like spoken word.

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

Fine don’t know his back catalogue apart from Suzanne. Was ok

Ok so after hearing (and liking!) the first three Leonard Cohen albums, now I’m getting a late career album. According to Wikipedia this is so late that he croaked a couple of weeks after recording it. Death is the topic of the album, a bunch of ominous dirgey songs, where Cohen is awaiting his death, yearning for some understanding or certainty of the entirely impossible kind. Cohen leans into his deep sound, and so is the music. This is pretty one note throughout though I guess that could fit the subject matter. Overall not a bad listen if you like Leonard Cohen but entirely ok to miss otherwise. Two stars.

My introduction to Cohen and what an interesting way to start - his death album. Not sure if all his stuff is spoken word style or if this was due to his age and health. The lyrics were interesting. I’ll definitely check out more of his work.

I listened to “Rock Lobster” by the B-52’s after I finished this album because I felt a deep need for music that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Leo disappointed me with his new work, not gonna lie. Boring.

Bro just cough

um tom mt diferente do q costumo ouvir, mas achei poético.

I didn't really like this that much

leonard tu t’endors ? moi oui

Leonard tells a dark story this time. He looks rough in the album photo

pretty much just slam poetry with a soundtrack

одноименная песня с которой начала слушать была даже на грани понравится, вообще в целом сделать один такой трек как бы загадочный было бы прикольно, но я не думала что весь альбом будет такой... ощущение что старый дед-извращенец тебе на ухо шепчет что-то, ну хз

Idk man I don’t rly feel like I needed to listen to this. -Ruby Noah did not finish this record despite it being 36 min long

I get it, it’s about the lyrics and the meaning is deeply profound written and recorded in his house shortly before his death as a sort of farewell and acceptance of his passing. Coulda been an email.

Aight

Personally not a fan of his voice. The music around it is very good, but I cannot get past that. Voice is a major component for me and if I don't jive with the voice, I don't really want to listen to it all that much.

Leonard Cohen sounds like he doesn't care any more on this, which may be intentional, but it doesn't make for the most engaging listen.

Probably a personal failing on my part that I just can't seem to manage to like anything by Leonard Cohen. Weird because I love Tom Waits and like Nick Cave. Oh well.

Ik vind dit niks. Het voelt ergens niet echt, alsof hij zo’n lage stem opzet ipv dat het z’n echte stem is. Als hij wat hoger gaat, hoor je wel wat z’n stem is, maar dat lage, nee. Als hij een andere stem had gehad, had ik het misschien wel iets hoger gerate. Ook wel saai.

Quite possibly a great late career Leonard Cohen album. Don't know enough to make that call. Not really my cup of tea. Reminds me of tom waits

Ovaj Cohen uvijek zvuči kao da je na smrtnoj postelji, a skoro sam i ja slušajući ga. 2/5, 3/10

This album was made 45 years after the last Cohen album I had, which I hated. This is an improvement. It's listenable for a start. He still doesn't seem to do upbeat, but he has hired a good choir and backing singers. Most of the songs seen to be about God or the Devil. It's so bassy that when he does tey to move up the register it sounds like he's going to split something. Overall ok. But I just don't want to listen to his downbeat dirge on a regular basis. 2½

2.0 - Weak

Album 82. You Want It Darker — Leonard Cohen (2016) It has vibes of Bowie’s Blackstar album. It was also written right before his death, deep and dark topics and etc. Both were released in 2016. But in general, I have difficulty listening to this now. It’s not the right kind of music for me right now. It’ll resonate better later. However, I enjoy it. It’s like poetry with music, cool. Because he actually was a published poet before becoming a musician. Remind me to relisten to it 40 years later. It’ll be 3 or 4 out of 5 , but for now it’s… 2/5 —————————————— Liked: — You Want It Darker

I find this so bad, genius or not

Not Tom Waits.

I’m afraid I’m not a fan of Leonard Cohen. I have tried and there’s the odd song I like. I prefer the cover versions or other interpretations. I do appreciate and understand his position in musical history.

No on parempaakin hönkäilyä tällä äijällä. Taitaa olla vika levy. Rapin sukulaista- puhelaulua

I don't know, I guess I just don't really like his music, the storytelling, rather than singing. The title song was rather interesting.

Melodic poetry reading. Initially reminded me of Nick Cave. Not for me generally, but I liked the feel of some of the later songs in the album.

Feels like a reflection on Christianity and how it's fallen from popular culture. Very moody and all about his raspy vocal

all the songs sounded the same

Not as bad as I expected. I just don't like his spoken word gravel voice. The music behind it wasn't too bad though. This was a one-time listen. Can't get through a second. Mostly tuned it out.

I like it but his monotone singing gets a little annoying with each track. Better to revisit every now and then. Great instrumentals and back up vocals.

For how much I like Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen should be right up my alley. But I really don’t like him. This is more of a spoken word album; the third track is the only one that sounded like an actual song. Some of the backing music wasn’t bad, but I can’t enjoy it connected to the poetry slam out in front of it. Cohen may write beautiful poems, but he’s not a singer, and I came here for music, not just a poetry recital.

The album’s musical style is overall pleasant. However, all the songs sound very similar and stay within the same melancholic mood. I enjoyed the beginning of the listening experience, but I quickly grew bored as it went on. 2.5/5

Leonard Cohen is still a great songwriter, but unfortunately, with this album having come out in 2016, Cohen's voice just sounds weak and tired in these songs and comes across more as spoken word poetry. The album slightly improves in the latter half when the instrumental elements pick up a little bit and some backing vocals get involved, but it's not an album I think I would ever revisit if I want to explore more of Cohen's discography

Brutal and haunting with vocals recorded so close it feels like Leonard Cohen is talking gently right next to you, and for me that was not enjoyable! He's got a voice that falls within the top 5 for deepest and raspiest you've ever heard. Respect the artistry, respect the message, just could never imagine throwing this one on again in my lifetime. If I do, call for a wellness check on me ASAP.

Not a fan of the talk singing, unfortunately. The music was fine, good even. Sometimes the way he was singing reminded me of over the garden wall, which was nice.

This album just didn't click for me, however I still appreciated the moody, sparse instrumentation which made pleasant listening in the early morning hours. The vocal style of Leonard Cohen did grow on me over the course of the album, reminds me of Nick Cave who other than in The Birthday Party I have never been much a fan of. Favorite Track: Steer Your Way - The prominent violin and supporting vocals made this the most inspiring and engaging listen.

the intro of the first song wtf honestly didnt finish it but i can tell this is probably an important album to a lot of people but just really wasnt my thing

I'm sorry but I just don't enjoy this at all. 4/10

ei lähe.. liian tylsää ja puuttuu elementit täysin. Tää on semmonen levy etten oikeastaan vois aatella ees miettiä tilannetta miks lähtisin tätä kuuntelemaan uudestaan

Aika möree ääni, vähän tylsää musaa silti

Tämä voisi toimia runokirjana tai novellina paremmin, turha tähän mitään musiikkia on sotkea.

Tää on tätä kuolemaa tekevän jannun joutsenlaulua vähän kun se pouvin pläkstaari. Tiiä sitten kuinka monta kouhenia vielä on edessä, mutta ei tätä asioikseen jaksa ja en tiiä jos ei oo niin fäni niin tuoko tämmönen sadas älppäri artistin uralta mahottomasti mitään uutta ja hienoo. Varmaan aika sentimentaaliset tunnelmat jos sais immersiosta kii, mut joo. Kiva kakkonen.

Aika erikoismenoa. Tavallaan ihan hauskaa paikkapaikoin, ja se yhden biisin balkanhaitari oli ihan jees. Levy tuntui kuitenkin pitkältä kuin nälkävuosi, ja uutuudenviehätys karisi jo ekan biisin jälkeen. Ei ole kyllä oma kuppi teetä tämä Cohenin Leonard.

This wasn’t for me

Incredibly unique and dark and depressing and very end of life is the best way to describe this. You want it darker is such a cool song but other than that this is something I just can’t listen to…..does that make me a bad person?

2* "You want it darker": mas quê, ele nem é baixo, é baixissimo credos q voz grave Achei crazy porem um album dele de 2016, queria ouvir aqueles dos anos 70 akaks Em mts músicas parece q ele tá só a flr c instrumental de fundo, nao gostei Bem, não gostei mt do album para ser honesta, tudo mt nhe

I don’t like it

God isn't real. Gods aren't real. None of it is. The Torah and the Bible are just collections of poorly written myths and legends from thousands of years ago. I wish Leonard Cohen's final album dealt less with God and more with modern culture, sex, violence, betrayal, and all the other topics he addressed so masterfully over the years. Ugh.

Prior to this I knew nothing by Leonard Cohen except Hallelujah. I've heard his music referred to as depressing and I don't think this album is going to convince anyone otherwise. After forcing myself to endure three tracks, I decided to give his earlier work a try to see if that might give me a handle on things. Songs of Leonard Cohen from 1967 is certainly an easier listen. Still not for me though. OK, so I've ploughed on through the rest of YWID. Traveling Light and Steer Your Way are not bad. Sticking some Joy Division on now, though, to cheer myself up.

Not what I'm looking for when I'm listening to music, but it's not bad.

I preferred reading it over listening to it.

Eh, I don’t know. I’ve never had an interest in Leonard Cohen and I still don’t after listening to this album. It probably wasn’t the best introduction to him either. I’ll admit that I kind of liked the beginning of this album more than I expected to. I liked what was going on in the background behind his voice. I promptly zoned out after the first 2 or so songs and didn’t realize my queue moved on to a different album at some point. I guess he was just talking at me in my headphones and my ADHD brain registered it as background noise at one point because I have no recollection of the rest of the album. Oh well, I tried.

The uniqueness and tone of this block of songs does make it riveting, but many songs sound the same and fall flat for me. It grew on me and I will listen again.

Dark - nice bass lines - interesting vocals but feel too loud over the actual music

I didn’t want it, but boy did I get it darker. Cohen adopting a Waits-ian tone on this swan song record, which sort of works, but not for me.

3/10

His voice. Like nails on a chalkboard

This album is boring as hell.

Didn't really impress me that much.

Some very slow, hauting music, released just week before Leonard Cohen's death in 2016. I always thought he was a poet who told his poems with some background music and he had a great PR starting from the 60s. Some songs were atmospheric, but I have never really liked his music.

Nothing to say that Evan didn't already say

It didn't do anything for me really. Spoken word more than anything. If I remember right someone stole his money and this was a last chance to earn. Not saying it's bad, it's pretty decent poetry, it just didn't hit me musically. Worth a listen even if it's a bit depressing.

2.5

Was not a big fan of this. I think I’m just not that into Cohen

His voice is interesting but the accompaniments were generic. The poetry in this is good.

Leonard Cohen is talented. But on this particular album it’s sounds like he’s trying to do his best Leonard Cohen impersonation.

Dobry klimat, świetne instrumentalne, ale za dużo mrocznego gadania tajemniczego pana.

This one is basically a spoken-word album by an old man on the edge of the void. A Jewish guy, carrying the full weight of his faith on his back, and honestly, that part throws me off a bit. I don’t really feel like following him all the way down, like some accidental witness to a stranger’s private moment. The pieces about the twists of relationships are genuinely touching. The album as a whole is listenable, for sure, but that deep, cavernous voice wears me out after a while. I can totally acknowledge the guy’s got real writing chops, but overall the album just leaves me kind of uneasy. Still, compared to David Gray’s yesterday album, it’s a massive upgrade and at least I’m feeling something. If I ever come back to this record, though, it’ll be when I’m old. Like, really old.

I thought I might give this a 3 because I just gave Merle Haggard a 2, but nah. It's a tie.

Something about this made me feel a little uneasy. This has a very mournful tone, particularly the tracks with the “church” style music. Intriguing, but would not be a choice if looking for an uplifting listen!

Talking, not singing. Meh

This was a bit of a chore to get through. At least it was only 36 minutes.

Beaucoup trop répétitif

I've never been a fan of Leonard Cohen and this album doesn't really change my mind. The album is laid back and melancholic, but dark in places - I get the impression that he knew he was dying. I liked the the title track.

Balsas, aišku, labai gražus žemas ir raspy, bet tai neatleidžia nuo dainavimo. Eiles skaito. Galėjo poemų knygą išleisti tiesiog.

Que isso, que voz é essa cara, baby lock the doors and turn the lights down low versão satanás. Cara.. essas músicas nem parecem música direito, parece que ele tá zoando, ele fica recitando com um backgroundzinho. Parece o início de Thriller, só que a música toda assim, sem começar a música de fato. Achei muuuito palha e boring, ainda bem que tem só 36 minutos.

Looking over my reviews, you might think I have fairly pedestrian tastes. Maybe. I do think most (not all) professional critics have no idea and I do, probably unfairly, arc up against critical consensus. Leonard Cohen, failed poet, turns to music. Writes some good stuff, some not good stuff and some self indulgent garbage. One album is enough. This isn’t it.

Spoken word poetry over some type of jazz fusion. Not my thing.

A final album where Cohen reflects on his relationship with god. Seeing as there isnt one, it feels a bit pointless. His singing voice is too monotone for a full album

тут меня даже меньше его хрип бесил (на других он с подъездами пел, тут вроде нет), чем его еврейские подпевалы

Too old. Couldn’t finish listening..

Is the generator playing games on me? Two Leonard Cohen albums in two days! This is absurd. As I previously stated, his music is gloomy, stark and monotonous. Moving on.

Weinig inspirerend. Teksten die zogezegd diepgravend moeten zijn maar niet veelzeggend klinken.

Notably nicer than expected and partially even enjoyable.

odd

Second of his albums and I just dont get the appeal. Moody but with no reason that I can fathom.

Chill vibes though nothing really jumped out at me from the album as a whole.

Good, soothing voice, he's just speaking in a low mutter. The music all blends together and is not very interesting. Feels like the same song 9 times in a row. I know it's a significant album, but I'd never give it another listen.

im not into his voice really.

Now that’s just plain old melancholy. Lenny, with thoughts and songs of death and dying, is Traveling Light to whatever comes next. Credit to him for being able to put out an album two weeks before his demise. Many dramatic pauses throughout. If his Thanks For The Dance album doesn’t make the 1001 Must Hear List, I’ll give it a listen. This one comes in at (2.4*s)