You Want It Darker

Every song just sounds like the same brooding, gravely, voice of his. It's not offensively bad or anything but it isn't anything special to me.

Liked it more after the second listen, all good. Fav track Steer Your Way

Good stuff, nice story telling, sweet voice

first Leonard Cohen album for me, and I enjoyed but nothing stands out as all that great. 2.7/5

Learning the backstory behind this album made it better, has a beautiful ending as well. Length was good, but I’m not gonna be coming back to it all the time

Oof, this one hits you in the feels! It’s an end-of-life farewell. Amazing album, obviously a piece of art even to a pleb like me. Hard to pick a fave track, probably Travelling Light. 5/5

Nope. Trying waaay too hard. Too much breathy deep voice. And very much no thanks on the religious theme.

im familiar with cohen's early work, and although i didnt like all that much on the first listen it has grown in me. sadly his voice is in it's final struggle, so i'll try not to take that in consideration upon reviewing the album, for i think the real thing here is the message of the last moments of a dying beautiful composer. the thing about cohen's songwriting is that he makes everything about love. You Want it Darker is in my view about how he's living his last moments and although he is already in a very bad shape (very dark), God wants it worse (darker). But in another way, the song talks about love, in the sense that it doesn't matter what he will do, his lover wants more. doesnt matter how much he humiliates himself and gets darker, the one he loves and tends to do whatever for wants it darker. so as i said, everything that comes from cohen's lyrics talks about love, in multiple and different ways. although the instrumentation and vocals are not my favorite part of the album i'd say it fits perfectly the atmosphere of the album and even creates the whole atmosphere. i was thinking about giving it a 4 because of this points but honestly i don't care, the thing here is the message, fuck the music, im treating this as a poems book and giving it a 5. rest in peace leonard cohen.

Sublime

Oh man that was definitely not my cup of tea. The vocals were way too loud, the entire album had me feeling uncomfortable. I have every song an honest try but couldn’t make it through any of them. The string ensemble at the end was beautiful, but I can’t help thinking I enjoyed it because the vocals were not present. Added 0 Didn’t finish 8.

This is pure poetry! I feel like I need to finger snap after every song. I find it hard to judge this album, but I think if I think of this as poetry readings, its much easier to judge this. Standout: You Want It Darker, On the Level, Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better Way

7/10 - Way outside my normal wheelhouse but an intriguing combination of relaxing and engaging

It has that dark, grim tone like I expected. However, it was an enjoyable album. I will listen again.

As dark as advertised and I listened to it all the way through without pause.

Atmospheric, mellow instrumentation with his low, gravelly voice. Not too musically interesting, but there's probably a story in the lyrics that I missed

I didn't think I would like this album because I don't like Cohen singing. But wow is the song writing just amazing. Every song was so intimate. Like he's singing to the woman he's loved for 30 years

Have never listened to cohen before. Was very pleasantly surprised. I’ll be listening to this again.

I always just think of Leonard Cohen in the studio like: "dude check out how low I can make my voice go lol doesn't that sound cool"

Hineni brother

Really reminds me of johnny cash. More about love and sorrow I suppose? Empire of dirt comes to mind when hearing this. Wasn't too crazy for this one, but good music

No

Cohen's style doesn't grip me, even with the beautiful and intricate lyrics.

Interesting, not my style but got a few head bops - Spoken word mostly

Very Hurt by Johnny Cash but with a much deeper voice. A lot of religious imagery. Definitely see some songs being in movies. Not particularly for me, but it's nice.

Groovy and indeed quite dark. Spooky deep old voice, bro definitely died of lung cancer. Super different vibe from anything I’d normally listen to. He was talking more than actually singing. Nice and short though.

Dark but enjoy his gravely voice, almost spoken poetry for lyrics and stripped down, minimalist music

Very sad very powerful

I’ve listened to one Leonard Cohen album before today. I remember enjoying it, but I don’t actually remember any details on how it sounded. I think that’s why I’m a little hesitantly eager to listen to this. I hope it’s good, but my brain has deleted anything precious to compare to. Fingers crossed! Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Treaty, Travelling Light When I was younger, my music taste revolved around all the happy music - ska, pop-punk, etc. As I’m broadening my musical horizons, I’m finding that there is a lot of joy to be found in the sadder side. This album is very maudlin, but oh so very lovely. Leonard’s voice is the vocal equivalent of sitting by a warm fire. Everything here is so nice. Although the whole album is soft and slow, it is a somewhat short album so it doesn’t start to get boring. I loved this.

Love Leonard Cohen. This album is new to me.

Eh

I had never listened to a Leonard Cohen album fully before hearing this. I had obviously heard of him and heard some of his songs but never listened to a full album. This album is one of a handful that is bursting at the seams with raw emotion, which is understandable because Cohen was near-death while making this album. It was sort of in the same way soul music seeps emotion. Every song was like hearing someone open up to you about something personal and there was not a bad song on the album. I can understand someone not liking Leonard's voice especially on this album because it is very dirge-like but I don't think anyone can deny the raw emotion he put into singing this album. I personally think this album is great and immaculately succeeds at creating the feeling of someone close to death. It is pretty heavy as albums go so this won't be in my regular rotation but it is sort of like "Grave of The Fireflies". One of the most emotional, touching movies you will ever see but you can't just put it on whenever and watching it over and over would only cheapen the experience. That's how I feel about "You Want It Darker". That being said just because an album creates a great atmosphere does not mean that it automatically makes it a 10/10. This does have some flaws like the fact that the vocals at times are a little rough and in general the song structure is somewhat simplistic throughout the album. I would say there is a song or two on here that I would say don't add a ton to the overall experience and with that in mind, I would give this album a strong 8.5-9/10. R.I.P Leonard Cohen

Well… Cohen. What’s not to like

Did not enjoy this album. Felt like a creepy old guy was whispering in my ear for half an hour at a college jazz band recital.

It's pretty good, not sure if I would listen to again however

Somber, easy listening Distinctive, deep, and gravelly voice

Depressing

Leonard Cohen is one of those artists that I have always kind of struggled to connect with personally. Songs of Love and Hate is great without a doubt, but I still always felt like I was missing something. When I saw this pop up, I expected to struggle through it but this CAUGHT ME from the very beginning. Man, this is beautiful and haunting. Leonard, you were a genius. I get it now.

This feels like Leonard Cohen unearthed some ancient scrolls written by ancient gods detailing the meaning of life and death. Incredible album.

Heard before: No Favourites: You want it darker, On the level, Steer your way Decent album. Guys obviously a great writer but his lyrics don't click fully with me personally, though maybe one day. Appreciate the themes he writes about though, especially considering he would die a few weeks after the albums release.

Lyric and solemn, with some really good arrangements. Not my cup of tea honestly but it has its place.

It's dark and depressing. The album is sparse but still very well produced and conveys a sense of grandness.

Stripped back but not simple, draws you in with its vulnerability and storytelling. An easy listen but not an easy listen at the same time, this was very good.

There are a lot of comparisons between this and Bowie's Blackstar on the site, because this was written and recorded just before he died (later the same year as Bowie), in the full knowledge that he didn't have long left. Unlike Blackstar, which starts okay and then gets magnificent, this peaks with the opening track really. It's amazing lyrically, tough to have on as background music as you just miss so much of it, but it captures the melancholy, tinged with a bit of regret and resentment, beautifully. 4/5.

Good if you’re drunk on bourbon and smoking cigarettes alone. A bit quiet.

Nicely written songs. Really depressing listen though.

I really liked the poetic nature of the lyrics. Cohen's voice paired with the strings creates some very haunting moments. Favorite track was Steer Your Way

Ik ben geen grote fan van dit stem geluid. Wel grappig dat ik hierdoor heel bewust naar de tekst luister ten opzichte van normaal. Productie echt sick

Nice start, too religious -y at the end

Not usually my cup of tea, but this was awesome. Emotive. Honest.

Pretty good this guy has a sexy voice

Most haunting voice I’ve ever heard. This is a wild album with the lyrics, being all about death and dying. It turns out he was sick and died 17 days after this album was released. Hmm

Þessi er ansi góð, er á fjórða rennslinu núna því hún fór alveg fram hjá mér á sínum tíma. Lögin falleg, textarnir góðir (smá Snorri Hjartar og Hauströkkrið yfir mér), og hljóðheimurinn tímalaus og flottur. Ljúffengur kór í upphafi og ótrúlega fallegir strengir í lokin. I wish there was a treaty between your love and mine. Fimma held ég barasta.

What a great, deep voice. My son said, this guy's cool

Weirdly good, if you’re breaking up listen to it

A great swan song. Its great to see him confront the end so bravely.

With all due respect, Mr Cohen…I am a New York Giants fan in October of 2023. It could not possibly get any darker than it already is. Edit, May 2025: Fuck me, the 2024 season was even worse. Edit 2, November 2025: A glimmer of hope with Dart and Skattebo quickly dissipated by Skattebo’s injury and an absolutely abysmal defense led by DC Shane Bowen. Fire the coaching staff. Edit 3, September 22, 2026: after hiring John Harbaugh, playing arguably their most complete football game in a decade and easily beating the Dallas Cowboys…Jaxson Dart suffered a (likely) season ending knee injury *in week 2*. I hope you all find these updates funny, because being a Giants fan is misery. I have never been more convinced that this team is cursed and the universe delights at the suffering of Giants fans. Is that dark enough for you, Leonard Cohen?

I feel like the mix is really interesting here. The vocals are super far forward but you can still hear the instrumentation. Cohen's voice is super interesting and the poetry is quite good but it doesn't really hit for me. This guy's dying, but I don't know if I can connect with being as world weary as he is

I’ve been listening the title track for years, but the whole album turned out to be brilliant. Treaty and String Reprise are two masterpieces (or one diptych). Love it!

Gloomy introspective type album, slow and quiet

good voice, but what's with the narration?

RIP Leonard Cohen. Not my favorite but there are still some cool songs on here.

Fucking Beautifully melancholic. Very intimate. Emotional Journey.

The last prayer of a man about to die. Deep, personal, wonderful.

There's no denying the power of this album. A legend performing at the very end of his life. Full of pain and exhaustion from old age and back fractures. It's his final attempt to complete his legacy and his condition means that he has no other responsibilities or needs than to write, sing, and record from his living room. R.I.P. Leonard Cohen, a true great.

old man growls into microphone

Voice so deep

I didn't want it this dark

More poetry than music but wonderfully rhythmic and hugely enjoyable.

It’s alright.It doesn’t outstay its welcome.Leonard cohen’s voice is nice enough,it’s a very dry album quite bare and lacking in energy,lots of religious references,basic Leonard cohen.

Not it for me

To be honest I feel let down. Knowing the circumstances of this album I had high expectations - sort of like Bowie’s “Black Star”. The title track actually does a disservice to the rest of the songs. When you hear it for the first time, it creates anticipation for a particular sound and style and something unique. Then you get 8 more tracks of exactly the same sound and style and…it gets old fast. If I want tuneful croaking I already have a spot reserved for Tom Waits. Mr Cohen’s artistry is universally known. I am sure I will cross paths with another of his albums and really connect but unfortunately, this ain’t it for me.

I see it’s good/important, but not really my thing

Wow. Might be his best work? A treatise on death by a dying man who knows he's dying.

Reminded me of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, but with slightly better lyrics. I really don't get narrative talking/singing while there is music playing in the background. Not my thing.

Love the voice. Would not call it rock and roll. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, however, I do not see it in my top 1000. Only the 2nd one I’ve rated so not sure if I’m being too harsh. It ain’t rock n roll.

I enjoyed this album a bit more than his early stuff. It's good album to listen on a cold rainy day with a healthy pour of single malt scotch.

I appreciate Leonard Cohen, I just don’t like most his music.

It took awhile for me to warm to his voice. I'm surprised how much I ended up liking this record.

Was really luck that this one came up on a very rainy Monday morning. It really set the mood for the album before even listening to it. It's dark, moody, and beautiful.

It’s good, not quite my main taste, but definietly i will listen to it

He sounds like Patrick Page (or Patrick sounds like Leonard, rather) ... he's SO sad :/ really good album if you're feeling down and need someone down with you.

My first album from him and from this project. It was deep and dark.

Amazing. Thanks for exposing me to this.

The high praise for this feels like a lifetime achievement award---he has much better stuff.

It’s neat that Cohen was able to release this in anticipation to his death. It’s a cool story and a nice way to shut the door on a legendary career. His dry witty humour shines thru on this one even thru the somber theme of death. I just want more music, it was nice but I can’t give it more than 3 stars

I'm not sure but I think his voice aged a bit... but holy fck that's some Blackstar type of shit... I love it!

3 stjerner

Wow. This was so unexpectedly powerful and incredible. Only giving it a 4 because I think it isn't something I will put back on. However it was such a deep and amazing album, so poetic. Favorite track was Leaving the Table.

No notes. No jokes or funnies. This album is fucking good.

A magnificent swansong for Cohen.

Leonard's deep dark voice doesn't make me horny.

Decent album. Not a fan of the overdramatic violin.

Yes Mr Cohen, I think I do.

Brilliant album!

amazing voice and ambiance

Love Cohens voice on this combined with the dark ambience. The title track is absolutely stunning.

A fitting swan song. If you love Leonard Cohen, this doesn’t disappoint. A little cracklier, a little deeper, a little moodier. My adoration is unadulterated.

I love Leonard Cohen and this album doesn’t change that. The stories he tells have changed a little but he’s always been fairly dark. It’s not the record of his I would choose to listen to, but I wouldn’t turn it off.

Ideally, I would have liked another listen before writing this, but that ain't gonna happen in time and I'm familiar enough with this album. I did go through a short period at the beginning of the record where I doubted whether this was good or whether I was holding on to some romantic idea of Leonard Cohen as an artist, but as we listened deeper into the record, I started connecting and appreciating Cohen's oddball musical sensibilities and lyrical mastery. This low-key affair is, to me, the sweet-spot for his music. The earlier album we reviewed was flashy in a way that made for an uncomfortable marriage of styles. This seems more authentic, and whether true or not, I'm able to sink into the gravelly bass of Cohen's dark dramas on this album in a way I can't with some others.

I dug this, though it made for a heavy listen. But the dude went out swinging. Glad I got to hear it. Might even queue it up again.

Never got round to listening to this when it came out, though I did listen through some of his earlier acclaimed albums after his death. The opening track on here is brilliant, his voice is so dark and brooding throughout the whole album. It's one to give some more listens to, as it feels like it'll open up some more. I like what i'm hearing off first listen.

What a voice, I'm loving this one. Wasn't aware of it's existence and I'm glad it's been brought to my attention

Yess. This is the spare, haunting Cohen I came for.

not for me but cool

Listened Before? N Really a good portrait of an artist at the time of their death. It sounds like the recording process was fairly unique as well. I enjoyed this. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: You Want It Darker

I'm not necessarily a "Leonard Cohen person", although I do absolutely love some of his stuff. Just not as much as a lot of people. This is really good though. A haunting album from someone well aware they're on death's door. I could definitely come back to this.

Like the loud rockier numbers but the slower ballad song are pretty forgettable

Never heard any song of Cohen before this album. It really touched me. He has a voice that has lived a thousand lives. The opening track is sooo good. 7/10

Still not into this kinda music. He has a nice voice I just don’t really enjoy all of it together.

Appreciating this a lot more now than when it came out. I thought maybe it was too Tom Waits adjacent and my experience was colored by his recent death. I drew unfair comparisons to Bowie's farewell album. This time around I'm surprised how eminently listenable it is and how immediately easy it is to connect with the lyrics. Maybe part of it is you need to be in right headspace to enjoy it, but something about a gloomy Monday worked for me. The truth is I did want it darker, Mr. Cohen.

Second time listening to this and I liked it a lot more. It’s a sad album but sure-footed. Love his voice. Treaty was my favorite I think but this is better as an album than any track.

Can't stand Leonard Cohen.

Not for me at all. Maybe if I was a lyrics person. The music underneath was well produced but the vocals were just awful.

Enjoyed

That voice is insane. It feels like I’m watching a nature documentary and Leonard is narrating.

Gorgeous album

Okay, he's not even singing at this point. And I don't understand English so for me it's just an old dude rambling over minimalistic music

He definitely shines in this album in a way that he didn't in the previous one we listened to, or perhaps he did but I simply could not appreciate it properly He has a very powerful prescense and Steer your Way is a really nice song Overall it was not too crazy but a nice experience. I recommend reading his biography on his Spotify page, I'm about halfway through but it's written really well and is very introspective and captivating

Unique experience. Deep voice guy

very nice, i've wanted to listen to some leonard cohen since before this came on my 1001 and this was quite good. very big fan of "on the level", along with "traveling light".

When I saw Leonard Cohen on the list today, I thought “darn, I hate this guy”. But , I’m 639 albums in at this point so, I guess I have to listen. About 2 songs in, my reaction was: “g-d- it this is actually good, real good”

Whispering croaky chap

Actually a quite powerful album. Haunting vocals.

Couldn’t finish it. Not for me at all.

Mit dunkler Stimme in Singer-Song-Writer-Manier eingeladen in eine ruhige Folk Rock Ecke zum verweilen.

Not my taste but a few cool songs

I thought this was gonna be some boomer nonsense after the first song but I actually liked this one a good bit. Obviously his voice is an acquired taste but I was able to get past it and enjoy it on some songs. I think the songs that hit the hardest for me are the ones like leaving the table and treaty that give off a feeling of surrender and acceptance of your life despite regrets and shortcomings that’s very haunting coming from an artist near his death. That being said the title track was really bad to me and I don’t like the ones where he’s trying to be slick or cool.

someone get this geezer a glass of water. this is the clint eastwood of folk rock, melodramatic, been around too long, outta touch, and lame.

Wow. I will admit that I didn’t know what to expect from an album at the end of a man’s life. This album is upfront and almost confrontational about it. It’s not bitter, though, just honest about regret and loss and love. This album is remarkable.

bad

Only listened to early Cohen before but this feels really strong, kinda feels similar to David Bowie's Blackstar. I don't usually give albums I've only just listened to 5/5 stars but this one really compels me, its crazy that he released something this good at such an age. Favourite tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty, Steer Your Way

3.5/5. La primera canción es 4.5/5. Después flojea un poco. En general, inesperadamente bueno.

Cohen is such a difficult one for me. Much like MF Doom or the Beastie Boys, he only really has one flow, one poetic structure. Most of the time it's so good, and paired with that amazing gravelly voice, that you don't really mind. Musically, the songs are also incredibly simple. There's no real development or variety. It's kind of like brickwork - just one block after another on loop. All of which sounds like I didn't like this, which is unfair - the track You Want It Darker is a brilliant opener, and the whole mood of the thing is impressive. It's just that when you compare it to something like Bowie's Blackstar, it's a bit...dull? I gave it a second listen, and there are some nice rhyming couplets, but apart from the title track nothing really sticks in the memory.

Actually, I'd like it lighter, please. A lot lighter. Old bloke moaning. Not for me.

Leonard drops down another level here with the vocals. This is an album that has the passage of time running through it. The macabre subject matter isn't hidden away from. It got a little too deep for me. It made me question things that I'm not really ready to question right now. This is a cool version of Songs of Praise.

This is less music to me and more spoken-word poetry. Lots of bitter songs about failed relationships coming from a dying man - it seems like a very sour way to sum up a life.

boy i don't think this should have been my introduction to leonard cohen. i'm not familiar enough with his music, so the whole "released while he was dying" thing does not really hit for me and personally, this was a bit of a slog. god i'm sorry this album is so boring for me. and boy i really can't get past his voice on this one. it feels like he's barely singing at all. look, i know, i know! i think it's just not for me.

Playoff Lenny with his swan song. Common Leonard Cohen W

first song was pretty solid. i like his other popular album better, but this wasnt horrible

brilliant album, really enjoyed it

very sad but great

Simplicity at its finest. Leaving the Table is pure perfection.

Incredible final statement from one of the greatest ever to do it.

Normally would not like such talking type of songs but let's add a star for travelling light

Weakest Cohen album

HL: title track, "Leaving the Table", "If I Didn't Have Your Love", "Traveling Light", "String Reprise / Treaty" despite the brevity of the album & the minimal instrumentation, I needed a 2nd listen tonight, free of the distractions of construction work & traffic, to really let it sink in. It's amazing how much gravitas Cohen's voice carries despite his physical frailty. Despite its status as Cohen's swan song (other than that posthumous album) and the grimness of the title track, there's also serenity and sweetness present in both the words and the music. For instance, the strings swelling in the final track. 5th and last Cohen album on this list. 1st I got from this list was his debut "Songs of Leonard Cohen", which is one of the albums that grew on me since the 1st listen to possibly belong with my 5-star favourites. Well here's another one July 26, 2023

This is so bad. I'm sorry i listened to it.

Interesting, but not an album I’d listen too often. Title track feels like it’s out of Breaking Bad

Beautiful voice and lyrics. His elegy.

Stands alongside Warren Zevon and Johnny Cash as ruminations on the end of life This is by some distance the most haunting of those three An incredibly immersive listen

worst of all i heard

Leonard Cohen's final album, released 17 days before his death. Unsurprisingly, themes of god and death are at the fore of this atmospheric album. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: You Want It Darker Date listened: 18/07/23

Pretty good

His voice is so dreamy

Wow. Having only a limited amount of knowledge of Leonard cohen before I was really taken with this album. It was brilliant.

5/9, 56%

You Want It Darker is the fourteenth album by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen and his last released during his lifetime (he died 17 days after release). This critically acclaimed album has themes on death, God, and humor and has genres of folk rock and blues. It performed well commercially in Canada, the US, and the UK, being ranked within the top 10 of these countries' album charts. I loved the acoustic and moody vibes on this album. The music is sparse so the listener can focus on Cohen's gravelly voice which was hauntingly beautiful. This is a great album, but the mood and occasion has to be right to really enjoy it.

Mycket bättre än vad jag trodde. Riktigt smooth

Loved the atmosphere and felt like adding melody from the sparseness

Really can't see why people like this

I just can't! The music is decent, and the lyrics are thought-provoking, but his voice and staccato are too much for more than one song.

Cohen's voice on this album is the voice of eternal mythical being. Knowing that this album was released days before his death, produced by his son, makes this send-off all the more powerful. It's a difficult but hauntingly beautiful listen. "You Want it Darker" is one of those astonishingly great songs that most artists could only dream of writing. It's incredible that this album came out the same year as Bowie's Blackstar.

Haunting, exciting and more importantly eye opening.

4/5 so good 😭😭

Beautiful. Fav tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty, On The Level, Traveling Light, Leaving The Table, Steer Your Way, String Reprise/Treaty

I dont know what this is

Music is lovely and ethereal and all musical aspects I really enjoyed. EXCEPT I couldn’t get into Cohen’s spoken word attempt. I may be influenced by snick Cave’s spoken word album but I found Cohen’s voice distracting and disjointed as opposed to blending into a musical/spoken word piece. Wanted to enjoy this a lot more 4/10

What a send off. What a way to settle affairs knowing the end is gaining on you.

When the bassline kicked in on You Want it Darker I though that The Bad Seeds had taken over, had that effortless but menacing groove that Nick Cave thrives on. Some good and some OK, but really distinctive and far more enjoyable - in a dark way - that I had expected.

You Want It Darker is a great song but I didn't enjoy the rest of the album nearly as much. Still a great accomplishment considering Leonard Cohen's age at the time of recording. Highlights: You Want It Darker

Just not my thing

heartbreaking!!!

Leonard Cohen is a poet and I know his work, but I don't think I've ever listened to his albums. I didn't expect this album to land well with me, but it was a very easy listen with some great depth.

I really quite liked this. I haven’t knowingly listened to any of Leonard Cohen’s other work, so I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I was very pleasantly surprised. His voice must be mentioned as those deep vocals are just great to listen to. The album opened very strongly with the title track and kept up those expectations throughout. If I Didn’t Have Your Love and Traveling Light were the standouts for me here. I absolutely loved the former. The contrast of using these incredibly sad descriptions of life lacking beauty or meaning to explain the strong feelings of love he has is just great. I am a sucker for a good love song though so it could just be that. Traveling Light followed it up nicely with a very sad song about losing an ex-lover of his, apparently. That does lead me into the only thing I can find in this album that I didn’t enjoy. Mr. Cohen built these incredible songs with very deep lyrics with a lot of meaning in them. The only problem is that I may just be too dumb or not know him/his life enough to get any of that meaning out of them. I don’t know what he was trying to get across with some of these songs, but he made me feel it regardless with his voice. Definitely glad I got to listen to this.

Not really my thing, but knowing this was the end, I'm not going to make fun. I know the name and know he has inspired many other artist, but for me I don't get it. I did a little research about him and copied this from a rolling stone article: When the Velvet Underground's John Cale asked him to send over the lyrics so he could cover it, he received a 15-page fax full of discarded verses. Cale cobbled together a new version of the song, which he recorded on the piano. It was that version that Jeff Buckley covered on his 1994 LP Grace, and slowly the song became an absolute sensation, covered so many times that Adam Sandler spoofed the practice at the 12/12/12 charity show at Madison Square Garden. Knowing my boys from Velvet Underground were inspired by this guy, he's OK in my book. I did like the lyrics in Treaty. Was a very unique listen for sure. Almost like a talking book put to music. 2

And We Got It Darker.

3.5 Woof, this was a heavy one. Yet another album written and recorded on the verge of the artist’s death, knowing it was going to be their last. This one is up there with Blackstar in terms of its reflective and haunting nature (and released just seven months after - 2016 was clearly a bad year for music), however, whereas I feel Blackstar offers a successful balance of mourning and celebration, there’s not a whole lot of celebration to go around here… I feel like I was genuinely listening to a dying man’s last words. It also felt just a touch more personal than Bowie’s in some ways, like we really got to explore the depths of Cohen’s final thoughts and acceptances regarding life, relationships, and religion that were in some ways relatable and in other ways just as cryptic. As someone who wasn’t really familiar with Leonard Cohen’s work outside of Hallelujah, I can definitely see now why he’s held in such high regard - this album is a lyrical masterpiece. Sitting here a day after I listened, I’m still finding myself mulling over his words and contemplating existence. That to say, I don’t think this album is perfect. I know Cohen is a poet first and foremost, but a lot of songs here leave a bit to be desired musically. While it admittedly matches the tone well, the musical backdrop feels a bit too subtle and funeral-ly at times to really pull me in, and in the case of Traveling Light, had too strong of “Italian mob boss” vibes to take seriously (that’s probably a me thing). Also, maybe a hot take, but I don’t love his voice, and a full album’s worth of that Death Valley-esque vocal range is a lot for me to handle. Overall, this has been one of the hardest albums for me to rate and review so far. Despite my best attempts, I can’t describe exactly what I think or feel about it - in some ways I think this could be higher than a 3.5 for me and in other ways it could be lower. There’s so much more I feel like I could touch on and yet even more I feel like I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of. At the end of the day, music is all about making us feel something right? Well, this album did that for me, and while I think I’m still figuring out what exactly that is, at the very least, I feel Cohen’s absence in the musical world today.

Haunting and powerful

O! the king

For all of my hesitation going in, this was an absolutely beautiful album. Leonard Cohen doesn't exactly "sing" so much as speak melodically, but he does it with great effect. The songs are generally pretty minimal and err darker (go figure) in tone. Love the use of different strings throughout and the way that his voice can sound both broken and powerful at once. This is a "pretty" album and certainly is one that pairs best with a certain mood, but even for a fairly distracted listen this was a surprising treat. For me this is a high 4. Opening bassline of You Want It Darker made me think of Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. Glad its not that... This song is actually pretty badass -- sounds somewhat like a Nick Cave song. His voice is so deep and haggard. Treaty is a really beautiful song, as is If I Didn't Have Your Love. The fiddle line in Steer Your Way reminds me of a Sublime song (We're Only Gonna Die For Our Arrogance -- which is itself a cover actually).

Best Song: On the Level. The juxtaposition of Cohen's gruff voice with the soulful backing vocals is perfect. Worst Song: It Seemed the Better Way. This feels like Cohen at his most sombre, almost religious, and without the counterpoint of some intrumental levity or the backing female vocals, it trends towards morose. Overall: Cohen sounds otherworldly here. Like some kind of ancient titan. Like the voice of an old mountain. I enjoy that he acknowledges that his own singing chops are not spectacular (and honestly, not why people listen to him) and so the majority of the musicality comes from the backing vocals and instrumentation, leaving Cohen's lyrics and rough delivery to stand on their own. An excellent culmination of Cohen's career.

I think I may have listened to parts of this album back when it came out, because some of it sounded familiar to me today. Either way, I thought this album was great. Lyrically, it definitely lives up to its name, and after reading about the context in which it was recorded, it makes sense why Leonard Cohen would make this album. I really loved the themes that Leonard Cohen explored here; the lyrics are full of imagery of death, mortality, religion, and love. I can't imagine what it must have been like for him to watch his body essentially fail him as his health declined over his final days. The instrumentals, while bare and stripped down, did a perfect job of complimenting the dark tone of the lyrics, and I think the instrumentals on this album would still be beautiful without the lyrics. My favorite songs here were "Traveling Light" and "It Seemed the Better Way." I love the way that they sound like poems read over music. "On the Level" had some awesome backing vocals, and I also loved the way that "Steer Your Way" built to a quiet crescendo at the end. Overall, this was a really solid album, and I'm excited for the other Leonard Cohen album on this list.

This album is incredibly dark, but not in a way that is without some kind of light. The sheer contemplativeness in the lyrics, the droning on and on of low notes, the sound is that of a man taking inventory of his final breaths. The album is dark, it is sad, and yet somehow there is a sense of learning, a feeling that as listeners this needed to happen. It did, and there is a gratefulness here whether a person was a fan of Cohen's career or not. It was poetry, and seemingly without the bougie pretentiousness that seems to infect most singer-songwriters that feel like they should be more famous than they are.

Beautiful but bleak. An old man's examination of a long life and all its glories and mistakes.

I didn’t know he was still making albums as of 2016. Some of the songs on this are as good as any he ever made 30 years ago.

Can tell that it is more modern Cohen - but still a lil depressing.

I can acknowledge Leonard Cohen’s greatness as writer or poet. And listening to a song or two of his in isolation is fine. But a whole album with that monotone voice is really off-putting and no amount of lyrical genius can paper over the fact he can’t and never could sing. Perhaps that’s not the point and never was, and people that love Cohen love him for his words and tales of love, life, meditations on mortality and death, and liberal use of religious symbolism and metaphor. And I get it. He’s brilliant at that, but publish it in book or written form, because for me (and this is the 3rd Cohen album the generator has given me now) his albums are a chore rather than a pleasurable listening experience, and ‘You Want It Darker’ is no exception.

Always an acquired taste, and one I’ve tried a lot over the years, Cohen’s style just isn’t for me. That doesn’t take away the validity of his music or this album. It’s haunting listening to someone’s final stamp on the world. Maybe it’s just a little to much for me at 5 AM when I’m trying to listen to it. Maybe it’s too much for anyone at that hour.

Cohen premeditates on the afterlife with a tombstone timbre as his two feet steadily sink down six.

Read poetry over music. Meh.

Fuckin darkly beautiful

3.8 - What might it sound like to sit next to Dracula at his death bed?

I don't think I'll ever listen to this again but yeah, I get it. Pretty depressing vibe.

His voice is still great, but the lyrics sound like the work of a bored pensioner. Not for me

De sigaret die hij aan het roken is op de cover is echt aan het inslaan Elk nummer is eigenlijk een beetje hetzelfde - behalve steer your way die op de een of andere manier beter binnenkomt

Titelnummer is briljant, en een paar andere zijn ook mooi, maar het had zo erg een ep kunnen zijn, ik denk 3,5 ster

Didn't like some of the songs, really liked some others. Overall better than I expected.

Норм

I loved the first song, the rest just sounded the same. Depressing spoken word poetry over minimalist background music. Its fine, but I'm not going to be returning for more listens.

I don’t know why I didn’t realize the guy who wrote hallelujah would have a lot of religious vibes to his songs. Vocals were different, album was a bit mediocre. I felt like he was trying to say something or be edgy, but he didn’t do it well.

Reminds me of that Johnny Cash album he did when he was much older. I enjoyed this one too, despite the fact I wasn't much of a fan of some of his other albums. Perhaps something about him being older changed the musical style to be more enjoyable to me..

While a handful of tracks have very hollow production, there are a handful of genuinely gorgeous moments here and consistently introspective and powerful writing. RIP Leonard (but not actually because you were kind of a gross asshole)

Pretty good, not my favorite.

Couldn't get into it. Still kinda cool. Might have needed a different environment.

Put a pin in this one for when i have less joie de vivre

Very nice deep voice, but the music overall just was not for me.

Jesus Christ is every song on this album going to be this breathy voice speaking the lyrics?! Update: yes it is. I shouldn't be surprised, considering Cohen sounded bored performing his own songs during his prime. Now he just sounds incapable.

he has such a unique voice

3/5. Dark and depressing themes, especially for a man who dies 2 weeks later. The title track is really good but there are some definite misses throughout. Some blend into each other, as is with most Leonard cohen songs.

Phenomenal opening track, sounds suprisingly like the halo 1 soundtrack. Stays very true to its name. Would recommend for times when you want to feel like the protagonist to spooky cowboy.

Cohen and Bowie both in the same year managed to write and release albums that were ponderous reflections on the end of their lives just days before they each passed. And both of them are just amazing. This album is a wonderful reflection on the life Cohen lived and his comfort in the end of it. Sad but great album.

Rest in peace, king.

It was okay. His voice was a little off and the songs mostly sounded very similar

this album is only a three bc im not as musically into it. the music is good, gospel lite, christian hymnal referential. all well in good to the concept of self decision making and avoiding institutions seeking to sway the mind. its a cool album. its just not for me. this is a great last album. and it feels thoughtful and grand.

Odd with a funky tune and a deep voice.

It's a good album. It's very stripped back but beautiful. I do like Blackstar more which came out in the same year and has the same themes. Actual score is a 3.5 but it's closer to a 4 than a 3 I think.

Wasn't sure what I was getting into at the first song, but I was pleasantly surprised. A very interesting album clearly focusing on death and life. It's not super depressing throughout; I appreciate the matter of fact view he has on death. It also hits harder knowing he died 17 days after the release of this album at the age of 82. The focus is clearly on the lyrics, like poetry, and it does a good job making sure lyrics are clear and powerful. I would like to listen to this again while reading the lyrics instead of working. Steer Your Way was a standout to me. This album has taken the throne for latest album at 2016! (previously held by In Rainbows)

I really liked the instrumentals in every song. His extremely baritone voice worked towards the end of the album for me but caught me off guard in the beginning and took some getting used to.

Solid bassline to start off. The music is good and dark for a dreary day like today. Although it made me tired I think because of the casualness of his voice. There were some really good background instrumentals. Very gritty and weathered but definitely sleep inducing.

Boygenius reference

Real good...

I'm so excited. I've waited and waited for this to happen.. That the 1001 would change my opinion about an artist I hate and convert me. Well, today was the day. I've always loved Cohen's voice. It's right up there with Tom Waits for gravel and grit. I've always loved his lyrics-- pure poetry. But I've always hated his stupid melodies and accompaniments. This album is different. Sparer and sparse. It's fabulous. So now I like Leonard Cohen-- sort of.

Meh. This is better than normal. I appreciate his dark unamused tone and darker voice on this one. Still better writer than musician.

“I don’t like his voice,” my four year old whined. “He sounds like a bad guy.” Leonard Cohen is likely not actually a cartoon villain in a kids movie. But he sure sounds like one. I think this was the first Leonard Cohen album I have managed to power all the way through. It is the first one I've written the review for, at least. And now that we have finally reached the 5th and final undeserved Cohen album on the list, I will go back and give the others the same solitary-star treatment as this one. However, (though he's much better than Cohen, at least) there are still 5 more Dylan albums to go.

My 4 year old said "He sounds like a bad guy" and she is right. The title track gives me major Scar vibes from The Lion King. In a way, the music actually fits his voice better than some of the other albums we have had to listen to. That is the only reason that I am giving this an extra star and should in no way be misinterpreted as a softening of my dislike for this artist.

“Not this asshole’s voice again…” - Me 2 Leonard Cohen albums ago predicting this review. Not far off. To his credit almost entirely gave up trying to sing and somewhat melodically talked the lyrics. It’s the best use of his voice that I still dislike. I very much enjoyed the music on Traveling Light. Thank goodness this is the last Cohen album we have! See, I found two nice things to say, which is a record for me and Leonard Cohen.

Enjoyed this.

Nearly up there with Blackstar as an end-of-life sign-off.

This is my third Leonard Cohen album in a very short time. Beautifully poetic and relaxing to listen to. I wouldn’t listen to him regularly, however I believe his music is very culturally important.

Booooooring!!

Leonard Cohen is not my thing in the slightest.

The music itself is very good but I CANNOT with this low gravelly voice. I don’t know why but it’s so unsettling and I physically can’t finish this

Raspy but good to nap to 2.5/5

At first, I wasn’t sure if I could get over the insane raspiness of a 90 year old but I did. Beautiful lyrics, beautiful music, beautiful album. It was cool we got to listen to his first album and his final album that were 50 years apart

The mixing of this is a bit unsettling, it feels like he's whispering in your ear. Not bad, but I think his music is something I'd have to get used to.

A great goodbye to live from a great poet and singer songwriter. Songs and lyrics are from a very high level. Gives the feeling you are on his funeral in church. An album to sit by relaxed and really listen to with full attention.

mmmm, mieć taki głos...

What feels like a self written eulogy is as crushing as crushing gets. Beautiful, sincere, Leonard Cohen

The album was good, lyrically it was strong. His thoughts of impending mortality were imprinted on every song. I always like Leonard Cohen.

There's one of the 5 stars reviews in here that perfectly explains how this album of Leonard Cohen, released only 17 days before his passing, is the "lyrical" summation of all the grand themes he dealt with during his life. And I don't really see what I could add to that great review that would be meaningful. God, love, lust, death... The sheer magic of the title track says it all. A *dark* sort of magic, yes indeed. But magic nonetheless. Cohen's deep gravelly voice over those half-scary, half-angelic backgroud vocals is simply incredible by the way. If this doesn't send shudders down your spine, I don't know what will. There's just one thing, though. The music in this album is very good, but on average, it's less stellar than what Leonard had composed decades earlier. Half of said music was composed by others, by the way, but I guess you can't blame a frail old man about to die for asking collaborators to complete the task at hand... This situation allows me to address one common misunderstanding when it comes to Leonard Cohen: indeed, people often focus on his wonderful lyrics, but they also forget to mention how his arrangements and chord changes are as moving and effective as his words in his songs. Cohen proves it again here, with two absolute gems he penned all by himself for *You Want It Darker*; "Treaty" and "Steer The Way". The terrific chord progression and minor-major modulations on the latter, enhanced by a mischievous violin, should be studied in every songwriting schools out there. Most of the music Cohen didn't write for this album was composed by Patrick Leonard, who, believe or not, once co-wrote some of Madonna's most famous hit singles during the eighties (the mere fact that there is now a direct connection between Madonna and Leonard Cohen is mind-boggling to say the least). And fortunately Patrick brought his A-game on two songs in this LP: the admirable title-track, that we mentioned earlier, but also "Travelling Light". When in this one Cohen wrily whispers "I used to play one mean guitar"--while looking back on his life--there's a rush of memories and emotions that will surely flood you, at least if you know a little about the man's long career. So all in all, what we have here is four tracks that can easily rival with anything Cohen wrote and perfomed from the late sixties to the early nineties. Which is quite a feat given how legendary some of those earlier songs are. Of course, it's very hard to compete with such a brilliant past. Under that light, *You Want It Darker* will have to wait a little before being fully included in my own list of essential albums, contrary to *Songs Of Leonard Cohen*, *Songs Of Love And Hate*, or *I'm Your Man* (I'll first need to check if there's enough room for it at the end). But waiting right in front of the gates of heaven is, after all, the sort of situation that would have made the Canadian poet smirk a little. And I know he went through those gates, eventually. So I imagine he won't hold too much of a grudge against me, if ever we meet up there one day... 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential" albums. Which means 8.5/10 for more general purposes (5 + 3.5). Number of albums left to review: 594 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 193 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 91 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 122

Totes emosh

Really beautiful lyricism and gospel sounds. A very distinct voice as well.

Pretty weird. This guy's voice is super gravelly and deep.

Beautiful album. 4/5

Ei jaksa innostua levyllisestä puhetta musan päälle.

Tommonen rauhallinen runopläjäys. En saanut orgasmia…

Genre: Rock Review: Great music. Very deep and soothing voice, apparently the guy made this album when he was in his 80s! Released only a few weeks before he passed away. The quality of the music was fabulous. Rating: 7/10

Leonard Cohen would make for a good sleep therapist if you didn't understand English. If you did, someone better tell him you were looking for music, not a talking album.

It's really good poetry, and enjoyable to listen to with a glass of wine. But strictly musically speaking one would need another Jeff Buckley to turn these songs into 5 star songs.

All the tracks sound pretty much the same: poems read over a barely present melody. It is definitely a vibe, but it gets old after a few songs.

First track ok. The rest of it an endless boring dirge.

I want it lighter.

as it turns out, I did

I've always liked Leonard Cohen ever since Natural Born Killers. This album is great! I like the dark overtones, his deep voice, and the sinister of it. The only thing I don't like is how much biblical and god references there are.

Interesting voice, almost spoken word

Leonard Cohen taught me what English teachers couldn’t- the rhythm of poetry He uses strings so effectively on this lp The music blends so well with poetic cadence It’s bizarre how a man can ‘recite’ songs in a monotone, like he does, but draw so much emotion out. It shows the strength of his writing

Another really heavy album. Cohen's anguished vocals are perfect for the tone of these songs.

Singer songwriter album with strange, very deep and almost spoken vocals with dark lyrics and sparse production. I wasn’t a fan at all however I like it slightly better than the similar sounding album from Bill Callahan.

Very different Interest guy

Not my style

Ok though a bit drab

First song sounds like Ursula from the little mermaid singing a Ballard The rest for some reason makes me think of a narrated musical children’s movie . I can’t believe I listened to this whole album

if the rest of the album was as good as the title track it'd be a five-star ⭐⭐⭐

really good, i liked but not somthing i’ll listen to all the time

omg wowwww 10/10!!!!!!!!!!! never heard this before but i love leonard cohen so im off the bat excited. And its his last album released 3 months before his death, immediately u can hear that emotion of almost dying. like this is so beautiful im feeling very emotional. ON THE LEVEL!!!!!!! wow what an awesome song leaving the table- "i know you can feel it, the sweetness restored" "im leaving the table, im out of the game" like he is the master songwriter, and goddamn i didnt know i needed this album so bad. what a badass death album- feels like a final eulogy and tribute to his entire career. Like hes saying this is the conclusion for you all! This is the end and thats okay! I love you leonard, thanks for letting me attend ur funeral </3 </3

You Want It Darker og Steer Your Way er gode sange og resten er sådan også okay, men sidste halvdel af albummet er klart det bedste for mit vedkommende.

very quiet Cohen

The music was nothing special but his voice and lyrics were amazing. What an artist!

Cool villiany music

Not my type

- Incredible vocal performance and lyrics - Lowkey and groovy instruments - Songs blend together a small bit - Favorite songs: You Want it Darker, Leaving the Table

- Very much sounds like a man on his deathbed - Clearly a strong songwriter - Groovy, but not for me

Gorgeous.

It was not for me personally didn't listen to too much of it.

1. First song gives off dark choir piano sounds. His voice is very crisp grimly like reading a book. Good 2. Ballad song sound good. Sound like a vampire. Is this christiany music? Very good 3. Instrumental is calming. Woman in background voice is good. Good 4. Guitar strings is 👌🏾. Background solo 😍. Calming. Perfect 5. So calming. Perfect 6. Spanish vibes in beginning. Very poet. Groovy in background. 🎻. Good 7. Eerie in background with drums. Very violin feel like in movie. It's okay but love the melody. 8. Feel very folk vibes. Bluegrass. Okay. 9. Very 1800s in beginning. Grand cello. Violin. Very beautiful relaxing. Perfect.

man, i loved it

If you like biblical references and generic love poetry you’re in luck. I wanted to hate it but I didn’t. I feel like Bowie and Cash had more deathbed gravitas and Cohen uses his voice as a crutch here…how pretentious is this review.

moody and lovely, gravely and dark.

The last recorded album by Leonard Cohen before his death. It seems he knew the end was coming for him as he kind of hints and writes about the end of life. It's quite haunting at times, but some songs also have some very pretty passages as well. It's incredible that Cohen was still able to release a work such at this given his ailing health. He has left us with a huge body of work, beautiful songs that will forever stick with us. The mix is allright, but the instrumentation sometimes feels a bit tacked on. An essential farewell album and an astonishing end to a career. Favorite lyrics: -There's a lullaby for suffering. And a paradox to blame. - I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be. Only one of us was real and that was me. - They oughta give my heart a medal For letting go of you - Steer your way through the pain that is far more real than you. That smashed the cosmic model, that blinded every view. Key tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty, On The Level, Leaving The Table, It Seemed The Better Way, Steer Your Way. 8 out of 10

Was definitely "darker." Kind of exhausted with Cohen's subject matter these days.

It was very Cohen. About what I expected from him. While I certainly enjoyed it, there are other entries in his catalogue that I am more drawn to.

Jazz blues, not my style, but is a good album.

So much music comes from the experience of youth. This is one of those rare albums / artists that speaks to different points in life that you can appreciate more the older you get. 5/5.

Oof... I forgot how good this album was. Not only are the lyrics wonderfully dark, but the violin throughout a lot of the songs just enhances it. My second 5/5 in a row this week.

One of the best albums about death ever made. A man towards the end screaming at the void.

What a voice! He's making Tom Waites sound like a soprano!! Time has gone by very quickly, disappointed that things have come to a close. A very nice album, Mr Cohen's voice is great, and he is backed up by excellent instrumentation and songwriting. Lovely stuff. 3 / 5 stars.

Love the title song. The rest all sounded the same.

A worthy finale for Cohen. Melancholy and spiritual, no easy platitudes but a portrait of a centered man.

Maybe I was just in the right headspace today but I loved every minute of this album. Cohen's writing is utterly brilliant (as usual) but his performance here is maybe his best. He's given up trying to be a singer and, instead, leans into a sort of gravely, melodic, spoken word that just... it just works, man. And the songs! This is the last album of a man who knows this is going to be his last album. The lyrics are poignant, pointed, and heavy with significance. These are the songs of a brilliant songwriter who has lived a lot of life. They're the songs of a man who can see the end but who doesn't know how to stop doing the thing he loves. The gravitas is palpable and I believe that the world has more depth and character because Mr. Cohen was able to release this one, last album out into it. Full marks.

"I wish I had a treaty between your love and mine" I really needed this today. It completely took me by surprise and blew me away. Not something which I'd listen to regularly but a great piece of music

When it comes to Leonard Cohen you know what you’re getting. That said his silly dulcet tones hit nicely even if the album as a whole could use an inflection of energy at certain points.

i love and admire leonard cohen but the only thing i really like on this album is the title track

dark and lovely

Not really into the vocals, can’t stand to listen past the first couple of songs

too poetic

The vocals caught me off guard but grew on me quickly. So much gravel. Finished the album before realizing it was released in 2016. Raw gritty simple and cool.

More Leonard Cohen... I mean, really?! 4 albums out of 1001 so far. Hopefully, this is the last. The title track is rather good, but my god he needs a holiday in the sun and to cheer the fuck up.

doing this one out of order to get all the Leonard Cohen album's done why are there four here he's really old in this one

Mesmerizing. The poetry, his voice, the instrumentation choices.

Absolutely amazing album with a dark and romantic tone that's just...*chef's kiss*. I especially adored the use of the orchestral score, it was just gorgeous and complimented Cohen's vocals so well. Top tracks: You Want it Darker, Treaty, Traveling Light, and String Reprise/Treaty.