You Want It Darker

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.

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

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.

One of the most beautiful voices in the world, saying her farewell. Everything about it is perfect, the lyrics, the melodies...

Beautifully composed, performed, and produced. I can't find a bad thing to say about this album. Sure it's depressing. It's an introspective album on death near the end of life. Of course it is.

Such an intimate album, he clearly knew he was reaching his end and gave us this wonderful gift.

Track 2, "Treaty" was a tear jerker.

Recorded in the last months of his life (and released two weeks before it ended), You Want It Darker is Leonard Cohen’s final masterpiece, reflecting on the pain and sadness he endured with a sense of acceptance-in the end, it might just have been worth it. Gravelly-voiced with spare instrumentation, this is a truly special listening experience.

This was a real wow album for me. One of the things I love about this generator as I would never bother to listen to this otherwise. I’d never clicked with LC before listening to this today. The whole vibe and themes of life and death given his own circumstances when he made this album just work, and his distinct vocals just fit with the atmosphere of the album. An absolutely beautiful masterpiece that you should listen to before you die. It’s the least you can do given Leonard put the effort in to create this masterpiece just before he died.

It’s tough to describe why I liked this album. It felt very raw and vulnerable which is cool. You want it darker is super weird and absolutely rocks. Overall a great listen

beautiful, sad, everything i’ve ever wanted from leonard cohen. i cant believe his voice sounded this good at his age, truly aged like a good wine.

I have attempted to rate this album at least 5 times now. At first I wasn't sure whether I even liked it, but I think I've figured out that I do.

What a cool record. It just got better and better. Fav song was leaving the table, I love the guitar in that one. Sounds like ry cooder. Huge fan of the string outro. I love when records have themes like that. 4.7

What a beautiful album. It’s moody and honest. Leaving the Table is my favorite lyrically. I’ll be listening to this over and over again.

Zijn stem en zijn melancholische teksten maken dit een perfect album op een droevige manier

Think I've listened to this four times already. His voice sounded like he smoked and drank his whole life but it fit the style and lyrics of the album perfectly. I really liked the darkness and melancholy of the album. Easily goes into a list of best albums I've ever heard. Highlights were "Steer Your Way", "You Want It Darker" and "It Seemed the Better Way".

WOW! This was absolutely incredible. Did not expect that. His voice(!!!), the backing vocals, the finality of it all that comes from him being close to the end of his life. I felt quite emotional in parts, only a very small amount of music does that to me. I think this is up there with the best albums I've ever heard. Albums like this, which I would have never listened to otherwise, are exactly why I wanted to work through this list.

Z’n stem, de soberheid, het einde in zicht en de teksten. Klein traantje gelaten

Careful what you ask for. He didn't exactly make the happiest albums before this one you know.

wow quite beautiful

ich geb dem einfach mal ne 5, weil ich finde es ist eine 5 und will das es eine 5 ist :)

Beautiful as some of Leonard Cohen’s best - and like Bowie’s Blackstar, it is a wonderful gift of a goodbye by one of the demigod artists of the 20th Century. It’s a little less dark than Bowie’s epitaph and the soaring lyrics and smooth husky baritone of Cohen allows the world the grieve a little better for the loss.

favourite song: treaty least favourite: no least favourite song. this album is absolutely fantastic easy 5/5.

si leonardo te quiero oscuroooo

So powerful! What a denouement to his musical career. So very missed.

i feel like this album goes back to his start, slow poetic somber songs i love it

Incredible voice and incredible record to go with it. Quite short but memorable! Loved it. 5/5

Leonard Cohen – You Want it Darker Last album written before Leonard Cohen’s death two months later. - You Want it Darker – That bass beat is so smoooooth! Yes! Dark voice is cool vibe. The “Hineni” in the chorus is a Hebrew phrase meaning “Here I am”, used by Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah among others when God calls them. The whole song seems to be Cohen trying to come to terms with his imminent death and God. Cohen is Jewish and often uses Christian imagery. This combines both. It’s really good. - Treaty – Sadder track about how the narrator is angry and tired and just wishes to end conflicts. The raw vocals mostly work, and he does get a bit more melodic at times. It’s unclear if he’s singing to a woman or God or something else entirely. - On the Level – Guitar has some prominence in this one, while still being background. Backing vocals in the chorus are an interesting effect, but not my favorite. Does give this one some variety. Seems to be about leaving a lover who was both a “devil” and an “angel”. Also speaks about his time in a Buddhist monastery in the 90s. Another good track, but not one I think I’d go back and revisit much. - Leaving the Table – Even more prominence to the guitar in the intro. Like most of the songs, it seems to deal with letting love go, reconciliation, and end to struggles. I like the brass in the background. Ok, this one is amazing. The emotion in the music hits harder than basically any of the others. This one leaves the religious imagery and is completely raw autobiography. It might be my favorite track so far. - If I Didn’t Have Your Love – A reflection on past love. It’s a sweet love song, and a good song overall, but it’s less to my taste than many of the songs on this album. These kinds of personal love songs don’t resonate with me since it’s out of my experience. - Traveling Light – A Greek flavored track that’s a goodbye to Marianne Ihlen, a partner, lover, and muse of his who died a few months before he did. It’s another amazing one. - It Seemed the Better Way – Even more stripped back track, going to humming vocals, sparse bass and shaker keeping the time. Deals with his relationship with Zen Master Roshi whom he spent years with in a monastery. He felt the teachings rang true, but later stories came out about Roshi sexually abusing female students. Also may be a rejection, or an acceptance, or a resignation to Christianity. It’s unclear. It’s high quality, but not to my taste. - Steer Your Way – Not my favorite, but a very well written track. The violins are good. - String Reprise / Treaty – Closing track to the album. An instrumental, followed by a reprise of Treaty to close out the album and close out Cohen’s life. Wow. The songwriting on this is freaking amazing. Very interesting and personal themes explored as well. The instruments are tasteful and sound amazing throughout, achieving a wide variety of different tones. In context with Cohen confronting his own imminent death (and reflecting on his life) it becomes even more poignant. Even the songs that I personally dislike are still extremely well-written. What an amazing album. This is exactly the kind of thing I wanted to find when I started this project. Top Tracks - You Want it Darker – Lead track coming to terms with God and death. Smooooth bass. - Treaty – Good summation of the themes of reconciliation/surrender of the whole album. - Leaving the Table – Most raw track on the album. - Traveling Light – Love the Greek instrumentation. A beautiful farewell to a past love and friend.

Melodias e melancolias envolventes para um lirismo arrebatador.

I'm a sucker for smokey singing voices.

I'm a sucker for smokey singing voices.

What a beautiful album. A masterpiece for him to end his legendary career. His poetry here allowed him to look back on his mortality and the string reprise was the official goodbye. Very dark and sad, but beautiful in its essence, as he did say bye a month after its release.

Magical

Notes from the front from a Sole Survivor. Somber, gripping and unexpectedly poetic. Required.

Leonard Cohen is perfect. This album might be his best.

p943. 2016. 5 stars Gravel voiced old man ruminates on death and produces final work of power and beauty. Lyrically, still light years ahead of the competition, and this time we've got decent tunes and quality production to match the words. Not a weak track on it. I am guessing this will resonate more with an older audience.

Another easy 5, long time fan. Such an incredible album, like a self written eulogy. Absolutely amazing. You Want it Darker is superd, Travelling Light, and Treaty are also sublime.

What a beautiful and heartbreaking album. Released just a few weeks before he passed. Ugh. He still had it til the end.

I wouldn't call myself a Cohen fan by any stretch of the imagination, being more familiar with his songs as performed by other artists. I bought this album on the strength of the use of the title track as the theme for the Black Earth Rising TV series, but in the end the whole album captivated me. In places Cohen sounds old and frail, but that only adds rather than detracts. It reflects on his past life and offers advice to those he leaves behind. It's an outstanding album to sign off with, his Blackstar.

loved it!

This album will forever and always reminds me of Budapest. I adore this record.

Hauntingly Beautiful. I love the choirsong. 5

I don't claim to be intimately familiar with his discography, but this seems like a master work. His poetry is so unique, and his voice is so dark and rich, the mood meets the words so well. A powerful listen.

I've listened to this album several times before. Not much voice left in him, but what a voice. Great feel for the music.

A striking meditation on god, love, and death. Leonard Cohen has always had tension throughout his work, but this album sees the tension unresolved and left to us, the listener. His voice and the subtle instrumentation command attention and leave the listener with a profound sense of loss.

Incredible that in the same year as Bowie's Blackstar another legendary artist released an album days before his death, apparently in the knowledge that it would be his last, and delivered it with such poise. Both the darker and the more soulful numbers therefore come with added gravitas, (helped by Cohen's badass old man voice ofc), and his gift for dispensing great wisdom in pithy phrases is evident throughout. 'As he died to make men holy, let us die to make things cheap'. Yep. 4.5

More interesting musically than Songs From A Room, but the same evocative lyrics full of pathos and perfectly honed turns of phrase. Peak Cohen in my opinion.

The title of this album is perfect. I had said in my notes on “Songs of Love and Hate” that I was really interested in listening to more early Leonard Cohen, since the album I had been most familiar with was from the 80s. Why didn’t I pay attention when he made music in the 21st century? I didn’t even really aware of this later work. It was rather amazing to jump almost 50 years in his career. His voice still mesmerizes me. His words are still somewhat inscrutable but always intriguing. The composition, instrumentation, and backing vocals are amazing and beautiful in this. I think it’s interesting that the composer of the title track’s music is the co-writer of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” It has more in common than I would have thought. I love the organ and backing choir. The religious feel is intense. It’s a feel that carries through the rest of the album. “Treaty” carries so much pain and regret it’s hard to listen to. And then “Leaving the Table” comes on with even more...although there seems to be some relief in letting go. But that’s still pretty heavy. Come to think of it, “Traveling Light” also has a similar story. “If I Didn’t Have Your Love” at least suggests an intense love, but focuses on a pretty dang dark “what if?”. We then get in to some interesting religious pain and regret territory with “It Seemed the Better Way” and “Steer Your Way.” Mind you, I love these songs so much that you may find me in a dark room listening to them again and again, and it may be a good idea to get me outside in the sunshine.

I was not familiar with this album, but after Songs of Love and Hate, I have been intrigued with LC. This album did not disappoint. I didn’t expect the spoken lyrics, but I though that the tone with the accompanying music was beautiful. What a treasure.

Sublime. I've been to church. I am stunned and grateful.

Stórkostlegt verk!

On sillä Leonardilla aika möreä ääni. Tunnelmallisia biisejä ja lämpimiä tunteita. Treaty(t) jäi tästä parhaiten mieleen. Sen verran vahva like, että pakko antaa vitonen!

10/10

Underbart, mörkt och fullständigt fantastiskt. Ett av mina absoluta favoritalbum just, och kanske även sen.

Se calhar escrevo isto de uma forma emotiva, mas este álbum é qualquer coisa. Possui uma aura triste a sua volta que prende e atrai. A simplicidade e o tom da voz de Cohen enquadra se perfeitamente ao tom sombrio do álbum com um arranjo instrumental mais solene que se junta tão bem a sua voz. Não sei o que se passa, mas terei de dar um 9, fiquei muito intrigado e agradado com este álbum. Nota 9/10

Wow. This was truly an experience. I'm glad I already rolled a couple of Cohen's earliest albums before I got this one. I hadn't found either particularly remarkable, but having heard them made "You Want It Darker" all the sweeter. Cohen had grown better with time, apparently; his music was now more varied, yet more cohesive; his lyrics were finally engaging; even his voice grizzled into a seductive register that perfectly matched the tone. And the end result: this album—his final album—the story of a weary, bitter man, who is finally confronting the mistakes that have haunted him all his life. He doesn't demand your sympathy; he doesn't even want it. But you give it to him, because you're still human, after all; and then it's over, and he's gone, and somehow you feel both entirely empty and overwhelmingly full. I'm going to need some more time to mentally process this one. But that's okay. It's going to stick with me the rest of my life, and I'm perfectly happy for it to do so.

better than I was expecting, I had a rough time with the first few songs sorry, I love Leonard Cohens older stuff but his voice felt really jarring on this album, with some songs it worked really well but with others it was just too awkward although the more I listened through the album, the more I warmed up to the vocals what I really loved about it was the composition of these tracks beautiful, beautiful instrumentation I think Traveling Light really stood out to me, that was really cool production Also that String Reprise was really nice Overall a really great album, while I had trouble with the vocals I think the rest of the album sells it for me - 9/10

Deep and meaningful

The first time I listened to Leonard Cohen, better than two decades ago, was a transformative day for me and I can still remember the incense smell of the room the first time I put needle to wax and the sepia tones of the Seattle front yard that I sat in when I played it a second time immediately afterwards. This is not that album and I only mention it as I may never get to write about that record and as a primer to say I may not be able to be objective about Leonard Cohen and these tracks. He is unassailable to me. His late in life gravel voice is simultaneously profoundly comforting while inducing heartache. He opens me up and strips away all my armor. I am never more open to my feelings then in the moments following a close LC listen. The three albums that he put out over the seven years leading up to You Want It Darker laid the groundwork for this release. Cohen was a man who had lived an incredibly full life, who was ready to die, but still had so much to say and give to his fans. This album was released just a few week's before Cohen died and this record was his beautiful parting gift. He was a poet that remained in top form all the way to the end.

A beautiful swan song from one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. R.I.P.

Oscurísimo, excelente.

five stars all day long

Only one of us was real.

The last album of Leonard Cohen is about saying goodbye and leaving it all behind. Very impressive with moving lyrics and a voice so low and broken it is almost not human anymore.

Inmortal.

Отличный альбом, думаю стоит вернуться полностью слушая лирику. Traveling Light / You Want It Darker зацепили с первого прослушивания.

Very peculiar

Fantástico

Incredible - deeply moving.

Another one for Nic

Wonderbar. Treaty / treaty reprise standouts.

Ja, dit album kan ik niet luisteren zonder het in de context te zetten. Wat een prachtparel over het leven en de naderende dood

Dark but great

Amazing album

OSCURO, MAJO

¡Fantástico!

Refrescante ver a alguien haciendo un disco de 9 canciones y 36 minutos. Directo a lo que va a decir y punto. Lleno de reflexiones de una persona entrada en años, este disco se siente honesto y directo, con un mensaje claro sobre lo único que pareciera seguir importando al final, las relaciones de pareja y con dios. Resignado donde debe y cuestionando lo que queda claro, es un disco muy personal. Es el segundo disco que escucho en esta lista y fue una experiencia completamente diferente. Discazo.

La primera vez que escuché a Leonard Cohen fue en el soundtrack de Watchmen. De inmediato me atrapó la voz, una voz muy profunda y grave, como la de Barry White, pero en el lado triste del espectro. ¿Qué puedo decir sobre el disco? Es una chingonería, quizá con excepción de alguna canción por ahí que está medio meh. Es importante mencionar que el disco me agradó no sólo por la voz, la voz es un complemento de la música y la melodía, y en la mayoría de las canciones la combinación de ambas proyecta un sentimiento melancólico, pero a la vez poderoso, casi como una súplica.

Végig lenyűgözött, szövegek elképesztők, hangulat kell hozzá, de nyári estéhez bármikor.

Tout simplement dévasté.

Didn’t think I’d like it but I actually did. End of story. Ok bye.

Musically and creatively fascinating, Cohen is a poet. Not something I'd listen to on repeat, but cool to experience.

Loved it! Felt very balanced from one song to the next and the lyrical themes were nicely connected

The music performed well if not original whatsoever, while Cohen’s words are intelligent and his delivery largely the same between tracks. However the value of this “impending death” album is Cohen’s attitude toward dying - matter of fact and poetic, humorous but serious. It’s an oddly uplifting album about recognizing the end of life. There are certainly worse ways to die.

This is the most recent album from Leonard Cohen I’ve heard. He’s still got it. Or at least he did 10 years ago.

The soundtrack to the end of life, the mental struggles of your body giving up intertwined with religious imagery and a sombre tone. He's near the end here and it's evident in the vocals and lyrics. I'm a nurse and I worked in a care home for a few years, so saw a lot of people going through this process. It does add extra weight to the lyrics and themes here. I am not likely to listen again because it's not my thing. I can however respect it as art. Edit: Listened again and loved it. It really is Dark as treacle. Upgraded to 4* .

Humorous and a little dark. I liked it if even if it was a sorta one-note. Light 7

Listening to You Want It Darker after only being familiar with Cohen's earliest work is a strange experience. It's still very obviously Leonard Cohen, but it's interesting to hear what 50 years do to a man. His voice gives a new meaning to the word "weary". It's a perfect match for these chamber folk arrangements, though, and I love it. It just pulls you in and refuses to let go. The mood is strange, as sinister as it is spiritual, a contradiction that keeps you invested. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and they perfectly complement this atmosphere, but that's barely a surprise from such a masterful lyricist. Cohen is negotiating and even arguing with God, embracing his faith and condemning what it implies. Overall, not a grand farewell like we experienced with other artists like Bowie. Quite the contrary, it's gorgeously solemn and, most importantly, authentic. Favourite track: You Want It Darker

To be near the end and keep the creative spark alive.

That voice! This was a strong entry to his catalog, and a fitting capstone, as he died within a few weeks of it's release. He speaks the lyrics almost more than he sings them, but for his poetry, it works.

(5/7) essentially spoken word poetry but still enjoyed it, especially the parts with the choir

оо та невже

A lovely, moody, but ultimately optimistic farewell. It's a vibe album and I'll throw it on again when the vibe calls for it.

Interesting choice that out of all his albums they choose the one release two weeks before his death. Interesting lyrics and sounds straight from the 60s

This is a whole moody vibe. Quite enjoyed it, tho it definitely is an album you can only listen to at certain times for sure. 3.5

"I heard the snake was baffled by his sin, he shed his scales to find the snake within, but born again is born without a skin" UUURRRGGGHHH One of the GOATs with his epic conclusion to his incredible life

Dark enough

Wonderful

Surprisingly good. Not sure what I expected out of Leonard Cohen, especially since this is much later in his career. Didn't know there was a second Blackstar in 2016. Very atmospheric and moody, his buttery voice goes along with it very well. I'm impressed. 8/10

Truly the best I’ve heard of Leonard Cohen. Is it something about impending death that brings out creative genius? Or maybe just the wisdom that comes with age. Really enjoyed this.

The title sets the mood, and never lets go. The songs are sparce, bleak sounding, and... rather good? There are no tracks that stand out, in my opinion. It is rather a cohesive output of solid songs. It does not vary much though, but the album is short enough that I never get bored, and the female backing vocals and the violin is a nice touch to improve upon certain songs. I can see myself listening to this again, when days are shorter and the weather is colder.

album #126 this album is as haunting as it is beautiful. it's not necessarily an album that you listen to regularly, but cohen's poetic genius really shines through. it's hard to rate this album knowing that it is the final battle of a man grappling with the end of his life and his faith. it's atmospheric and sad, but oddly freeing. definitely deserving of it's place on the list, i think. ಄ favourite track(s): you want it darker, treaty ಄ least favourite track(s): steer your way ಄ album rating: ★★★★☆ ಄ number of albums left to review: 963 ಄ number of albums i agree with being on the list: 56 (+1 You Want It Darker) ಄ albums from the list that i would consider for my list: 25 (+1 You Want It Darker) ಄ albums i would not include on my list: 101

i know i heard this guy's name before but i have no idea when and im almost certain i never heard his music before so i kinda went into this with no idea what it could be and like. damn. i was absolutely not expecting this voice. what the fuck...! the instrumentals for the most part im not too fussed about? and by that i don't mean that they're bad, but other than a couple exceptions in the form of the title track and "traveling light", both of which could maybe stand up on their own, they mostly just serve as an appropriately dark and brooding backing to the real star of the show: cohen's absolutely incredible voice. im not even sure how to describe it.... deep and a little raspy but like. hes nice with it. he was so fuckin nice with it dude. wow. rip to this dude.... idk anything about him but if this is anything to go by..... he might've been the grandpa of sex of all time........

dope as hell... what a random voice and interesting lyricist. i really liked this and im so shocked i had never given leonard cohen much more thought before. i think i would like to listen to him some more. he has a super gritty voice that i'm sure he is famous for. the production is so beautiful and haunting. it makes you feel so many things! like sadness and also love.

"You Want It Darker" by Leonard Cohen is a late career peak album before he died in a same year. This album feel like a final statement that turns mortality and spirituality into work of art. This album feels like a haunting atmosphere and songwriting is his one of the finest in his career. The choir and female background vocals are also excellence in this album. Standout tracks for me are "You Want It Darker", "Treaty" and "String Reprise/Treaty". I think only weak track on this album is "If I Didn't Have Your Love". Other negative is the sound or voice of Cohen. I don't blame because he was like above 80 when recording. But I vocal performance is inferior in this album. Overall wonderful late album by Leonard Cohen.

Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 Great album. Cohen is a master.

Muito bom. Pesado. A voz rouca cansada dá um clima bem legal pro álbum

Always been a fan of Cohen, my mam would regularly play his early works. I had never actually checked out this album, glad I now I have.

For some reason I never really got into Leonard Cohen, although I had at least one good friend who was pretty obsessed with him for a while. He's obviously in Bob Dylan's neighborhood so it would have made sense that he would have appealed to me, but for whatever reason I never felt drawn to him. I was startled by the darkness of these songs. Yes, I know it's right there in the album title, but still I was not prepared. Then reading how Cohen was in his 80s when he recorded it and died shortly after... I don't know. A lot of feelings came up. In tone it reminded me somewhat of Johnny Cash's last album, which I listened to a lot. The title song will stay with me a long time.

Very moody and dark, not quite what I needed on a sunny August day, but there’s so lovely lyrics and instrumentation across these tracks. You can hear the cracks in his voice, the age showing through, and above all it feel real in a great way

My fave of his albums - absolutely love his deep voice on this.

Love how he evolved over his career. This is such a heartfelt album.

i think i finally understand him

First song is fantastic. I’m really fascinated by the music artists make when they know they are dying. I don’t know that this would be among the Cohen albums I’d pick out of the 2(?) on this list? But no doubt it is moving.

50 years into his career and this might be his best album...

Such a unique voice and the lyrics were amazing on this album. Really made you want to sit and think about what he's saying.

дед круто поет музычка топ

Eerie, haunting, reflective, like the grim reaper was looking over his shoulder and also now mine too

His voice is great, I think this is the first non-Hallelujah music of his I’ve listened to.

Haunting music and lyrics really matches his voice.

One of the lucky artists whose voice just got better as life went on. His low growl sets up the sparse instrumentals and chorals for success. Highlights: "You Want it Darker", "It Seemed the Better Way", "Steer Your Way"

[4/5] spoken word folk. poetry in gravel! sounds like how the guy on the perfume ads wants to sound; i believe every word he says. this album is a haunting acceptance of the end of life and a battle with religion. track notes: 1. ready to sing hymns then the perfume ad voice comes out. hallelujah 2. marching towards the end 3. contentment and acceptance 4. spooks me out a bit listening to it knowing he died shortly after. slipping away 5. a warmer song about the importance of love 6. powerful bouzouki got me drinking olive oil and smashing plates 7. feels like a ritual. philosophical lyrics 8. violin really adds to the feeling of ending 9. damn we got the strings out and they are emotional

Leonard Cohen has really been growing on me lately. I have a big soft spot for his music

He had a pretty nice voice. Seems like he’s read the Bible.

You’re right, Lenny. I do want it darker. Thank you for delivering. Not too dramatic, understated vocal and instrumental delivery. Symbolic lyrics that leave room for interpretation and a deep bass voice tickles the right part of my brain.

Melodies so low over strings so sad, they sound like moans from the center of Earth. Desert Father has left us this scattered tome wherein every sparse line signifies revelation.

Turns out I'm a a Leonard Cohen fan these days. All the records we've had here have been so good. this one felt a bit like Nick Cave, completely different mood and style to the others we've had. Loved the atmosphere.

It's Leonard Cohen, and even though I have very limited knowledge of his music I wasn't expecting upbeat, but given the circumstances that's understandable. However, despite the plaintive delivery and subject matter of the lyrics, there is a lot of beauty to this album. This is a man who's coming to terms with his fate - he's moving on, leaving the table, getting ready to face God, he was sad about some things but he's satisfied that he's let them go. There's no point being angry. The penultimate track, Steer Your Way, even has a bit of jaunty feel with it's violin dancing around the wisdom of his words, and that leaves the orchestral reprise of Treaty to send our songwriter away. A fitting Finale. 4 stars.

I listened to this while waiting for a flight on 0 hours of sleep over the past day and a half and finally was able to fall asleep for about 30 minutes, so thanks Leonard In all seriousness, I did listen to this one again while fully awake and it’s pretty fascinating to see how he made this one work. As with anyone in their 80s, their voice is rough, but the way he sings with such that soft, growling accent makes it sound more than decent. There’s something very haunting about some of the lyrics, especially with the knowledge this came out about two weeks before he died, but as always with him those lyrics are the strongest part of the album. The religious themes and motifs make this one pretty memorable It’s a little too ambient for me to fully appreciate; there’s not a ton to talk about when it comes to instrumentation and the overall energy is pretty consistent between songs even though emotions are pretty varied. He’s a great performer for a guy who’s 82, but the vocals are obviously rougher than his earlier stuff Still though, pretty fascinating to compare his style here to what we had in the last album of his we had which was almost 50 years before. I gotta admit I have a ton of respect for him continuing to put out great music this late into his career, am so used to seeing music from washed up legends just be total garbage. Definitely one of the better lyricists and songwriters in history

I liked the music, but I did think that Leonard had reached a time in his life where he needed to quit doing his own singing. He didn't have much of a voice in this album and a lot of the time, he seemed to be more talking in front of the music rather than actually singing. Best song, "Leaving The Table". There was a lot of emotion and actually pain in this album.

It definitely is dark. Quite beautiful too.

love it, added to rotation

4.5

You can't go wrong with Leonard Cohen. Even as he was getting closer to death he puts together an incredibly personal album.

definitely good, but not one I'd listen to over and over

Very chill relaxed album despite some of the themes

Beautifully dark and brooding. An album that should have gotten simmilar attention to Bowie's Blackstar in it's full pelt approach to death - but seems to have passed people by, perhaps due to it releasing later in the same year. Cohens voice is beautifully soothing here and is accompanied by simple yet beautiful instrumentals. Very much enjoyed it.

The silent, soulful and atmospheric instruments + cohen's beautiful voice are very great. 4 stars only because some tracks are weaker

Considering this is his last album before he passed away, Leonard Cohen never lost his edge. The poetry, the somber and earnest delivery, it’s all still there.

Apparently I want it very dark. I really like this

Excellent album, très cohérent avec l'œuvre globale de Cohen

Such a fitting swan song. I added “If I Didn’t Have Your Love” to my playlist.

362/1089 you want it darker (song) has such a strong atmosphere and Leonard’s voice on it is SOOO good. think i first heard it on AHS probably which was perfect this whole album was pretty solid, i was mostly just hypnotised by his voice but it was cool faves: You want it darker, traveling light, steer your way /100

Got me in the feels. Haunting.

Hauntingly beautiful songs. I'm giving an extra point for the men's choir.

The is guy could voice act every video game BBG. Big Ketheric Thorm energy

This was pretty solid. You can feel that he was putting everything into this one.

I highly recommend blasting this in the car wash while your toddler is in the back seat. The existential dreariness and themes of religion and dimming the flame of the world pair well with a child’s fear of the unknown - in this case that’d be the pre-tri-color-foam high pressure soak. This was a wild listen. Poetic and dreary. I liked it, but I can’t say I’m gonna throw it on for any parties - not any I’d like to frequent, anyway. For me, typically 4+ is reserved for albums I think I’ll come back to from time to time, but I can’t say I have a desire to do so with this one after two listens. But then again, the gritty vocals keep drawing me in and I keep finding myself intrigued by the first half in particular. Low 4

Cohen new he was dieing. What a wonderful way to go.

great, my type og shit

Wow. I think this is the closest. I’ve listened to lyrics yet. And those vocals, so haunting! Granted, he was on his deathbed when he made this album. I think. Also, what a lesson for me as a performer in being understated. Wow. I listened to this twice. So many elements that play here for me.

I love this album. I always love his writing and poetry but his mature voice really works for these songs.

if u want a boxer ymileww sewyee

A hauntingly beautiful record that I will probably never have the heart to listen to again. The poetry Cohen writes is top notch. It’s clear this is his final act. The last track gave me chills. 4/5

Makes me bummed I never got organized to see him in his final era. More compelling takes on religious complexities than most priests.

Like almost all Cohen albums, great. Gets a little boring at times though.

Very chill album! I liked the haunting background chorus sounds. I admit that most of his songs sound the same, but I like them!

Occasionally this album dips into too-gravelly-for-me territory, but mostly it’s raw and dark. It touches on a deep connection with life-love-loss, a dying mans last message in a bottle to span generations through a gift of poetry and music. Calling out to the infinite ‘what now?’ Beautiful. You want it darker - gets me everytime.

When a person is close to death you are conscious of the fact that every interaction with them is, on some level, on their terms; whatever of their limited time and attention they choose to give you is what they give you, and you've no right to demand anything more. Whatever they want to talk about is what you're going to talk about. If they want to try and settle up with God and their children and their lovers and their affair partners of decades past then you will sit and dutifully take notes and make any necessary phone calls. And if all the voice they have left is a low rumble then so be it; singing was never their strength anyway. All of Leonard Cohen's music is about impermanence in one way or another; people tumble into bed and out of love with each other, grow together, grow apart. And it's easy to argue that this may have been self-fulfilling, that Cohen's acute awareness that every relationship has a shelf life was in fact what caused the end of those relationships. It hurts nonetheless, and no more so than at the end of Cohen's life, as he confronts the loneliness of his next step. "Steer your way through the pain that is far more real than you," he counsels, having diagnosed himself but unable to turn back time and heal himself. On this album he confesses his cowardice, acknowleges he has no right to any end other than the one he's getting, tries to make his peace with it, succeeds somewhat. Temporarily, of course - respite always is with a restless soul like him. This is a difficult listen and not exciting - but it matters, and if he's going to give us this last little bit of his attention then perhaps we owe some of ours in return.

Don't know how much darker this can get! Cohen's final album features sparse, often acoustic arrangements with fleeting bits of strings and choirs thrown in for good measure.

I have heard so much negative talk about Leonard cohen but never heard any of his stuff. I was excited to see why I’ve heard so much hate for him and rather enjoyed this.

Leonard Cohen visits common themes of love, rejection, and Judeo-Christianity on his last album. It's hard not to feel the weight of finality in his lyrics and vocals knowing he died a few weeks after the album's release. Lyrically as poignant as ever with each song working as a stand-alone poem. "If I Didn't Have Your Love", in particular, is one of his best poems set to music. Sonically, he relies (as always) too much on pre-programmed drums but uses a backing choir, strings, and some klezmer-esque instrumentation to great effect. Probably not an album I will listen to over and over but it is a beautiful reflection on an incredible artist's life.

Me pareció bastante nostálgico, melancólico y existencialista. La voz del cantante es bastante caricaturezca y dramática, pero el álbum parece una conversación constante con dios, con la muerte y el mismo, refleja resignación y aceptación de la muerte y lo que fue su vida

Back to back Leonard but this one was a bit better.

This is a dark farewell album, Cohen's voice was always deep but man this is even gruffer. It is haunting on the verge of depressing, songs from a man who knows his days are numbered. I like the music and the songwriting but not a fan of spoken word singing. I am glad I got to hear this but not something I will be relistening to a lot.

His voice is very relaxing and calming, I love it. At first listen, the album can seem a little repetitive, but I found it interesting. I love the violin. I didn't reallt digest the lyrics yet

Powerful album. Pretty touching actually.

I’ve been waiting/looking forward to some Leonard Cohen to come up, unfamiliar with more than his name, but knowing my dad was a big fan. Wasn’t quite ready for it today but still listened for much of the day and actually found it really good company. Kind of comforting some how. Fave track is the title track. 4

very good. voice is just not my personal style

Dark, moody, and thoughtful. Perfect for a stormy day, or when you're drinking, smoking, and drinking coffee at the all night dive down the street.

Quiet, dark, and meditative

Not my style of music, but done really well. Beautiful deep voice

Gorgeous and sweetly wistful.

It would be a true failing to deny Leonard Cohen’s song writing ability. Every song is beautiful and poetic; somber and full of regrets of a life long lived and a love completely lost. The instrumentals are enthralling, rounding out a great accompaniment. My only critique of this album comes from what is clearly an older and worn out voice. I’m not completely familiar with Leonard’s previous works, but he could only somewhat carry a tune on this album. Each song was more talk-sung in a manner that I’m sure Ron Perlman could replicate perfectly at any karaoke night. I don’t wish to disparage Leonard, but it was hard not to notice out the gate that this album is a testament to an aging musician who has many regrets. The biggest being his lost love(s).

Deadpan and gorgeous, morbid but with a light touch. What a feat.

Not his best, but still an exceptional record, especially given the circumstances surrounding its recording and release. Loved it.

Beautiful in every way

Very sad and heavy, it was such a deep album and his voice was just… art

This was such a surprise to how good it was. It made me feel like I was in a smoky basement room, having a nice scotch, while one of the greats sat on stage and read to me his own eulogy. A man at the end of his great life full of accomplishments looking at me and telling me all of his regrets. It's an amazing album, it rewards a critical listen. And the title track is an absolute banger.

Banger, har ikke så god tid til lige at reviewe mere, men STÆRK 4'er. Ved ikke havd der skulle til for at det får 5, måske et par lytninger mere...

Very enjoyable listen, excited for other Leonard Cohen albums to come up

This was beautiful but I will cut it out of my life for the foreseeable future because I found the listening experience far too heartbreaking. I particularly liked the first song which made me feel villainous which was fun was all of the fun ended promptly once I decided to listen to what this guy is singing. I am so glad that I didn't have access to this music a couple years ago. Type of music you can put on at the beginning of the day to not even give it a chance. Incredible music I will choose not to listen to

I'll admit that I wasn't too taken with the first track... I found his voice a bit overpowering(?) and couldn't focus on other elements of the spng itself. That said, as the album progressed, there was a real tonal shift and both the music and his voice started to change into a much more deep and moving sound. So melancholy but really beautiful.

Surprisingly beautiful. His tone compliments the instrumentation perfectly

A beautiful farewell album

Knowing almost nothing about Leonard Cohen and listening to this album was a treat. Excited to listen to more of his work. I really appreciated the melancholic, yet hopeful and appreciative demeanor displayed throughout.

WHAT A VOICE THAT IS!!!

The obvious comparison is Blackstar, and like that album it’s impossible to separate the death from the album. It’s a swan song, a heavy laden one at that. The music could be better but it is a great listen regardless

Very human, very real. 4.5 stars

Much like Bob Dylan, Cohen takes what might be a weakness in lesser hands -- an aged, weathered voice -- and turns it into an asset on a late period album. The production is great (something that's often been a mixed bag on Cohen albums), the lyrics are dope, and it sounds both timeless and weird at the same time. It might be my favorite Leonard Cohen album. 4.5 stars.

4.5

It still surprises me to find so many of Leonard Cohen’s albums on this list. Even on *You Want It Darker*, there are no songs in the strict sense - in fact, they are more like poems recited to music (though, unlike *I’m Your Man*, the music here is more fitting). What makes the whole thing impressive is that Cohen is quite obviously “singing” about his approaching death here - largely without fear, at times with deep melancholy, but always from a place of ataraxia. I don’t know if I’ll listen to this album again, but “hear before you die” is actually a fitting recommendation here!

Leonard Cohen, to some extent, absolutely ruined songwriting for decades to come. His imitators are ubiquitous, and his style no longer his. That being said, Cohen, the icon, remained so totally able to command such a high register of emotional wholeness, that even in his last years, he preserved his artistic voice, complete and self-justifying. It is confident in a way few songwriters survive long enough to become. He still knew what he was talking about, somehow. Rest in peace. Four flat.

Oké dit is wel dingetje. Ik weet nog niet wat ik van dit album moet vinden…. De stem van de zanger vind ik bijzonder? Fijn en naar tegelijk om lang naar te luisteren? En dan muziek aanzich, die best goed technisch in elkaar zit. Maar toch als een mismatch voelt? Ik ga dit album herluisteren, wie weet wat ik er dan van ga vinden. Vandaag het album nog eens beluisterd, maar deze keer echt met aandacht. Dat maakt mijn beleving echt anders. Hoewel ik niet elk lied evengoed kan waarderen merk ik dat is de ambiance die gezet wordt door de plaat wel enorm kan waarderen. Een solide 3.5

Een prachtig album, en Leonard Cohens stem is als een oude wijn die met de jaren alleen maar beter wordt. Dit is de stem die ik het meest waardeer bij hem. Het album is zorgvuldig opgebouwd, met een gedragen, minimalistisch en goed uitgebalanceerd geluid. Wat dit soort albums zo bijzonder maakt, zoals David Bowies Blackstar, is de reflectie op het leven, de berusting en het laatste afscheid.

Very good, but I will need to relisten it again to truly understand the lyrics. You want it darker was such a good opener for the album

Subdued but atmospheric. Very good.

good, particularly the title track.

I liked this album quite a bit. "You Want It Darker" does have a major problem, though. Cohen's voice had deteriorated on the album. which is understandable since he was nearing death during the recording of "You Want It Darker". Even then, Leonard Cohen's songwriting remained intact despite everything. In fact, I prefer him over Bob Dylan. 4 stars for "You Want It Darker".

Maybe this is because I'm not a poetry person but this feels less like a song and more like a performance that involves the audience snapping in response. It know spoken word is kind of his whole schtick but it's just not for me. As always, the melodies and instrumentals are gorgeous, the lyrics are incredible, but it's not really ... singing, is it? I respect his talent immensely and I understand why this album has so many rave five star reviews but it is just not for me. It's still getting 4 stars because I can recognize what a profoundly important and beautifully crafted album it is, I just will never listen to it again.

There’s something so devastatingly elegiac about this album, Cohen’s once velvet voice is reduced to a husky, almost spoken-word timbre. There’s reflections on relationships, religion and love, all swimming in the beautifully soulful orchestrations in the background and the rumbling bass of Cohen’s voice.

А я был бы и не против до конца списка слушать альбомы коэна) Лучше так, чем очередной бритпоп

This is the only Leonard Cohen album I've generated so far where I've actually been moved by the music. Sometimes these albums recorded shortly before an artist dies end up being the most special of their career. The title track and "Leaving The Table" were my favorite tracks, but everything on this album was quite good. Definitely the best Leonard Cohen on this list.

A beautiful album. Some great tracks. Very meaningful origin story for why this album exists. Gets the "I'm gonna die soon" bump from 3.5 stars up to 4.

What a voice! Based on the cover, now it would be worth it to smoke if one could gain such a voice. And the album altogether, the accompanying bass, such class, such magnitude. Iconic. So raspy yet so soft, so dark yet so light. I will really keep this album for when I want to come off as distinguished. But for that I would also need a certain crowd. Top honourable mentions: the eponymous song, Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better way, Treaty.

This is a Light 9,It's pretty great and so far Cohen's Best

Wow, still an incredible songwriting talent. A nearly 50 years between his first album on this list and his last and both are incredible. Not sure how much I’m going to listen to this one again given how heavy it is. But I can’t give it less than four stars.

A sad and moving final album

Probably his best album, because his darkest.

I was fully prepared to hate this, I was never a fan of Leonard Cohen. But the opening title track was very, very cool. Simple backing, almost spoken-word growly singing (shades of Tom Waits and Nick Cave), simple rhythm and rhymes but great words. Deep conviction and striking imagery. The rest of the tracks weren't as good (for me), but I found this a lot more accessible than his other work.

A remarkable leaving note from Leonard Cohen, with a haunting quality appropriate to a musician making his final statement. The title track gets it off to a brilliant start, and Treaty is a beautiful follow up showcasing Cohen’s poetic lyrics. It’s held back from a 5 by the sound not really evolving beyond that for the rest of the album, but still an arrestingly good set of songs.

Another great album released in 2016 by a music legend just before their death. The mesmerising title track sets the dark tone, and remains the best track. But the whole album is a compelling exploration of death and faith. ‘Treaty’ and ‘Travelling Light’ are my other two favourites.

A fantastic final offering from a great songwriter, definitely one of his strongest albums, with tracks reflecting on his impending mortality, disillusionment with religion, letting go, love and breaking up, and finding your path in life. Its only real flaw is that the brooding, haunting title track is so good, nothing else quite lives up to it. ‘Treaty’, ‘On the Level’, ‘If I Didn’t Have Your Love’ and ‘Steer Your Way’ come the closest, though every song here is really strong, with exquisite arrangements and production. A brilliant album, one that I could easily see as a future 5 stars.

This is really good. REALLY good. Great even. But i think Leonard is also a genius for knowing how long to make an album. I don’t know if i’d be up for doing this for double the length. #2harrowed

Its sad, but its good

Maximum gravel vocals with a vibe that you are riding in a the back of a hearse to the other side. My first time really listening to Leonard and his voice feels so distinctive already. It seems like he suffered to put this out and it feels like you can hear it.

Cohen's voice on this album is like a big warm blanket that wraps around you and feels safe and cosy. I kinda love this. I have a strange relationship with Cohen, sometimes he's too much, but this album is just right. It's familiar, interesting, reassuringly Cohenesque.

I grew up listening to Leonard Cohen thanks to my mum, who would always pick his albums as background music to make ironing more pleasurable. For this, his voice sits close to my heart. I'll give this album a 4 because I like his previous work better.

Everything Leonard Cohen did was iconic and this album is no exception. It’s haunting and hypnotic, and makes it even more wild how close this was released to his death. It’s the most beautifully poetic final album for such a one of a kind talent. Top Songs: You Want It Darker, Treaty, Leaving the Table, It Seemed the Better Way

This is another album that suddenly clicked for me 2/3s of the way through. Cohen's voice may be extremely limited by this point in his life, but he still makes his available vocal register work with an expertise that only comes with years in the industry. To imagine him, sick and dying in his home, having dragged all of his equipment in to accommodate his failing body, as he belts out to God about his life and legacy is brutal and emotionally taxing in a way I haven't felt from an album in a long time. I feel as though a few of these tracks could probably have been left off and contribute very little, but when this album hits it hits like a truck, and I have nothing but respect for it because of that.

Listens: 3 Standout tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty, Traveling Light I think this is my third Leonard Cohen album. While listening, I couldn't help but think he sounds like that theme song from S02 of True Detective "Nevermind"... Lo and behold, that is his song; ha! This is a very personal album (for him). Released 17 days before he passed away. It's clear he put a lot of effort into the album. Its very well put together. His husky voice, the backing vocals, the cadence in his delivery of the lyrics, the music. All great.

Legend.

Final album generated during my time living in Europe. Fitting somewhat since this is Leonard Cohen's last album before he died. It is quite emotional and produced fine enough for an aging artist in the 2010s. Still, not as powerful as Blackstar but still a nice quick listen.

It Seemed The Better Way

Was really good. not exactly my vibe but i enjoyed listening to it the whole way through

I hadn’t listened to this one before, but it’s exactly what I thought Leonard Cohen’s death would sound like.

Really dug this, more than other Cohen I've heard

A fitting swansong for the legendary poet and songwriter.

Leaving The Table kinda says it all.

In the shelves with the Ls

Never listened. Expectations: High - Verdict: Great - I have loved the title track since it came out but never listened to the full album. The lyrics are as stunning as you would expect from Cohen. The smoky feel of this album with the impossibly deep and weary voice is just amazing. Something about it reminds me of Dylan's Time Out Of Mind. Overall a beautiful epitaph for one of the great artists. Surpassed my already high expectations.

The opening track did almost put me off, I went into this with no expectation and I actually began to really enjoy it, defo need to have another listen to pick out the tracks that stood out the most but a pleasant surprise!

Reminds me of Disco Elysium of all things Very interesting but for sure an acquired taste.

not my style but good

I was really drawn into this, but no, no darker, please.

Cohen är gammal och skrovlig. Lite väl skrovlig för min smak. Cohens röst (tillsammans med nått som ska likna native amarican kör, förbud på den) är nog det som drar ned omdömet mest på ett annars ganska bra album. Cohen gör inte som Bowie och är nyskapande in döden (han har väl aldrig varit just nyskapande). Men det han gör, gör han bra. Fin melodier och fina små berättelser från en man som snart vet att hans tid är kommen. Gillar speciellt On the level, stråkarna i Steer your way och It seemed the better way där de religiösa grubblerierna i livets slutskede får stå i centrum. Det räcker precis till en fyra även om Cohens sånginsats hör hemma på lägre våningar.

He was 82 when he record this. So bent and broken he had to sit in a custom chair while recording to relieve the pain in his spine. He died shortly after this and yet he’s still sexier than you and will still steal your girl.

Later Leonard.

Bleak warmth.

It is difficult to separate Leonard Cohen’s album "You Want It Darker" from his death, for the artist passed away almost as soon as it was released – an analogy to David Bowie’s "Blackstar". As with “Blackstar”, the album is a final, significant statement by a great artist at the end of his career (I shall ignore the posthumously released Cohen album “Thanks for the Dance” for now, as it was only completed after Cohen’s death). The album powerfully explores the themes of death, closure, turning to God, (final) love, and looking back. It contains some of Cohen’s finest songs from the last 40 years: the title track (featuring the wonderful Jewish chants of a cantor and choir), “Treaty” and “Travelling Light”. Cohen’s voice sounds like a soft hum, the music is often sparse, and the compositions frequently follow a plain blues pattern. Musically, as is so often the case with Cohen, it remains relatively simple. The album impresses with its lyrics and Cohen’s haunting delivery. A worthy last statement.

I’ll default to four stars. It will take another few listens to establish this one.

Gorgeous and haunting words of one facing impending death. “You Want It Darker” stuns me every time I hear it. Other songs, particularly “Traveling Light” with its Jewish music influence and minor keys, also impress with the beautiful music and aching words on the cusp of death. It is ultimately a bit too spare to be a 5 for me, but it’s a high 4. Quite remarkable for a final achievement.

The cadence in the voice, the lyrics, sounds gloomy, the choruses, the riffs, the way in which the songs are composed. It was a very pleasant surprise, first I found in this album a sample that James Blake used in his last album.

just a fantastically moving record, and as frank and naked a final statement as anyone could aspire to. Cohen has always been renowned as a great lover of both God and women, and it's that quality, as ever, that makes this such a rich experience, the making personal his relationship with God and the rich, textured doubt/devotion towards a lover. the title track gets a lot of buzz, but to me, it's Treaty that's the highlight here - a song of great longing for peace, reconciliation, simplicity. to proclaim, after so many songs of struggle, lapsing faith, love gone sour, "I do not care who takes this bloody hill" - astounding. the other songs here reckon with loss and God and death with similar warmth and gravitas, but it's that one that leaves me tear up as i type out a review. but the whole thing is great, much like my newly-beloved Time Out Of Mind in its confidence and its vulnerability, and a wonderful record

The opening (title) track really floored me, I didn't know this was so late in his life and his voice just works so well with the music and the poetry. The rest of the album was a good listen too. When the algorithm gave me Famous Blue Raincoat straight after, the difference in his voice was quite something.

Гарний альбом, душевний. Можливо, це його контекст накладається, але яка різниця, власне.

Цей альбом я дуже люблю і він мені сподобався одразу як вийшов. Взагалі маю сентимент до музики, яку роблять отакі вже мудрі люди на фіналі свого життя, щось в цьому є світле, не зважаючи на звісно загально сумний настрій. Один з улюблених альбомів Коена загалом.

3.78

I didn't know I wanted it, but I need it darker.

listened to again that voice is incredible

beautiful butsome of the songs don't have a whole lot of variety.

What a beautiful album. Other than his first album, I never listened to Cohen much. This is a ballsy statement by Cohen. It's just amazing how he waxes so honestly and eloquently about his impending demise. Expecting and accepting with such grace and courage. What a guy!

wow, that was a pretty deep album. nothing really stood out to me but thats just cause this isnt my type of music. as a one off this was a really beautiful album and the fact that it was released 17 days before cohen's passing makes it even more moving

Que voz!!

iets te folk voor mijn smaak soms, maar er staan echt een paar van zn beste nummers op (vooral het titelnummer & Leaving The Table). zn vocals zijn hier echt op hun best. ik ben & blijf van meneer Cohen

Magical, almost religious - 4/5

Leonard's last album. Although I listened to it extensively when it came out, I never bought it. Worthy finale to an incredible opus.

There’s something enchanting about Cohen’s late career growl, and whilst the synth-heavy albums of the 80s and 90s are easy to date, the sparse backing here is timeless. The opener threatens a menacing half hour, but the following tracks retain a surprising lightness, even if Cohen was by this point contemplating his final days on Earth.

Better than Coldplay

I like this Leonard Cohen album way more than the last one I got of his! I'm not sure what it is that I enjoy about this album that I didn't of his last, but this one hit for me. High 4/5 for this one!

Stunning

Good. Not great.

Indeed dark. Pretty emotional. Could be a go-to if I need to just wander around listening to something.

It's too sombre for me to listen to that frequently, but it is beautiful in its own way and he has a voice like an idling diesel.

I didn't expect to enjoy this too much but once I recognized the intro song that sampled in James Blake's new album Trying Times (My 2026 AOTY so far) I knew it was going to be great. Something about the way he has accepted his mortality but still holds on to some of the silly mistakes from his 82 years of life. This album releasing 17 days before his death really adds a weight to this album that I didn't expect. Favorite Songs: You Want It Darker, Traveling Light

This kind of shook me today, it was haunting and beautiful. The story behind the album and lyrics really captured me. I think Treaty was my favourite song.

Conveys a really nice atmosphere, one that I would have trouble describing as I pretty much never heard it in music. The closest I've known to this is Cigarettes After Sex, and that's a pretty big stretch.

Damn. Actually pretty freaking cool. Confused me a bit at first, but the context is really important with this one. A master songwriter, basically on death's door, singing (croaking) about his perplexing and troubled relationship with God. Musically very pretty, and thematically incredible. Fave tracks: - You Want It Darker - Leaving the Table - Traveling Light - It Seemed the Better Way - String Reprise / Treaty

I surprisingly enjoyed this album. One of those albums that I can appreciate as a work of art, but will certainly never listen to again. My usual problem with Leonard Cohen is his use of drawn out vocals with no real melody. This album was more melodic and modern sounding to me. I like how tight the themes are, and the way he elaborates on or twists the meaning of certain phrases across songs.

It's like Tom Waits on codeine.

If I had a nickel for every transformative final work about mortality with motifs of darkness released by an artist before their deaths in 2016, I'd have two nickels

Something about the way Leonard Cohen approaches Folk music is really entrancing! Having only heard Songs From A Room beforehand, I wasn't quite prepared for the drastic change in his voice. It unintentionally became the defining factor of the album for me, really highlighting the passage of time and accentuating the themes he's touching on. Gorgeous arrangements as well. May the man rest in peace. Standouts: You Want It Darker • Treaty • On the Level • Traveling Light • It Seemed the Better Way

Excellent final album composed by Leonard Cohen. Pretty explicitly about his impending death. I've never been much of a fan of Cohen's raspy vocals, but they work incredibly well here and add some gravitas to an album that even has touches of humor here and there. Excellent closing with String Reprise, puts a nice bow on the full thing. Also, glad to see others have made the Blackstar link.

Heerlijk!

This is Leonard Cohen’s American IV - a dark, introspective, raw and emotional final message to the world. It’s not quite up there with Johnny Cash’s album, but it’s good.

it's 3.75, but i like too much LC

No I don't. 4/5

4.2

Really good shit. Kinda corny instrumentation. The first song is the best.

I don't know how it can get darker! This atmospheric, moody album drips with rich, haunting melodies and Cohen's deep bass. Top tracks: "You Want It Darker," "Treaty," "If I Didn't Have Your Love"

-Oh, it’s a vibe, baby -Probably not everyone’s cuppa, but his voice demands your attention and almost forces you to internalize his lyrics -He knows how to use backup singers -rough, scratchy elegance -Nice but maybe too nice -A haunting Gypsy dirge. Good stuff -Some albums take a vibe and strangle it into place. LC is maintaining the feeling while also finding surprises without resorting to flashy tempo changes or altering his voice too much. It’s wild -love the strings here -String outro

You want it darker ein schöner Banger, ansonsten auch gut anzuhören.

Starkes Album, Starke Stimme. Der Titel Track ist crazy 5/5 Hab zufällig gerade das Stephen King Buch gelesen, was den gleichen Titel trägt

Ik snap niet zo goed waarom de laatste plaat van artiesten als Bowie en Cohen nu ineens in een lijstje als dit zouden moeten staan. Als je fan bent (geweest) van de artiest, dan zou ik dit soort platen zeker aanraden. Maar het is niet zo dat ze hiermee ineens een nieuwe schare fans aanboren of dat ze met deze albums een absoluut meesterwerk hebben afgeleverd. Ze zijn namelijk bekend geworden in een totaal ander decennium, dit is slechts een laatste kunstje. Begrijp me niet verkeerd, het zijn absoluut geen slechte albums, en ook dit niet. Maar het hoort gewoon niet in een 1001-lijst. Enige uitzondering die ik zou kunnen bedenken is Johnny Cash, die met zijn American cover-albums echt een nieuwe schare fans heeft bereikt en een absoluut meesterwerk heeft afgeleverd. Kijk, dat hoort er in. Dat alles gezegd hebbende, vind ik het wel een lekker album. Dus ga ik het ondanks dat ik vind dat het niet in de 1001-lijst hoort, denk ik toch 4 sterren geven.

The whole album is a profound love letter to the beauty of life and the acceptance of journeys end. It can be hard going to do a full playthrough, but the completely & unexpectedly stunning lyrics cannot be ignored.

Det er Leonard Cohen.

The other big 20-6 'I'm dying soon' record. The title track is really special. The rest is good but not as monumental. Very good on the whole.

No one writes better lyrics than Bob Dylan but Leonard Cohen along with Elvis Costello come the closes to the master. You Want it Darker is one of the best 'last albums' ever released up there with David Bowie's Blackstar, Joy Division's Closer and The Beatle's Abby Road. It's a powerful final statement. It's beautiful. It brings forth the tears. I hate crying even a little, so this isn't an album that I play a great deal, but when I want it darker, I take comfort in knowing it's there for me like the wisest of old friends that says things that you don't always want to hear.

Bom disco!

Surprisingly powerful. 4/5

This was relaxing to listen to as I was winding down for the night! Rating: 3.5/5 Album# 167

This is a hauntingly beautiful album. Great arrangements and lyrics, played and sung achingly. I think he purposely makes it ambiguous if he’s talking about god or a lover. “If I didn’t have your love” is a great example of that and my personal favorite.

3 weeks before he died and a nearly flawless album. I’ll await the 5 stars for my favorite cohen album but this was beautiful

Day 212 Beautiful album, absolutely lovely in places. Highlights You Want in Darker Treaty It seemed the better way

I’d only listened to Cohen’s ‘Suzanne’ before this album and so his deep, booming voice in this album really took me by surprise. At first it made me hesitant, but actually, as the album progressed and I settled into it, I found that his voice really helped to emphasise his introspective lyricism. Some really compelling, thought-provoking songs on here, which I can’t see myself reaching for repeatedly, but perhaps just once in a while listening to the album as a whole. Rating: 4.

Very beautiful record, but I rarely listen to it from start to finish. Not because it's bad, it really isn't, but because it's often too much.

249/1001 Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ I've always had a bit of an on/off relationship with Leonard Cohen, when it comes to hearing his singles, as I've never been convinced enough to sit and listen to a whole album. I think this may have changed that trend. I think his gravelly, almost spoken word delivery gels so well with the instrumentation on this. Obviously need a deeper dive at some point for the lyrics, but this could become an all timer for me.

alo ovo je prejako bilo, isk ne znam ko je lik ali sam video da je umro kao 2 nedelje nakon ovog albuma i otp je znao da ce da umre i album je bas nekako mracan, tezak, on ima predobar glas i kao da prica i peva u isto vreme, bas kul