You Want It Darker

Not sure how to feel about this. This record got off to an amazing start. When You Want It Darker came on, I was instantly drawn in. Cohen is not a great singer, but how this song was constructed and the mood to this track was just so unbelievably amazing, especially considering how Cohen felt at this life, that his voice fit this perfectly. Side story, I knew my daughter would like this, so I get her in the car and start playing it. She starts freaking out, as I guess she heard this for a trailer for Assassin's Creed Origins but didn't know what the song was or who did it, and was looking for it (yeah, I know, she could have figured this out from YouTube, undoubtedly). Anyway, the rest of the album did not live up to that incredibly lofty beginning, but that would have been really hard. It was great to hear some of these tunes given the background of what Cohen was facing at this point. Not that any of the rest were great songs, but this is everything that one of those Nick Cave albums strives to be (and fails to live up to). 4 stars

OKAY DEEP VOICE KING??? these songs put me into a weird mood, it feels so eerie, dark and full of feelings. i love the lyrics, the instruments and all of these. trully an experience

Wow, so much better than the other one of his I've had so far (Songs Of Leonard Cohen). That one just bored me, this one was really nice to listen to. The title track has a really interesting story in it. Treaty and Leaving The Table are soft and sad. If I Didn't Have Your Love was really sweet. The rest of the album was really nice. I'm still not fully sold on his voice, but this was quite the enjoyable ride. Best song: You Want it Darker

This one put me down in the dumps

Poetic and beautifully crafted, though I think it ultimately serves more as a standalone artwork than an album to be listened to repeatedly. Favorite Tracks: Treaty, Leaving the Table, Steer Your Way

I struggled with some demons They were middle class and tame

Not a record for every occasion but also not anything you ca find anywhere else.

Maravilloso!

89/100. An emotional and powerful farewell from Cohen. Dark, haunting, and poetic. Spoken word delivered with weight and wisdom. I couldn’t stop listening. A gripping and masterful final chapter.

I have never been a "fan" of Leonard Cohen. The style was never one that drew me in. This album was given to me after listening to Johnny Cash American iV the day prior. It was a weird one-two punch to start the week. Similar in feeling but Cohen's was more his acknowledgement that he had zero time left and this was his making peace with it. It's a very good album that surprised me. Biggest Hit - You Want It Darker Biggest Miss (if I had to choose) - On The Level Biggest Surprise - Treaty

I’ve never listened to a Leonard Cohen album before this, but I was aware of his general vibe beforehand. I probably won’t seek this one out for my own personal enjoyment, but I found it to be hauntingly beautiful and I’m looking forward to hearing his other albums on this list.

Even now it’s hard to think about this album without thinking of Bowie’s Blackstar. After all, both involve incredible songwriters coming to terms with their own mortality. Cohen’s final album in his lifetime is however a very different record. It unfolds like some smoky film noir with the dying Cohen confronting life, love, religion and his own impending mortality. I love his voice on this, delivering these poems with grace and gravitas, supported by brilliantly written compositions to accentuate the emotion. It’s a beautiful record.

RIP to a legend. I go in and out of really digging what he does here, but his voice is really only something I can get into occasionally. Beautiful songs and lyrics.

Grymt soloalbum från Scar!

Context matters in all things, especially this. Knowing this is Leonard Cohen’s deathbed album provides so much more nuance and context to his lyrics and what he sings about.

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘐𝘵 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 sounds like Leonard Cohen shaping his final thoughts with remarkable precision. His voice, weakened by age and illness, has a rough gravity that turns every phrase into something intimate and unguarded. That fragility becomes a strength: the tremble in his delivery feels like part of the album’s truth rather than a limitation. The production is restrained and deeply supportive, built around Adam Cohen’s arrangements, crafted according to his father’s instructions, giving the songs space to breathe and keeping the focus on the voice. It’s also striking how much Cohen accomplished despite his declining health. The fact that he continued recording vocal takes — some later used on 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 — shows a quiet determination and dedication to his craft. Those late sessions carry not just musical value but a sense of respect for the act of creating itself. Cohen often described writing and recording as a way to steady himself through pain, and this album carries that sense of creation as comfort. Dark but not despairing, it feels like a final dialogue delivered with clarity, dignity, and quiet intensity.

Isn't 2016 strange, with Blackstar and now You Want It Darker? Coupled with a few other events I won't mention, 2016 feels like the last "normal" year before everything went completely haywire. And You Want It Darker feels like Cohen's final lament of all the most the beautiful years having passed us by. It also acts as a rhetorical question. "You want it darker? Your wish is my command." Surprisingly, some of these are actually catchier and memorable than on earlier albums even despite the doomy, gloomy, "Halloweeny" feel. The instrumentation being more varied helps a bit. The melodies are pretty dull here, but that's a consequence of being written by Leo Man, and he manages to spice them up considerably (or maybe disguise them) with a host of ingredients from Violins Et Cetera. The title track is haunting, beautiful, gloomy, petrifying, and probably a bunch of other adjectives too. The combination of organ, choir, and minor key give an extremely foreboding feel for the song itself and for what's to come. Cohen's voice is as life-worn as ever. Though I've been critical of it in the past, I think it works slightly better with the sort of dark-olden-fantasy feel. Presumably the lyrics are strong as well. The backing vocals elevate On the Level so darn much that it outshines most tracks on most other Cohen albums. I'm glad to see he's (or his producers are) opening the door to more interesting instrumentation than some of his previous projects. Traveling Light is a solid, memorable track too – for its pretty yet spooky backing vocals, sick keyboard fills, and a violin for good measure. Though Steer Your Way does the violins even better. 4/5 Key tracks: You Want It Darker, On the Level, Steer Your Way

It's no Blackstar but there are a few incredibly well written songs on here.

Dropped this art then immediately died. RIP to my guy

This is a fascinating listen. Dark and haunting, full of pain and suffering... Leonard Cohen was always an excellent songwriter, and so writing from his "deathbed" as it were is obviously no exception. I often find his voice a struggle to sit through, but not on this album. It's exactly right here for what it's doing.

Peaceful

Wow THIS is what I was expecting when I'd hear people rave about Leonard Cohen. Like a sad Tom Waits but whispering :)

First Listen; 4; Really enjoyed this album, and it is something I will probably listen to again. The lyrics are very moving and the music matches it perfectly. Favorite Songs: You Want it Darker Treaty

Great album!

Quite a powerful album with religious overtones. reminded me of some nick cave stuff. The album being released so close to his death only makes it more meaningful.

Beautiful, deep, emotional! Love it, though its missing a bit of variety.

I must admit that I adore Leonard Cohen's voice, melody, atmosphere, and phrasing; they strike me as incredibly poetic... without even really looking for or listening to the lyrics. This whole album seems simple, almost stripped down, but it's so well arranged and crafted that I'll gladly listen to it again, and that's why I'm being generous with a 4-star rating.

leonard cohen is such an incredible lyricist...his music itself doesn't always appeal to me, but the words never fail to move me.

I have been listening to this album for years, and it always feels fresh. I find it mysterious, seductive, and very captivating.

When I saw this pop up I though "this will probably be rubbish". Turns out I quite liked this.

Dark and moody melodies with a soft, gritty voice. I absolutely loved this album's vibe, I've been meaning to check out more by Mr. Cohen and this just shows I need to!

I’m fond of Cohen’s lyrics and voice, but not always fond of his production. Especially background singers that seem to distract instead of enhance, and that is present here too. But some lovely tracks as well.

Har någon lämnat ”gamet” snyggare? Tror fan inte det. Och med den rösten. Puh.

This felt like I was listening to someone on their deathbed sharing their reflections on life. It really is a poignant, reflective album that tells a great story in an atmospheric tone, with husky & emotive vocal delivery. This makes for an interesting listen, with some really strong moments throughout, and the storytelling is brilliant and impactful.

Classic. Smokey romance.

This is definitely a dark album. It's from right before he died, and although the songs are musically similar, the lyrics are very cool. Good stuff.

Tres bon album rien a jeter. Un peu noir mais annoncé dans le titre !

One of the great "I know I'm about to die" albums, along with Cash's American Recordings, Zevon's The Wind, and Dylan's Time Out of Mind. Fun fact: You Want It Darker's choral intro was inspired by another track 1 album title: Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel.

Favorite track(s): You Want It Darker, Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better Way

When I saw it was another Leonard Cohen LP i thought “man not this shit again”… But it definitely proved me wrong and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Märkligt vital med tanke på hur nära slutet han är. Fantastiska texter och melodier. En fyra

Oooooffff, tungt!!

Jisses. Jag visste inte att jag ville ha det så mörkt. Ge mig mer!

Needed a second listen for me but once if clicked wow. I don't think I've ever heard so much pain and sadness and anger all at once before. Very powerful with everything clicking into place just right nothing is overdone. Other than being a total bummer this is a great album so a 4

Interesting album. I know of Leonard Cohen for Hallelujah, which oddly his Spotify bio doesn't mention it at all, but I was intrigued to jump into a full album for him. Seeing as this one is the one he released weeks before his death only adds weight to what I was hearing. The composition of everything was top notch, his voice gargly and old which only added to it, and the lyrics were all good to. Hard to debate it but this is a good album

One of my fav albums of that year, incredibly sad and dark and lovely - fittingly his last album, and a pity we don't get more from him.

Instant nostalgia that I couldn't place. Best guess is I recognize the voice from N.B.K. soundtrack. I like the voice, I like the vibe. Wish I would've listened sitting in the dark and not doing anything else. The lyrics didn't stick with me too much, but I can't escape the feeling the album have me despite that

like all Leonard Cohen albums I've heard, it is currently 4 but give me a few more listens and maybe 5

Very dark and haunting, beautifully poetic as always. The standout is It Seemed the Better Way, 7.5/10

Fantastic album - it is indeed darker

Damn this is good. Perfect for accompanying reading The Stand. Woke up at 5am singing one of the songs

Durísimo, album para suicidarse, muy bueno

Great instrumentation throughout the album, very high quality production. Whole albums feels like a movie soundtrack

Great album tonally and thematically. Production is simple but tight, vocals sound like Tom Waits, music could also be on a Waits album, but the character is slightly different, more optimistic?

The greatest songwriter of all time with a stunning final album. Would be a 5 but need to save that for SOLAH

Dark and moody. Just perfectly Leonard Cohen.

Ooh, had me from the first sung line. Tense.

leonard cohen's final swan song, recorded and released only a short time before he passed away. this album serves as a reflection of his own life... he had been experiencing some health conditions for a while before this album was written. many songs here are almost spoke-sung in this really low, gravelly voice... a window of a man almost laughing at god, and the absurdity of mortality. this album is very quiet... and honestly, it's pretty sad. fitting, especially when you're literally face-to-face with the grim reaper. it tugs at you a bit. the album is good but i'm not sure if i wanna listen to it again.

I really loved this album. I like Leonard Cohen a lot, but I'd never listened to any of his albums all the way through. This was sad and slow and beautiful and a bit weird. I loved it

Music from a deathbed. Cohen’s delivery on this album works really well, dark and intimate. Part of that deathbed feel comes from the album starting with an acceptance of death, which makes the rest of the songs feel like a final message or a confession. The string arrangements are beautiful and I was surprised by the more modern moments on the album. 4/5

A lot of pleasant songs

Like Mozart, Zevon (who has inexplicably been entirely shut out of this list of 1001 albums!), and Bowie before him, Cohen had the grace to give us his own requiem with this album. And it's lovely. Thoughtful and wistful, without ever slipping into anything maudlin. There's not a weak track here, and the title track and "Traveling Light" are simply sublime.

Before I even start--Apple Music calls this "Rock." Come on! None of Leonard Cohen's poetry/music remotely approaches rock! I'm told the title track was awarded a Grammy for Best Rock Performance in 2018. Beyond ridiculous. I do like this record. I'm getting up there myself, so I have an increasingly informed view about what awaits me before too long. There were still some glimmers of humor in his lyrics, albeit muted. Not a record to put on for a first date.

Great album with a dark playful spirit. 4/ 5

His voice is pretty, sounds just like he’s telling a story in a deep quiet tone.

SPOOKY

Loved this album actually more than I thought i would! That’s all I have to say about that. RIP king.

This is a special album, being the last one released by Cohen before his death. And it has Treaty on it.

I honestly don’t mind his voice in this album. Kinda adds on to the bleak and somber tone of the album and its themes on death. Overall, Cohen definitely ends on a high note with this one.

Leonard more like Leon-hard

Cohen on kyllä hyvä. Pitänee kuunnella tätäkin useammin. 3,75/5.

Väldigt vackert album, inte något jag kommer gå tillbaka till så ofta men kommer definitivt ta inspo med stråk :)

I feel like production held back my enjoyment of a lot of Leonard Cohen’s albums beyond the very early stuff. This one seems like the production well matches the content of meditations at the end of life. It doesn’t have a ton of spotlight tracks but definitely gets the message across so I’ll round up to 4.

3.5/5 - You need to hear this because it's not every day you hear a poet speaking at death's door. This felt morose, genuine, and somewhat like spending time with someone at their own funeral. Like a really intense movie, I enjoyed it and certainly appreciated the raw feeling, but there's no way I could listen to this regularly. Rounding up to 4 because it's a concept album without being a concept album.

Huh, I'll be damned. This was beautiful. The album felt like a soft, warm hug at a funeral of someone you deeply cared about. Sad, but comforting.

Is it apt to compare this to blackstar by David Bowie? Both are explorations of artists facing the end of life which makes for a personal and rare experience. What sets the two appart from one another is their view towards death, Cohen is implementing more religiosity and in deep conversation with his faith throughout the record. It is also lyrically strong as we are used from Cohen and the vocal performance is even more subdued. I find it hard to put a final score to this.

My wife gives this at least a three, but I’m not one for spoken poetry.

Deep

Weird vibe, famous guy tho. Intro is intro to crims

7/10

7.5/10

That was really cool. I loved the musical arrangements, and the lyrics are haunting and thoughtful. Just a great vibe. For some reason it's Sept 29th and it's 90 degrees in North Dakota and I can imagine this being even nicer on a cold, rainy fall day.

lekker donker... zo mag ik het graag... bij deze plaat lijken Nick Cave en Johnny Dowd vrolijke clowns

A lot of very interesting Judeo-Christian references and religious themes, not that I am able to tease out the deeper meaning here on a first listen. This is a much older, more gravely sounding Leonard Cohen, not really belting out melodies anymore It's really an old man reflecting on his life, it seems. Believes, loves, circumstances. Lyrically it tries to be somewhat deep as popular music goes. Musically spans something like rock, blues, pop, hard to classify cleanly. There are traditional rock instruments, as well as some non-traditional like a string quartet. In some ways maybe it's more like electrified folk, but doesn't really come off like acoustic folk.

First time listen to it and it is an amazing album

An absolute belter I was very familiar with already. The production on this is impeccable

One of the coolest voices in the world. Only missed the 5 stars because I don’t think I’ll actually listen to this specific album again.

I really enjoyed this

Quite a melancholic album, considering he was essentially on his death bed he definitely went out with a bang. Top 3 are you want it darker, on the level and traveling light.

I didn't get on well with the earlier, classic-period Cohen albums, so when this came up my heart sank. However, it turned out to be way better than I was expecting, enough to grab four stars. I then went on a journey of similar "old man about to die" albums, from Bowie's Blackstar to Cash's American IV. Quite a depressing morning.

I was initially put off by the title track but the rest of the album is wonderful. The repetitive lyrics sometimes work and sometimes don't but I appreciate the style.

Rating: 3.6 Very easy on the ears, you never needed to focus too hard because he doesn’t say too terribly much but everything sounds so clean and smooth. This guy is like Bob Dylan if he didn’t have whiny lyrics and a harmonica and an annoying voice.

so good. perfect autumnal music. pleasantly spooky. But the first song was my favorite and some of the others got a little repetitive.

love the song you love it darker! I definitely love him more as a poet than a singer at times !

You want it darker? YOU WANT IT DARKER, BITCH? IS THAT DARK ENOUGH FOR YOU???? yeah, Leonard, Jesus Christ tone it down. Most of these songs seem to be about Cohen’s divorce from God. And they’re mostly incredible. The title track and “Treaty” are worth the price of admission alone. If you’ve only heard his 80s stuff where he hits the oompa pre-set on his Yamaha synth and recites his poem over it, give this a try. FOUR STARS

Immediately hooked by the first song. What the heck is this?! This album is actually super sick. Super dark and creepy with that organ. Lenny was really going through it when he wrote this. Sounds like he’s already dead. 4 stars because I want to be conservative with giving out 5.

Wow, wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did. Never could get into Leonard Cohen’s folk-y stuff, since I’m usually a music over lyrics guy, but I really enjoyed this album. He mixes melancholy and humor delicately, and it’s almost more like spoken word. Sounds like Tom Waits (with less creepy circus vibes) and/or music that you would expect to hear over a montage during The Sopranos

I really liked this one. It is very powerful and has lots of emotional depth. And vocal depth! I appreciate the existential quality of this album - a man coming to terms with the end of his life and trying to make sense of it all. I think the title track is my favorite. You can hear the grief in the vocals, but the choral interludes are reverent. It really captures the duality of life and death. 8.5/10

Pretty good

ASMR BONERS this WHOLE ALBUM

I don't think this is as good as some of his other work. Yes that opening track is a legit banger. But being compared to Black Star by Bowie maybe is a bit of a reach. In the end, this is solid but there are better Cohen records out there.

I put this album on and the strangest thing happens. It’s not so much that time slips away – even though I’m consistently surprised to realise the album’s over when the reprise of “Treaty” hits – it’s more that I myself slip away. I’m transported to any number of memories, but most often of one from a couple of months after Leonard Cohen had passed (and this album had been released). It’s January 1st 2017, and I’m walking with Fleur and friends through Bruges, dithering across the bridges and cobblestones while wading through a dense mist. Hungover from the previous night’s revelry, we had been plodding around Markt Square and its surrounding streets aimlessly, listlessly for an indeterminate length of time (foggy outside, foggy inside) – and then, as if there wasn’t a single other sound on Earth besides, the bells started. The first song the bell ringers played was “Last Christmas” (George Michael had passed away only a week or so prior) and then it was “Hallelujah”. Our collective mien suspended somewhere between grief and celebration, that discombobulated wondering through the town suddenly felt freighted with a life affirming significance. It was an exquisitely melancholic moment; of a richness to rival the local architecture, art, beers, cheeses … And again the record’s over. The strings sigh, and Leonard signs off. Where, seriously, did the time go?

Beautiful, but a little too much for me right now.

A classic

I really enjoyed the darker more Gothic sound on this one as well as the reflections on mortality Standouts You Want It Darker 4/5

Hauntingly brilliant - really enjoyed

Hell yea.

Such an interesting lyricist and enjoyable darker brooding folk.

It's bittersweet that such a gifted and influential artist released his final album during his lifetime just 17 days before his death. Struggling with physical health issues (including multiple fractures of his spine), he had to record the record in his living room, which he said helped eliminate distractions. The result doesn't feel so much like a grand swan song as it does a quiet reckoning - a man speaking to God as much as the listener. Cohen's voice sounds just as ready to accept fate as he's left with a low, gravelly baritone. His son, Adam Cohen, recorded the vocals with him in the living room and shaped the accompanying arrangements, breathing life into the project. Together, they created a fitting final testament to one of music’s greatest poets.

Like a weighted blanket and a cup of hot herbal tea on a frosty autumn day, a gentle invitation for confession. You hear Leonard Cohen confessing but it feels like you are the one actually confessing with your bear soul

Není to přesně co bych normálně poslouchal. Cohena album pramení z jeho stáří a jeho loučení se světem coz mi přišlo hodně osobní a donutilo mě se zamyslet. 8/10

Bit preachy but digged the album

I'm angry and I'm tired all the time

Leonard cohen feels like the kind of artist where if I did a deep dive into his life and understood the context behind his song, and took the time to really take in all the lyrics, he’d be like a top 5 song writer for me. I haven’t done any of that and I might never, but I can tell there’s something there.

You Want It Darker 4.5 Treaty 4 On the Level 4.1 Leaving the Table 3.8 If I Didn't Have Your Love 4 Traveling Light 4.1 It Seemed the Better Way 3.7 Steer Your Way 3.6 String Reprise / Treaty 3.5 Score: 3.922222222

A bit of an exercise in how far charisma can carry an album. This is a rich, brooding album that hits a lot of great notes. Cohen’s voice is definitely an acquired taste and there’s limits to how much you can say he is truly ‘singing’ but each song feels like an event. The presence of choir/gospel elements leans into the theme/material nicely. I definitely think it’s not for everyone but I can’t help but enjoy it a lot.

CARGADISIMO el disco, 4 de 5

It wasn't hard to love this, I didn't have to try. A fitting send off for with You Want It Darker and Steer Your Way both stunning.

Good voice

A revaluation. Really enjoyed this one. I might be a Leonard Cohen convert. 4.5/5

Not my thing

There’s a large argument to be made over who the best ‘poet’ in music is, be it Dylan, Drake or Mitchell. During these thirty six minutes, however, Cohen supplants them all - without question. Cohen leans out of the white of life and looks with indifference into the black. It’s au revoir, he’s leaving the table. Whatever. That’s life, after which must come death. Why not have a little joke around. And ‘joke around’ he does - but not in a way that demeans the intricacy of the lyricism, that itself is as strong as anything - to be compared to the greats, if you’d like. It’s all well and good saying that Cohen is ‘our generation’s [insert poet here]’, and You Want It Darker can be compared loosely to multitudes of other media, like Bowie’s Blackstar, another album released days before the artist’s death in 2016, or José Rizal’s Mi último adiós - both reflections on life by those who knew that death soon awaited them. Cohen can stand alone here though, not least with his humour but also with his dismissal of all the fear associated with death. He does not wait in scared anticipation in these thirty six minutes, he instead signs off his own eulogy with a smirk.

Haunting and Quiet. His voice is very deep, yet soft, and it's a sad farewell

A fitting end to an illustrious career. There’s an atmosphere of poignancy that seems to run through this album

Title track is a perfect song. Rest of the album feels a little bit like a re-tread. His voice is wonderful and it overall works but I feel like it could be stronger. 4

Loved the first song. Turns out I do want it darker. Will need to listen to again but I liked what I heard. I don't generally get on with singer-songwriters. I tend to find them slow and a bit boring but there are a few who buck that trend. There's just something else about them that elevates the music. I've not listened much to Leonard Cohen but he seems like that kind of musician. I wanted to know what he was saying and it felt important. Also, lots of dark sounds riffing with religious themes is something that appeals to me.

This was sad, You could tell he was ready.

Fúnebre demais. É o terceiro disco do Cohen que eu peguei na lista, e esse foi de longe o mais difícil de digerir até então. Lendo a respeito da sua criação é fácil ver o porquê. O homem estava basicamente na beira da morte. Acho que é óbvia a comparação com o Blackstar do Bowie, mas prefiro muito mais aquele disco do que esse. Comparação injusta, talvez. A voz dele aqui é inigualável. Chega a arrepiar consistentemente. As composições são básicas, minimalistas, o que não me agrada tanto assim. Este é, de fato, o estilo dele. Mas o disco dele que mais gostei até então foi o I’m Your Man, que possui uma sonoridade e uma produção bem mais ousada e eclética do que este atual. Por isso irei dar uma nota levemente mais baixa do que aquele. Mas só porque preferi outra obra do Cohen acima desta não quer dizer que eu vá desmerecer completamente o trabalho colocado aqui. É um disco incrível, mas ele é, como eu já disse, difícil de digerir e baixo astral demais. Não consigo me ver ouvindo este álbum novamente do início ao fim, mas as faixas que salvei dele vão me deliciar muito ainda daqui pra frente. 4/5

Damn. That was good.

ok see this is music. Do I love Leonard Cohen? Of course. But I admit I love the somewhat more melodic Leonard Cohen, before his final few albums. That doesn't mean I won't happily lay back and let his voice roll over me, just that this wasn't my favorite.

Gloomy vibes, and strong lyrics.

If the devils brother was a folk artist?

Grizzly voice but incredible rhyming lyrics!

God I'm a sucker for a baritone

I really liked this a lot. But I didn't expect to. I love his voice and the sing-talky style of vocals. The messages in the songs felt personal to him, and that helped me in connecting with them.

very good, 7/10, pretty chilled but lovefelt album

Great album! But not used to slow placed songs

This was a beautiful album, and although I find Leonard Cohen’s voice to definitely be an acquired taste, it suited this album and its mood as a whole perfectly.

q cosa mas rara

He wrote one the greatest songs ever. And his lyrics and poetry wonderful. That said. His music and voice are slow and depressing. But I still like it

You don’t listen to LC for the music you listen for the lyrics.

7,11

Rating (1-5): ✩✩✩✩ Higlighted songs: On the Level, Leaving the Table, It Seemed the Better Way Idk about this dude's personal life (never read the article), but he got that low, smooth and smoky voice. Like a Baritone/Bass

The distinction between poetry and music is completely blurred in this album. The lyrics are melancholic, pensive, and at times even humorous. Touching on themes of death, it feels like Cohen knew he didn’t have much time left, and indeed, he passed away not long after. I liked this one, even though it’s not the kind of music I’ll likely return to often. Maybe if I’m in the right mood.

Not familiar Favorite song: string reprise/treaty

Pretty great.

A little one note, but it's a good note. Whilst presenting as sombre and melancholy, there's a thread of hope which runs through the album. It's all rather beautiful.

This is often overshadowed by the other major album released by an artist not long before their death in 2016. While that one is a statement this one is more subtle and is more of a whisper. This allows his songwriting to come through. When background vocals come in they feel more impactful juxtaposed against his vocals. This is a really good album. Favorite songs were You Want It Darker, Leaving The Table, Traveling Light, and Steer Your Way.

Was kind of shocked by how much I liked this. If Cohen could sing at all this would be amazing but his belching (for lack of a better word) honestly works too. Really cool 4.5

A cohen album that I can fully support. He doesn't try to sing, but he keeps the rhythm, and he expresses the power of his words beautifully. 4/5

Leonard Cohen? I don't want to listen to Leonard Cohen. Oh wait. That's beautiful. Guess I do want to listen to Leonard Cohen.

Favorites: You want it darker, treaty Spooky, moody, loved it

Crazy variety of genres- everything from hip hop sounding beats to classical orchestration. Some really heavy lines in there too!

Great if you're in the mood for a good cry - but you definitely have to be in the mood for it. There's some beautiful, poetic songs in here.

Big fan of this album; dark, moving. What a way to go out. 8/10

great one, realy liked the dark vibes

7.5/10 Very good lyrics, just poetry. Music is simple and sounds nice. The singing/speaking is pretty monotonic but I cant blame the guy since he was 82. A beautiful ending to his career. Title song Is near to a true masterpiece. "Hineni, hineni I'm ready, my lord".

3.6 Prefer the more slower relaxed songs

Reminds me a lot of David Bowie's Blackstar - a clear farewell album from a prolific artist. Musical arrangements are sparse and mournful, but deeply evocative, especially with the choral backing vocals.

It might be premature of me to tackle this particular album. Part of it is my rather limited familiarity with Leonard Cohen's music, having only heard two of his early albums thus far. It can be rather difficult for me to fully grasp how Leonard's music has evolved over five decades, especially given the common criticism I've heard, which is that his songwriting has faltered since at least the 1990s. I'm not sure if I can realistically share that criticism without the full context, but I will say for this record, the lyrics are simple yet direct in intent. Leonard made it as plain in the text of what he describes in his musings. Part of it is that at this point, Leonard was 82 years old with multiple health problems, apparent in his gruff vocal delivery. Thankfully, Leonard's vocal lines were written to account for his aged voice, as multiple background vocalists supported him on these songs. In particular, Leonard's son Adam, who produced You Want It Darker, brought in the Cantor Gideon Zelermeyer and the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue Choir to bolster a fair amount of these songs, as a means of tying back to Leonard's Jewish faith. Given that some of the lyrical subject matter can be interpreted as confrontational with a higher being, it would make sense to tie it back to his religious upbringing. Which brings me to my last part in why it may be premature of me to confront this record. This was Leonard's last album to be released in his lifetime. His son Adam would go on to finish one posthumous release for his father, Thanks for the Dance. But for all intents and purposes, this was the last release Leonard saw through to the end before his death weeks later. There's a certain weight and emotionality to an artist staring at the face of death, a sentiment I have previously observed with Johnny Cash's American IV. I thankfully had enough familiarity with Johnny Cash to do justice in my assessment of that album. I don't know if I can say the same for Leonard. What I can say is that between the organic instrumental arrangements and the grit and romanticism in his words as he shed his mortal bearings in acceptance of what his Lord had in store for him, there's a certain finality to this record that becomes a heavy yet necessary listen. By the end of the string-led reprise of "Treaty" and Leonard's final verse, the conclusion of it all felt palpable to me; hard to articulate yet gripping all the same. You Want It Darker is a great record. I may not consider it within the upper echelon of albums I've listened to, but it is an important record in how an artist can confront death with such poetic grace.

A hauntingly sad deathbed elegy. To release something so beautiful like this just 17 days before your death...how poetic. Even during his last days, Leonard Cohen's poetry and song writing is stil so deeply moving. His velvet like voice might've changed into an old man's growling whisper, yet it sounds so honest and soothing. His ruminations on death and God and Love are poignant. It's a perfect swan song of a dying artist. That's all from me. I'm leaving the table. I'm out of the game.

Es un albumazo. Amo las letras y las haunting instrumentales como minimalistas pero grandes y majestuosas. Amo la poesía en este album, y cómo trata temas como la muerte o las creencias religiosas de Leonard Cohen, además relacionándolas al hecho que es el último album que sacó antes de fallecer y él casi que sabiéndolo. Dicho esto, no es un album que yo voy a escuchar mucho. Capaz es injusto ratearlo de esta forma porque la verdad me impactó mucho y es definitivamente muy bueno. Van unas 4 estrellas capaz. AMO You Want It Darker (el tema)(como bien poético spoken word) y Treaty. Al principio fue raro acostumbrarse a la voz bien grave y la naturaleza medio spoken así que tiene.

I enjoyed this dark and haunting album listen! Cohen’s voice has a very dark and mysterious quality to it which made this a fun album listen. This album gave me Over the Garden Wall vibes which I loved. I would definitely give this album a listen again and recommend it to others!

I have to admit, I never listened to Leonard Cohen aside from Hallelujah. My friend told me this album is for Cohen what Blackstar was for Bowie, and after listening I'd agree with that. Right off the bat Cohen's voice is powerful and haunting as it carries you through the album. He sounds like God and the Devil all at once, like he's gone through hell to get to Heaven. Fitting, considering the religious themes in the album. His vocals are interesting, it sounds more like spoken word poetry set to music. I say that in a good way. Favorite songs would be the title track, Traveling Light, and Steer Your Way.

Good

My 300th album in the generator just happens to be the darkest album I've ever heard in my life(don't confuse the title with a Stephen King book). Melancholy lyrics over acoustic guitar, and backing vocals make this a truly haunting experience; a swan song for life. It sent me chills down my spine. Favorite Track: "On The Level".

So haunting, melancholic but also crowning. What an introduction to Cohen, his last album published weeks before he died. Definitely not my thing but I felt many different emotions while listening to it, this album takes you to a different place during its 36:07 minutes.

This was a powerful record. In particular, You Want It Darker and Steer Your Way hit hard. "Steer your heart past the truth you believed in yesterday" is a wonderful lyric. In between those bookends of the record it was a bit of a meloncholy slog, but solid artistry nonetheless.

Never heard of this album or artist before. My first thought when starting the album was that his voice was sexy! It felt more like listening to poetry than music. A very dark album about death. Later learned it was his last album he made, as he was close to death. His voice is captivating and I’m a sucker for songs with a choir in it. Favorites: Title track, leaving the table, and traveling light. Rank: 6.5/10

alto miedo el i’m ready my lord me re gustó, es asi todo misterioso dark edgy emo

“I’m ready my lord” Cohen speaks these harrowing words in a voice that has clearly deteriorated from his youthful days that provoked his first albums in the 60s. There’s a great deal of beauty to this voice however, and despite the obvious pain Cohen feels as he sings these verses, there are few voices as deep and convincing as his. He truly gives it everything he has left on these final songs, passing away only 3 weeks later. This album seems on paper as hardly a comfortable listen, however I think there's great merit to Cohens optimism and spirituality on this album which lightens its most oppressive moments. It takes a great deal of strength to make statements like this at such a fragile time in one’s life. I can respect the fact that after all, this is an album to be listened to and to entertain, while making a thought-provoking statement, not just for the sake of the statement. Personally, I would come back to this album for how authentic its folky elements are, and the truly one-of-a-kind vocal performance and lyricism. But in the way the album sounds like a funeral procession, I have a great deal of hesitation in sitting down and listening to the whole thing. This album is a beautiful poetic send off to a great poet and songwriter, and really just inspirational to creatives in general. "You want it darker. We kill the flame."

Opening track immediately sets the tone of this album perfectly. It sounds a bit like "Dark Side Of The Moon Redux" but actually good. Poetic lyrics with plenty of religious allusion. It's easy to make something loud and active that's engaging, but to create something slow takes a whole lot more skill and I respect Cohen for being able to do that. This album has so much charm and really touched me. I could definitely see the tracks being used in a movie soundtrack somewhere. Notable tracks: On the Level, Leaving the Table, Steer Your Way

i almost love it

What a way to put out your death album, I suppose. Nothing on this album really spoke to me, but go off, Leonard Cohen, I was unfamiliar with your game. Really interesting stuff and aptly named album, it was a... unique listen for sure. Very just sort of gravely and dark. I originally gave this album a 2 when I first listened to it but then I read more about it and I was inspired to give it another go. It's pretty damn good, actually. I didn't much care for it musically but the dude is talented and this actually was quite a beautiful description of a man, facing death, battling with his understanding of god and religion. At least, that's how I re-listened to it. Yeah, great work.

Definitely dark. Would like another listen with more focus on lyrics.

Favorites: You Want It Darker, Treaty, Steer Your Way There's something so inherently powerful about this album, and I think a lot of it has to do with Cohen's heartbreaking passing. He's always been a figure I've admired as a fan of music in general, but especially folk music. The record is so somber and it feels like a true goodbye from one of the very best. Maybe not for everyone, but I got a lot out of it.

Magisk stämning, med titelspåret som är en av världens bästa låtar. RIP

Hade redan låten med samma namn på min gilla-lista och resten av albumet gjorde mig inte besviken!

Surprised by how much I loved this album. Never been a giant Cohen fan, always appreciated his lyrics, but it often seemed like his musical arrangements only highlighted the limits of his vocal range. Here, I felt like the musical elements created a perfect space for Cohen’s ruminations. Maybe it’s just because it’s my birthday and I’m feeling one day closer to death…

More than anything, this album makes me sad. Leonard Cohen was a giant, a genius, a ladies man, a hero and a victim. I can’t listen to this without thinking of him recording it in his living room, in pain, suffering from spine fractures not long after a manager stole most of the money he had earned. This is not m favourite Cohen album but it is a more than worthy final bow. I think I’ll have a good cry now.

So dark, so deep. And that's just his voice...

Although I know this collection has far too many albums by a select few artists, and Leonard Cohen is definitely one of them, I always enjoy his music, and I'm impressed that such a recent album of his is included. And what an appropriate title for his last (living) album, since his biggest weakness (and part of the reason why I prefer Nick Cave so much more) is his unrepentant romanticism that rarely tends toward the dark; who knows what his future albums might have been like with this turn? The opening title track sets a great mood for Dark Cohen, and thankfully many of the other songs carry this mood on, all without sacrificing his distinctive voice and style. I particularly enjoyed "Treaty", the haunting "Leaving the table" (not so much the video, though) and "Traveling light". I'm also extremely impressed that you can't really hear all of the pain of his wracked body in these songs, or that he was so housebound by his broken back that he recorded his parts solo and emailed them to his collaborators. I can only hope that he felt happy/content with this album, as it feels like a beautiful coda to his life (and so much more satisfying as a final album than several others in this collection, including David Bowie's Blackstar, Billie Holiday's "Lady in Satin" and perhaps even Johnny Cash's "American IV").

enjoyed this more than other Leonard Cohen albums so, yes, I did want it darker.

Knowing that this album was released only a few months before his death puts a different spin on it. I think the highlight for me is the title track “You Want it Darker”. I loved the vocals on this album, both LC’s voice and also the use of a gospel choir too. The themes were really prevalent and I can see this being an album I come back to when I get a bit older. It also makes me want to listen to his 2019 posthumous release. I did really enjoy this one and found it cohesive but I think it’s an album that will grow on me so for now it’s a 4 star for me.

Very good.There is no such thing as a bad Leonard cohen album in my opinion.Fave songs are the title track and Travelling Light .

Good lyrics. I enjoyed the very diatonic songwriting more than I thought I would.

Very moving. Surprisingly, the gravelly voice works for me. I will listen to more.

Intricately themed and with plenty of lyrical nuggets to chew on, You Want It Darker gives us one last satisfying helping of Leonard Cohen. Definitely read the Wikipedia entry on this one and Greg Kot's review is also enlightening.

I love Leonard Cohen and this is one great album. I only give it 4 stars as I like more Im your man and some of the first records

Rather interesting album. It reminded me of the last Johnny Cash album. I enjoyed this more than i expected it.

Rolling Stone called it "probably one of the best albums ever released by a person over the age of 80". I'm inclined to agree.

Like spoken word poetry put to music. No idea why I like it so much, but the album is great! Definitely need to be in the mood though.

esse é brutal

Final albums can suffer a bit from tokenism and overstating the quality. But I think for a Leonard Cohen this still holds up but maybe not his finest. Still decent 3.5*

++: You Want It Darker, On the Level, If I Didn't Have Your Love, Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better Way, Steer Your Way, String Reprise / Treaty +: Treaty, Leaving the Table 8,5/10

You Want It Darker is Leonard Cohen’s poignant farewell, released just weeks before his death in 2016. It’s a sparse, intimate album that grapples with mortality, faith, and meaning. Cohen’s voice, deeper and more weathered than ever, carries immense weight—as though each word has been measured and earned. The title track sets the tone: a dark hymn of surrender and defiance, with Cohen uttering “Hineni” (“Here I am”) to God, accepting the end with dignity. The album leans into minimalist arrangements—soft organs, gentle strings, and the haunting voices of the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue choir. This stripped-back style gives space for the lyrics to shine. Themes of reconciliation, loss, and spiritual exhaustion run throughout tracks like Treaty and It Seemed the Better Way. Yet there’s warmth too, especially in Travelling Light, which feels like a fond goodbye to past loves.

Not to be played at a sorority party. None more black 8/10

Me gusta

Super Interesting. Leonard's voice is super gravelly and provides an interesting contrast to the more subdued production. The Writing however is fucking fantastic. Leaving the Table is genuinely one of the most beautiful songs ever. Fantastic album.

4/5 - Good vibe, like the really deep voice. Nice lyrics, great guitars lines to train myself

It's great, and could be rated high on relisten. 4 stars.

The album title sounds more like he's talking about his voice. It's gravelly and sounds like it's coming from the underground, but it's still nice to listen to. There are some good arrangements here, too.

There is something to be said about an artist writing an album, when they know their life is coming to an end. Like Bowie's Blackstar (which is a phenomenal album), Cohen gives us a glimpse of what goes through one's mind, and an artists final thoughts to leave with the world, when the end is near. This album is dark and sad, but also beautiful, and I find this a great medium to leave your mark behind. Favorite tracks are the title track You Want It Darker, Leaving the Table, and Travelling Light. In Stephen King's afterword of his book You Like It Darker, he apologies for changing the verb.

Fav: You Want It Darker Notes: Powerful shit. Released just before his death. If I Didn't Have Your Love is a tear jerker for me.

Oh yeah, that voice. Love how this one starts and just drags me in. I don't really dance, but this makes me feel like I'm slow dancing with Leonard to the grave he knew was coming, and I'm here for that beautiful dance.

rip the goat

Gorgeous and ruminative, this one really hit for me. The sonic textures are perfect for the words, and the words.... just beautiful

Genius to the end.

Haunting sound.

Título y portada, ambos magníficos, orientan el ambiente del disco. Desgraciadamente se cumplieron los presagios y siguió la estela de Black Star como magnífica obra crepuscular. Aquí sobresale la inicial, que da título al álbum, con unos coros marca de la casa y un sonido final que le acerca a aquellos tiempos de cuando andaba por oriente medio recuperando la inspiración. Su voz, lógicamente no es de la antaño, pero suena grave y profunda, con carácter (tampoco la de Cash en las American Recordings era la de siempre y no solo le restaba sino que le imprimía un tono solemne). No es su mejor obra, pero es un final acorde al tamaño del artista. Por cierto, tuvo que girar hasta casi sus últimos días debido a la estafa de su agente que le birló todo menos su nombre e inspiración. Gracias

Cool vibes and atmosphere of this album, especially since he made it when he was 82. This is not my preferred kind of music but it honestly was really good to listen to. 4/5

Really really high 4. Title track, Leaving the Table, If I Didn’t Have Your Love + It Seemed the Better Way are all 5/5 quality Instrumentals are incredibly sexy and Cohen’s voice is perfect for this

Interesting and enjoyable, probably won’t come back to it much though

C'est la meilleure version possible d'un dernier album de Leonard Cohen.

Not into the first track at all but the rest of it I really enjoyed, the music is beautiful and though Cohen’s voice got really deep in his older age the songs are still quite good for the most part and it makes for a beautiful and fitting send off for Cohen

How are there people in the world that genuinely think Tom Waits is good and cohen is hard to listen to. With cohen I go as far as loving jazz police. This album was good Too 4/5

Heard it before. What a strange thing, today I got the news that one of my old uni professors died and I remember how years ago during one class he made us listen to this album and analyze the lyrics. Feels like a fitting tribute to listen to it today 4/5

Leonard Cohen maybe isn't for everyone, but when you're feeling really sad on the tube this album just hits

Very light four, not the type of music I'd go back to (although I did playlist the title track). If it weren't for the lyricism and the context around this album, would have been an easy three for me. The title track goes hard. Couple songs that are fine generally (although lyrics are great throughout Leaving the Table especially) but musically aren't as interesting to me. Travelling Light and on though are on the same level as the title track. Overall, fantastic record, and emotionally harrowing listenening to him basically on his deathbed recording this.

Really enjoyed the title track, especially given how close Cohen was to death at time of release, but disappointed to find the rest of the album fails to live up to this early promise. To be honest, I could happily listen to Cohen read out a terms and conditions or the ingredients on the back of a label, he’s got such a lovely voice, so this still gets a 4.

Love it. I always want it darker Len. Title track is superb and the others are pretty good as well. Simpsons: Sideshow Leonard Cohen

Opening track was a banger and if the rest of the album was at that level it would be a very solid 5. The rest was really good but not great enough for a 5.

on the one hand, this is just spoken word poetry sprinkled over instrumentals. on the other hand, that poetry is basically another book of the Bible, the backup is choice, and Cohen's voice, even without really any range, is an instrument to behold (behear?). catnip for my own interests, but too many quibbles abound for a 5.

I like my coffee black just like my metal

This one’s a tough album to review because it stands in such a unique space; part final statement, part poetic reflection. Leonard Cohen’s voice is deep, weathered, and full of gravity, and while some tracks really land ("You Want It Darker" and "Traveling Light" are standouts), others don’t hit quite as hard. Still, what really carries the album is the songwriting. It’s lyrically rich and thoughtful throughout, even when the music itself doesn’t always resonate. A haunting, and fitting farewell album.

8/10 Highlights: You Want it Darker Seemed the better way Steer your way Treaty

It's not something I want to listen to. The man is a poet, the words are so beautifully chosen and blended. But the way he pronounces them is enough that you don't even have to understand them to understand that something is wrong. You feel that he is saying goodbye, you feel a slight disappointment in his voice. I want to grow up and grow old believing that life is beautiful and has a happy ending

I wish there was a treaty... between your love and mine...

Someone is playing to much GTAV

Great late period album by a legendary songwriter.

I'm sure I'll never listen to this again because it's too slow and depressing, but as always, Leonard Cohen is a great poet and songwriter.

This is very beautiful and wicked depressing

This was haunting and very intimate. I thought I would be perturbed by Cohen's voice but it really didn't bother me. Crazy to think about an artist reflecting on their life and their impending death.

1001 Albums- # 25 Darker is always better 🌃🖤 The Legendary Leonard Cohen delivers us a swan song, a mere 17 days before his untimely death. At 82 years of age and staring directly in the face of mortality, Cohen opines eloquently about life…death…love…God…as the truly remarkable poet he has always been, gifting us with a beautifully written sign off. 🎧 Classic Track: You Want It Darker 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Traveling Light 🎧 Personal Favorite: Leaving The Table Majestic yet agonizing as you feel the profoundness of his introspection, emoting a warm frailty with the raspiness of his vocals. R.I.P. Mr. Cohen and thank you for sharing your immense talent with the world. Click the Thumbs Up icon below if you enjoyed my take on the album :)

'There's a lullaby for suffering / And a paradox to blame'; 'I'm angry and I'm tired all the time'; 'My lost, my lost was saying found / My don't was saying do.' As a lyricist, Cohen is one of the all-time greats, better than Dylan to a degree b/c he's as profound as he is direct. This record is an outstanding howl to a god that may or may not be listening, a final and sonorous cry. It doesn't matter to me that his cadence hardly changes or that his voice remains in the gutters of despair. It's a record that negotiates the layers of epiphany, dark tho always gentle, not one that flaunts excessive variety, tho the instrumentation provides more than enough soul, beauty, and diversity for it never to get old. 'We were broken then but now we're borderline.'

Liked the violin in contrast to Leonard's voice, his lyrics I'm always amazed by.

Ya vamos cerrando el mes de marzo y hoy toca el genio de Leonard Cohen, a quien escuché de lleno hace unos años. Imposible no conmoverse con su voz sexi, romántica, nostálgica, sobre todo siendo su último disco. Más palabras no pueden decirse que gracias.

ok 7/10

Leonard Cohen has a presence that brings an album up one or two levels from where I might normally rate it, and this album is no exception. 4 stars or B+.

Great Voice, but not quite the variation that I was expecting Just above a 4

If Tom waits had a smoother voice, it would sound like this. A good soulful kind of listen. Definitely worth checking out

The darkest and most beautiful album this side of Houmous & Chutney’s 68th studio album ‘Wow, That’s Dark AND Beautiful’ 4.1

Vrlo intiman, minimalisticki album o Bogu, smrti, patnji i nostalgiji. Album je povezan, prati spomenutu tematiku, dodatak zbora je fenomenalan u ovom kontekstu i zao mi je sto nije ukljucen na vise pjesama. You want it darker je apsolutno remek djelo, mislim da upravo zbog toga ostatak pjesama djeluje malo losije u usporedbi te manje kvalitetno sto se tice stihova u usporedbi s prvim albumom. Sve u svemu dobar album. RIP Leonard Cohen Fav tracks: You want it darker, If I Didn't Have Your Love, Treaty 7/10 = 4

you want it darker, but my tears dry the same

Cool album. Standout songs: Treaty Leaving the Table

Big fan of LC, RIP

I wish I had gotten this album in the autumn/winter months. It feels like it would have been even better on a dark day with rain or snow outside. That said its still very good on a sunny day as today. So much feeling and depth to the songs. Its hard not to fall in to a calm and deep mood when listening to this. Something I will definitely safe and listen to again in half a year or so.

Nice one

very beautiful and poetic…it kind of reminds me of the little caterpillar in walt disney’s alice adventures in wonderland. the first song gave me chills and then the others kind of didn’t give the same energy but i still thought they were pretty great. i feel like to listen to some of these albums you have to relate to the singer and the songs in some way to really get the message across. for me, i don’t really feel like i relate to an 82 year old man on his death bed but i still can appreciate it’s beauty. i think once the time comes i’ll probably listen to it and understand it more than i do it now but for now i’m kind of like a watchful listener. my favorites were the title track, “leaving the table,” “traveling light,” and “it seemed the better way.” to imagine writing and composing something like this at the age leonard was while battling cancer is astounding but not something that i can just put on and instantly relate to and feel personally, which i feel like makes or breaks music for me. but overall, probably the most poetic piece of music out there. 🖤🖤🖤

Another Leonard Cohen banger.

Unlike the previous albums I've had to review of Cohen, including Songs Of Love And Hate and then Songs From A Room, this time I'm actually touched by what he seems to be trying to say. It already starts interestingly, rather than leaning on overused tones, we start with something that almost sounds like occultism. The sadness actually gets to you on this one. Much more of a farewell album than e.g. Blackstar.

As a fellow North American Jew, I've always appreciated Cohen as one of our best songwriters. This album shows Cohen really leaning into the idea that it is his dying songs and to do that you run a fine line between being a moving goodbye, and a last ditch cry for attention. Cohen doubles down the gravity of the album with grand orchestra and his graveliest voice he could muster. All of this framing makes it obvious that whatever he's saying must be important, which it is. Probably more resonant with an older audience, this album is straightforwardly poetic with a simple rhyme scheme. It's the kind of poems that anyone can appreciate. It isn't particularly challenging, it's simple punchy and gospel imagery, just like the music that he got famous for. It all works pretty well for me.

Phenomenal return to form final album. 4.5 if I could

Didn't grab me on the first listen, but loved in on the second

What a voice

Really got that smoker voice going hard for this album. Last song with strings just hits. Don't always love the subject matter but not because it isn't substantial.

A bit too serious and heavy in production for me, but man that voice. I would bathe in it if I could.

Fav: Leaving The Table Least Fav: You Want It Darker Title track isn’t even bad, just that the rest is better imo. Def getting Blackstar vibes from this, and it will get the same rating

In the words of Jeremy Bolm, I’ll go to L. Cohen to answer my questions cause Ian Curtis was dead. Truly powerful album, just a man dying on a mic. Introspective, scary, and celebratory idk it's the ideal album to come out 17 days before you die.

Great album. Great storytelling. Great vocals, dynamic even when constrained

7/10

this album made me feel an emotion that doesn't exist.

chilling, hauntingly beatiful. Knowing that Cohens words are the words of a dying man make the record much more powerful and heartfelt. Suprisingly great, beautiful record overal. Favorite track: Treaty. Overal score: 8.2/10

Something about his music is so melodic, peaceful and mysterious. I just love our Canadian icon.

one of the better discoveries from this 1001 albums. His voice felt so original, although about the midpoint it did begin to get abit agitating, but I came back around to it again. The music is so calming and feels alot like a score/soundtrack to a tv show. Brings the emotion alot and some gems in there. Absolutely will revisit this in certain moods

This album oozes theme. Get that he was dying, and spoken word isn't really for everyone, but the gravel voice and the dark ambience really did it for me. This is something you listen to when you want to harness the dark side late at night. Amazing stuff

I enjoyed it. I still don't get Leonard Cohen though. 🤔

Sublime musicality, tremendous emotion, as befits a man who knows he's got months to live (and passed away within two months of the album's release). It feels quite unfair to point out that Cohen's voice isn't anywhere near its full power, because of course it isn't, but it still leaves the songs feeling a tiny bit unfilled out in places. Still though, alongside Bowie's Blackstar, 2016 really did give us two final flourishes from two departing geniuses.

The album that Cohen wrote on his deathbed, in which he reflects on life, religion, mortality, etc. I was afraid that this was going to be a super downer, but it is so full of hope. This is an absolutely beautiful album! Favourite songs: On the Level, Steer Your Way, You Want It Darker, Treaty, Leaving the Table, If I Didn't Have Your Love Least favourite songs: none, this is a masterpiece 4/5

El último álbum de Leonard Cohen, lanzado solo 17 días antes de su muerte. Un álbum sombrío, con instrumentación casi funeraria, en el que Cohen se reconcilia con su propia muerte. Poesía oscura y muy cargada emocionalmente. Este es un álbum que conmueve. Aunque la voz de Cohen sea un gusto adquirido, y no de mis favoritas, este challenge me está haciendo apreciarlo como poeta (más que como músico). En definitiva, un álbum excelente.

I can taste cigarettes when listening to this album. Leonard is a master of 'less is more' - there's so much breathing room in this album but it's so well executed.

That voice had me hooked right away. Quite stellar.

Cohen is a master songwriter. This album, written as he anticipated his death, is a set of observations on life and death that crystallize regret, sadness, and disillusionment. I’d call them sharply “cynical,” but his pain is too well earned to dismiss as simple disappointment. This guy lived a good life, with all the perks of tolerable levels of fame — if he’s seeing this much darkness, then what’s in store for the rest of us? These songs are a modern set of blessings for life and death — but the reality they anoint is a dark one. On the other hand, would he have bothered to write this album if he found no redemption at all in the end? Cohen is telling us how it really is at the end — or maybe (maybe) this is his final warning to us: Live life as if all life matters, or life will cease to have meaning at the end — cultivate the light, not the darkness. I can’t play this album too often, but I’d like it to be there for me in the darkest moments.

Der Titel ist Programm: You Want it Darker. Sparsam mit Instrumenten unterlegt, spielt hier die Stimme mit dem unverkennbaren Sprechgesang Cohens die Hauptrolle. Das Ganze klingt wie ein Abschied, mal bitter und traurig, mal hoffnungsvoll. Ein sehr bewegendes Album. Favorit: It Seemed the Better Way.

Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker This is one of the most badass ways to go out in this world, make a final album on your last days. David Bowie did it similarly earlier and it turned out great, it seems that this is just as good as Bowie's. Mostly goes on personal and love themes, that show his lyricism and poetry, which are great. This sounds beautiful but grim, warm but dark, and his voice sounds way deeper than usual here. Massive props to Cohen for making this possible even with his condition, the last track is hauntingly wonderful including the context of his death. Rest in peace Leonard Cohen. 1.- You Want It Darker = 9/10 2.- Treaty = 9/10 3.- On the Level = 7/10 4.- Leaving the Table = 8/10 5.- If I Didn't Have Your Love = 9/10 6.- Travelling Light = 8/10 7.- It Seemed the Better Way = 9/10 8.- Steer Your Way = 7/10 9.- String Reprise / Treaty = 10/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.4/10

Enjoyed that - in a funny kind of way - could feel his chagrin and got it :) thanks!

Das Habe ich nicht erwartet. Diese Stimme verursacht Gänsehaut. Krass.

What a deep voice... I liked it. Had a dark impression... hence the name I guess

I know this album for the title track, but never through headphones where it’s much more powerful. I listened during a workout where I tried to keep it in the background while reading an article, and I felt like I was disrespecting his poetry rather than passively listening to an album. It’s as dark as you can imagine as I imagine him dying. What was startling was him making one last plea to have a treaty with his love (and God’s?), only to be followed by Cat Stevens’ “Morning has Broken”. That’s a powerful transition, and I recommend giving that a go. I never knew Leonard Cohen (Buckley’s Hallelujah not withstanding) while he was alive, and I’m at least grateful to have become a fan now. Thank you, Mr. Cohen. Rest well.

Dope voice

Really enjoyable. A nice relaxing and sooting lyrics while not dragging on forever. 4 stars

I do want it darker! 4/5

Fucking awesome. So dark but his lyrics r incredible. Shout out toy matinee

He really did make it darker

Wowee what a journey this was. At first I was weirded out by the raspy voice that was seemingly breathing into my ear and was very turned off. Then I started reading up on the album. You can really feel how close he is to death throughout the album, with him ultimately passing away a couple of weeks after the album was released. After knowing this, I listened to the album again with a different lens. I've now listened to it about 3 or 4 times, and every time I appreciate it more.

haven't listened to it so i wouldn't say this is a valid rating. i'm just racking up albums for tomorrow because i missed 2 because of the weekends

Haunting voice. More religious imagery than I like- But that’s what he does.

4.2

Ihan siistiä, vähän Nick Cave tyylistä art folk rokkia. En oo ehkä vaan tämän laulutyylin iso fani. Hieno tunnelma kummiskin levyssä. Parhaat: You Want It Darker, Steer Your Way, Leaving the Table

Good sad

A strong album throughout. Almost veers into melodrama but stops in time

title track is fantastic, and the background of it coinciding with his death is cool

4.5/5 - This is a sad and gloomy record that showcases brilliantly the poet that Leonard Cohen was. Leonard was 82 years old and going through various health problems but you couldn't tell the way his voice transcends here. He leaves everything out for the listener to just fully embrace. It's one that you want to throw on the record player and listen to on headphones. I'm not sure if I would continually come back to this one on heavy rotation but there's no denying this was one of his strongest efforts in a stacked back catalog. Rest in peace.

I love hearing songs 'for the first time' and then realising I know them but have no idea how. I just had that with Take Five. Turns out it's the biggest selling jazz song of all time, so that's probably why! I enjoyed this album and after finishing I sought out some of their other material, stumbling across another familiar song - Unsquare Dance, which is excellent.

Quality

2016, the year of putting out a banger album while dying

Really liked this. Never heard of it before.

To summarize in advance, "You want it darker" is the most intimate and captivating examination of faith, life, and the limits of both, I have ever come across in any medium. At first, I was quite creeped out by Leonard Cohen's voice and the whole dark aesthetic. The image that immediately came to mind is that of an old man whispering in the dark. Wishes, regrets, advice, complaints, prayer. Directed at god and himself. You don't need to know that Cohen died soon after the album was released to feel the finality that lies within it. I didn't particularly like the music and won't listen to it again, but will probably think about it a few more times.

A haunting, beautiful album. One of his best works, and I will put this on my list for listening.

Wow… I really want to dive deeper into Cohen’s discography. I’ve really only mainly listened to the first album and now this, haha. It’s crazy that this came out the same year as Blackstar. I still prefer that album, and I definitely think I’ll only listen to this when I’m in certain moods and that’s why I won’t give it 5 stars. But damn, it’s pretty amazing and definitely a must-listen. #55