Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Leonard Cohen’s Blackstar. Hits the same way, especially knowing his time was coming. Any musician should aspire to go out like this.
Incredible
I like some of Cohen’s work. This one just didn’t do it for me. 2.5/5 Won’t listen again
Oooooffff, tungt!!
Jisses. Jag visste inte att jag ville ha det så mörkt. Ge mig mer!
You can't sing darker. Det är något visst med en sista hälsning innan ridån går ned. Hineni, Hineni! Synd att dino's ålderism grusar hans öron.
Not really my thing, good music but not for me
What a voice. Incredible final album
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
Some old dude moaning about Jesus. This is my FIFTH LC album on this project and its making me really question what people enjoy in these records.
This was a surprising listen. I know little about Leonard Cohen beyond hallelujah and did not expect primarily spoken word/poetry over music. First listen didn’t like. Second listen it started to catch. By third listen I found myself really enjoying it. Not sure something I’d put on regularly. 3/5
I found this album jarring as a result of the large difference in the quality of Cohen’s lyric writing versus his singing. The words are beautiful, but the album isn’t the greatest listen.
cool guy Would I listen again: no Deserves to be on this list: pick one of his albums please 3.4
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
A lot of powerful songs on here, very emotional and vulnerable writing from Cohen. At times the production is a little underwhelming and the repetitive thematic nature of the album does get to be a little much, but overall still an enjoyable listen in the right mindset. 3/5
This is really interesting, it genuinely feels like a guy talking over a track at times, I don't think I'm a fan. Although the music in the background sounds good. Summary: Sounds good, vocals bad
Spoken word poetry over some type of jazz fusion. Not my thing.
A final album where Cohen reflects on his relationship with god. Seeing as there isnt one, it feels a bit pointless. His singing voice is too monotone for a full album
This album is an experience more than anything. More poetry than music. I've always had immense respect for Cohan as an artist, and he kept that respect until the very end. Leaving the Table is my favorite from this.
like all Leonard Cohen albums I've heard, it is currently 4 but give me a few more listens and maybe 5
Apparently, I do want it darker. I was dumbfounded and astounded when he started singing. I knew he was at the end of his life, but I wasn't expecting the deep, dry, raspiness of his voice or how beautiful it would actually sound. And once I got used to his voice, I started actually hearing and digesting the lyrics, and once again was dumbfounded and astounded. The title track really sets the tone and is easily my favorite of the album, but every song gives more insight to his dark and dying mind. Thinking about this album and Blackstar by Bowie, I realized that musicians like them either die rock stars or live long enough to reflect deeply on death and God. This album not only got an instant re-listen, but also a save to listen to again later. Favorite Song(s): You Want It Darker, Steer Your Way, String Reprise / Treaty
Send the subject matter and significance, this is a beautiful final album.
тут меня даже меньше его хрип бесил (на других он с подъездами пел, тут вроде нет), чем его еврейские подпевалы
Very dark and haunting, beautifully poetic as always. The standout is It Seemed the Better Way, 7.5/10
Man, that was the worst album I’ve ever heard
Fantastic album - it is indeed darker
Too old. Couldn’t finish listening..
Damn this is good. Perfect for accompanying reading The Stand. Woke up at 5am singing one of the songs
Ends up becoming too much of the same thing for me. You Want It Darker is incredible. Fav tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty Saved a song: Y RYM: N
Not that interesting musically.
Not my thing at all...
I like Leonard Cohen, both his music and his poetry. I remember crying when he died, and this album as a consolation to that time. It really is his final testament, his confrontation with death, his goodbye. There is a depth in Cohen's voice which is both powerful and frail. The spoken word may even be said to be creepy or frightening, like death itself. The lyrics themselves are not quite Cohen's best in my view, but they are concise and on the nose, appropriate for the message of this album. The surrounding string arrangements and choral singers and upright bass add an even dark layer underneath. There isn't anything too weird or unexpected in all of this, but I wouldn't call it cliche, just clear and compact like a masterful songwriter with nothing left to prove.
голос крутой, песни не зацепили.
Una vibra oscura como la noche y fría como agua en la madrugada, pero me cansé después de un ratico
Is the generator playing games on me? Two Leonard Cohen albums in two days! This is absurd. As I previously stated, his music is gloomy, stark and monotonous. Moving on.
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?
I've always struggled with Leonard Cohen, no exception here. This was, for the most part, pretty good... but it's very sombre and melancholy. I guess that's the point. Interesting, oddly enjoyable, but too drowsy.
Weinig inspirerend. Teksten die zogezegd diepgravend moeten zijn maar niet veelzeggend klinken.
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.
MOre spoken word anything anything. It was a solid listen.
A atmosfera sombria e pesada desse álbum é incrível! QoA Vesper.
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'm ready my lord" sings Leonard, on an album that was released few weeks before his death. Maybe not the best Cohen album but interesting parting gift to fans by very unique artist.
Notably nicer than expected and partially even enjoyable.
Mr. Cohen’s got that smooth, dark voice we all know, and it pulled me in for the first five songs. After that, though, it just didn’t quite keep me there — the magic kind of wore off. Still, it’s a solid album with a few really nice moments that remind you why he’s such a legend.
I'm quite sure I'll not like this. Lenny's voice is awesome, but usually his music is all lyrics and not enough cool riffs. It's about heavy breath on your ear, loads of air in the sound and not enough meat on the bone.
Despite my regular indifference to Leonard Cohen's music, it would be rather insulting for me to indulge my instincts and knock this, considering the circumstances. This album is still quite an admirable achievement. There are some nice arrangements; very spare. Dana Glover's backing vocals on On the Level really elevate that song. I barely registered her and Allison Krauss on Steer Your Way. String Reprise/Treaty is quite the devastating closer. You could do worse.
i feel like i know this guy but im not sure, he reminds me a bit of johnny cash with his voice
Better than the previous Leonard Cohen albums I’ve listened to (I think having a huskier, Tom Waits voice suits his songs more). Still, musically all his songs sounds like the demo buttons on a keyboard and while he’s definitely a great writer, I can’t way I’m swayed by his music. This album does have a closeness and intimacy that raises it above the others for me.
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
Amazing to me how coherent Cohen's lyrics are as a body of work in the 4 snapshots on this list from first album to last. Same cadences, same way with imagery, same interests, same big deep declarations, maybe more commitment, less attachment.
Pretty enjoyable
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
odd
His voice kinda startled me. But the insturments were really good. Listenability: 5/5 stars
A lot of pleasant songs
Second of his albums and I just dont get the appeal. Moody but with no reason that I can fathom.
Chill vibes though nothing really jumped out at me from the album as a whole.
Good, soothing voice, he's just speaking in a low mutter. The music all blends together and is not very interesting. Feels like the same song 9 times in a row. I know it's a significant album, but I'd never give it another listen.
im not into his voice really.
Great, moody.
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.
It is difficult for me to dissociate this from Bowie's Blackstar. Two extraordinary musicians signing off with sublime albums within months and coinciding with the darkening of the political climate. An incredibly deep, beautiful and reflective album. The lyrics muse on religion, past relationships and his approaching passing. The sparse strings, backing vocals and Cohen's deep baritone compliment the material perfectly.
Incredible parting album. RIP
Want to spend more time with this album listening to his lyrics, but liked the sound and refusal to sing any melody whatsoever.
Now that’s just plain old melancholy. Lenny, with thoughts and songs of death and dying, is Traveling Light to whatever comes next. Credit to him for being able to put out an album two weeks before his demise. Many dramatic pauses throughout. If his Thanks For The Dance album doesn’t make the 1001 Must Hear List, I’ll give it a listen. This one comes in at (2.4*s)
Talk about a brutal send off album. Leonard sure got darker and not surprised he died shortly after the release. Kinda feel bad for the guy cause this wasn't a "had a great life, see ya" record like Bowie's finale. Dude was down and sounds like he "Left the Table" with a pair of 2's. A life of touring and scoring literally broke his back. I am not into Cohen's talk song style but I guess it's unique and poetic. Doubt I ever play this again, hopefully not cause any occasion that calls for this is dire. 1.10 fading stars.
After the first song and title track I didn't think the album would be so awful. Unfortunately I was hit with more and more very slow, acoustic folk rock from an aging octogenarian that did very little to keep this interesting. I'm sure the list creator finds meaning in this album but I'm not sure I had to hear this before I died. Just because the guy was 80 doesn't mean I have to enjoy it. Evidently I do want it darker as I found this album pretty much a bore. I didn't realize that I gave his prior entry such a low score because I had basically removed this from my memory but that tracks. To echo prior review, I'd like to nope out of future Leonard Cohen albums if possible. 0.76 stars
I'd put this album off until now - and yep it was what I was expecting. 5* and made me sad because closure or whatever.
The title song is great, I do appreciate the poetic lyrics and low, gravely vocals, I'm just not sure I can listen to a whole album of it.
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
Not as much of a fan of this album as the last one I heard from him. Overall just too slow for my liking.
nah
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.
Third boring album in a row. While I like Leonard Cohen’s poetic lyrics, the sparse instrumentation on this record just sounded kind of lazy. Certainly not as lazy as KISS’s 1998 snoozefest “Psycho Circus”, but just a step above. I’m sure I’m supposed to “love” this album as a songwriter, but it was only ok.
You Want It Darker or, as I like to call it, The Death Shroud of Leonard Cohen, reminded me of the Kurt Cobain lyric from "Pennyroyal Tea": "Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld / So I can sigh eternally." Apparently, Kurt was a fan of Cohen's music, but also claimed that listening to it made depression worse. I know where Kurt's coming from. Gosh, I hope Kurt Cobain was not listening to Leonard Cohen on April 5, 1994. Another weird Cobain connection that popped into my head is that the title track, "You Want It Darker," reminds me of the Neil Young song "Sleeps With Angels" which was written in response to the suicide of Kurt Cobain. Only, we will have Lou Reed recite the lyrics. There, that is "You Want It Darker." So, great, we have an album strongly evocative of death. It will be on heavy rotation when I feel my time is near.
damn... what's up with guys getting old and having goth phases before peacing out of this mortal coil? this is crazy. i'm crazy. what the hell. highlights - you want it darker, treaty, on the level, traveling light, it seemed the better way, steer your way
Tough listen. Not much of a vocalist, very dark. Not my vibe.
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.
Cohen is like waits, gotta be in the mood
Hauntingly beautiful and somber listen. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
Inadvertently the perfect Halloween album
Leonard more like Leon-hard
Favorites: You Want It Darker (!), Leaving The Table, Travelling Light. It Seemed The Better Way (!), String Reprise / Treaty. Very melancholic not only in how it sounds, but also in the fact that it's the last album of Leonard Cohen, where he kind of steps on the journey of accepting the coming of his death. Or already accepting it a long time ago, as we hear it in the 'You Want It Darker'. This album gives me winter images. Sitting near your window, it's cold and dark outside, and the heavy blizzard setting in. You have your candle nearby, dimly lighting your room, like a small lighthouse in the ocean. And soon you'll have to put the candle out and go to sleep. Forever?
I love early Cohen, but this album seems like a poem slam performed by dude with a deep and memorable voice Is this interesting to listen to? Sure, some songs. However, this isn't particularly great or interesting music. If I truly went into cold, without loving Cohen's earlier work I would have discounted it entirely.
Sick opening track
Cohen on kyllä hyvä. Pitänee kuunnella tätäkin useammin. 3,75/5.
lite najs idéer, men blev väldigt tråkigt, känns som att meningen är att lyssna på låtar o inte album :( bra låtar, dåligt album
Väldigt vackert album, inte något jag kommer gå tillbaka till så ofta men kommer definitivt ta inspo med stråk :)
Oh, man. I really like this one. Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld. I'm a sucker for brooding stuff that makes me cry, and this definitely does the trick. In the parlance of the times . . . this is some real ass shit!
Meh.
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.
Fantastic album, as you expect from a great like Leonard Cohen. Adding to my library
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.
Más pesado que no me gusta para nada. Sobrevaluado
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
What an opener! What a voice. Brilliant
7/10
Not bad, just not something I see myself putting on again. The title track is best.
I’m aware of Leonard Cohen but never really took the time to really listen to him. This was what I expected, but better, perhaps because being at the end of his life made it more profound. It’s definitely one of the most haunting albums I’ve had on this list. And that’s fine.
Chillig aber bisschen langweilig
Fuck no.
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
- Irgendwie mag ich den düsteren Vibe und den Stil des „Gesangs“ - Wenn ich dieses Album nicht gehört hätte, hätte ich etwas verpasst - Ist sehr besonders und schön und würde ich wieder hören - Passt perfekt zu verregnetem, düsteren Wetter Topsong: On the Level (Das etwas glücklichere Lied aus diesem Album)
It was interesting but not really my thing
love his voice it gives me a sense of comfort.
Not really my thing but I get the appeal. Bit of a hard listen because he was my mothers favourite.
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
It was boring, maybe I just wasn't in the mood for mellow. Nice voice.
Labai lėtai geras
I'm not a Leonard Cohen fan, but isn't that bad. It's very contemplative and introspective, performed by a man nearing the end of his life. There is a huge difference in the quality of the music, compared to other Cohen albums I've heard, as he used real musicians. There's a lot of soul in/on this album.
An absolute belter I was very familiar with already. The production on this is impeccable
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I was going to. Yes, sometimes you could be mistaken that you have put on an audiobook at times but there are a few gems locked away on here, steer your way and on the level to name two. After listening to 3 of his albums now as part of this process I might be becoming a little bit of a fan. My journey will continue….
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.
Super acquired taste for his voice. It’s not something that I would seek out.
bufff
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.
I don't know why the author of this list has such a boner for Leonard Cohen. I get that he's a poet or what not, but the man cannot sing. The words are good, the music is just mediocre, but no singing at all. It sounds like a soundtrack to some art noir private eye movie. No thanks. 1.5 / 5
Very samey and boring
His voice has dropped several octaves over the years! This album is soporific in the best way.
Didn't know what to expect of this, being only familiar with 'Hallejulah'. The dark vibe of the album struck me amd fitted my mood from the first track, and his exceptional voice fitted the music well. Started to think it might get a bit samey midway through until the fantastic 'Travelling Light' came in. Love a song that tells a story and has different musical elements dropping in and out to punctuate it, and the female vocals are refreshing. Then, each song on the back half adds something new and explores an interesting new theme, keeping the listen rewarding. Having read the story behind the album, it makes sense to hear this is recorded on a deathbed. From the first track it had me thinking of Cash's 'America IV: The Man Comes Around', and thematically its reminiscent of Bowie's 'Blackstar'. 9/10
Un monument, une grande voix. J'ai bien aimé les instru aussi avec les violons souvent notamment de Steer your way par exemple. J'écouterais pas tous les jours mais c'était vraiment sympa. Un peu une vibe après-midi d'automne sous plaid pour moi
J’adore, c’est beau mais c’est obscur… ça fait très musique de cimetière américain, fin de film
Je connais que Hallelujah de Leonard Cohen donc j'étais curieux de découvrir. Cet album a rien à voir. J'ai trouvé quelques sonorités sympa mais globalement ça ne m'a pas touché plus que ça. 2/5
A man who sounded 80 as a 20 year old, as an 80 year old
I was ready to like this but I found that it was just ok. Cohen's voice in his old age is fantastic, but only a few songs really stuck out on this record and the rest kind of flew past me. Will probably give it another listen later. 3/5
Pretty good album, but also a lot of it sounds like itself. There were a few standout songs but overall not a lot here to keep me that engaged. 3/5
I apologize Mr. Cohen, I wasn't familiar with your game. I really liked this. Treaty, leaving the table, and traveling light stand out but it's all very good in a melancholy sort of way.
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.
Great
2.5
As my son seeks to convert to Judaism in Montreal, it is hard for me not to be a little moved by the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue choir. And it is the best of the music here, surely. To the extent that there is any music at all. However, Cohen has often made powerful songs of simple chords and plain speaking, usually with fine arrangements. I don't know if he's done that here, on these first listens - after the year I was having in 2016, I didn't need another memento mori - but I will give him the benefit of the doubt that they might reveal something over time. Hard not to compare with Blackstar, of the same year, which was musically more exploratory, but less focused. Unlike that sonic burst, I understand that these brief thoughts had been worked out (completed, maybe?) as poems long before the record. Maybe they didn't need the music, but Cohen needed the record to complete his cycle. Or we did. Or somebody did. Hard too not to compare it to Go Set a Watchman of the year earlier. So, I don't know if this is a complete record, with depth and meaning. Too soon for me to tell. Perhaps the repeating image of the card game and the flame (or all the -am end rhymes) and the use of the word 'real' are intertextual and not a single idea repeated across texts because there only was one idea. Perhaps the unidentified 'you' will become clear. Perhaps the multiple yous will become clear. Perhaps giving the benefit of the doubt might be Leonard Cohen's final lesson. Perhaps just doubt. I don't know. 2 Christ. Leonard Cohen was lucid enough near the end to still be able to knock out couplets as if he was merrily completing the crossword puzzle. Why shouldn’t he package and sell them on the crest of his coming death? He was lucid enough to know that there was no good reason not to in the 21st Century. There would be no expense to his dignity and certainly no expense to ours. This same sort of product had been rolled out before and consumed. And though his talking over entirely forgettable music that he had little to do with would add not an ounce to the artistic weight of his life’s work, Cohen was lucid enough to know too that this would sell, would be critically acclaimed, and would be celebrated as an essential album; one that people ‘must’ listen to before they die. And so proceeds this grim pageant of an album. Leonard dons his hat and mugs for the audience - generous enough neither to vanish into introspection nor to expose any judgement about all those peering into the little window he opened for them. It’s good humoured (‘I’m running late, they’ll close the bar”) and rather gaudy (the pious cooing of the choir, the stately funeral parlour string reprise). I dare say he wanted to and was happy to make this for various reasons. I am just a little unhappy that one of those reasons is that, as Cohen knew, we were greedy to hear this sort of thing. ‘Dying?’ bubbled our morbid culture eagerly at his door, ‘that’s Gold! Let’s get you mic’d up. Don’t try to sing - just intone quietly about your regrets and mistakes.’ Leonard chuckled to himself. These assholes didn’t seem to realise he’d been making that album repeatedly for 50 years. 2/5
listened to it while walking around the boston museum of fine art. perfect soundtrack
This was quite interesting. It reminded me of something or someone else that I can't put my finger on.
Not my thing at all
Damm such a deep voice that surprised me, with such deep very deep meaning songs, very specific vibe and feel in this album Top songs that I like: you want it darker, traveling Light, Treaty
Previously rated: Songs Of Love And Hate (2/5) Songs Of Leonard Cohen (2/5) I'm Your Man (3/5) ********************************** I groaned when I saw Cohen come up today. Wow, this guy sure can recite poetry in a deep voice again and again. Best track: You Want it Darker
Not his best
Gravel
Dark, dreamy
so good. perfect autumnal music. pleasantly spooky. But the first song was my favorite and some of the others got a little repetitive.
It’s awesome, probably now my favourite Leonard Cohen album. The sound of an incredibly talented, intelligent man signing off with dignity.
I just couldn’t get past his voice. Really struggled through listening this one. Steer Your Way was probably the only one I might’ve enjoyed. Maybe I just got used to his voice by that point. Otherwise, the album made me feel uncomfortable.
love the song you love it darker! I definitely love him more as a poet than a singer at times !
Individual songs are fine, I just can’t imagine making a whole album, much less career, if these
i like the vibe but the lyrics are .... questionable
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.
Interesting enough to keep my attention, but not my bag baby.
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 was so ready to begrudgingly like this, but ended up disappointed not to. Found it very jarring to be honest. I'm ready to believe that after a few listens the intriguige of the unusual style would grow, but I might be the same age as Lenny was by the time he made this album when that happens.
Low 5 Mr Cohen conjures his haunting world as well as ever. Production is really tastefully done and keeps the songs different despite Mr cohens limited vocal range. The whispered vocals and minimalist backing combine for a striking and completely unique sound. It warmed my heart to hear one of my favourite artists produce such a great album right at the end of his life. Best I've ever heard by an 80+ year old by a mile, and best from this challenge for some time.
horrible 4/10
Baaah! Was never a fan and listening to this, I was reminded why.
His last album. Mellow, sombre rock delivered with stunning gravely voice. Very slow.
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
“He has a scary voice kinda, he makes me feel kinda scared” - Kerri. I really enjoyed this album. I have listened to the odd song of Leonard Cohen mostly through the radio. But it was dark, moody and worth a listen for sure.
Very chill. I could have used some more singing and less song talk. But, it was still decently enjoyable. 6.5/10
Woah, what an album, what a voice! That opening song hit with a force, the gospel choir, and then from out of left field in comes this epic raspy voice. Definitely one to listen to with headphones, everything just hits a little harder. I also think locking in to the lyrics and knowing the context of this album adds a hell of a lot of substance. (Cohen released this album a month before passing away, created within the final chapter of his life). Definitely a heavy album, dealing with some darker topics, which in a way adds to its power. I could understand how someone would not enjoy this, but personally, I feel like this album very much deserves its spot on this list.
Not for me
Exceptional but heavy when it was already raining outside
Pretty good
ASMR BONERS this WHOLE ALBUM
3. I liked it a lot, but only got one play through. Need more time.
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.
Just beautiful. Truly gorgeous. Knowing his earlier stuff, quiet well, I went into this today mildly intrigued on what he was doing near the end. What played was such an experience, a perfect piece of music, well no but a moving, almost eulogy of the darkness and light of living, past, present and future. 5 Star
!! INSTANT RAPTURE !! Fan att vi skulle ha lökhackande ninjor på jobbet just idag också
Talk rock. Leonard has a nice deep old man voice but he seems depressed. Dark and broody
You have to be in a certain place to receive this music, and I don't necessarily think I was quite there. Leonard Cohen's voice has always not quite appealed to me either. However, the situation, the poetic reflection on everything is quite a marvel. The choir accompanying points often add a pleasant lift.
Otro más de este vejete? Hay algunos artistas que, la verdad, no necesitan más de uno o dos discos. Leonard Cohen es uno de ellos. Siempre es lo mismo con él. Al menos en este disco se nota el peso de la muerte rondandole mientras graba, pero no necesariamente hace del disco algo memorable.
A million candles burning / For the help that never came I struggled with some demons / They were middle class and tame If thine is the glory / Mine must be the shame Top class writing as expected from one of the masters. The opening track alone is worth it. The whole album is somewhat sad, somewhat angry and yet somewhat horny (as per my wife's description). It's great! This is a transformative album, not one you can reach out to on any given day, but it'll certainly make its presence felt on the days you need.
Leonard Cohen's music, from the few songs I knew prior to this, always feels very introspective, and this is no different. The opening track's sinister instrumentals really hooked me, and the rest of the songs were so hauntingly beautiful. I think the melodies were great and made his unique style of singing work well here. I ended up loving this much more than I was expecting to. Just gets you really in a mood, you know? Surprise 5, every track was a favourite
This selection of dirges reaches so deep that there may be no way out. Such strong lyrics and gorgeous music that it is undeniably virtuousic
Prefer the modern sound of these tracks. Damn impressive to have this voice and ability at 87. A feel of Johnny Cash meets Tim Waites. Some great lyrics and poetry. Deep souls and feel in each song. If anything, a bit similar throughout. Quite a lot of religious imagery and a fitting march to end of life, topped off by the string reprise to finish. Listening through a second time now and lands even better and has an extra eerie-ness given how end of life this was (3.5)
Listened in the truck via YouTube music. It’s interesting that the music is far down in the mix so the focus is on his voice. The writing is great but I don’t know that I’d throw this on just for fun.
Kind of weird?
At first I thought it was boring but the lyrics are just so darn good.
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
Cover 7 Perfect for sad nights alone.
Hauntingly brilliant - really enjoyed
J'ai l'impression d'écouter un podcast. 36 minutes ressenti 3h. C'est long. Très long. Je me suis pas attardé sur ce qu'il dit et sur son histoire, j'imagine qu'il faut connaitre son background pour écouter ça mais musicalement pour une découverte de Léonard Cohen c'est un grand non.
Une masterclass. Toute une ambiance dans cet album, grave, mélancolique et chante avec un flegme terrible, dans la meme veine que d'autres œuvres comme la série The Wire Une pépite de Leonard Cohen !
Incroyable, j’adore l’album Thanks to the Dance et celui ci lui ressemble un peu, sa voix grave qui ressemble à un chuchotement, la lenteur, l’instrumental réduit au minimum J’ADORE
Pour autant que j’aime Léonard Cohen et ses « Songs of love and hate », je suis toujours sceptique des albums ayant la religion comme une des thématiques principales. C'est quand même plutôt agréable à écouter mais je reste sceptique.
Holy fuck.
It never got dark enough for me Leonard. I think this is the 3rd or 4th Cohen album I've gotten and I like it best so far. Leonard's voice has aged well and I enjoy the lyrical content. Coming to grips with your own mortality is always sobering. When you get to a certain age and realize that at best it's already half over, it's a bit of a fuckaroo. Inevitable facts of life.
This album was haunting and at times boring. I loved the lyrics that I tuned in to, but for most of the album i was just thinking about how this man died two weeks later.... and he sounds like it.
Hell yea.
More like, You Want It Growly! Is there a filter that I can use to make my voice sound like this?
Such an interesting lyricist and enjoyable darker brooding folk.
Not a bad album even if his voice sounds like a car driving slowly along a gravel parking lot.
Molto monotono, quasi puramente recitato, mi è piaciuto molto poco, soprattutto se lo confronto con l'altro suo album ascoltato qualche giorno fa.
Asmr ahh album
SO good. Also, I feel like I remember this coming out and it does not feel almost 10 years ago.
Made me cry and touched my heart. Loved it, wonderful and pure art!
familiar with and like two of Cohen's older albums, so i'm excited to listen to this! don't think i know anything from it. edit: this was awesome. cohen's voice has matured so much, and i especially loved the somber-esque mood to the storytelling he was portraying. this was a great album.
5/10
I suppose that there is an artistic merit to Leonard Cohen but he just isn't for me.
Yeah that was a rough 36 minutes.
Ik vond dit vrij matig. Erg traag, een vieze oude rokersstem die alleen maar op een lage, bijna monotone pitch de lyrics fluistert. Ben vanaf de helft snel door de nummers geskipt om te kijken of er nog iets redeemings in zat, maar voor mij zat het er niet in.
Less singing and more growling and purring of this guy’s biblically inspired themes. Not my cup of tea tbh.
Yeah this was amazing.
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.
Enjoyed the listen but very depressing listen. Not sure this ranks up there for an album I must listen to before I die though.
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
The original sadboy got sadder.
Sounds like a less talented and melodic version of Johnny Cashes final album, not as well done, and I hadn’t even heard of Cohenca before.
Donnez du miel et du Lisopaïne à cet homme
Good
In all other aspects this album is pretty boring, but that voice does do something Leonard Brohen
like Tom Waits but lyrically didn't appeal to me as much.
My first Leonard Cohen album! Obviously profound songs written at the end of his life but I really didn’t enjoy the spoken word vocals.
not for meee, didnt make me feel anything special while listening to it, also didnt make it through more than 2 songs😭😭nevermiind. but the instrumentals of the first song suprised me! no doubt cohen is a musical genius, it is just more of a church music tak my kind of music.
Very slow pace his early stuff was better
Simply amazing album!
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
If it was just the Instrumentals ? probably a 3, but I dislike these sorta vocals IMMENSIVELY. i'm sure the lyrics have really good meaning but i don't pay attention to them... i liked the last track the best cause he barely talked in it
This album is definitely for those who truly appreciate music and the sophisticated spoken words that Cohen employs in his work. Personally, I'm not a fan of this style of music, as it is just too slow and more spoken.
BOOOOOOO Blasphemous 👎👎👎👎
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.
Leonard is an enchanting writer; his songs capture the deepest feeling in the smallest detail - they are universal in the most specific way. D’you know what I mean? I just wish I didn’t have the feeling that when he sings, he’s almost parodying himself. I do not like his singing. I’m sorry. Covers of his tracks are almost always better. So be it. Daniel Day-Lewis can’t rig the lights for his movies. As far as I know.
For some reason I thought Mr. Cohen was going to, I don't know, maybe sing. Not do 10 spoken word tracks with light music in the background. How anyone thinks this is his best work is beyond me. It is repetitive, and almost any other album of his would have made a better selection for a must listen list.
3/5
The authors of this list stan hard for Cohen. He's a great poet and writes some captivating songs, but a performer he is not. I always feel his music is best left in the hands of more capable artists, like Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright (Hallelujah), Nick Cave (I'm Your Man), Beck (Master Song), Glen Hansard (Who By Fire), just to name a few. This album is no different. It's full of well written poems with great arrangements and tiresome spoken word vocals that will lull you to sleep. A depressing album through and through.
Not a fan of Cohens voice, nor the religious theming.
Bon album mais sans le contexte de son enregistrement il n'est pas si intéressant que ça.
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
Massive respect to a hugely popular artist who died shortly after this was released. However, apologies, but for me, You Want It Darker is not made any more poignant for that fact - it's still just "man mumbles over mostly uninspired and uninteresting musical backing". I mean, his work was pretty bleak while he still had his whole life in front of him, he's not going to be any less so reflecting on his own mortality, is he? It offers me no insight into his plight or the human condition though, just cliched appeals to pseudo-religious imagery which do not interest me one bit.
It’s like if your cool grandpa made an album
The penatultimate album about getting an amicable divorce
Eld! Kändes verkligen som ett bra avslutningsalbum med bra musik rakt igenom
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.
Quite a different style to the usual. Moody, gruff, spiritual and poetic in style. I actually found it quite chilled and engaging. Not sure it would go into regular rotation but it was a nice way to pass some time. Ultimately the moody slow chatter only has so many dimensions and not enough overall for me and some elements follow a very simple pattern. Thankfully other elements do inject interest so overall its a decent package.
It's dark and moody and Oozes atmosphere and cool. The lyricism is brilliant and I like the stripped-back production style. I do find Cohen's voice, or more specifically his singing style, is the main barrier to my full enjoyment of the album. I think the songs are brilliant and I get that its a stylistic choice, but I often wish they were being delivered by a more melodic voice. Cool album and an interesting swan song from a great songwriter, but not one that will find its way onto my regular playlist, despite finding it strangely compelling.
Dark vibes, great lyrics
Very consistent from Cohen, not as stand out as I’m Your Man, but still quite good
CARGADISIMO el disco, 4 de 5
lijepo je ovo baš
Can this even be considered music? He's just talking over some sounds, and boy is his voice is grating.
not for me.
I’m always wary of late albums from classic artists, particularly when it’s a “final album”. Invariably, what I’ve enjoyed of them before obscures the album and leaves me wanting what they had. While I’m not as familiar with a lot of Cohen’s work, I’m left with both an appreciation for the creativity he had in his final days and the same feeling of wanting something else. Having experienced a loss of a loved one recently, the songs here are poignant, and the stripped-back production fits Cohen’s vocal restraint really well, but after a few songs it unfortunately mushes together. This is a nice love letter to fans and admirers of an artist, meditating on his own mortality, and thats valuable, but ultimately a little unedifying.
impressively boring
Highlight Song/s: On the Level and Traveling Light I thought this was going to be your run-of-the-mill folk music, but no it isn't. I only have one big issue with this album is that I'm quite put off by his really deep voice. Like really put off by it, which makes the album difficult to get into.
Amazing, did not come across such a good album in months
I had never heard this. Very good, haunting, and unexpected.
So weird
Good just not for me
No thanks Leonard
It went down hill in 2016 Brexit The move of the Overton Window Populism Far right Trumpy cunt It all went to shit when Bowie died, correlation rather than causation. Maybe not. I never really listened to Cohen when he was alive, a recent discovery through this app. So thanks for that.
i think this was ass lowkey
His voice surprised me with every new track.
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.
Interesting
Leonard Cohen is my guru.
These meditations on love, religion, life and death confirm Cohen as a master singer/songwriter/poet. Goosebumps from start to finish.
Edgelord tryhard.
Good voice
Depressing, but I liked it more than I thought I would. Good for a rainy day
Loved it! So dark and moody and the lyrics! He pulled me in right from the beginning.
A revaluation. Really enjoyed this one. I might be a Leonard Cohen convert. 4.5/5
Not my thing
Just a remarkable experience. Other than artists the died young, has anyone else had their last album possibly their best? How can he sound haunting and dark and yet optimistic and uplifting at the same time? I guess that's sort of his thing, huh? Well, not sure he ever did it better than on this album. My favorites were "You Want it Darker" and "It Seemed the Better Way," but that all had me sucked in. I had to stop the album multiple times because I wanted to make sure every song was getting my full attention.
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.
Love the music. Could do without his vocals
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
I liked the opening titular track. In keeping with his other albums on here I wasn’t a fan of the remaining tracks.
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
Allt Cohen rör vid är ju fantastiskt. Denna platta är kanske något svagare men han behöver definitivt inte skämmas för denna.
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.
A damn good album
So so good
Waiting for the day I fully get Leonard, think it might happen with age
Not his best work.