You Want It Darker

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

Starkes teil

I like Leonard Cohen; he's a lyrics-first guy with a distinctive voice. And this album is so sad, which is why I never listened to it ('til now). Still good though.

This might be the best of him which is insane considering his insane carreer length. This might even be a 5 star one, but I’m gonna go with a hiiiigh 4

I wasn’t able to finish it but I liked where it was going

I'm typically not that into Cohen albums, though I always love his lyrics, but I really liked this one. Everything about this album feels expertly done and effortless. I also love how much he sounds like Tom Waits on this album. This is very close to a 5.

First time listen! It's so jarring listening to the title track of this album for the first time and immediately realizing that this is not the same Leonard Cohen I know from the 60s/70s. This Cohen has a much raspier, haunting voice. However, one thing that hadn't changed was Cohen's songwriting ability. Such a beautiful album, I'm glad I was given an excuse to listen to it. Favorite track(s): You Want it Darker + Steer Your Way

J’appréhendais l’écoute depuis maintenant un mois et demi, mais j’ai surprenament aimé la voix ultra basse et rauque de Leonard, et c’est triste, oui, mais genre Johnny Cash Hurt triste, tsé genre.

Great. Listen again

More dark please sir. His gravelly voice is perfect for the reflective end of life musings. The backing is perhaps a little bit ripe at times but generally hits the sentimentality sweet spot. A high 4. (I think I have given a few silly 5's recently so holding back a little).

enjoyed it more than I thought I would. pure class

this was great

Oddly entertaining, incredible voice.

Big fan of Leonard

This generator has a sick sense of humor. The last album I got was Songs of Leonard Cohen, the debut for Leonard Cohen, and I stated in the review for that I was interested in hearing Cohen’s other work. Then the next album I get, it his fucking swan song, complete with him singing with the last remnants of life he had left. Life’s got a sick sense of humor. Honestly, this was haunting and I have to make the inevitable comparison to Blackstar, David Bowie’s last album before his death too. In the same year. They’re both haunting reflections from artists who are more than aware that they are living their final days (though it’s more obvious in Leonard than David. Not that I would want to compare the pain these two felt. I’m not a psychopath). However, Blackstar feels like Bowie giving the masses one more round of himself before Ziggy returned to his home planet. Leonard here is just ripping the band-aid, as his gravelly vocals, ripened with his age, as he seems to be having a passionate one-on-one with God. I’m still not 100% certain I’m the type who might be into Leonard Cohen. As I mentioned in Songs of Leonard Cohen, he comes off to me as more of a poet than a singer. I think his songwriting is great, but I can’t get into his songs as a whole, mostly due to his voice. However, right from the first track, I saw that problem is greatly reduced here. His vocals here add to the mystic of the album. An aging man talking to the deity he followed his whole life, and is preparing himself to meet him, while giving his parting message to his listeners. There is a lot of memorable lyrics that stuck with me, but my favorite has to been the refrain for Steer Your Heart: “Year by Year, Month by Month, Day by Day, Thought by Thought”. Make of life as much as you can. You only have less of it as you go along. Favorite track: You Want It Darker Other Hits: Steer Your Heart, Treaty, If I Didn’t Have Your Love

Veldig solid album. Mye mørkere enn hans første klassikere, passer fint sammen med hvordan stemmen hans også utviklet seg. You want it darker er jo en klassiker, likte også veldig godt Traveling. Albumet kan føles litt monotont og ensformig til tider, men strykerne hjelper veldig når de kommer inn på noen av sangene. Ingen skips, men jeg liker nok hans to første bedre.

Drungalegt og real. Ógeðslega flott plata og góð í -10 gráðum í Reykjavíkurskammdeginu.

Fínasta plata hjá Cohen, dimmrödduð. drungaleg og dauðinn í vændum.

Voix grave rocailleuse, à la limite de la capacité de chanter. On est vraiment sur une voix de fin de carrière, avec tous ses excès et sa calamine de tabac et d’alcool le long des cordes vocales. C’est certainement ça que Renaud entend dans sa tête quand il essaie de chanter. Là ça a quand même de la classe, même si le bonhomme était déjà monotone avant alors là qu’il ne maîtrise plus qu’un demi octave, c’est encore plus compliqué. Reste quelque chose de très mystique, de très envoutant et crépusculaire. “You wanted it darker”, “Treaty”, “Leaving the table”. Je suis longtemps resté à 3, mais là je mets un 4 préventif.

Bella la song title. Comunque la voce è sia la cosa migliore, che la cosa peggiore di questo album. C'è che è tipo il suo testamento, uscito 17 giorni prima di morire, il che lo rende subito più di impatto.

7/10

This album feels like a fitting requiem for Leonard Cohens career. It gives me a similar feeling to ‘Blackstar’ by David Bowie. Although it’s not my favourite Leonard Cohen album, after this listen it will definitely be one that I return to more in future.

It’s a lovely album with a lot of singing that feels like spoken word. It’s interesting and feels intimate. I was surprised to like it.

This really knocked me sideways on first listen. What an album. The songcraft and poetry is stunning and he delivers it in such an authentic way. Nobody has a voice like him. That's not to say it's my favourite voice and I certainly couldn't listen to this on any old day, but objectively I can only have huge respect for him. On second listen, I dug a little deeper and found out that he literally made it on his deathbed. He's staring death in the face and going, 'yeah I need to make a record out of this.' Which is both defiant and heartbreaking. I've consistently found Cohen's albums incredibly solid on this challenge and while I don't feel drawn to go out and buy this one, in the right mood I will definitely return to it.

4.0

I wasn't sure I was in the mood for this, but the first two tracks are awesome, by the time On the Level played I was hooked for the ride. This album just felt so personal, and to reveal itself to me at this particular time in my life is very serendipitous!

Some really solid swan song stuff here. The lyrics are consistently pretty good, he can barely sing anymore, but the talk sing works, well produced, hopefully serves as an f u to all the chuckleheads who are bothered by his singing on earlier records.

This was a really cool yet haunting listen. And with his vocals mixed up front and center it made it all the more vivid, almost as if he’s sitting right beside you. A lot of similarities in tone and feel with Nick Cave, but the minimalistic arrangements made this even more stark. Will probably re-visit a lot more of his material.

So good. The vocal production is amazing and the restraint shown throughout makes this such a cool listen. Cohen straddles the line between songwriter and poet so well that this makes you want to relisten to make sure you didn’t miss something.

Very unique sound and haunting album. This grew on me and I particularly like the guitar work on songs like Leaving the Table. While fairly simple I thought solo was awesome. Rounding up for that. 3.75

Hard not to see this as a companion to Cash’s American IV even though it came 14 years before You Want it Darker. Overall vibe and lyrics tick this up to a 4* to me even if it’s a bit monotone for my liking. 3.75/5

LP

Bashung like low voice

Good album but not his very best work. I liked some songs like the opening track. Great and powerful voice that really shows his age.

á oft erfitt með lénharð fógeta. en þetta er þrusugóð plata sem á skilið annað og meira.

Leonard's last stand. I heard this in 2016, knowing next to nothing about this guy and really dug it, especially the title track. Hearing it now, after all of his other albums we've had (and after the grim election day), it hits even harder. Great album from, frankly, one of my favorite artists making music in this vein. I prefer him to guys like Nick Cave and Tom Waits. Favorite tracks: You Want It Darker, On the Level, Traveling Light, It Seemed Better That Way, String Reprise/Treaty. Album art: Really cool, the aged, smoking star hanging his arm through a window or portal of some kind. The effect is that of a portrait hanging on the wall in a black void of a room, except the subject is just hanging out, literally. It's cool. 4/5

super. melancholy and honest and smooth.

I was not expecting You Want It Darker to be this good. It seems pretty different from the last Leonard Cohen album i did way back (Songs Of Love And Hate if you don't know) and i do think that this one is better. The music could have either a really cool mysterious vibe or could be so beautiful that it could nearly move me to tears. Leonard's voice was also really great here and the lyrics were really well done too. It goes to show that even at 82, Leonard Cohen is still more than capable of making a really great album though sadly just one month before his death. Best Song: It Seemed the Better Way Worst Song: Leaving the Table Side note: Knowing that this was Leonard Cohen's last album before his death honestly makes the last song much sadder as it is more or less a send off from Cohen even though one more album came out after his death.

GOOD ASF

This might be my favorite Cohen album. Released shortly before his passing, this record beautifully captures what made his 'Songs For Love and Hate' so powerful to me, its subtle beauty. Say for maybe the choir-backed opening and 'Travelling Light', all the music here is subdued, sparse, and minimalistic (even by Cohen's standards), allowing for Cohen's voice to shine through like on no other album he's ever recorded. Lyrically speaking, themes of religion and love are dominant, and while I failed to catch it all, I had the internet to help guide me on some of these meanings. 'It Seemed the Better Way' stuck out to me as a particularly striking track as Leonard writes about his past relationship with a zen master, who years later would be accused of sexual misconduct. The opening title track has Cohen talking to god directly in a sort of confrontational matter. The song 'Treat' may be my favorite Cohen song - melodically and instrumentally it's utterly gorgeous with Cohen yearning for some sort of satisfying resolution to a waning relationship. I think I can get frustrated when I'm thrown a set of lyrics, and poems that I'm unable to fully "get" upon first listen - I felt that with this album about three tracks in. For my own sake though, I decided to stop caring so much about catching every little detail, and I ended up enjoying this thing much more. I still tacked on my interpretations to many of these songs, but I wasn't so much concerned with understanding Cohen's intent for writing every single line, rather I decided to just enjoy the writing, metaphors, singing, and flow of the songs at face value. Maybe I'll deep dive into this thing's core thematic elements more in the future, but as of today, my enjoyment of this album came from just how at peace it made me feel.

LC in his late days: beautiful as ever.

I do indeed

What if Blackstar was even more depressing? Leonard Cohen already sounded 80 years old at 30 years old, so I can't even properly describe how this man's voice sounds at 80 years old. Gravelly and haunting. Very good one.

A great final album from him. His voice fits perfectly for the mood and lyrics throughout.

Hur djup är din depression? Den är på nivå Leonard Cohen. Ok, megadeprimerad. Man hör på rösten att han är döende men det är ändå så otroligt bra. Tack för musiken.

Det är bra. Stämningsfullt. Leo har ju en väldigt distinkt röst. För det mesta bra. Men det är lite som mörk choklad, det blir för mycket i munnen om man bara äter det. Men som sagt, det är mest bra.

Leonard är en gammal favorit men jag har inte lyssnat på honom på väldigt länge. Det ångrar jag nu för fan vad fin och stämningsfull den här skivan var (om än deppig).

Leonard Cohen's last album before he died. This is actually the first of his works that i have heard in completion and I thouroughly enjoyed it. Standout Tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty, Travelling Light and It Seemed the Better Way.

You sort of know what to expect with Leonard Cohen. Breathy, spoke vocals, and lyrics om morality and religion. Well, this delivers...and obviously, darker. Close to death, they're sparser than usual, and nothing really suitable for that summer barbecue event you're planning. (That said, there is a Paul Kalkbrenner Remix if you fancy a dancier-Cohen !) Very good album.

So will I be listening to this a lot? Probably not. Is it better than I expected? Yes. It's sort of like the anti Blackstar. I was torn between a 3 & 4 because it is good but like, I'm not going to listen frequently. I'll rate it the same as Blackstar.

Dang! When this came up, I rolled my eyes and was not excited. We just listened to an album by Cohen and I gave that one a 4. This album started out a five for me. His aged voice, I think, is where I was taken aback. I still stand by the first few songs being five stars. The rest of the album settled in to his Cohen-ness. I get the myth behind this and Bowie’s Darkstar. Two old legends releasing an album about death and then immediately dying. This one is better.

WARNING! Do not listen to this if you are contemplating suicide. My god! But this is a maudlin album, but my god! did I enjoy listening to it. Perhaps that says something about my current state of mind. I may reach out for it again one day, but I won't add it to my Tidal library. Another album that I expected to hate, but that will get four stars from me, at least today.

Grabar un disco a los 82 años, ya enfermo y que sea tan bueno está al alcance de muy pocos. Con la voz encogida por el paso del tiempo y la enfermedad, Cohen nos regaló aquí un disco introspectivo en el que repasa sentimientos de toda una vida. La canción que da título al álbum es toda una confesión de sus dudas acerca de la religión, pero también un anhelante ruego de que haya algo más allá. Y todo porque en canciones como "Leaving the Table" intuye que el final del camino se acerca. Todas las canciones son una rendición de cuentas con su pasado mirando de reojo el más allá. Emocionante.

NOMOL Cohen! de afang isch jo hert geil sini stimm isch soo chratzig und tüüf und de chor tschuuuttet. finds reeecht geil. treaty isch wieder seehr viel chrizzo symbolik? aber isch huere schön, mega minimali begleitig mitem dämpfte klavier. finds hammer er weiss wa daser no chan singe. on the level het e gitarre!! und es isch en mega schöne song mega groovy und baut uuf und sehr geil und a. leaving the table? divorce song? schööö mit pedal steel und so. ha immer s gfühl de cohen isch nöd en musiker sondern en künstler wo musig macht. aso da stimmt au, er isch au moler und autor und so. aber er chunt irgendwie andersch a musig ane als lüt wo "nur" musig mached. if i didn't have your love au meega schön de gitarrepart isch suuuper nochdem er de titel singt. bim zweite mol uiii no schööner UND EN EXTREM TAKTISCHE 4MOLL boah ich ha gad e suuuper ziit. travelling light hani schomol ghört entweder da isch sochli de hit gsi oder en film? lieb wiener au revoir seit. bi allne text hani s gfühl de text seit breakup de subtext seit tod. mösts gnauer aluege it seemed the better way isch au wieder ultra dark und unheimlich aber mega schön. au mitem monophon choral-mässige wos afangt demit machts irgendwie so mittelalter-retro und glichzitig mega modern. finds hammer. booooh de schluss isch etz herzzerrissend gsi fuck isch das schön. sicher sicher es vieri

du willst es dünkler, TEUFE STIMME s albumcover isch sehrsehr cool und d baseline insano IM READY MY LORD treaty isch chli typischer cohen hani s gfühl es lied mit perkussion??? backgroundvocals supi LEAVING THR TABLE NEI LEONARD poah huere schöni giti ouh scho fertig lol ja es isch nöd mega typisch (junge) cohen aber huere schön und ih sich kohärent und en schöne abschluss

Welp. It’s not cheery that’s for sure. I wasn’t in the right mood when I started listening, I’m not particularly a fan of his speaking/singing style, so I started writing a scathing review. Then at track five I started getting more interested. By the end of the album I was “in it”, fully immersed into the project, and had to start over and listen again. I’m old, this album is an old man making sense of his life in a religious framework. I wonder how much young people will appreciate this one. It’s a dark vibe. But yeah, well done in the end Mr. Cohen, well done.

8/10 Singer Songwriter

Great writer, I just can’t adapt to his “singing”

Leonard Cohen’s ability to fuse vivid poetry and moody music is unmatched. This recording and mix puts Leonard right in front of you, making every word shake your soul to its core. The music is subtle yet vital for conveying the emotion contained in Leonard’s poetic declarations. Very little to no reverbs or delays give this warm mix even more of a “classic analog” feel and wraps around you like a heavy blanket. All the musicians sound incredible, the background choir is a highlight for me other than Leonard’s haunting age-worn voice and storytelling. I didn’t give this one a focused listen when it was released so I’m glad this project gave me another opportunity to experience it.

A 2016 release from Leonard Cohen, self-proclaiming this album to be even darker? My curiosity is piqued. Damn, the first impression of the first track is akin to Vincent Price's monologue in "Thriller." There is a haunting graveyard zombie-ness, and just in time for a Halloween playlist! The earlier trappings of bad 80's drum programming on Cohen's previous works are no longer apparent and dated on this release. "Treaty" is a reverance to God, though remaining agnostic; a wanting and willingness to believe in something bigger but feeling the lack of any love in return. Reminiscent to Bill Fay, but where Fay chooses to believe by finding hidden glimpses of the divine truth in the world around. In "On the Level", Cohen sings "I turned my back on the Devil; turned my back on the angel too." I keep hearing themes of "leaving the game", being "broken", and a failure to "heal", along with uncertainty about the existence of a God, but a reluctance to rule out the possibly as well. Ending the album with a beatuiful string version of a "Treaty" reprise is a perfect way to restate and summarize the album's theme, giving proper closure to the album. My complaint of '80's Cohen has been being overly reliant on the synthesized and fake sounds. On You Want It Darker, the production uses a better music library and properly mixes in real instrumentation and choirs as well. I am happy he saw the error of his ways in previous productions, or at least ended up here in a better musical soundscape. Overall, this impacts quite a somber and reflective mood. It seems like a statement piece that is not inviting discussion, but is just stating his position plaintively and publicly for the record, for the record. I would need to be in a particular mood to give this repeated listens, but as a whole, it maintains a consistent, thought-provoking vibe.

Never knew The Shockmaster made a folk record. Pretty good.

Hauntingly sad, in a good way. Very much the blues, and I would love to hear this covered by someone who really can sing the blues (not that I didn’t enjoy the spoken word poetry vibe, but I think the songs would SOAR with the right voice). Clearly inspirational for the writers of the Hadestown musical.

"You Want It Darker"... Is that a question or a threat??? I'm treating it as a threat. Like Leonard Cohen said to me personally, "I'll give you something to cry about" and instead of beating me with a sack of valencia oranges, he, instead, cursed me with old fashioned mental disease.

Darker album than I wanted to kick off the morning but incredible execution at what it was trying to do. RIP Rating: 4.0

Such an eerie, haunting album. It’s a VIBE. This is basically a spoken word album which sounds awful but it somehow works great. I haven’t listened to a lot of Leonard Cohen but this made me want to listen to more.

a dark and brooding yet delicate and pretty album that feels a little bit like Johnny's last 2 albums. I liked it.

Didnt finish but really enjoyed the lyrics and stripped back production. Cant get used to leonards voice tho, especially on opening track

Hadn't listened to this album before although I've liked the Leonard Cohen stuff that I've heard. This album was no different recorded at home as he was ill and bearing the end of his life and the songs reflect that. This album is dark and emotional but beautiful.

This album is haunting. The lyrics feel like quiet, whispered confessions. It’s sparse and heavy, like late Johnny Cash, but darker. There’s a sense of peace, though, even with all the weight. The minimal arrangements make it feel timeless, almost like it’s always been here. You can feel the end, but it’s not desperate—it’s calm, resigned.

Очень хороший тяжелый альбом. Лучшая песня - You Want It Darker.

It's darker, alright. So Cohen: a thinker's lyrics combined with hardly any melody and a few amen chords. Still fascinating.

Coincedentally, I listened to this on a dark, gloomy day when it was pouring rain. It helped set the tone for the album, because man, this is bleak. What makes this really good however, is the fact that it is also strangely beautiful with this grizzly voice of Cohen. Not one I will revisit very soon, but a kind of wonderful experience.

Beautiful, this is what forgiveness sounds like.

A very good album with some of his best work in years.

Really enjoyed this. Evil but warm and lovely voice 8/10

3.9 I got into Leonard Cohen during Popular Problems and You want it darker, so I may bit a bit biased on his later releases. I like it. Bowies Blackstar is a parallel, interesting and unique to their catalogue and unfortunately one of their lasts

This is an album one would listen to on vinyl alone late at night, surrounded by flickering candles and a crackling fireplace in the dead of winter. It's what it says on the tin: this album is dark, sombre, bleak. He's a man who knows he's at the end of his life, and this is last gift of art to the world. Not many people get to say goodbye in the way Leonard Cohen did, and come to terms with God and his mortality. It's a beautiful, haunting album, but it's a specific mood that I'm not keen to revisit any time soon.

Nobody ever said Leonard Cohen was easy on the ears, but this is a hauntingly beautiful retrospective from someone in their final moments of life. The half spoken-word delivery adds so much emotion to the lyrics. I don’t know how soon I might return to this if I ever do, but I’m glad I’ve listened to it.

Hot damn! I was not prepared for this album. A man on his death bed saying "You think this is bad? Let's see if we can get darker." The back half gets a little repetitive, but "You Want It Darker" is such an awesome song that the rest of the album doesn't even matter.

No private session needed. Not my favorite Cohen album, but I like it as a cap of a career. It's a tribute to his song writing skills that he can write songs that match his fading vocal skills.

What ghosteen tried to be

Rating: 8.5/10 Great album overall. Cohen's vocals felt so genuine and sincere, from his tone and the lyrics he knew he was dying and was accepting it and ready to move on. Very powerful and emotional album with pretty minimalistic instrumentation that complement Cohen's vocals very well. Favorite songs: You Want It Darker, On the Level, Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better Way, Steer Your Way, String Reprise/Treaty. Worst song: Treaty.

Beautiful Haunting Funny at times Outstanding Says everything he needed to say and then passed, wonderful 5

Leonard Cohen was a really brilliant songwriter and the writing on this album is still fantastic. Super personal but still very poignant and relatable lyrics. It's dark and sad but oddly comforting at the same time. Although I've never really been a fan of this kind of 'spoken word over background music' kind of stuff, I really did enjoy this. As a sort of farewell to the world, this album really stands out. It's hard not to compare this record to David Bowie's Blackstar but maybe that's not fair. Or maybe it is - both being composed and recorded by brilliant men knowing they are about to die. Kind of morbid but interesting to see the different approach each album took. Blackstar is immensely better. I think this one is a solid 3.5/5. I don't think I would listen to it again but I am very happy to have heard it once.

Good stuff. Not his best, but very good. Love the strings in "Steer Your Way" and the final track.

I need to come back to this one later, I don't feel like I'm in the moment to truly appreciate it. Reminds me of one beloved family member.

This album is a haunting, graceful farewell from Leonard Cohen — a man fully aware he’s near the end, yet still crafting poetry with clarity and weight. His voice, deep and gravelly like a whisper from the grave, gives the album a solemn power that’s impossible to ignore. Every word feels measured, every pause intentional. The title track, “You Want It Darker,” is the undeniable centerpiece — eerie, hypnotic, and laced with resignation and defiance. The arrangements throughout are sparse but rich, allowing Cohen’s voice and lyrics to stand at the forefront like an aging prophet speaking from the edge. It’s not an easy album, but it’s a beautiful one — full of reflection, acceptance, and that signature Cohen wit and wisdom. As parting gifts go, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting one. Did this album get you to revisit his earlier work, or was it your introduction to Cohen?

This grew on me the more I listened to it

Beautiful farewell. Normally not my cup of tea but his deep baritone voice is really moving in this context. Beautiful minimalistic arrangements as well.

Wow a Leonard Cohen album I actually like! His grave and gravelly voice meshes so well with this stripped down, foreboding song structure. Traveling Light was a standout track for me.

Listened in a museum. Top tier museum music. Velvety and rich

Ooh, this is unexpected and wonderful. I didn't know he produced an album as good as this relatively recently. Gravitas in his words and voice, and quiet beauty in the music. Imagery abounds in the darkness. Bright August sunshine doesn't quite suit the atmosphere of this album, I Want It Darker!

What a unique listening experience! Somehow it didn’t take long at all for me to slip into the groove of this despite the contrast between the soothing instrumentals his rough, aged voice. Somehow this came off like a slower, darker parallel to the Moon Safari album by Air for me. Totally opposite but yet similar in its constant groove and ambiance. Really enjoyed the piano work, bass-lines, etc. and Leonard had a lot to say. A cool experience!

This was so much better than all his other crap that everyone loves for some reason. His voice actually sounds good (reminds me of Mark Lanegan may he rest in peace), much better than his other albums. Also he changed from nothing but acoustic guitar! I’m so proud it only took him his entire music career to do it. The strings and piano accompaniments were great. They added variety and nice ambiance to complement his voice. The lyrics also made some sense and weren’t just random poetry that everyone seems to love even though it’s gibberish. Overall I really wish his other albums sounded like this, this one was great.

What a talent! Absolutely insane that this album was released so close to his death. Rest in peace to a legend - I really enjoyed this one.

from the opening bassline, i definitely thought the title track was going to unfold into a lounge cover of livin' on a prayer. from there it settled into a nice rhythm of a sad old man speaking softly over dark and moody but gentle instrumentals. it's like if johnny cash's later recordings were laid over the hollow knight soundtrack. definitely enjoyable overall, and like johnny cash's cover of hurt, knowing this came out just before his death... immensely powerful and moving. favorites: you want it darker, treaty, traveling light, it seemed the better way, steer your way, string reprise/treaty

Was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually loved this album! I’m not familiar with Leonard Cohen beyond Hallelujah but this was a fantastic listen and his voice is simply amazing.

Still a master of song craft right up until the end of his life.

I didn’t request “darker” but Leonard definitely brought it anyway. I was taken back at first but enjoyed it overall.

Very cool, very dark. Imagine hearing someone’s final words and testaments in the form of an album.

Great album. Really cool vibe

Soooo good and mysterious and dark Love the first track Really liked the religious theming throughout

Yet another album written and recorded by a man who knows he’s on his way out the door. Bowie, Cash, Zevon…. This one is equally haunting and beautiful. Cohen has always been an acquired taste. My ability to appreciate his brilliance is nearly always equaled by my consistent desire to put a Leonard Cohen album on to listen to. Dude was a certified genius but always one I’ve appreciated most from afar or in limited doses. If halvsies were a thing I’d do a 3.5 but since it was his swan song I’ll round up

Loved it.

Cool to have, quiet

Brooding and beautiful

Whispery.

Didn't expect to like this so much, kind of sounds like tom waits if you gave him a Xanax and told him he was dying tomorrow.

Like a grandpa with laryngitis singing on his deathbed, but somehow really interesting. I listened intently.

I did not expect to cry this morning. 4

Тембр у него просто шикарный

This listen took me to someone elses's experience of life (ending). Someone of a different gender, age, nationality and religion than myself. And I loved it exactly for that.

This could really grow on me. I loved the lyrics and vocals.

I love it

kinda weird, good lyrics

Un disco muy íntimo. Realmente puede que la voz de Cohen no sea melodiosa y no tenag unas entonaciones locas, pero su tono te absorbe, es atrayente y te atrapa con su tono como si fuera cosa de hipnosis. Muy interesante, la parte instrumental detrás es bonita y se disfruta mucho. El disco además no es largo, por lo que considero que para el formato que es tiene la duración ideal.

They say that, ultimately, everyone dies alone. In this album, Cohen rejects that idea. We are taken on his journey, sharing some profoundly intimate thoughts and moments. These are the final moments of a broken man, trying to find peace. It deserves to be listened.

One of a kind. Iconic.

It was darker. Good album to illicit a certain brooding mood.

Bard forever. RIP

I remember this being released and then hearing some of the songs on NPR after Leonard Cohen passed. The prophetic lyrics (I mean he knew he was at the end) made me sad. I didn't know much about Leonard Cohen aside from his name being mentioned in Pennyroyal Tea by Nirvana. I believe I looked him up based on the lyric and I was probably too young to be into his music. Such a deep dark voice on this album. It's not entirely my type of music but there are songs here that I enjoy and all of the lyrics are deep and sound as thoughtful as a man on his death bed could write. It's just not an album I want to listen to all the time but the background makes it something special.

A beautiful,deep, dark place

Cohen tends to be hit or miss for me, but this one was a hit. His voice is peak deep and gravelly, and the instrumentation is beautiful without being intrusive. Knowing this was his last album before passing adds a lot of weight to the lyrics as well.

I have never been a fan of Leonard Cohen's music. I know why he is so popular and it may just be his voice that causes me to struggle to get into his music in-depth. This is a really good album, though I don't like the title track that much. I am interested to hear more of Leonard Cohen's material, especially if I am able to contact with it like I did this album.

Good, strange album

The deep voice is very charming, furthermore really enjoy the decent production.

This is the album that made me appreciate a bit of Mr. Cohen and I was obviously late to the party. An album of much melancholy yet extremely soothing with the old man’s husky vocals. Standout track is You Want It Darker but the whole album positively glistens.

This website has made me a much bigger fan of Leonard. I never used to be a fan of his voice but still liked his song writing, especially when performed by other singers. However, the more I listen to him the more appreciation I have for him.

Still had it in him. Chur my Len.

Dark!

Very good album! I thought it might be too dreary but it ended up being quite good.

★★★★½

Om Tom Waits var lättare att lyssna på

Immediately before listening to this, I was listening to Paul Simon’s Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes. This is quite a contrast. Darker indeed. “You Want It Darker” is the last album by Leonard Cohen before he died. He was 82 when recording this album, and he died 17 days after it was released. The sound is sparse, the vocals are more spoken than sung. The pace is languid. The overall feel is reflective. The thoughts of a man who was winding down, and knew it. There’s no illusions of immortality in your 80s. All that sounds horrid, but it works. It’s genuine, it resonates. I’m not sure how much I would’ve liked this when I was 20, but in my 60’s I get it. 4/5

Perhaps a little bit generous

I’ve never real understood Leonard Cohen. I like some of his music but aside from a few songs it isn’t something I really listen to much. I know this was a late career one. And the first song got a little radio airplay. I liked that one and a few others. But it is a bit dark for me.

Herrlich... einfach nur gut. Mal nicht Mainstream.

Really unique listen. Thought it was strange at first but it’s actually pretty cool to listen to someone on death’s door throw out some slam poetry. Probably will come back to this.

This dudes voice is so depressing. Its the final push for anyone thinking about it. Amazing album start to finish. Really liked it only one song wasnt great and maybe too slow and depressing but good as an album for sure

I haven’t revisited this as much as Cohen’s earlier albums but it’s a fantastic final project. I find it difficult not to compare it to Blackstar by Bowie - the last album of a decades-spanning era-defining artist, released in 2016 shortly after returning from a lengthy hiatus and just days before their deaths, and lyrically very aware of what lay around the corner. While Blackstar experimented more sonically, diving into new genres, You Want It Darker is just Cohen doing what Cohen does best, while being very aware of the physical limitations time has imposed on him. Bleak and uncompromising but with some gorgeous arrangements, it utilises the gruffness of his voice in those later years perfectly, the pained growl of his vocals adding such a unique texture to these very emotional songs, and adding a fitting closing chapter to an incredibly storied career

So respect his eloquence and his beautiful way of looking death in the face and creating such reflections for us to share. This may have been his best.

Like Johnny Cash's last album, you knew when you heard this that Leonard Cohen was about to depart this veil of tears. Powerful music from one of the most important songwriters of the past 100 years.

Very different, wonder why this is labeled rock instead of gospel. Christian rock.

This was a very melancholic album and that feeling is definitely maintained throughout. A lot of songs about loss of love and religion with Leonard Cohens poetic, almost spoken vocals accompanied by a layered but simple instrumentation. I enjoyed trying to focus on individual aspects of these songs such as the lyrics or music or beat which really demonstrate that a lot of thought went into arrangement and putting these songs together. Still, I think ill probably enjoy some of these songs more individually and removed from this album, or maybe re listening to it in a sadder mood. Giving this a rating was hard because i did enjoy elements but also definitely prefer other Cohen albums more but im gonna bump it to 4 stars.

I have heard a couple of his songs in movies, but was not familiar with all his stuff. Very unique voice and an easy listen.

01) You Want It Darker - 10,0 02) Treaty - 9,0 03) On The Level - 8,5 04) Leaving The Table - 9,0 05) If I Didn't Have Your Love - 8,0 06) Traveling Light - 8,5 07) It Seemed the Better Way - 8,0 08) Steer Your Way - 9,0 09) String Reprise / Treaty - 7,0 TOTAL: 8,56 (86/100) I'm leaving the table, I'm out of the game. I'm traveling light, it's au revoir. I'm ready, my Lord! What a great farewell album from a legend. There's something so soothing about this album, his lyrics and his voice make me feel so calm, so peaceful and I really like that feeling. It's not five stars, but it's very close.

Super sick

I like this album a lot and I want to love it since I see a lot of parallels with David Bowie's Blackstar. This album is so much more interesting than the last Leonard Cohen album which was on the list, and the instrumentation is really great. I even think that the vocals work for this album. However, my biggest problem with this album is that the vocals are mixed WAY TO LOUD. The title track has a really cool baseline but then the vocals come in and you can barely hear any of the instruments. Who mixed this album Billy Corgan and Lars Ulrich. The second half is better, but the vocals could still be turned down just a little bit.

Probably the dreariest record I've heard so far on this list. Knowing Cohen was on death's door during its making explains that. This isn't the kind of music I can bump endlessly like most of the other stuff on this list, and I have to be in a very particular mood to properly enjoy it, but I know this will hit me hard when I do find myself enjoying it.

Får altid gåsehud af den her! Elsker gamle Leonards stemme, hans pitch er så lav at man nærmest kan tælle de enkelte stemmelæbevibrationer bare ved at lytte

Haunting but impressively so. The story behind the album makes it that much better. His words strike at your heartstrings in a way few lyrics do.

Good album to listen too on a rainy day and have some tea. Simple soothing music for the soul

Haunting beatnik style spoken lyrics with beautiful instrumentation and backing vocals. Out of context the album would be weird, but knowing the state of the world and Cohen at the time of production makes the album profound. I don’t want to listen to it again, but appreciate the experience.

Do I Leonard? Really? I’m not so sure to be honest, the darkness is one of the principal reasons that I’ve steered clear of you over the years. But I’ll be the first to admit that’s been my mistake. This is a beautiful, poetic and, yes, dark, collection of songs that reek of regret, integrity and a life rich in experience. Top drawer.

4.5

A voice that makes the speakers in your trunk rattle like a trap hit. Paired with sparse instrumentation from across genres (gospel blues, country, jazz, industrial), the voice is front and centre, sultry slow and steady, so low and heavy that it barely raises itself into song. Urgent but not rushed. Weary, but willing to try a near final gasp - an affirmation of the art that made a life. The violins and lap steels and choir all hint at what's next, morbidly uplifting the music soars while the voice remains tethered to the body. Favorites: traveling light, leaving the table

I was expecting to kinda hate this because an entire album of Leonard Cohen grumbling into a mic? But ... I was wrong. Something about it struck a chord with me. I won't go out of my way to own it on vinyl, but I'll add it to my streaming library in the "Sitting In The Dark Drinking Whiskey" moods/vibes playlist.

Not his best

Definitely one of the albums I would play on the day I decide to kill myself.

Deep voice, Deep lyrics, centering love and connection (w girl or faith?). Unique voice

Not a big fan of Leonard Cohen, didn't know this but found it surprisingly interresting.

Beautiful album. Some songs end up a little too similar to the opening track.

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: You want it darker, Traveling light, It seemed the better way, Steer your way

The perfect swan song. Cohen meditating on life, faith and death 16 days before his own. It gets darker. But also beautiful as last rites and the juxtaposition, like Dylan, of beautiful, masterful music, and the stark reality of age in the vocals.

This album was recorded and released shortly before Leonard Cohen’s death, so unsurprisingly it deals with some heavy topics - love, pain and faith, but it manages to sound bright and positive too. Cohen is accompanied by a synagogue choir and a cantor in places, and the whole thing sounds very atmospheric and moving. I’d put this along side Nick Cave for an album to listen to in a darkened room when you have time to meditate on what he is saying.

Blimey. On a reflective Sunday morning, the opening couple of tracks on this landed HARD. Heartbroken old boy hymns. What's worse, the unrelenting horny frustrations of the younger man, or the feeling that chapter of life has ended and you no longer care? Leonard knows. Making his peace with a god he no longer wants to believe in. Love it.

This is so simple, yet just as fantastic. The fact that he died less than a month after making it adds to the album’s effectiveness, in my opinion. The arrangements, though sparse, are beautifully powerful. The structure and production are phenomenal. The lyrics are some of his finest, which is high praise for Leonard. It’s a shame his vocals can’t match the weight of everything else in his songs. I know he was in his eighties, but it’s practically spoken word. Otherwise, incredible through and through. 4/5

Very Tom Waits

Uf. 4/5.

Неплохо, неплохо 67%

I was pleasantly surprised by this. Added several songs to my playlist

I've always liked Leonard Cohen. His music touches you deep in your soul, phrases so cutting and deep. You want it Darker is an "unholy" masterpiece of the maestro. Really like "Travelling Light" Lots to listen to on this album. A good 4

The slow tempo of these songs are, I'm sure, old Leonard Cohen's sincere self-expression. I haven't heard anything else he's done, so I don't know if his other work is like this. It's all stripped down to the most minimal instrumentation, simple progressions, simple poetic meter, in your face vocal production, and the aforementioned tempos. Kind of refreshing in a way after listening to so much experimental stuff. I had this thought just this morning: very little music is acoustic now, very little is just people playing a non-electronic instruments, or singing without any digital manipulation. So I am enjoying this possibly for that reason alone, (fully aware that this album contains some electronic instruments). Electronics or the production trickery is not the main focus. For example, Q-Tip's "Renaissance," which I thoroughly enjoyed, is composed almost entirely of samples that are further twisted into a new sound somewhat distant from their original source. Whereas here Leonard Cohen invokes church organs, choruses, piano, a string quartet, and his own voice in a strikingly grounding way. I found the songs with a religious theme were most interesting. Unlike Tom Waits, he's not playing a character, seems like he's speaking (literally, he doesn't sing much on this) from the soul. Different and unique, I like it a lot more than I thought I would. Play this during the daylight hours though, that's all I'm going to say.

Poetry set to music. Tones of American IV by Johnny Cash.

It's the fifth Leonard Cohen album... maybe I'm finally getting used to it. Though there does seem to be an amazing sameness to the style and delivery of the album... soft spoken word over simple arrangements, I like the somber mood/tone and songs like You Want it Darker and Seemed the Better Way stand out for me. I appreciated this more than what I've heard before from Mr. Cohen.