You Want It Darker

Hmmm. His voice isn't quite the behemoth it was by this point, although perhaps that adds to the charm of an album about death released days before he died. But it meant there weren't really tunes in the same way as his earlier stuff. I really like the title track, but the rest didn't capture me this time.

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.

peaceful, somber, and interesting

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

your albums were already depressing. I don't think anybody wanted it to be darker. His voice is very gruff on this album but one thing that I can't deny that he is a top class Writer.

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.

Didn’t like it. Almost reminds me of spoke word albums

Absolutely wonderful

18/04/2025 I liked how dark the album was.

Horrible!!

This is a fucking masterpiece. Devastating and beautiful.

Every song was beautiful yet gritty. Cohen's voice is unmatched. No skips

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.

Glitter specks of truth and humor shine through the moody, smokey noir. Definitely a guy whose been through things, and is in the middle of another hard thing; the end of his life. Reminded of Sam in the Lord of the Rings : "There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high

Good instrumental backing sound, but it's more talk than singing. I think this album is just not for me.

i did not expect to feel Leonard Cohen the way i just felt Leonard Cohen and now i get why people who like Leonard Cohen like Leonard Cohen. Rating = 5 Leonards

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.

I don’t hate it, it’s just not my thing. It’s so dark and grim, what a voice and what lyrics, but just not enjoyable. That said it gets a 3 for being objectively well made. Sorry Leo

This was dark, haunting and moving. Very cave. A lot for a Monday morning but absolutely loved it.

Haunting, dark, reminds me of "Hurt" by Johnny Cash - very dark and touching on existential concepts with a very raspy,deep voice. Super interesting and unique, but I probably will not listen to again unless I am feeling darkness 3/5.

Sounds more like an audiobook with low-key musical accompliment. What melodies there are vary little from track to track. Chord choices are pretty mundane, not a surprising moment to be found. (And yes, I know the backstory of this album but it still doesn't excuse what's in the grooves.)

Still poetry over music. Just mesh the two and maybe I'll give a shit. Probably my favorite Cohen release, but the bar was never high.

String Reprise / Treaty

Depressing

Not sure what I was listening to.

WHAT A VOICE MY DUDE !! He has such an insane which actually makes his songs incredible even if I'm not a huge fan of the style of his music but great work.

That's a DEEP lung cancer voice Can't really relate to the religious lyrics unftly Traveling lights instrumental is COOL 2/5 time

This was hard for me to get into at first and my initial impression was "Old man , whispering." But as I listened with a more open mind I found myself getting over those first thoughts. My favorite track is "On the Level." I doubt that I would listen again given the gravity of the album I still rate it a middle of the road 3/ 5.

A beautifully dark capsule of a dying man's final thoughts on faith and death. Cohen's aged, raspy voice is so raw and full of expression and emotion, he captures every word with grace and meaning. This is more focused than the other album released in 2016 by a dying legend, though I never find that I return as much to this than I do Blackstar. Every song is deep, profound and moving, though I don't love it as much as I expect to. Best Tracks: - You Want It Darker - Treaty - Steer Your Way Worst Tracks: N/A Rating: 7.5/10

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

Some really strong songs on here, but it's definitely not his strongest offering.

i liked this album but it was honestly a little too dark for me. cohen’s gravelly voice really lent itself to the subject matter, it’s extremely poetic that he died just a few weeks after the album was released. rip leonard cohen, you absolute legend.

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

holy shit

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

religious trauma all the way down, haunted me all day. im not particularly fond of the vocals specifically but i can overlook it.

Timely

Someone is playing to much GTAV

What a voice. Need to listen to more than once to fully appreciate the poetry.

Great late period album by a legendary songwriter.

Not my cup of tea, good for others to enjoy I’m sure!

his voice would do wonders in an edit

string reprise really got to me iwl

after a pretty bad run of albums since the 80s, Leonard Cohen released an honest to goodness masterpiece, and then promptly died.

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.

Man im depressed now. Started off like Nick Cave then dropped off a cliff. His voice just too much. The odd song but an album it left me weary.

I didn't realise Eeyore released an album. Maybe he should have asked the rest of the crew from 100 acre Woods to give some constructive criticism, before releasing the album.

He really had it right until the end, didn't he?

Oh my God this is awful LMAO. Why are we pretending this is good or even decent? This is unbearable. I haven’t listened to much Leonard Cohen but sheesh, awful. It’s literally just music in the background of a dude with a deep ass voice talking. Like reading a book with some music in the back. TERRIBLE. Definitely top 2 of top 2 worst I’ve gotten

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 :)

Très chillou, une voix magnifique mais pas trop ma came et les thèmes abordés sont pas des trucs qui me parlent vraiment le son reste quand même super quali

kind of scary to be honest. not his best

Good lord bleach my ears

I liked it. Slow going at times, and next if you have time to hear the lyrics. I'd listen again. Three stars.

Very charming, and a great send-off after having a lengthy career.

'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.'

This album is immediately one of the best I’ve ever listened to. I relistened like four times already. It’s scarily relevant to my life right now, but while he offers no solutions or direct help there is a strange peace exuded through the album in cohen’s surrender. Also the circumstances of this album alone are just crazy. He sounded amazing even at his age on his death bed. The first time his voice is heard in the opening track was so ominous, creepy, and powerful but all in a good way. I was also a huge fan of all the background singers. There’s a certain level of album where it’s good enough you can’t ever listen to it. Like I don’t think I can add these songs to my big rotation playlists cause hearing this album without being emotionally prepared for it could just side rail a perfectly normal day. So for that 6/5.

I’m in awe. Words cannot describe the album experience I just had. I sobbed when I finished listening. Tears literally fell from my eyes. Leonard Cohen does not miss, even at 82. Especially not at 82. I think this is actually my favorite album I have had the privilege of listening to so far on this list. What a stunning and just perspective altering work of art.

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

Talk singing, no thank you.

More or less a spoken word poetry album. Cohen died 17 days after its release, and media coverage of his death is what had prompted me to first start listening to him (more through compilations and playlists than individual albums - I know I heard the title track off this album back then but I'm not sure about the rest). This is a very good (but bleak) album, and the context around its recording gives it an extra weight that gets it into 5-star territory for me.

I love this album. Cohen doing what Cohen does best.

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.

I listened to this for the first time not too long ago as I saw it on a list of some of the best of Cohen's albums. Definitely a little more contemporary in sound, though this is mostly due to recording techniques--his sound is typically kind of timeless. The title track is amazing, vintage Leonard Cohen. Treaty is great writing. Traveling Light, Steer Your Way and It Seemed the Better Way are awesome. It's a great, complete album, and though I'm really only familiar with his earliest albums, this one definitely holds up. 4.5.

If Game of Thrones had a spinoff series that followed Tyrion Lannister around as a bard, this might be the result.

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+.

haunting and sooo beautiful. my faves were the treaty and leaving the table. really grateful for the chance to sit down with this, I probably wouldn’t have without this album list

Amazing songwriter and poet. I love his voice, but understand why so many artists cover his music and put their own twists on it. I listen to Leonard Cohen often and can't complain.

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

He’s a good songwriter but I would rather hear someone else sing most of his songs because he doesn’t have much range. Most of the musical compositions here are pretty simple. I think I would generally rather listen to Nick Cave if I want to listen to a singer with an ultra-low voice sing songs of pain. His compositions are more interesting.

Surprisingly there are some very moving "songs" on this album. I found it much more enjoyable than any other album of his that I've listened to!

I mean yeah, some darkly beautiful words but to be honest this was all a bit much for me.

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

o zé ramalho deles

Lenny tells me what I want, and in this case, he might be right. Dark music is pretty good as a general rule. Well, unless it’s like HIM or something. Dark and gothic are two different things. We’re getting out of control here. The Canadian poet/attempted singer is back with a vengeance, 2016 style. I think he died a few weeks after this. Now THAT’S dark. Let’s spin this audio equivalent of the shroud of Turin for insufferable hipsters. Hoo boy. This voice is RASPY. Man was 82 to be fair, but this is Bob Dylan syndrome. I’ll be damned if this isn’t an interesting song though. I’ll be damned anyway based on a litany of other biblical offenses such as covering my neighbours bitchin’ Subaru. I’m sorry. I’m sorry to the Cohen’s and hey, maybe I’m sorry to myself. This song sucks. The melody is so lazy. This sounds like Randy Newman, absolute blitzed during a Pixar recording session. “Who even cares if the green monster gets the uhh door back. He’s an abomination unto god. You’re all agents of Satan. Bah I don’t care. I can’t feel anything anymore. Cue up the next *hic* nursery rhyme.” Randy gets evangelical when he’s on the rye. Just like somebody should’ve taken that fedora away, so too should we have removed this soul revival song from the canon of music. This poem is dreadful as well. Come on gramps. Let’s pull it together here. Kind of a poignant reminder of death here. Wow. I’m going to leave that in because of my valley girl-esque trivialization of mortality in that first sentence. Leonard is TOTALLY giving loss vibes. Yeah he is SERVING wrestling with the finality of death. Interesting. Not a great song per se, but the themes grabbed me. I’m sorry, I can’t really get behind the old man love songs. The la la la’s man. I can’t. I’m travelling light(years) away from this song. This one is a little cooler. This works a lot better. Keep it understated. No background singers behind fedora grandpa. Just him, some sad poetry, and his goofy hat. Hell yeah. Some lines in this are resonating but the jaunty fiddle is a little odd. Not in a fun way. I don’t know man. This is just sort of there for me. A nice string closer to an album that I need to collect my thoughts on. Hearing the strings fade out, knowing this was the last release he was alive for would tug on anybody’s heart strings. The reprise of Treaty also hits way harder than the regional play. I think in the right setting and for the right person, this album has the potential to conjure cataclysmic emotions. I am not that person, nor am I in that setting. The album felt almost phoned in at times, and if I give Bob Dylan a hard time, I best give Lenny the same treatment, this shouldn’t have been a musical release. The poetry was unremarkable to me as well. Far too much focus on love delivered in far too simple a fashion. Simple poetry can be good, but maybe I mean shallow. It could be a surface level of understanding from me, or a weary man penning his last stanzas. Not the poetic masterclass I expected, and the music? Well, to Co-opt a Cohen-ism; I want it quieter. There may be a lotta buzz around Lenny, but this album has the effect of the sleep smoke used to quell bees. Fumigate me, oh beekeeper. Whisk me away from the buzzing cacophony of my servitude and render me unconscious to the injustice of being hive born. 1.5-2 HIGHLIGHTS: It Seemed the Better Way

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

Poetry with music played behind it. A rough full album. First track was pretty cool though.

Just don’t like speaking like Lee Marvin or telly savallas. Not my bag

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

His voice is just a walking fear. It's just terrifying to hear that in the dark.

This made me laugh. Not ‘at’ the album , but it created a whole story in my head so props for sparking my imagination. 2.5

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

I ended up loving this album. The titular song is great, and I knew it before. The music underneath Cohen's mostly spoken words is really compelling, and the sound of his voice is very powerful. Great album.

No me gusta escuchar un viejito en mi oído con todo respeto

Me pareció aburridisimo

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. 🖤🖤🖤

- dachte zum Start erst "oookay das wird anstrengend" und hatte die Hoffnung, dass da noch mehr geht (Instrumental ist nicht so viel los, aber das, was da ist, ist stimmig. Gesangstechnisch dachte ich, dass es nur eine Art Intro wäre, aber auch das zieht sich so durch und ist nach kurzer Eingewöhnung gut) - im Endeffekt war es derbe entspannt und hat mich ein wenig an das Album "Love Supreme" erinnert, das ich euch mal bei 101 gegeben habe - nichts, was ich jetzt andauernd hören würde/könnte, aber insgesamt war es interessant und eben stimmig

I don't think it's just a visual thing, and I wish it didn't seem like such a sure thing, but all evidence suggests that Leonard Cohen thinks he's pretty cool. Like the fedora and cigarette.. but also just his lyrics and like low voice and subject matter.. it's just a little too much for me. I think he's a brilliant song writer. I hate to compare, but then this is a rating situation, and Tom Waits and Nick Cave just seem to have a little more dimension to them. I'm realizing just how sensitive I am to just how cool an artist things they are haha. It's such a turn off! Chill Leonard! Just be yourself! And smoking suuuuuucks 2.5

For an album that literally tells you it wants to be darker, this feels surprisingly light on impact. Leonard Cohen’s voice is at its deepest and most gravelly, practically spoken rather than sung, which gives everything a weighty, almost prophetic feel—but the music itself is so subdued that it often drifts into the background rather than demanding attention. The title track is easily the highlight, brooding and ominous with its haunting choir and Cohen’s measured delivery, but beyond that, much of the album blends into a slow, murmured meditation that doesn’t quite stick. Lyrically, Cohen is still Cohen—wry, poetic, and full of existential musings—but there’s a sense of resignation here that makes it feel less vital than some of his earlier work. The sparse arrangements, largely built around soft keys, subtle strings, and gentle backing vocals, suit his reflective tone but don’t always do much to elevate the songs. It’s not bad, it’s just a bit meh. For a farewell album, it’s certainly dignified, but it doesn’t quite leave the impact you’d hope for.

Oh just kill me now, this is the most depressing sh*t. I’m really trying to like it, after Hallelujah, and being a fellow Canadian, but I just can’t handle it

legal

Хорошая первая песня в альбоме

Eh not great. His other stuff is way better

In beginning of 2016, David Bowie broke my heart with 'Lazarus' from Blackstar. Later that year, Leonard Cohen did exactly the same with the title track from You Want It Darker. 'I'm ready, my Lord' is absolutely crushing and the album is a perfect parting gift.

You Want It Darker is the perfect end to Cohen’s wonderful career. His voice became progressively more fitting for his songwriting as he aged and the songs are filled with both sorrow and humor - a most excellent full stop.

The gravel in the voice is unique and I've enjoyed other Cohen things but this album wasn't my favorite of his. Still solid and I don't feel like I wasted my time with it at all.

Another Leonard Cohen banger.

Fantastic

Oh great, another entry in the “old man sing-talks poetry about life and God immediately before dying” category. I can appreciate the artistry (and definitely prefer his earlier work), but don’t think a second listen is ever likely… 2⭐️

I couldn't find anything good going for it, it was a snoozefest from start to finish.

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.

Can do no wrong. I suppose I’m partial to his earlier material, but I still cannot fathom how he remained on top of his game until the very end.

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.

Is Nick Cave just trying to do a bad Leonard Cohen tribute act.

It’s poetry disguised as song. The spoken word smoking guy over laments has never been my favorite genre and this didn’t do much to change that opinion. The lyrics are good at least; Cohen has always been a better writer than performer. It’s fine. I’m sure it’s miraculous to some people but not me.

не

Enough with the Leonard Cohen. It’s just not worthy of multiple albums on this list. Much less 3 or 4

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

I can appreciate his talent but it just isn't for me, I doubt I'll listen again

A beautiful last album, talk about ending on a high. it's a 4.5 but i'll give it a 5, why not.

Decent

What a voice

raspy

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.

Come here kitten It’s a shame because the production is great but is voice is offsetting and creepy

Definitely a great talent and songwriter but can’t find myself re-listening to this

Would listen to this if it was just a reading. What a way to go out.

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

Y'ever want to listen to a man die?

Not for me sorry Leonard

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.

First song caught me off when his vocals came in. Vocals are more speaking than melodic, but there are backing vocals that fill a necessary gap. His vocals remind me of Johnny Cash's late music but somehow even more gravely. The songs are pretty stripped down and leave a lot of room for the listener to focus on Leonard's vocals. Knowing nothing about Leonard Cohen, I can tell the story of Jesus was an inspiration to his music, regardless on whether you classify this as Christian music or not. I think the songs are well generally composed and produced well. There are some very beautiful moments in the album; however, I didn't feel like this album showcases Leonard in the way that he is likely known for to unfamiliar listeners. This wouldn't be something that I would listen to frequently, but I'm glad to become slightly more familiar with his work.

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

This was a funny album. I started out loving it, then I grew tired of how minimal it was and every song started sounding the same - and then I started loving it again. Crazy I've never listened to Leonard Cohen before this album, and I feel this probably isn't the best first one to dive into his work.

Some cool musical bits but can’t get behind the talk/singing, even if his voice is cool

7/10

This reminds me so much of Blackstar by bowie. The problem is I've had a bowie connection as long as I can remember but I just don't have that with Cohen. I've got one of his albums before but it also didn't connect with me. This isn't bad but for obvious reasons the singing isn't really that pleasant but it does get the point across. As a goodbye to all those who have been there forever this must be wonderful but I have not been here for it.

Loved it. Normally not a fan of talk-singing but the words were beautiful and so was the music.

Speciaal, maar toch eens tof

Interesting

This was devastating and I loved it.

I don't quite get the"singing"

I listened to two songs and can’t get through it. Ew

Beautiful, sad and emotional. Can't say anything other people here haven't said eloquently already. But I think it's well worth a listen

Perfect for dark times.

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

The title track is amazing. Not a bad lyric amongst the songs. That is saying something given how heavy handed Cohen was in general. Here's to Canada's man in black.

Celebro la voz de este tipo. Como dibuja el lamento. No es mi estilo pero todo mi respeto. Nota: 2.9

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

The best swansong anyone has done so far. He has been a true poet until his last breath.

Love it

I'm scared as fuck listening to this. Immediately as the album starts I am fucking terrified. This is too goddamn freaky for me. His voice is like remarkable and pleasantly grumbly but so scary. I'm actually terrified. It's 3 AM as I write this and I am terrified. It's weirdly good? Like, I see how a person would like this a lot. It's niche and it's quality. But it's not my vibe, at least not as of the first song. It's a cool vibe. The cover with its smoking and its neatness and its simplicity, the spoken word. It's interesting. It's very creepy right now. I can't quite tell what genre this is supposed to be, which I guess is the point. I'm sure Leonard didn't write this under the impression that it'd be conventional. It kinda reminds me of Hadestown although it really doesn't sound like it. It's just awfully ominous. I think I'm not a deep enough person to get this kinda stuff yet. Treaty was less scary but worse sounding than the first song. The slow ass piano is doing precisely nothing for me. But I don't know that this kind of music is supposed to sound good. It's more like poetry set to a beat, which I also respect. OK, after skimming its wiki page, I understand it a little better, but I still don't think I'd ever listen to this recreationally. I guess its message and lyricism is probably extremely profound and it's so crazy that he died so soon after its release. Despite being very cold and harsh in its sound (at least to me), this is sort of warm. It feels like a weirder version of a grandparent relaying the story of their life. Leaving the Table is sort of pleasant and very sad. I think it might make me cry if I listened harder and at a different time. It makes me sad that he was working on it so close to his death. I guess I never pay attention the last days of any famous figure, or anyone at all. It feels like those years are forbidden, like the last stretch of a person's life should be dedicated to illness and idleness rather than creativity and art and real thought. It's unexpected. I forget that old people really have deep emotions and thoughts, which sounds so terrible and stupid. But it might be more common than you think! We treat old people like husks! And here he is, mourning and celebrating his own life on a record! It's certainly inspiring and profound and I have respect for it in that aspect. Like, it's much deeper than most of the music I listen to. It's a lot more whole. But I would still never listen to this for fun and it just doesn't quite appeal to me as music. So I'd give it a 1/5, not because I think it's a bad album, but because I probably wouldn't listen to it again although I'm glad I did.

Dark, Bleak, Depressing, Decent. RIP to a legend Best Song: You Want it Darker Rating: 6.5/10 3 Stars

I am sure this was great and the lyrics seemed interesting but I personally couldn't make it too far through this album yesterday. I will try to give it another shot though.

couldn't go through with it - felt like a drag

Awful, non-singing.

Voce profonda ma un po’ troppo monotona.

Leonard Cohen possessed the ultimate amount of gravitas. His voice is the opposite of a dog whistle. The album was extremely consistent throughout with its gospel and American folk influences. The two genres almost clash in the way that some songs alternate between gospel harmonies and 12-bar blues chord progressions. This helped to outline the clear religious turmoil prevalent throughout the album. Not something I, with my staunch religious views, can understand or relate to. The only song I had heard before was You Want It Darker which kicks off the effective use of unsettling minor chords which resolve into uplifting/biblical cadences. The incredibly short album made me feel like I had just spent a month on my deathbed. Cohen had a vibe and a message that he wanted to convey with this album and I don't think he could have done it any better so it gets five bags of popcorn from me.

The relief I felt going into this after listening to brothers on the same walk cannot be overstated. Some actual musical variety, and it’s almost like poetry as well. I’m blessed.

I won't let preconceived notions discourage me again. I had 2 very misplaced ideas of this album: 1. Leonard Cohen was Lou Reed. My bad. 2. Even though I found point 1 to be untrue, it would still be equally tedious. How wrong I was. Deeply moving album. I shed a few tears at the final lines. There's not much I'd listen through here individually, but I'll certainly be listening to the album again as a whole.

I wanted to dig into more Cohen before getting to this but I've been putting it off for 9 years apparently. Pretty awesome Epitaph. Though it's one of those albums that suffers when lacking context around it Highlight: Travelling Light

Enjoyed the album. Would like to listen to some of his other works.

foreboding music Drowning in melancholy And crooned mournfully

Fan-tas-tisch. Eerder het Bowie album gehad wat hij aan het einde van zn leven maakte en op de een of andere manier vond ik dat al geweldig. Maar wat Leo hier doet... De man had altijd al een bepaalde zwartgalligheid om zich heen, en natuurlijk helpt zijn ontzettend zware stem goed mee, maar dan nog. Dit album is iemand op zn sterbed. Hij overweegt zn hele leven, waar ging het fout? Had hij dingen anders kunnen doen? Ook de ontzettend minimale instrumenten dragen echt bij aan de sfeer. Ik kan me absoluut voorstellen dat ik vaker niet dan wel in de stemming ben om dit album aan te zetten, maar als je in de stemming bent dan is er denk ik bijna geen beter album voor te stellen dan dit. Heel af en toe word de zware stem van Leo onderbroken door een koor. Je-zus wat is dit een sfeervol album zeg! Fantastisch album, zelfs zonder banaan op de cover. FAVO: Alles, het album onderscheidt zich moeilijk in losse nummers, maar dit is echt een front to back album. Je luistert dit bijna niet als een single hier en daar, maar in plaats daarvan luister je het hele album.

Ugh so morose, like a sad Johnny Cash

Oh it was dark…very significant album given the timeline

Meh

I am vibed

Very dark album. Being his last album, he has something like a five note range. The songs are haunting and chanted, more than sung. It's not bad, just... not my thing.

Ain't nobody got time for this

I wanted to like this, but it feels like a parody of Leonard Cohen or something. Not a single word is actually sung

rest in peace king

Like his dark voice, very recognizable. Although I don't really care for the spoken parts and the overall vibe. Feels cold somehow

Like Louie Armstrong? But feels like he is talking

Not my jam.

I read a bunch of this guy's work in university. I think there's a talking dildo at one point. (15 known/28 new)

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

Stopped me in my tracks a bit this album. The first track "You want it darker" caught me by surprise and I felt compelled to look into the album and Leonard Cohen a little more. He died a few days after this album was released which explained a lot of the themes that were laced through it. It's not something I'd listen to again in a hurry- but hearing what is essentially this man's final monologue, as he stares down the barrel of his own mortality was quite poignant, and something I really enjoyed. Not in a morbid or sadistic way, like I know being a Zionist Jew in this day and age isn't very fashionable, but I don't mean "enjoyed" like I'm some Hugo Boss clad album Nazi, that listens to perishing Jews on repeat every evening to unwind, I mean it sincerely. The ebbs and flows Cohen provides were superb and profound, as he wrestles with his fate- meandering through acceptance, melancholic reflectance, hope and tinges of regret. The orchestral reprise of treaty at the end felt like a perfect topper to the album, and all in all I personally struggle to find a reason not to give this a 5.

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

I like the concept and I like some Leonard Cohen music and poetry. But this didn't really do it for me.

It's not bad. Cohen's voice sounds great, the songs are fine. The whole album is a mood, but there’s nothing on here that screams “Masterpiece” or even “Remember Me Twenty Years From Now.”

Loved it. Awesome.

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.

A bit overhyped. Legendary sound tho. A few really good songs.

Deep

Not a big fan of Cohen but got pleasantly caught by this album. Could possibly be something I'd like in the future !

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.

71% Best: On the Level; Traveling Light Must-Hear? No. RIP though

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.

FANTASTIC

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.

I must be missing something. This is garbage.

i will admit that the first track is pretty damn good; it sounds like he's facing off against God, not in battle or fitful rage, but in a staring contest. he knows he's gonna blink, but he's going down staring him into his soul. the whole thing has a great build up to it and it's definitely one of my favorite Leonard Cohen tracks. unfortunately, i just don't think the rest of the album's up to snuff. often, i feel like the poetry treads old ground, just with the added specter of death rustling through the tracks. i really wish i liked this a little more, but it's just both dwarfed by what kicks the album off and is underwhelming at so many spots after. it's just kind of a shame -- it started off so well.

<3

I'm very confused.

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

Hus voice simultaneously irritates and scratches an itch I didn't know I had

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

Good, quite emotional I didn’t love the modern production as much though

Echt wel grappig, prachtige lage stem ook. Denk alleen niet dat ik dit nog een keer zou luisteren

Kan er met mn kop niet bij dat mensen dit nuchter op zouden zetten. Hoewel sommige nummers (You Want It Darker, Travelling Light) nog best aardig in elkaar zitten, voelt het verder vooral als een audioboek ingesproken over een achtergrondmuziekje. Daarnaast gaat dit, logischerwijs, veel over God en sterven. Ben van die wolkenlopers bepaald geen fan, dus dat werkt ook niet in zijn voordeel. Misschien moet ik dit nog eens proberen als ik verdrietig ben en 10 bier en 5 joints diep zit. Let's see what happens then.

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've certainly heard Leonard Cohen's music before, but I'm not really familiar with it. I was skeptical when this album was suggested. I listened to the whole album and found it very interesting. The title track appealed to me straight away. Overall, the album is a bit too depressing for me. Apart from You Want It Darker, I probably won't be listening to any more of it. But I think I should look into Leonard Cohen's work more. 3/5

Liked first tracks then too dull

After hearing the first song I stopped listening. It was like listening to a rusty pipe

Struggled on this one, the poetry is awesome, especially considering Cohen died soon after the album was released.

Хороший альбом Будто много одинаковых песен

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.

Very interesting. Not sure I will listen again but it expanded on what I had all ready known of this artist and I am glad to have heard it at least this one time

Dope voice

This was a truly visceral emotional experience, sparse and simple keeping a perfect length for this retrospection on life. It’s an album I can see myself coming back to periodically to take in its genius. Rating: 5

Not my style, and weird vibes for a try hard spiritualist jew with no mention of morality. Good voice

It's great that this exists - it helped Leonard Cohen process the rapidly approaching end of his life, perhaps it can continue to help others who are grappling with the concept of death. It's also slow, depressing, a bit too much of a reminder of how harsh life is. No escaping the senseless brutality of existence here. Short of developing a terminal illness myself, I can't see this album in my future. Sometimes three stars indicates mediocrity, sometimes it's uneven albums with a mix of tracks that might have gotten fives or ones on their own, and sometimes it's for good art I just don't mesh with. Three stars. No meshing.

The older he gets the more of a cliché of himself he becomes.

I've been struggling with these farewell albums. I hated Blackstar Somehow Cohen manages to compensate for the crumbling voice and makes a very depressed album shine in a way that is almost unbeleivable. The lyrics seem less complicated than his previous albums, but it also feels like an intensely personal conversation with god.

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

I do want it darker! 4/5

Nothing super memorable here. Cohen's voice at this late stage in his life is incredibly deep and warm, the songs/album itself didn't do a lot for me personally.

A few nice bits but a bit monotonous...

Only 166 albums in and this my fourth Leonard Cohen. It was his last, will it be mine? Despite the recent overexposure to his music, this album seemed to work better than the others. More depressing and lamentable, sure, but his gravely voice and sparse music actually fit the themes of regret, acceptance of doubt, loss, and religion . The violin was a nice touch on several of the songs like Traveling Light, It Seemed the Better Way, Steer Your Way. Did I enjoy it? No, but it does make you think.

Not as bad as the last one, but.. not getting any better either. No more, please.

Dear Album Generator, What have we done to you to deserve so many Leonard Cohen albums? We beg you...please, no more.

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

another cool posthumous album written near end of life. this one is particularly strong, but I don't think I love leonard cohen in general lol.

A Leonard Cohen song every now and again is intriguing. Not sure who needs whole albums of the dark monotonous story telling spoken singing word.

He really did make it darker

Pretty interesting songs, can’t really enjoy his voice.

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.

I really enjoyed this. It's honest and emotional. I wouldn't have ever listened to it if it hadn't been for this list ... I would now be open to listening to it again.

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

I hadn't listened to much later era Cohen and the way his voice matured and gained grit was just fantastic! Not a million miles away from Tom Waits/Iggy's radio voice

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

I’ll need more time with this one—I wasn’t in the right mood for it this morning. Feels like it deserves a different kind of attention.

Middle of the road for me honestly.

A real beauty. Like Black Star by Bowie, or the Wind by Warren Zevon, this is a record put out by an artist who knew he didn't have a lot of time left. The title track, "Treaty", "Leaving the Table", "Traveling Light", and "On the Level" were all highlights.

The voice just makes it unlistenable

4.2

If I if I had to choose one album that I could accompany myself on a guitar while singing at a coffee shop open mic this would be my current first pick.

Horrible

Obviously knew about Cohen, but never listened to him. How much I regret that. This is a bit melancholy, but great.

I first heard Leonard Cohen from the Pump Up the Volume Soundtrack when he did Everyone Knows (also covered by Concrete Blonde). I always found his music intriguing, though not my normal likings due to the very French Noir vibe. His music was much better than I remember, but I think both of us added a few years. Traveling Light and If I Didn’t Have Your Love were key tracks, but after a while his warm Merlot voice becomes like AMSR and I just want to drift away. He would make a helluva’ Hades in the musical Hadestown (if you are unfamiliar, give it a listen: it’s worth it!).

I'm a Leonard Cohen guy and have been listening to his greatest hits albums for years but never picked up a full album. I know this is a late career album and came out just before his death. I did like the continuity of this album and the especially the reprise. I'm down with his voice and the overall tone. This one is worth another listen for sure.

Excellent

old depressed guy

Amazing

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

It wasn’t bad but I don’t think I’d listen again

lalalalalalala

Good sad

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

3 st

It's not bad, but it's not something I enjoy listening to.

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

"The other Blackstar". While I don't think it is fair to compare both albums given their release year and the deaths of their artists, this one does feel a bit "too moody" in the sense that a lot of the songs sound the same way.

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.

Dark, sad

IMO, best listend as a whole. Leonard Cohen's strong, dark voice leads us through a masterful exploration of mortality, depression, and spiritual longing with both gravitas and exciting expectation.. This is one of my favorites and I can listen to endlessly, a deep final statement from a legendary songwriter.

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.

Amazing title track that is among Cohen's best work. The rest of the album falls short for me, with lyrics that sound a lot more profound than they actually are because of the gravitas of the vocals. Not sure lines like the following actually capture anything truly meaningful in an original way. "I'm angry and I'm tired all the time I wish there was a treaty, I wish there was a treaty Between your love and mine" I put that in the same category as: "If I had Shakespeare's way with words I would write a sonnet, put your name upon it" Also, smoking isn't cool.

Quality

You want it darker You want it starker Brings back dark days sewing the seed of what lays 2016 a dark year 2020 is when it became darker we lived in great fear so 2016 it all seemed starker

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

This is so miserable and good. I don't know why people about to die are so good at music but guess that's when I'll record my album

Exactly what I expected based on what little I know of him. Sounds like Roger waters and Randy newmans kid smoked a pack a day.

I wasn't expecting this. The title track, which opens the album, is amazing, Cohen's voice darker and smokier than ever, the Jewish (?) chanting at the end adding to what seems to be criticism of religion or preachers. I didn't realise that this was released days before Cohen's death but it has that feeling, similar to Johnny Cash's American recordings, of a final statement, a setting right of things, a last will and testament - especially on "Leaving the Table". I have always respected, never loved, Leonard Cohen's work but I really like this and maybe I have to go deeper, and darker.

I don’t not enjoy his voice or singing style. The beats and actually music was nice but it felt like he was whispering in my ear and talking not singing

Not for me. This is an acquired taste. It felt like talking rather than singing which is fine for the odd track but the whole album felt the same.

Very dark

This album, released just a few weeks before Cohen's death, is arguably his best one. Certainly Cohen knew that his time was coming soon, and this album is testament to the utter grace with which he accepted that. Subject matter is diverse here, the lyrics are often ambiguous, but meaning shines through often enough (Leaving the Table, You Want It Darker, If I Didn't Have Your Love, Traveling Light). The best song, however, is Treaty, whicht together with its Reprise in String Reprise/Treaty is as poignant as it is moving. I cannot recommend this album enough. 5/5

Really liked this. Never heard of it before.

Cohen's final album is, without a doubt, his best late period release. Stark and reflective without going too overboard with it. The singing is even lower and more gravely than even his mid period records, which is saying something. However, I'm not sure if this would be deemed essential had Cohen not passed away so soon after its release. Key tracks: You Want It Darker Treaty

The title track alone would be enough for it to earn a place in my charts. Treaty is good as well, and along with its reprise forms a beautiful bookend to the rest of the album. On the Level through If I Didn’t Have Your Love is a slump, sonically. Cohen’s signature cheap synth pads and simple arpeggios undercut his lyrics. It’s difficult to believe the gospel when it sounds more like karaoke. Traveling Light recaptures the highs of the opener, though, and the album finishes strong from there.

liked the other cohen album better

Speak singing is so not for me.

I’m all for poetry and verbal imagery but this album doesn’t conjure up any of those. The only thing I feel is “when does the next song come on”? It’s bland but that’s sort of what Leonard Cohen is. He’s not winking any singing competitions. This is not a memorable album for any good reason Choice cut: On the Level

pertinacious really

Sombre mais combien bel album, imprégné de poésie. La première chanson est tout simplement un chef d’œuvre. Plusieurs autres m’ont aussi rempli de grâce, en particuli Celles avec les chœurs si beaux.

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.

This haunting album stays with you. Fantastic

Kind of just a low voice doing old voice things and being sad at being old.

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

eh it was okay but not something i'd search up and listen to again

Really captivating voice. I was surprised that I enjoyed this album at all. Not my usual style, but I liked the darkness.

Proof that you needn’t let anything hold you back from what you want to achieve.

Leaving the table is good

I do not understand why he has five albums on this list. This is probably my top pick of the five, but boy are they just meh.

Ez nagyon költői, el tudom képzelni, hogy valamelyik este Debrecenben ezt hallgatom és közben nézek ki az ablakon. Hangulat kell hozzá.

I don’t mind sparse but this is basically spoken word poetry. I’m sure Cohen is a great writer(because that what people think?) but it’s not for me

I find Cohen’s voice uniquely boring. It barely feels like he is singing. Most of the songs on this album were an old fashioned mix of RnB and gospel instrumentals. The only song that was somewhat interesting was Steer Your Way, it has a country style violin that drives pace throughout the song. I would not listen to this again.

You Want It Darker is the fourteenth studio album by Leonard Cohen, originally released in 2016. This album was released very shortly before Cohen's death, which really shifted the tone of this album. It's really really raw. I think this being his final album really adds to its mystique. You can almost picture Cohen alone in his room writing these songs while actively dying. It's just so captivating and thought provoking.

An excellent album, made more poignant by the fact that it was his last album released before he died (prehumously?) Leonard Cohen has always struck me as an unhappy dude, trying to find peace in religion or a near religious fervor of love & coitus, and ultimately stuggling with how both are deeply human. What I love in 'You Want it Darker" is how the love of his muse, his troubled mentor (whom he later describes as a 'filthy beggar, guessing), and the capital G God are intertwined almost inseparably. The OG Tortured poet. Fav: Treaty, for the verse "I heard the snake was baffled by his sin... The poison enters everything". I fear I still don't quite get the titular track, You Want It Darker, which I am assuming is on me considering it is the most well known of the album.

You Want It Darker - I’ll show you darker! I’ve never really listened to Leonard Cohen much but boy have I been missing out. The album explores all the usual themes of a man at the end of his life, reflecting on it with these dark and religious undertones and feelings that comes easy with Cohens baritone, and help solidify that grizzled old man aesthetic of the album. Motifs and themes pop back up through the album which is a nice touch and helps unify the album. The backing tracks are simple, and normally I May hold it against a lesser album but here it really helps thematically with that twilight years feel, and it’s exacerbated by the fact that Cohen died not long after this. Favorite - You Want It Darker