You Want It Darker

This is one of those albums where understanding the context is important: it was recorded days before Cohen's death, and the lyrics and themes reflect that. Cohen was originally an author and he's always penned amongst the most poetic lyrics in popular music. While this is no exception, the accompanying sparse arrangements and gravelly spoken vocals don't do the material justice.

Of the 947 Leonard Cohen albums, on this list of 1,001 David Bowie and Leonard Cohen Albums You Really Don't Need to Listen to Before You Die, this was my favorite Leonard Cohen album. That's because it had one song on it that I thought was good, apart from its performance by Cohen. The title track, I think, is an excellent song, and I wish someone would would have given it a proper performance like Jeff Buckley did with Hallelujah. Billie Eilish? Chris Cornell? Muddy Waters? Anyway, I think there is some other artistic merit to be found elsewhere on the disc, but I just don't like Cohen's vocal style. Musically, this wasn't bad at all. Highest rated Leonard Cohen album so far. No skips, even. ⭐⭐.75 Edit: this did grow on me somewhat throughout, even in spite of his voice and delivery. I'll probably never listen again, but I am actually pleased I got to listen to this today ⭐⭐⭐

Meu deus do céu não estava à espera desta vibe Que graves do caralho até tremo Nem consigo ligar à letra estou só pasmada a ouvir a voz dele “On the level” ai amo o coro Não consigo dizer nada sobre nada neste álbum simplesmente fiquei abesbílica com a voz dele

Perfect for a moody winter walk - esp if you happen to live in Montreal, take a stroll up the mountain or down Crescent by the mural. I always forget how intense and heavy his voice can be.

This was my first experience listening to Leonard Cohen, and I must say, I've never encountered anything like it before. It feels more like poetry set to music. However, the prominent religious themes don't do too much for me, and while the music itself isn't bad, it's something I'd need to be in a very particular mood for to enjoy.

This is my first listen to Leonard Cohen. I enjoyed it, but it is a new sound for me! His voice is the focal point and the context of the album as he is at the end of his life over a good listen.

I good serous listen. It lighthearted bur worth listening to.

Great album!

Vet inte vad jag ska säga, väldigt annorlunda. Stängde inte av men kommer nog inte lyssna självmant

Listened on he toilet

eh

Really really sad. But he’s very talented.

Dark and lovely, perfect for a winter afternoon drive

Beautiful sounding if monotonous. I enjoyed it from start to finish, but kind of wished I was listening to a Tom Waits album. Wanting to listen to someone else is never a great sign for me.

Decent, but I don't know about must-listen.

Fire but not for me

mmmm vond niet alles enjoyable maar wel unieke sound which i appreciate

I use music as the soundtrack to whatever I am doing, rather than sitting down and listening to it deeply (I don't have much time for that) As a result, I don't listen to Leonard Cohen very much. Doing so feels too much like work. I made an exception with this album and listened all the way through (while walking the dog, rather than staring at the album artwork). His talent is legendary, the production is lush and I am glad I heard it. Will it more generally become part of the soundtrack to my life? No, I rather hope not.

For an album made by an older man nearing the end of his life, this album had a surprising amount of power. The voice was direct and sincere, expressing the truth of what it had experienced over the decades. At the same time, there was some weakness to it. Not in delivery, but in how it bore itself to the listener. Maybe weakness is the wrong word; vulnerability probably fits better. Either way, it made for an interesting listening experience. Honestly, I'm not much of a fan of Cohen's style. The deep, slow sing-talking over music never did much for me. Adding in how sparse and bland (to me) the music is here, and there's not much that I find appealing. Somehow, though, I still kinda enjoyed this one. Instead of being boring and overbearing, it was more like being part of a strange conversation. It almost felt educational, but, instead of a critical or disapproving lesson, it just wanted to impart it's own lessons in a matter-of-fact way. I still wouldn't say that I found this one more than fine. I just don't see much relisten-ability for me. The positives I got from it were more about the experience of hearing it for the first time, and I don't think they'd hold up on a relisten. Plus, the style is a bit much, even for a 36 min album. The lack of diversity in the songs really made it grow old by the end. The album had more good than bad, but I still can't say it was much better than OK. I found its best qualities came from the presentation rather than musical or vocal ability. There's enough there to be appreciated while not ignoring the flaws. Overall: 2.7/5

Folk-rock music. Super interesting type of music. Definitely worth listening to again once in a while. 3/5

Weird vibe, but j was kind of in to it. Listening to an entire album was a lotttt though.

Haunting stuff! Title track is amazing.

Sounds good but this is not my favourite kind of music.

Striking in tone and emotional in content, but too one-paced.

Definitely no sunshine and rainbows here. There is a funeral dirge vibe throughout but it feels like more of an awakening than an eternity of cold nothingness.

For some reason autoplay was enabled on my streaming app and Suzanne came on after and it was so much better than anything on this album.

Not my fav I've heard from him, but so so wild that (like Blackstar) he passed so soon after releasing this album... def makes it feel all the eerier and more beautiful

cant explain it and im not trying to give North American jews the brown pass (yr white sorry bro) but cohen became spiritually more oriental in his old age ... cool album and rip to a pretty classic pathetic man (tm)

While this record was probably celebrated a little more in its release year due to his passing, You Want It Darker is a picture of Cohen's consistency. This album offers more of his gravelly spoken singing over themes found throughout his career. The recording and production are restrained and rightly keep the focus on his voice — helping it achieve a more timeless quality as we recede into the darkness.

Unmistakably Leonard Cohen … a great album but doesn’t have the nostalgia of the earlier ones.

Leonard Cohen's great and important, and this album was good, but it wasn't like, OMG.

The lyrics were very deep and meaningful, but since he was pretty old and sick, most of it is just him whisper-talking the words. The folk-y music was a good way to accompany it. The title track and Treaty were the highlights.

Probably my favorite of 3 Cohen albums so far. Title track was baller, the rest was strongly, somewhat boringly decent.

Wow listening to his singing voice is a lot. But the sound and diction make his beautiful lyrics stand front and center. I like the sparse and jazzy instrumentation that set Cohen up.

This is a haunting piece of work. Super deep lyrics here and the tone is well set. Not the best of Cohen's works, but solid. 5/10

Kind of like listening to Dylan's most recent albums. You hear the whole career in each song. Not sure any of these rose to the classic status of earlier work. But I love to remember the moments I discovered Cohen along the way.

Olho pra capa e já imagino algo Johnny Cash dark, veremos. Que isso, to na igreja. Carai, que véio moderno. Voz do Lourenço quando ficar velho. Fiquei curioso, parece um velho que já foi famoso um dia, e agora tá só nas finaleira da carreira musical, só falando ao invés de cantar. Ah, é o cara de Hallelujah, pode crer. A segunda música me lembra o Jack Black fazendo a voz do Robot. É, parece que é isso mesmo, tá velhão e com ideias pra músicas, mostra que ele realmente ama a arte da música. Pra quem acompanhou mais a carreira dele deve dar um feels. Mas gostosinhas de ouvir as músicas, mesmo que sem tanta variação. 3 estrelas pelo esforço e paixão.

Very strange, but I suppose this is probably exactly what you can expect from a Leonard Cohen album in 2016. The production is great, with the strings and backing vocalists and stuff. His voice has obviously been through some strain throughout his life, so he sort of mumble/talks it, kind of like Tom Waits or Nick Cave or something, but I feel like even in the 60s, he didn't outright 'sing'. I feel like elements of this are like the David Bowie Blackstar album, where dead becomes a subject matter, but not in a worrying way, as I think that he'd accepted that his life and career had been good. I think the production not being too overwhelming and letting his voice have space is definitely a good choice, which I think is sometimes what goes wrong with artists making a comeback album with a larger production budget. Favourite songs: pretty much all. Overall around 6/10

3.5/5

I like some of Cohen’s work. This one just didn’t do it for me. 2.5/5 Won’t listen again

Not really my thing, good music but not for me

This was a surprising listen. I know little about Leonard Cohen beyond hallelujah and did not expect primarily spoken word/poetry over music. First listen didn’t like. Second listen it started to catch. By third listen I found myself really enjoying it. Not sure something I’d put on regularly. 3/5

I found this album jarring as a result of the large difference in the quality of Cohen’s lyric writing versus his singing. The words are beautiful, but the album isn’t the greatest listen.

cool guy Would I listen again: no Deserves to be on this list: pick one of his albums please 3.4

A lot of powerful songs on here, very emotional and vulnerable writing from Cohen. At times the production is a little underwhelming and the repetitive thematic nature of the album does get to be a little much, but overall still an enjoyable listen in the right mindset. 3/5

Send the subject matter and significance, this is a beautiful final album.

Ends up becoming too much of the same thing for me. You Want It Darker is incredible. Fav tracks: You Want It Darker, Treaty Saved a song: Y RYM: N

Not that interesting musically.

I like Leonard Cohen, both his music and his poetry. I remember crying when he died, and this album as a consolation to that time. It really is his final testament, his confrontation with death, his goodbye. There is a depth in Cohen's voice which is both powerful and frail. The spoken word may even be said to be creepy or frightening, like death itself. The lyrics themselves are not quite Cohen's best in my view, but they are concise and on the nose, appropriate for the message of this album. The surrounding string arrangements and choral singers and upright bass add an even dark layer underneath. There isn't anything too weird or unexpected in all of this, but I wouldn't call it cliche, just clear and compact like a masterful songwriter with nothing left to prove.

голос крутой, песни не зацепили.

Una vibra oscura como la noche y fría como agua en la madrugada, pero me cansé después de un ratico

I've always struggled with Leonard Cohen, no exception here. This was, for the most part, pretty good... but it's very sombre and melancholy. I guess that's the point. Interesting, oddly enjoyable, but too drowsy.

MOre spoken word anything anything. It was a solid listen.

"I'm ready my lord" sings Leonard, on an album that was released few weeks before his death. Maybe not the best Cohen album but interesting parting gift to fans by very unique artist.

Mr. Cohen’s got that smooth, dark voice we all know, and it pulled me in for the first five songs. After that, though, it just didn’t quite keep me there — the magic kind of wore off. Still, it’s a solid album with a few really nice moments that remind you why he’s such a legend.

Despite my regular indifference to Leonard Cohen's music, it would be rather insulting for me to indulge my instincts and knock this, considering the circumstances. This album is still quite an admirable achievement. There are some nice arrangements; very spare. Dana Glover's backing vocals on On the Level really elevate that song. I barely registered her and Allison Krauss on Steer Your Way. String Reprise/Treaty is quite the devastating closer. You could do worse.

i feel like i know this guy but im not sure, he reminds me a bit of johnny cash with his voice

Better than the previous Leonard Cohen albums I’ve listened to (I think having a huskier, Tom Waits voice suits his songs more). Still, musically all his songs sounds like the demo buttons on a keyboard and while he’s definitely a great writer, I can’t way I’m swayed by his music. This album does have a closeness and intimacy that raises it above the others for me.

Pretty enjoyable

Want to spend more time with this album listening to his lyrics, but liked the sound and refusal to sing any melody whatsoever.

Not as much of a fan of this album as the last one I heard from him. Overall just too slow for my liking.

Third boring album in a row. While I like Leonard Cohen’s poetic lyrics, the sparse instrumentation on this record just sounded kind of lazy. Certainly not as lazy as KISS’s 1998 snoozefest “Psycho Circus”, but just a step above. I’m sure I’m supposed to “love” this album as a songwriter, but it was only ok.

You Want It Darker or, as I like to call it, The Death Shroud of Leonard Cohen, reminded me of the Kurt Cobain lyric from "Pennyroyal Tea": "Give me a Leonard Cohen afterworld / So I can sigh eternally." Apparently, Kurt was a fan of Cohen's music, but also claimed that listening to it made depression worse. I know where Kurt's coming from. Gosh, I hope Kurt Cobain was not listening to Leonard Cohen on April 5, 1994. Another weird Cobain connection that popped into my head is that the title track, "You Want It Darker," reminds me of the Neil Young song "Sleeps With Angels" which was written in response to the suicide of Kurt Cobain. Only, we will have Lou Reed recite the lyrics. There, that is "You Want It Darker." So, great, we have an album strongly evocative of death. It will be on heavy rotation when I feel my time is near.

Cohen is like waits, gotta be in the mood

I love early Cohen, but this album seems like a poem slam performed by dude with a deep and memorable voice Is this interesting to listen to? Sure, some songs. However, this isn't particularly great or interesting music. If I truly went into cold, without loving Cohen's earlier work I would have discounted it entirely.

lite najs idéer, men blev väldigt tråkigt, känns som att meningen är att lyssna på låtar o inte album :( bra låtar, dåligt album

Not bad, just not something I see myself putting on again. The title track is best.

I’m aware of Leonard Cohen but never really took the time to really listen to him. This was what I expected, but better, perhaps because being at the end of his life made it more profound. It’s definitely one of the most haunting albums I’ve had on this list. And that’s fine.

Chillig aber bisschen langweilig

It was interesting but not really my thing

love his voice it gives me a sense of comfort.

I'm not a Leonard Cohen fan, but isn't that bad. It's very contemplative and introspective, performed by a man nearing the end of his life. There is a huge difference in the quality of the music, compared to other Cohen albums I've heard, as he used real musicians. There's a lot of soul in/on this album.

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I was going to. Yes, sometimes you could be mistaken that you have put on an audiobook at times but there are a few gems locked away on here, steer your way and on the level to name two. After listening to 3 of his albums now as part of this process I might be becoming a little bit of a fan. My journey will continue….

His voice has dropped several octaves over the years! This album is soporific in the best way.

Un monument, une grande voix. J'ai bien aimé les instru aussi avec les violons souvent notamment de Steer your way par exemple. J'écouterais pas tous les jours mais c'était vraiment sympa. Un peu une vibe après-midi d'automne sous plaid pour moi

J’adore, c’est beau mais c’est obscur… ça fait très musique de cimetière américain, fin de film

A man who sounded 80 as a 20 year old, as an 80 year old

I was ready to like this but I found that it was just ok. Cohen's voice in his old age is fantastic, but only a few songs really stuck out on this record and the rest kind of flew past me. Will probably give it another listen later. 3/5

Pretty good album, but also a lot of it sounds like itself. There were a few standout songs but overall not a lot here to keep me that engaged. 3/5

Dark, dreamy

His last album. Mellow, sombre rock delivered with stunning gravely voice. Very slow.

Very chill. I could have used some more singing and less song talk. But, it was still decently enjoyable. 6.5/10

3. I liked it a lot, but only got one play through. Need more time.

You have to be in a certain place to receive this music, and I don't necessarily think I was quite there. Leonard Cohen's voice has always not quite appealed to me either. However, the situation, the poetic reflection on everything is quite a marvel. The choir accompanying points often add a pleasant lift.

Prefer the modern sound of these tracks. Damn impressive to have this voice and ability at 87. A feel of Johnny Cash meets Tim Waites. Some great lyrics and poetry. Deep souls and feel in each song. If anything, a bit similar throughout. Quite a lot of religious imagery and a fitting march to end of life, topped off by the string reprise to finish. Listening through a second time now and lands even better and has an extra eerie-ness given how end of life this was (3.5)

Listened in the truck via YouTube music. It’s interesting that the music is far down in the mix so the focus is on his voice. The writing is great but I don’t know that I’d throw this on just for fun.

At first I thought it was boring but the lyrics are just so darn good.

Cover 7 Perfect for sad nights alone.

This album was haunting and at times boring. I loved the lyrics that I tuned in to, but for most of the album i was just thinking about how this man died two weeks later.... and he sounds like it.

More like, You Want It Growly! Is there a filter that I can use to make my voice sound like this?

Not a bad album even if his voice sounds like a car driving slowly along a gravel parking lot.

5/10

Enjoyed the listen but very depressing listen. Not sure this ranks up there for an album I must listen to before I die though.

Donnez du miel et du Lisopaïne à cet homme

Good

In all other aspects this album is pretty boring, but that voice does do something Leonard Brohen

Leonard is an enchanting writer; his songs capture the deepest feeling in the smallest detail - they are universal in the most specific way. D’you know what I mean? I just wish I didn’t have the feeling that when he sings, he’s almost parodying himself. I do not like his singing. I’m sorry. Covers of his tracks are almost always better. So be it. Daniel Day-Lewis can’t rig the lights for his movies. As far as I know.

3/5

Bon album mais sans le contexte de son enregistrement il n'est pas si intéressant que ça.

It’s like if your cool grandpa made an album

The penatultimate album about getting an amicable divorce

Quite a different style to the usual. Moody, gruff, spiritual and poetic in style. I actually found it quite chilled and engaging. Not sure it would go into regular rotation but it was a nice way to pass some time. Ultimately the moody slow chatter only has so many dimensions and not enough overall for me and some elements follow a very simple pattern. Thankfully other elements do inject interest so overall its a decent package.

It's dark and moody and Oozes atmosphere and cool. The lyricism is brilliant and I like the stripped-back production style. I do find Cohen's voice, or more specifically his singing style, is the main barrier to my full enjoyment of the album. I think the songs are brilliant and I get that its a stylistic choice, but I often wish they were being delivered by a more melodic voice. Cool album and an interesting swan song from a great songwriter, but not one that will find its way onto my regular playlist, despite finding it strangely compelling.

Dark vibes, great lyrics

Very consistent from Cohen, not as stand out as I’m Your Man, but still quite good

lijepo je ovo baš

I’m always wary of late albums from classic artists, particularly when it’s a “final album”. Invariably, what I’ve enjoyed of them before obscures the album and leaves me wanting what they had. While I’m not as familiar with a lot of Cohen’s work, I’m left with both an appreciation for the creativity he had in his final days and the same feeling of wanting something else. Having experienced a loss of a loved one recently, the songs here are poignant, and the stripped-back production fits Cohen’s vocal restraint really well, but after a few songs it unfortunately mushes together. This is a nice love letter to fans and admirers of an artist, meditating on his own mortality, and thats valuable, but ultimately a little unedifying.

Highlight Song/s: On the Level and Traveling Light I thought this was going to be your run-of-the-mill folk music, but no it isn't. I only have one big issue with this album is that I'm quite put off by his really deep voice. Like really put off by it, which makes the album difficult to get into.

His voice surprised me with every new track.

Depressing, but I liked it more than I thought I would. Good for a rainy day

Allt Cohen rör vid är ju fantastiskt. Denna platta är kanske något svagare men han behöver definitivt inte skämmas för denna.

Waiting for the day I fully get Leonard, think it might happen with age

Liked it more than I expected to

Can't deny the beautiful songwriting and amazing story telling lyrics, also that Leonard Cohen has a crazy voice, but I just can't get into it, I feel I struggle to get invested in the more spoken word type of vocals.

A rough listen, it’s difficult to hear his voice at this stage in his life, but there are some haunting moments in this album.

I'm not sure how to rate this! If I was in the right mood, it'd be transcendent. But I don't want to think about how dark life can be right now. Also, this gave me the distinct feeling of voyeurism, of hearing private things I wasn't meant to hear. I think that's maybe the point, but it's definitely not an "everyday" kind of album. Sticking with a 3, with the caveat that I intend to listen again when I want to wallow.

Pas ma cam Belle voix grave et profonde

I'm not the biggest Leonard Cohen fan, but this was actually a pretty good album! I was surprised by how much I was digging it on my walk and how I was just kind of vibin with it! Still not like blowy mind or anything but good!

Tumma ääni ja heleää soitantaa

Considering the circumstances around the album, it is an interesting listen - bu I didn't find anything particularly gripping that I want to revisit.

Gut!

Great lyrics. The talk-singing is an acquired taste. This was probably not the best place to start with Leonard Cohen. Still, I understand why many consider this a beautiful record.

Done

#113 - Not my style (I don't like whispers in my ear from an old man) but I appreciate it for what it is.

algunas lyrics son raras pero está ok

Wasn’t on Apple Music for some unknown reason, so listened on YouTube. Not exactly a Friday album…

5/5 for what it represents, but I didn't connect with the music so much, 3/5 for me. Fully recognize this is probably because it's my first Cohen album and I would need to better know the artist to fully feel the context of this album.

I don't know if this would have had the same impact if it wasn't from a longtime artist released right on his deathbed. Like Bowie's "Blackstar," it's hard to separate an artist exploring mortality around the same time they're dying. I guess he gets as pass for his decayed voice because of that. That said, this is decent enough Cohen, separate from rock'n'roll but highly influencing rock'n'roll. It's fine. I don't think I particularly need to revisit it.

Out of the 3 Cohen albums I've listened to so far, I hate this one the least. But I hope this is the last album by him I'll have to listen to.

Haunting meditations on death. Musically minimal arrangements that support the voice and mood.

It is dark, which is what I wanted (?) Some of the songs are really haunting and beautiful (title track HITS). Some are just skippable. I also am not entirely sure how to interpret the lyrics and message. Seems to be about but God is ambiguous, as well as who men are. Not sure what to make of it.

Having a hard time with this one. I kind of don’t like Cohen’s singing voice but it’s also kind of cool. It gives big Sopranos energy. Could see this album working well in a movie.

Not my kind of album. Had a few songs I enjoyed but other than that I didn't really pay attention. Album feels nice and consistent and had a really nice"black rum" kinda feel but definitely not my type of songs. 3/5

Actually a lot better than I thought. I am.aware of Mr. Cohen's work but it's not in my normal listening choices. The music behind the songs is really good and Lenny's low tones made it a lot better.

Wow what a voice! Very deep and somber lyrics on lost love, it grew on me.

Very moody. Not built for a sunny summer day, but I enjoyed it. The strings reprise at the end of the album was chefs kiss. I don’t care for his voice, at least not enough for a whole album. He was reading the lyrics like poetry, which was interesting (he was previously a poet). Not quite a 4/5, but better than most 3’s.

This was gorgeous and textured. A very high 3 as I will not go back and listen again, but what a beautiful album.

What a fucking voice this guy has god damn, absolutely incredible. This album did feel a bit top heavy but I did enjoy it, the instrumentals were fine but the real highlight here is the lyrics. The guy was a poet, and as someone who rarely gives a shit about lyrics I was completely immersed by him. Will definitely be seeking out more of the Cohen back catalogue. Favourites - You Want It Darker, Treaty, On the Level

Some Great Songs,

Liked it. Brought some classic Cohen feels. Well produced. Themes of god and love/heartbreak among others. Had some coherence throughout with reoccurring lines and motifs. Several songs had that same well produced Cohen sound that I describe a sort of rolling or charging forward sound, very studio produced sound. The dance them to Berlin song or whatever it is called from an earlier album epitomises that sound. This album brings a bit of that. Ultimately it was a decent album with some good songs that felt very relevant to his musical and biological life point. In saying that, I'm not sure yet if it's one I'll come back to much. When I'm feeling like Cohen I'll likely seek other albums.

Kylläpäs kynttilöitä sammuteltiin. Teema pysyy siis yllä - ja ilahduttavan napakassa mitassa. Olis kyllä voinut laulaa enemmän.

This was artistically a *hell* of a thing, but ultimately a frustrating listen for me? Mostly because the opening track is probably in my top fifty or so favourite songs, but then so much of the atmosphere and texture of that disappears, subsumed into More Leonord Choen. It comes back a bit for Travelling Light and It Seemed the Better Way, but yeah. I can absolutely respect this as a piece of art staring down his own imminent death, and the title track is *sublime*, but I don't know if I can get behind it as an album.

I liked the single named after the album, the others were kinda repetetive and felt like watered down versions. I agree 🫶🏻

It's not my cup of tea in taste, but I can appreciate it's legacy and musicality, hie voice fares well with the dark lyrics and themes of the album.

It seemed rather brooding for my taste but props for its success.

Dark and brooding, I like his voice on these later albums but this one doesn't the songs that land quite as well as a few of his earlier efforts.

Solid instrumentals. Interesting lyrics. Slightly unbearable moaning.

3 out of 5. Liked this better than the other album of his on this list. Definitely a more emotional album too.

Cohen's last album. The Hallelujah man himself. I was excited to hear what else he has to offer as he was primarily before my time. For 2016's "You Want it Darker", there is a certain foreboding in the album that's hard to escape. Almost like he was aware it would be his last album. The strange thing is it works. There's only a few artists that can rock a slow and low register and not sound off-putting, and Cohen pulls it off. It's nothing I would sit and listen to on the regular as it tends to drag after a bit, but it was a nice change of pace. ~ 3.3 Stars I thought "On the Level" was worthy of the 1001 playlist.

Letztes Album von Cohen bevor er starb

Solid length. The voice worked well on some songs. High 3.

Interesting voice, a few songs I thought were very nice, rest of it was fine. high 3/ low 4

It was pretty good. Not as much of a fan of spoken word type stuff though

Hard one to rate. Musically, its not for me, but the music supports the lyrics, which are extremely well written. Given the content and subject matter and cohesoveness as an album, this would be a 5 based on the lyrics alone. But I'm also interested in the music and its a little too minimalistic for me and not really something I enjoy. Would recommend for poets and literary folks. Not so much for musicians. Not likely to revisit, which puts it at 3 or less on my scale. I think I can respect its inclusion on the list given how different it is, it being a final release from a well known songwriter, and the cohesive and fantastic lyrics and themes. It's not here for the music. Giving this one 3. I didn't like it much but I get it, and lyrics save it from a 2.5 or 2 1=Crap that shouldn't be here 2=I didn't like it but get why it's here 3=I thought it was ok or even like it, get why it's here, but won't revisit 4=I like it, will revisit 5=This is some of the best music I've ever heard and will continue listening to it

Really like the first song especially strong knowing he died 3 weeks after release. Other than that it's not my cup of tea. Talk singing a lot.

it was good

Very heavy album with great delivery. Ominous and impending doomy atmosphere as Cohen passed away just over two weeks after the album was released. Lyrics shows Cohen’s grapple with his near death. An album I enjoyed but will most likely not relisten.

Incredible songwriter. Not really my taste, but a legend nonetheless.

Definitely one of the more unique things I’ve ever listened to! I was working through most of it so I want to listen to the lyrics more closely next time. I hear that’s where Cohen is best.

This was a hard one, not because it was bad, it just felt like I was listening in on something deeply persona. Cohen's struggle with God, made me slightly uncomfortable as someone who is trying to cultivate their own relationship with God. The spoken word poetry style was different to what I'm used to. The poetry was good tho. 3⭐, though not likely something I'd come back to very often.

The first track felt pretty powerful, underlined by the fact that he passed away three weeks after this album's release. It started to feel repetitive in terms of tone/sentiment, so while I don't feel the urge to listen to it again, I'm glad to have listened to it.

Killer title track, but the rest of it is kind of samey

I liked it a lot but the odds I will remember it are low.

This is one of the most unusual albums so far. He takes it so seriously, and earnestly, but it's like the album is unaware of how niche it is. His dark and raspy voice is perfect for noir. But I'm still not sure what through line to draw for this album. What's its story and theme?

chill om naar te luisteren

Niet voor mij,, ik zou wel een nummer hier en daar aan kunnen zien staan maar niet een heel album achterelkaar. Ik vond het een beetje herhalend en langzaam

Had no idea what to expect, this first song is so unexpected and gave me immediate chills. Halfway through the album and I didn’t know I could relate so much to an old man writing what sounds like a dying wish/last album. I feel the same things so viscerally. What an unexpected experience. To finish off, I didn’t finish the album. The lyrics were fantastic and I will maybe even go back to this album/songs later but it was too depressing to finish in one day, which makes me take it from a 4 star to a 3 star

my gateway to the great man was this record, which I played a fair amount during the pandemic. I'd listened to him a fair bit in my student days in the 90s but I was way too into Dylan to get sidetracked. As an older man with a n older man's deeper cuts and desires that once were shadow now inky black but better read, i got the Len I deserved and a Len I could actually enjoy.

Great start. Rest also pretty good. 3.5 stars

I enjoyed this more than "Songs of leonard cohen" 3.8/5

I liked it, it was better than I expected. But still for the time being this is not the album I think I will add to my daily circulation. Some people would be obsessed with this though, and I can see that.

Lads, it's Cohen.

é impactante, no mínimo. gravado uns meses antes do mano falecer que deus o tenha. eh ok..

I probably wouldn’t listen again, but it was also very worth a listen

Pretty much what I expected. Dark, raspy “vocals”, pretty much talking. But a nice listen nonetheless. Interesting lyrics, I would actually listen again. I’ll stick with three stars though.

Ah little too heavy in the lower frequencies for my taste. Other than that it’s a tremendous finishing piece for a Cohen

Gorgeous tunes, sombre reflections obviously but that goes with the territory, if only he had been able to sing it could have been wonderful.

I liked it better than his other album on here. You like it darker is a pretty cool song

Loved the title track. Loved the closing track. Everything in between was great writing, great lead vocals, but overproduced. Unfortunately, that has long been the case for Leonard Cohen. I haven't listened to him since the 90s, and that's the main reason. Disappointing.

Great lyrics, great voice. Solid listen

I couldn't find myself getting into the groove of this one. He has a fantastic voice though, lots of talent there.

Poignant Opening track is solid Leaving the Table is a gut punch and a goody Traveling Light prolly gets the nod

Any one of these songs would be great for the credits of a prestige HBO TV show in the early aughts. I don't know, I want to like this more. I understand the reverence folks have for Cohen, and I can hear his influence in lots of musicians I love and appreciate. The other songs I've heard from him over the years work for me. And these songs are the words of a dying man... Can't dismiss that. It's just the music itself is really flat and basic, just muted blues with occasional cantors jumping in. I wish the music was either a little more rich or interesting to support Cohen's voice and lyrics. Sparse is ok, but this is less sparse and more perfunctory. The back half is better, but it often feels like adult contemporary for aging hipsters, bland with a hint of irreverence. Serviceable not memorable, like a dry wheat cracker you can put whatever you want on. Cohen put a little brooding rumination on this cracker, but you still have to chew the dry, mealy, store-brand cracker. I do, in fact, want it darker!

I mean if you're in a really dark place this will do

Pretty good, high 3 stars. The lyrics were good

An album from a fellow Canadian...nice! I haven't listened to much of his stuff in the past, I'm most familiar with, and LOVE his version of Hallelujah. I do really enjoy his deep voice, tho it's not really something I can sing along to well. - Love the guitar on Leaving the Table - Especially enjoy the song Steer Your Way

Definitely darker!

C'est bon mais aussi un peu pénible.

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.

peaceful, somber, and interesting

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

- 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.

legal

Хорошая первая песня в альбоме

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.

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

Decent

Y'ever want to listen to a man 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.

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.

Speciaal, maar toch eens tof

Interesting

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

Love it

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

Voce profonda ma un po’ troppo monotona.

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

foreboding music Drowning in melancholy And crooned mournfully

Oh it was dark…very significant album given the timeline

Ain't nobody got time for this

Like Louie Armstrong? But feels like he is talking

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)

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.”

Deep

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

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

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.

I'm very confused.

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

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

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

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

Хороший альбом Будто много одинаковых песен

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

old depressed guy

3 st

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

"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.

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.

Very dark

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

liked the other cohen album better

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

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.

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.

Nice tunes, can’t really get into his vocals/singing style. Some really nice guitar parts and pedals/effects. Not an album I would relisten to much, if at all.

Old Leonard doesn’t sing as well as younger Leonard, but it’s the same style and good poetry. I enjoyed the songs with backing vocalists more. A solid three out of five stars.

Not bad

I've a lot of time for early Leonard Cohen. Songs like Chelsea Hotel and Bird on a Wire are great. However, at some point in the early 80s, all his songs started to remind me of Chris Rea. I like an egg in my bath as much as the next man but, musically, this isn't a good thing. The album is fine, nothing more.

Love me a bit of Cohen :)

Not the greatest from Cohen the Bardbarian but still pretty decent.

6.5/10 Look, I know this is a difficult one to be mixed or negative on. It’s the last album of a dying man, about death, recorded in the run up to his death. But it is like some of the Johnny Cash stuff: an amazing concept, well executed musically, well-intentioned, well-written. But the voice, unfortunately, could t fully keep up. I did enjoy it, but a whole album of growling didn’t work for me. Best: You want it darker

Melancholic and dark (no shit). Cohen's voice is as powerful as always, and I enjoyed this album even though I probably won't revisit it in the future.

It was alright

I dig a lot of what Leonard Cohen has done over his storied career but I'm not sure I'd include any single album of his in the Top 1001. He's a great songwriter but his delivery is slow and deep and is a lot to handle for 40 mins straight. I'd say this was included based on his lyrical poetry and songwriting more than than the overall album. I enjoyed it all, he's great to listen to and oddly calming even when the subject matter is anything but. Slow and mellow, maybe too much so. Great background music and compelling enough that you want to listen to his stories but not Top 1001 worthy.

Interesting but not my style

So gravelly.

This was interesting and unique. I liked the relaxed peaceful feel. The strings were good too. 3.5/5

Mixed bag on this one. I realize the surrounding nature of the album recording and how legendary he remains as an artist, but I can't see myself revisiting this much. Some genuinely good moments sprinkled throughout.

the last album by leonard cohen released before his death. dark but introspective album dealing with themes such as mortality, spirituality, and relationships… all deliver in cohen’s mostly spoken word style. his grizzled, aged vocals add to the authenticity of the words. an intense journey. highlights: “you want it darker” “if i didn’t have your love” “it seemed the better way”

My first Leonard Cohen album. I like those vocals but thought that they would eventually get old and I’d turn it off. But they didn’t and didn’t.

Old guy, dark music, meh

The perfect title as the election results are rolling in and the Electoral College makes its voice heard. Leonard is older now, and his voice is deeper, but it's still there. I can't say I love this one any more or less than his others because his music usually falls second to his voice. So distinct.

- 0/9 songs added to main playlist - Probably not the best place to start with such a legendary artist - Album about facing own mortality and came out before 1 month before his death. I will be less harsh - Beautiful in theme, I just don’t love the sound of it - Favorite song: Leaving the Table / String Reprise/Treaty

Interesting type of music, almost spoken word type stuff in parts but hard to rate it too highly, it all has a similar sound after a while

In general I am all for a concept that is done to perfection. Except that in this case, the end result is rather boring and even a little irritating at times, despite a few excellent songs.. (Presumably, this record was chosen over one of several LC classics that are missing in this list, as it is the final LC album...)

Light 3.5. Cool & moody.

Something different for 35 mins

I thought the album was interesting. I I know he had voice issues and he couldn't sing anymore. I enjoyed the music and the lyrics. I did think I missed singing though

I think I get it. This guy is the cool, sub-baritone, white Barry White noir film unreliable narrator type. I have to admit all of the writing and production are classy and alluring and there's nothing I can disparage, so I offer an average rating.

its ok and sure the voice is cool but it comes off as gimmicky and a bit creepy. I also think I just really hate talk singing 2.5

Granted I was in an irritated mood when I listened to this, but I thought it was pretty good! I probably owe it another listen when I’m feeling calmer and not stuck in unnecessary traffic.

Pretty boring but still beautiful at times. probably give it 2.5 stars

I don't usually like spoken word but this wasn't as bad.

Maybe the best of the Leonard Cohen albums, maybe just shy of the last one. I will say it seems he is not necessarily for me, it seems. Good enough but didn’t really grab me.

I really got a lot out of this record. It's a record made by a man who's dying and who knows he's dying. If most of the songs were as strong as the title track or Traveling Light were it'd get a 5, but I still got a lot out of the few tracks that really spoke to me. It's very heavy, ambient and atmospheric. Leonard Cohen's voice sounds like pure gravel, Tom Waits on steroids. It's a shame it came from being in a lot of pain and being very close to death but it's a very, very beautiful last work to leave this world with.

Deep voice

I find Leonard Cohen much more interesting in theory than in practice. He was a much more interesting writer than musician.

I liked this. His voice is similar to Mark Lanegan and matched the mood of the songs. It could’ve done with kicking on a bit but well worth a listen.

A cool smooth trip through some great songwriting- we do indeed want it darker

can't finish it. very sophisticated and well crafted lyrics and music, but hearing the same growling, low vocal of cohen for more than 10 minutes bored me to death