Reviews (page 9 of 14)
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
Much better than anticipated after hearing the first song. The man is pure gravel
Well, it's darker. Funereal. Cohen was a brilliant lyricist with an interesting voice. This is the last studio album made before he sadly passed. Not his best, I don't think.
A conversation with my daughter: -I have to listen to the rest of that Leonard Cohen. -Aww, not him… -You know him? -Yeah...?! He's that really weird guy. -What's weird about him? -He doesn't sing. He just talks about stuff like blood, and stars, and love. -Yeah, you know him. This is a fascinating album considering that it was released just a couple ofweeks before Cohen passed away. Thematically he seems to be directly dealing with his impending mortality. In one song, the chorus chants הִנֵּנִי (hineni - "behold, G-d, I am here and ready"). I always think that Leonard Cohen is poetry first and foremost, just set to music. And I like it as poetry. This revisits his well-explored heavy themes of religion, spirituality, love, lust, etc. Musically, for most artists this would be considered stripped down, but for him it is more production than I have heard on other of his albums. His voice is old and creaky and weathered. Respect to him for creating his art to the very end. 3.5
This was good got me through my run
The dark voice really makes this record. I mean the message that he has surrendered to the lord would have been quite lame were it not for him sounding like a demon himself. And yk also because he was on the verge of death
Not so into the album, but the playlist it generated was awesome!
A Canadian classic. Not really my thing.
Nunca he sido un gran fanático de la música de Leonard Cohen. Sin embargo, su influencia en el panorama musical angloparlante es innegable. "You Want It Darker" es el último LP que el escritor y poeta alcanzó a grabar antes de fallecer, y en efecto, es bastante oscuro. Sin embargo, los paisajes sonoros que dibuja son bastante monótonos en comparación a otras "canciones del cisne" (como por ejemplo "Blackstar" de David Bowie). De todas formas, la corta duración del trabajo hace que se sienta como un complejo cuadro gótico, crudo y visceral que tiene en su delantera la rasposa voz de un cansado Cohen, quien, claramente, no perdió su genio hasta su muerte. Recomendable, escúchelo.
Definitely a challenging album. I don't seek out this style of music out but I'm glad I listened to it.
I like the vibe here and the poetry is haunting and moving at the same time. It’s a lot of the same tone and sentiment and no songs really stand out to me. The songs are obviously very limited by the voice. Not 80 year old Leonard’s fault but it does cap the album at a 3 for me.
I dont have a ton of clear thoughts on this album. The title track is haunting and cool. The broad middle of the album was largely forgettable for me and occasionally boring. It feels like Cohens music is about the lyrics and emotional delivery. Probably not the ideal choice for a 2 hour drive. Besides You Want It Darker, It Seemed The Better Way and Leaving The Table were cool. Ill have to revisit this later
Rough old voice (in a good way). Haunting, enjoyable, but nowhere near Leonard Cohen's best work.
It's Leonard Cohen so of course the songwriting is great but I felt that the production overshadows everything. I couldn't stop thinking about it so I had to look it up and apparently it was his son Adam. Completely makes sense and makes me a little sad.
I always liked his lyrics but never could get used to his vocal delivery and then on some of his older albums it would be paired music that I felt didn't fit at all, like one of his albums on this list with a lot 80s sounding electronic-type music. I think his age finally caught up to his vocal delivery and they paired it well with ominous orchestral style of music on this album. I think it all works really well here, very eerie.
Most of this I would never listen to again, but the poetry is just real good
That's a difficult one. I really like Leonard Cohen as a person and whenever he's played somewhere I think "Cool! Leonard Cohen". His voice and his style are unmistakable, but I found listening to a whole album where every song sounds like a requiem quite exhausting. You have to be in a very special mood for that. Nevertheless, there were some very good songs, I love "You Want It Darker".
Pretty impressive for an album so late in life. I guess when your style is pretty much spoken word you can sustain it for a lifetime.
First listen Saved 4/9 Top track: You Want It Darker
Very very deep voice. Not so much my style but appreciated anyway.
Leonard Cohen is a name I've heard, but never really heard his work. Go figure that the first album of his that I'll listen to was apparently his last recorded album. I'm sure I can expect some dark subject matter. Due to Cohen's unfortunate health issues later in his life, he was subjected to recording this album from his living room, and it certainly sounds the part. Very personal and stripped down, with Cohen's noticeably aged and low delivery. Everything is obviously introspective and poetic, as Cohen and co. were well aware that this would be his swan song from the music industry. Hard not to be reminded of David Bowie's "Blackstar" from earlier that same year, with very similar circumstances and theme. These "swan song" albums are never easy listens, but there's a certain charm to the end product we receive when an artist knows that his or her time is running out. It really allows them to step outside their comfort zone and get more artsy and self-reflective with their work.
Had no idea he was so recent with the opening song. Also that he had been such a prolific artist.
Hard to believe this came out in 2016. That was the same year as Closer by the Chainsmokers, for context. For additional context, Cohen was born a year before Elvis. Wild. Cohen also died 3 weeks after this came out. I went and read a quick summary of his life after listening and I would highly recommend it. Extremely interesting person.
Bye leon
Very cool deep voice although tbh the album bored me a bit. Might have got it at the wrong time.
Not my fave LC album, but I do love him.
Read poetry over a musical background. Somehow, it works. It sounds good and it's very calming. There is something mesmerizing about Leonard Cohen's deep voice. It makes you focus only on what he is saying.
Very beautiful music and lyrics unfortunately sung by a much too old Lenny
Late Leonard Cohen had a quite unique and interesting style with his whispering-like and bassy "singing". Hearing this record it really feels to me like Leonard was always a poet first, and a musician second, which is also beautiful in a way because poetry was how it started from him before he got into music. Unfortunately for me, I'm not moved much by poetry and words, so this becomes a bit of a dull. Still, I'm impressed that he managed to create something fresh and different even at the very end of his career and life.
Surprisingly better than the others we have heard from Cohen. Can’t decide if I like the soft spoken/singing on this album. It is a somber album from a man closing out his life and retrospective, which was nice to listen into.
So this is the last Leonard Cohen album I have had to listen to. I am glad about that but he actually put forth a fairly decent album. It was the best one of the list. I didn’t like the raspy not talk not fully singing he was attempting to do. The lyrics I actually enjoyed a little bit. Takeaway: It is true for Leonard Cohen he saved the best for last despite his overall failures on his previous albums which were awful.
Weird like Tom waits. I’ll have to try and finish it later.
Good
Liked some of it. I feel like this might be an album more than any other album we've heard here, where it really benefits from hearing the artist's earlier work to get the context of this. I'm glad I procrastinated on this and waited for "Songs of Leonard Cohen" to be randomized at me.
i love knowing that someone was stuck listening to this full album on the car radio at 7am. a real 50/50 for me. 2.5
It was calming. Almost too calm for me. Tim loved him.
Great ASMR voice. Very musical album as well. Not into all of the religious under/overtones.
He has a unique voice and the songs didn’t stick around too long. However I just couldn’t get through it because I was scared. I guess this is a sign of powerful art but it’s not for me in this moment
111 albums in, my third Leonard Cohen. I have to confess, I was not excited about drawing this today. I like it a bit better than Songs of Leonard Cohen and Songs of Love and Hate, but... this style is still not really my thing.
Kelpo musiikkia, jota ei tule itse uudelleen kuunneltua.
I guess one must be a fan of Cohen to appreciate this album. It is quite interesting how he combines his "murmuring" with the music. And the songs are quite ok. With another singer it would probably be better - for everybody except the Cohen fans.
It's a hard voice to get used to, but this had good instrumentation and the lyrics were good.
Dark and moody. A LOT of religion and poker themes that kind of made me chuckle after a while. An entertaining listen. Do not listen to this while tired.
Great voice. Not my favorite Cohen stuff, but enjoyable.
Very different, enjoyed the baritone but became tedious after a while.
Quite slow and darker than expected
STANDOUTS: You Want It Darker Treaty On the Level OVERALL: 3.5/5
Second Cohen album and this one is weaker than the first. The album does not really get going. The instrumentals are very good but I feel like Leonard Cohan is breathing, not singing, into my brain. 3/5
It's a very dark album. He knew his time had come, so this was about the ending. Most lyrics are just spoken, or better whispered, so there is not much singing on this besides the background singers. No easy listening, so I think you have to be in the right mood to listen to this.
3+
It's OK. I kind of like it, but it's definitely one of those things where I have to be in a very specific mood. 3 stars.
Pretty weird album. Wasn't all that into it.
Interesting album. Title track is great but rest are too similar.
The vocals are good, but this style of music is boring. I could see these songs being cinematically, though. Pass. 2.5 stars.
Better than expected
Much more moody compared to the seductive tone to I’m Your Man and I preferred this.
Pretty decent not great for me.
If Cohen had lived longer, no one but whales and moles would be able to hear his singing. The dude sounds like he’s singing from his grave on this record. Moribund and beautiful just like The Man Comes Around by Cash. Not a cheer-you-up kinda record.
- you want it darker - treaty
You Want It Darker
I love his work, but a whole album at one time? Not without Xanax
Raspy, slow, and dark. With a knack for lyricism, Leonard demonstrates that even in old age he still has the ability write solid spoken verse blues.
I have a ton of respect for Cohen, obviously. Especially being from Montreal, he’s like a god, who literally looks over the city. At his best it’s fair to say he might be the best songwriter ever. One more than one occasion at a concert, I thought the best song an artist played was a Cohen song, and not even a famous one All that said, You Want It Darker isn’t his most riveting. He sounds like Tom Waits. The album is so dark, virtually every song about his impeding death. 3rd star for lifetime achievement 5.9/10
Nunca lo escuché mucho. Solo la voz del primer tema ya merece la pena. Creo que al final es más el mito y las letras que el músico. Tiene su mérito forjar una carrera de prestigio y respetada por la crítica y el público.
Dark moody poetry
A bit boring
B You Want It Darker 4 Treaty 3 On The Level 3 Leaving The Table 3 If I Didn't Have Your Love 3 Traveling Light 3 It Seemed The Better Way 3 Steer Your Way 5 String Reprise / Treaty 3 I immediately recognized You Want It Darker because it sounds identical to the intro for True Detective S2, but it turns out it's a different Leonard Cohen song. So I didn't actually recognize it. Sniffle, sniffle.
I have no idea how to rate this album. Part of me feels like I’m being read a bedtime story by someone else’s grandpa. Strange but yet still comforting. The other part of me thinks it’s one of the most beautiful & unique pieces of music that I’ve heard in a while. So I guess that means it’s a 3????????
3/5 - I just find his sound exhausting. It’s like listening to molasses. I like molasses, but this is just unrelenting molasses.
Cool
The somber vocals laid over the haunting music made this a powerful, reflective, melancholy record.
Just pretty grumbly but had some nice bits. Not super into the gravelly talk/singing which is pretty much all this is.
The songs are good and if I listened to them one at a time theyre all 4s. But listening to the entire album is ALOT
I really love Leonard Cohen and enjoyed the lyrics but I was disappointed everything was very talky instead of singing. I thought about Johnny Cash and how he still sang on his final albums even if it wasn’t the same as his younger years and wish there was a little more of that. I did enjoy the melodies from the back up singers in the latter half of the album.
Darker and deeper voice. Cohen a classic...3/5
The allure of Leonard Cohen for me is that he is an uncompromising artist. He pursued his passion and was unapologetically himself. His journey is absolutely intriguing. That being said, this album for me was very one note. His words are always strong and the core of what he does. That is there, the music is minimal and subdued.
A very interesting album full of moments to contemplate.
Not a huge fan of late era Lenny but he certainly has a style about him.
Len was into Late Style early, so at the very end this is unsurprisingly an impossibly severe exercise. The voice is reduced to a whispery speech-song, the instruments are hushed and the actual tunes evaporate almost as they are played. Expertly done, but rather a tough listen.