Leonard Cohen: The Man Who Saw the Angels Fall
Leonard Cohen’s work is revisited as listeners trade memories of discovering his music, from stark early albums like *Songs of Leonard Cohen* and *Songs of Love and Hate* to synth‑laden late‑career records and elegiac final releases such as *You Want It Darker*. Commenters debate the best entry points—studio albums, live recordings, or cover-heavy compilations—while highlighting how his songs often gain new life through interpretations by other artists. Beyond the hits like “Hallelujah,” they emphasize his enduring power as a poet, novelist, and live performer whose lyrics reward close, repeated listening.
How to Discover Leonard Cohen
- Many suggest starting with compilations: “Best Of” or “Essential” collections, or a mid-career greatest-hits album.
- Others recommend full albums: early trilogy (“Songs of Leonard Cohen,” “Songs from a Room,” “Songs of Love and Hate”), accessible later albums (“I’m Your Man,” “The Future,” “Ten New Songs”), or the late-career “You Want It Darker.”
- Several endorse live albums (“Live in London,” “Live in Dublin”) as friendly entry points that showcase his stage presence and core songs.
- Advice includes: don’t judge by one song (especially “Hallelujah”); expect lyric-driven, often spoken-word-like music that rewards repeated listening.
Albums, Eras, and Production
- Early work: sparse “man and guitar” arrangements seen as revelatory, with consistently high songwriting and production.
- 80s and later: electronic/synth textures divide opinion. Some call them dated or “chintzy”; others praise the modernization as a smart, distinctive move.
- Late albums are described as elegiac and emotionally intense, with his deep, gravelly voice treated as definitive by some and off-putting by others.
Covers vs. Originals
- Many commenters discovered him through film/TV soundtracks and covers (e.g., multiple well-known versions of “Hallelujah,” “Everybody Knows,” “Famous Blue Raincoat,” “Who By Fire,” “Chelsea Hotel,” “First We Take Manhattan”).
- Some strongly prefer covers, feeling other singers elevate his songwriting; others insist only his own delivery truly suits his songs.
- A tribute/cover album by various alternative/indie artists is highlighted as a good gateway.
Reception of “Hallelujah”
- Opinions are sharply split: some find the original powerful; others “viscerally hate” it yet enjoy certain covers.
- There is criticism of its drift into a generic “Christmas song,” seen as missing the song’s irony and mix of sacred/profane.
Legacy, Persona, and Other Work
- Widely praised as a major poet and novelist as well as songwriter; specific poetry collections and a novel are recommended.
- Commenters recall powerful concerts even in his 70s, documentary narration, and film soundtracks.
- Overall tone: deep admiration for his writing, coolness, and unpretentious personality, with acknowledgment that he remained more cult figure than chart star.