Let us Compare Mythologies
When I was young, this album had an enormous impact on my life. While enduring a love affair gone horribly wrong, somehow these songs gave me comfort, strength, and inspired me to simply endure what felt like the end of the world. Oh, I ate and ate and ate, until I could not eat another plate. Have I had enough my Lord? Far from being the music of suicides, I think this album helped me to avoid the noose. I think it was through Cohen that I discovered the tradition depicted by St John of the Cross in "The Dark Night of the Soul". Loss, pain, and suffering puts one's character into a crucible. Spiritual evolution is a roller coaster. One discovers that the soul has a life of its own, and sometimes must shed it's skin if it is to grow, in it's own serpentine fashion.(When your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn) Cohen clearly knows whereof he speaks, and is not just inventing clever little lyrics for commercial appeal. He means what he says.

The overall effect is sort of European in flavor, and sort of resonates against Weill and Brecht. I appreciate his entire body of work, regard him as a personal hero, but have a special reverence for this particular recording. It is full of gnostic parables about loss and wounding and alienation, healing, damnation, and salvation, and is ultimately, hopeful.

AGREE/DISAGREE
A great album to be sure. And everyone loves the same ole' favorites, Suzanne, Hey that's no way to say goodbye, etc, But . . . I wonder why so few seem to notice, One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong?
I'd like to think he had to veil the song with some light humorous coverings, just so he could relate and share his feelings. Otherwise the hopelessness and tragedy he is describing is too painful to re-live.
If you love deeply, then you also hurt deeply. Would I recommend it? No. It's something few can handle. And why there is such a casual and uncommitted attitude (about love) today. Would I do it again? I'd have no choice.
Listen to it again. Listen to the truth of how it feels to be SO passionately in love with someone that you'd do almost anything for.
Oh you stand there so nice in your blizzard of ice,
Oh please let me come into the storm.
These lines are essential. Knowing the danger, he still begs to be accepted. Knowing that just seeing her without her clothes, could freeze him, like it did the eskimo, he still wants in.
And every other character displays similar conditions of helplessness. There are such perfect descriptions of her effect, and power, over each one.
Don't be misled by the whistling and cries at the end, they are simply the sound of insanity.
Doesn't this song touch a sensitive nerve on anyone else?

The beginning of the majestic Leonard....
This was Leonard Cohen's first album, and it's an amazing album. It's filled with some of his best songs ever, songs that sound new everytime you listen to him. It starts with one of his signature songs, Suzanne. Surprisingly, it's not about a lost love or a current love, but a woman of impeccable taste and hospitality. I especially love The Stranger Song, which grows more brooding and profound every time I listen to it. Sisters of Mercy, So Long, Marianne, and Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye are three other songs that are truly endearing. This is the beginning of the amazing journey for Cohen, as most of his work has been surprisingly consistent and always worth listening to. Many times when an artist has a great debut, he burns out afterwards. Not Leonard. He's aging most gracefully.

An interesting note to cinema buffs. Many of these songs are featured in Robert Altman's masterful McCabe and Mrs. Miller, and the song Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye is featured in Werner Herzog's Fata Morgana.

Essential listening from one of Canada's greatest men.

Songs of Leonard Cohen
The songs on this cd are classic Cohen. If you like Leonard Cohen, you will love this cd. Turn down the lights, turn the volume up, sit down and just contemplate his voice and words. An awesome poet, songwriter, singer.

Brooding, deep and delicious
I have never figured out why I love this album so much. It touches my soul in a strange, satisfying way. If I am feeling down, I listen to this album and it seems to express my feelings. I always feel better afterward. Magical.