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Album reviews Music

Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas

Rating: NNNN


I hate to say it, but maybe Leonard Cohen should go broke more often. After spending two years touring to recoup losses from shady management, the iconic Canadian singer/songwriter has emerged with his best work in well over a decade. Gone are the much-maligned synths that dominated his albums since the 80s, replaced with understated, earthy production that beautifully complements his richly evocative songwriting. It’s as if being confronted with live audiences every night helped him remember what we love him for.

The familiar Cohen themes of heartbreak, seduction and resigned depression are well represented, and he’s still got a great ear for a memorable bittersweet one-liner. More cynical listeners might argue that Cohen is simply retreating to a caricature of his earlier self, but closer listens reveal a world-weary bluesy quality that has never sounded this natural. Old Ideas feels like you’re hearing Cohen performing live at a small club with a top-notch band of veteran players, and this new level of intimacy suits him perfectly.

Top track: Crazy To Love You

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