Old Ideas
by Leonard Cohen

Old Ideas was the first Leonard Cohen album I actually bought as soon as it was released and it did seem like a clear return to form, that is until I heard the subsequent releases of Popular Problems and You Want It Darker.

I do have a soft spot for this album as the only time I saw a Leonard Cohen show was on the tour in support of this record.

Old ideas, is a fine Leonard Cohen album. Certainly an improvement on the slightly disappointing, dear Heather. There are some lovely tracks here, especially the achingly beautiful, come healing, one of Cohen's most gorgeous songs. Elsewhere, there's, darkness, banjo, and, amen, the centrepiece of the record. Cohen's voice must limit the way he writes as he also must be able to perform it too. I wonder if this frustrates him at all? Still, old ideas, proves the well isn't dry just yet. Lovely album.

From Decurso 09/24/2014 13:23 | #122591

Lenny's voice has gotten a bit gravelly, but the songwriting and production are top notch. There is also a tongue-in-cheek theme of self-deprication that runs through the album, which lightens the rather somber mood set by the musical tone. Favourite track: Going Home.

From RockyRaccoon 07/10/2013 14:25 | #80957 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

I read an iTunes review of this album where someone complained that Leonard Cohen was so old he was just talking through his songs now. What they must not have realized is that Cohen has always done that. In his younger days he sang a little bit, but since the late 70s, he basically talk-sings his way through songs. This album is no different, it’s exactly what you should expect from a Leonard Cohen album. Lyrically the album is great, Cohen certainly hasn’t lost his poetic touch. Musically the album is decent. Not amazing, but not bad. If you’re a fan of Cohen already, you’ll probably enjoy this album, it’s a lot like the stuff he’s been putting out the past few years. However if you’ve never heard of Leonard Cohen, don’t start with this album. Start with any album of his from the late 60s, early 70s.

Leonard Cohen is not known to spoil his large audience with many new songs / albums. So naturally there are always high hopes and expectations for his rare new releases. After the album "Dear Heather" from 2004, one might fear that the old voice and perhaps the inspiration was close to exhaustion. There are fine songs on "Dear Heather", but they are fewer than you are accustomed to from Cohen, and his voice appear worn and slightly weak on several tracks.

I was fortunate to experience him live on his recent European tour, so I knew that he in many ways is still an entertainer at the highest level and that his voice if it just presented right is at least as expressive as when he was younger. Over the years he is also known for being very adept at finding the right musicians and especially the right singers to back up.

On this new album the list of people who have vcontributed is very long - both concerning producers, arrangers, singers and musicians. However, fortunately, they have managed to create a beautiful album that serves as a beautiful whole, and you donever notice that the whole team may be changed from one song to the next.

Like all Cohen's later albums it is beautifully produced: Very pleasant sound - never get boring nor irrelevant, however. Cohen's songwriting is still fine, though there hardly many new great classics to find. On several of the songs he has had help on melody side from producer Patrick Leonard and on one from Anjani Thomas.

There are no weak tracks - they all appear finished, even though the lyrics on a couple of tracks may seem a little sparse. The theme of the songs is for the most part getting old - looking back at a long life and to embrace death.

Of personal favorites, I will mention "Going Home" - a quiet melodic song with very nice vocal backing by Dana Glover. On the gospel-like and melancholy "Show Me" Cohen is supported on vocals by his old friend Jennifer Warnes. Perhaps the finest number on the album.

On the melodic "Come Healing" it is again Dana Glover who is responsible for the great harmony vocals. A small handful of songs draw well on the blues. "Darkness" with his latest tour band in the backing is a fine and tight recording, and it's always nice to listen to Sharon Robinson and the Webb Sisters. Robinson is also present on the less significant "Banjo". On "Lullaby" you notice a nice melodic guitar line.

The final track "Different Sides" is a worthy conclusion to a great album from one of music's great veterans. The song has some of the grandeur that characterized Cohen's music on "I'm Your Man" and "The Future".

"Amen" has by many been brought forward as the key track. I don't necessarily agree. For me, "Amen" is just one good number among many others.