Famous Blue Raincoat – The Songs of Leonard Cohen cover

Famous Blue Raincoat – The Songs of Leonard Cohen

Jennifer Warnes · 1986

41 min · 9 tracks · folk

Haunting interpretations of Leonard Cohen's poetry, wrapped in lush arrangements and Warnes' emotive vocals.

Why this album works

The album received critical acclaim, particularly for its faithful yet fresh interpretations of Cohen's work, leading to a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance for 'Ain't No Cure for Love'. It became influential within the folk and pop genres, helping to renew interest in Cohen's music during the mid-80s.
Best for
haunting vocal interpretations steady emotional unfolding intimate listening atmosphere
Context
By the time 'Famous Blue Raincoat' was released in 1986, Jennifer Warnes was already an established artist known for her collaborative work with Cohen. This album marked a significant return to her solo career after a five-year hiatus following 'Shot Through the Heart' (1982) and showcased her deep connection to Cohen's songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Emmylou Harris· John Denver· Dolly Parton

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 First We Take Manhattan 3:46
  • 2 Bird on a Wire Standout 4:42
  • 3 Famous Blue Raincoat Standout 5:33
  • 4 Joan of Arc 8:02
  • 5 Came So Far for Beauty 3:39
  • 6 Ain’t No Cure for Love Standout 3:21
  • 7 Coming Back to You 3:44
  • 8 Song of Bernadette 3:54
  • 9 A Singer Must Die 4:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata