Live in Dublin cover

Live in Dublin

Leonard Cohen · 2014

180 min · 30 tracks · blues

A reflective tapestry of spoken word and song, weaving together Cohen's rich baritone with poignant instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hallelujah — This rendition captures the emotional weight of the song through Cohen's gravelly voice, offering a raw interpretation that resonates deeply with the audience.
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    Dance Me to the End of Love Start here — The opening track sets a vibrant tone for the concert, blending romantic imagery with a lively beat that invites listeners into Cohen's world.
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    Suzanne — Cohen's delivery of this classic feels both nostalgic and fresh, showcasing his ability to evoke deep emotion while connecting with the audience.
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    Anthem — The performance of this track stands out for its uplifting message amidst somber themes, demonstrating Cohen's talent for juxtaposing hope with despair.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Cohen's deep voice and varied instrumentation create an engaging live experience, though some tracks feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

  • Instrumentation varies from track to track, incorporating strings, piano, and guitar, creating a rich backdrop for the vocals.
  • Several tracks are extended versions of Cohen's classics, allowing for improvisation and audience interaction during performances.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting melodies for reflective moments
  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • long-form listening for deep immersion
  • poignant lyrics that provoke thought
  • captivating storytelling in live performance

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Captures Cohen's artistry at the end of his career, showcasing depth and intimacy.
Themes
Dublin concert intimacy· spiritual longing· poetic storytelling
Career context
Released in December 2014, 'Live in Dublin' captures Leonard Cohen at the twilight of his career, shortly before his passing in 2016. This album showcases a seasoned artist who had already experienced significant acclaim through decades of songwriting, solidifying his legacy as a master lyricist and performer during his final years.
Stylistic neighbors
Nick Cave· Bob Dylan· Tom Waits

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Dance Me to the End of Love Start here 5:57
  • 2 The Future 6:46
  • 3 Bird on the Wire 7:09
  • 4 Everybody Knows 5:35
  • 5 Who by Fire 8:44
  • 6 The Gypsy’s Wife 6:12
  • 7 Darkness 5:51
  • 8 Amen 8:02
  • 9 Come Healing 3:58
  • 10 Lover Lover Lover 6:49
  • 11 Anthem 8:09

Disc 2

  • 1 Tower of Song 6:31
  • 2 Suzanne 4:25
  • 3 Chelsea Hotel #2 3:23
  • 4 Waiting for the Miracle 8:01
  • 5 The Partisan 5:26
  • 6 In My Secret Life 5:04
  • 7 Alexandra Leaving 7:57
  • 8 I’m Your Man 5:58
  • 9 Recitation w/ N.L. 3:20
  • 10 Hallelujah 7:25
  • 11 Take This Waltz 6:01

Disc 3

  • 1 So Long, Marianne 5:34
  • 2 Going Home 4:06
  • 3 First We Take Manhattan 6:40
  • 4 Famous Blue Raincoat 4:34
  • 5 If It Be Your Will 4:53
  • 6 Closing Time 5:34
  • 7 I Tried to Leave You 7:44
  • 8 Save the Last Dance for Me 4:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata