The Essential Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen · 2002
156 min · 31 tracks · blues · folk rock · pop rock
A reflective journey through timeless melodies and profound lyrics drenched in melancholy and wisdom.
Why this album works
This album consolidates Cohen's most impactful songs, showcasing tracks like 'Hallelujah' which have become cultural touchstones covered by numerous artists. Its release helped introduce a new generation to Cohen's work, solidifying his influence on modern music and earning accolades for its curated selection.
- Best for
- reflective moments of solitude melancholic melodies for introspection dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- Context
- Released in 2002, this compilation highlights Leonard Cohen's prolific career as he was enjoying a resurgence in popularity following the critical acclaim of his late 1990s albums. It serves as a comprehensive introduction to his extensive catalog, capturing his evolution from a folk icon to a revered literary songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Loverboy· Gordon Lightfoot· Anne Murray· The Guess Who· Barenaked Ladies· Bruce Cockburn· The Tragically Hip· Crash Test Dummies
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Suzanne Standout 3:48
- 2 The Stranger Song 5:00
- 3 Sisters of Mercy 3:33
- 4 Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye 2:54
- 5 So Long, Marianne 5:39
- 6 Bird on a Wire Standout 3:25
- 7 The Partisan 3:25
- 8 Famous Blue Raincoat 5:09
- 9 Chelsea Hotel #2 3:06
- 10 Take This Longing 4:06
- 11 Who by Fire 2:34
- 12 The Guests 6:40
- 13 Hallelujah Standout 4:38
- 14 If It Be Your Will 3:42
- 15 Night Comes On 4:40
- 16 I'm Your Man 4:25
- 17 Everybody Knows 5:37
- 18 Tower of Song 5:37
Disc 2
- 1 Ain't No Cure for Love 4:51
- 2 Take This Waltz 5:59
- 3 First We Take Manhattan 5:51
- 4 Dance Me to the End of Love (live) 6:06
- 5 The Future 6:41
- 6 Democracy 7:05
- 7 Waiting for the Miracle 7:42
- 8 Closing Time 5:59
- 9 Anthem 6:00
- 10 In My Secret Life 4:54
- 11 Alexandra Leaving 5:24
- 12 A Thousand Kisses Deep 6:28
- 13 Love Itself 5:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.