Is Various Positions a good place to start with Leonard Cohen?

Yes, Various Positions is recommended as a starting point for new Leonard Cohen listeners. A contemplative blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect Cohen's poetic storytelling prowess. By the time 'Various Positions' was released in December 1984, Leonard Cohen was transitioning into a phase marked by a renewed focus on spirituality and simplicity in his music. This album followed his previous work, 'Recent Songs,' which had explored more complex arrangements, allowing Cohen to return to a more stripped-down sound that highlighted his lyrical depth.

Who is Various Positions for?

Various Positions works well if you're into steady reflective emotional journey, haunting melodies for quiet moments and intimate listening in solitude.

How many songs are on Various Positions?

Various Positions has 9 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Various Positions

Leonard Cohen · 1984

35 min · 9 tracks · blues

A contemplative blend of melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect Cohen's poetic storytelling prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dance Me to the End of Love Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's themes of love and mortality through its waltz-like rhythm and evocative imagery, setting a poignant tone.
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Hallelujah — 'Hallelujah' stands out as a haunting exploration of faith and loss, showcasing Cohen's ability to intertwine spirituality with personal struggle.
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Coming Back to You — This track exemplifies Cohen’s lyrical craftsmanship, blending yearning with vivid metaphors that reflect on relationships and reconciliation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and unique vocal delivery, though it lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a waltz-like rhythm in 'Dance Me to the End of Love', establishing a reflective mood that persists throughout.
Cohen's vocal delivery is often conversational, with sparse instrumentation allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
Several tracks feature a gradual build-up of layers, such as strings and backing vocals, culminating in a richer sound by the end of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

steady reflective emotional journey
haunting melodies for quiet moments
intimate listening in solitude
poetic lyrics inviting contemplation

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party atmosphere
prefer fast-paced listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Introduced the iconic 'Hallelujah', broadening Cohen's recognition.
Themes: romantic melancholy· spiritual surrender· intimate reflections
Career context: By the time 'Various Positions' was released in December 1984, Leonard Cohen was transitioning into a phase marked by a renewed focus on spirituality and simplicity in his music. This album followed his previous work, 'Recent Songs,' which had explored more complex arrangements, allowing Cohen to return to a more stripped-down sound that highlighted his lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Nick Cave· Bob Dylan· Tom Waits