Leonard Cohen
The essential Leonard Cohen records, ranked — where to start and what to reach for next.
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1Songs of Leonard CohenLeonard CohenStart here
Songs of Leonard Cohen
A debut of literary, world-weary folk that introduced 'Suzanne' and 'So Long, Marianne'. Spare and poetic. The foundation of a long, great career.
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2Songs of Love and HateLeonard CohenClassic
Songs of Love and Hate
A stark, intense peak of literary folk, home to 'Famous Blue Raincoat'. Dark and beautiful. One of his best.
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3New Skin for the Old CeremonyLeonard CohenClassic
New Skin for the Old Ceremony
A literate, intricate peak of dark wit. Beautiful and acclaimed. A high point.
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4Various PositionsLeonard CohenClassic
Various Positions
A warm, melodic record now famous for introducing 'Hallelujah'. Tuneful and beloved. A quiet landmark.
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5I'm Your ManLeonard CohenClassic
I'm Your Man
Cohen reinvents himself with synths and dark wit, from 'Everybody Knows' to 'Tower of Song'. Funny, bleak and brilliant. A late-career high.
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6You Want It DarkerLeonard CohenClassic
You Want It Darker
A graceful, mortality-haunted final album. Powerful and acclaimed. A profound farewell.
Tracks we've featured in our best-of lists — tap a title to find it on Amazon Music.