The Best of Leonard Cohen

Upon its 1975 release, The Best of Leonard Cohen collected the most commonly known songs from Leonard Cohen’s first four studio albums. At the time Cohen was hardly the living legend he’s since become; he was another singer/songwriter from an era that was being replaced by disco, hi-gloss pop, and eventually punk and new wave. Cohen, to his credit, never changed course. For those who’d lost, worn out, or never bothered to purchase his albums, this 12-song summary served as a quick reminder of his considerable talents. “Suzanne” and “Bird on the Wire” were already classics being covered by countless contemporaries. “So Long, Marianne” came close to pop, with its female choir providing the perfect contrast to Cohen’s flat, somber vocals. “Famous Blue Raincoat” plays as a short story. “Chelsea Hotel #2,” a tale of Janis Joplin, is one of Cohen’s strongest melodies. “Sisters of Mercy,” “The Partisan,” “Last Year’s Man,” and “Who By Fire” further demonstrate Cohen’s unparalleled lyrical abilities.