Old Ideas - Leonard Cohen
Old Ideas Image
Metascore
85 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The first new album from the Canadian singer-songwriter in eight years includes production work by Patrick Leonard, Ed Sanders, Dino Soldo, and Anjani Thomas.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Blurt Magazine
    Feb 6, 2012
    100
    Leonard Cohen has made the best full album of his career (song for song, sound for sound, lyrical point for point; yes, this is true) and most certainly the best album of 2012.
  2. Mojo
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Old Ideas remain a quietly surprising album, full of grace, full of sadness, but also, most importantly, full of life. [Mar 2012, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Under The Radar
    Mar 21, 2012
    80
    Old Ideas goes beyond serving as a solid-bookend, revealing the singer/songwriter's gifts to be entirely undiminished. [Mar 2012, p.83]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jan 30, 2012
    60
    Not to say Cohen is not an artist to be treasured, just that Old Ideas may not be entirely essential.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Mericege
    10
    One of the best albums of 2012 already. Great music and lyrics,pure work of genius. At 77 years old Leonard Cohen is at his best. Don't miss this masterpiece.… Expand
  2. BKM
    9
    Leonard Cohen emerges like a specter from the shadows to deliver this gem of an album. The arrrangements are minimal which allow the focus to be entirely on Cohen's weathered voice as he sings about love, loss, longing, regret and salvation with the fervor and passion that artists half his age have trouble mustering up. A true work of art.… Expand
  3. ShepRock
    9
    A slow meditation on life's ultimate destination, Cohen looks for reaffirmation in Old Ideas, and offers more than one amen as he and his band reach for the heights of a peaceful Nirvana.… Expand
  4. AlexxTrusc
    8
    Leonard Cohen needs no recommendation. Who had heard songs like "In My Secret Life" and "Dance Me To The End Of Love", artist's latest album entitled "Old Ideas" will please them. For the rest of listeners it's the first in eight years opportunity to familiarize yourself with unique vocals and poetic style of Cohen's songs. The album consists entirely different compositions - from sung poetry in "Going Home" and "Anyhow", the subtle ballad "Show Me The Place", acoustic and gentle "Crazy To Love You" to careless folk song - "Banjo". A solid entry in the discography of the artist.… Expand

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