Old Ideas
by Leonard Cohen
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. 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.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Jan 27, 2012
    50
    The voices that accompany him here are by turns syrupy and overwrought, and they work less to melt the icy tenor of the singer's voice than to soften the tracks into complete mush.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Album of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. BKM
    Feb 3, 2012
    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 toLeonard 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.… Full Review »
  2. Mericege
    Feb 3, 2012
    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 missOne 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.… Full Review »
  3. alecvl08
    Dec 14, 2014
    6
    Unlike most other Cohen albums, this one has some personality. The lyrics are thoughtful and meaningful, and the instrumentation is the bestUnlike most other Cohen albums, this one has some personality. The lyrics are thoughtful and meaningful, and the instrumentation is the best I've ever heard on a Cohen record. However, the production quality is abysmal, and there are a few tracks that slip back into the style of Dear Heather, which was terrible. On tracks like The Darkness, the groove is interesting and the organ solo is great. Cohen has some awesome moments on this LP, but he fails to keep the momentum for the entire album.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »