Old Ideas
by Leonard Cohen
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
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
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  1. 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 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 isUnlike 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.… Expand
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    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 sungLeonard 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.… Collapse
  3. ShepRock
    Mar 30, 2012
    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.
  4. 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 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.
  5. 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 miss this masterpiece.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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]
  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]
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Feb 23, 2012
    78
    All told, Old Ideas might be Cohen's strongest effort since taking Manhattan.
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