Popular Problems
by Leonard Cohen
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Sep 23, 2014
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Oct 23, 2014
    60
    The backup vocals that seem de rigueur on all Cohen albums are often unnecessary here and at their worst distracting when sung overtop the main attraction.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 39
  3. Negative: 3 out of 39
  1. alecvl08
    Dec 16, 2014
    5
    This album is similar to Cohen's previous, Old Ideas, but he added some instrumental quality and subtracted slightly on the lyrical side.This album is similar to Cohen's previous, Old Ideas, but he added some instrumental quality and subtracted slightly on the lyrical side. Unfortunately, lyrics are about all Cohen can do, and without them, he falls flat. Some of the instrumentals on here have SYNTHESIZER HORNS. WHY. GET REAL ONES!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW EASY IT WOULD BE TO GET A REAL HORN SECTION. Seriously. That's like my biggest annoyance in music. Anyway, there are a few tracks that stand out, but others but others are straight boring. I do like the sense of finality this album gives, not saying this will be Cohen's final album, but, it feels like I'm finishing something huge as the album closes. Overall, it's meh, and the lyrics are still good enough, as Cohen still can write some good lyrical points to make you think.… Full Review »
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