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Ten New Songs
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Ten New Songs Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

  • Summary: Leonard Cohen's first album of new material since 1992's 'The Future' contains, oddly enough, ten new songs. Sharon Robinson co-wrote each of the tracks, as well as providing instrumentation and backing vocals.

Top Track

Boogie Street
O Crown of Light, O Darkened One I never thought we d meet You kiss my lips and then it s done I m back on Boogie Street A sip of wine, a cigarette... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Uncut
    100
    You have to adjust to its lack of ornamentation and let it settle, seep, uncurl like smoke or love. And there are songs here to equal his best. [Album Of The Month, Dec 2001, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    The first four tracks... [are] as powerful as any he's written.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    He's never sounded more sensuous. [12 Oct 2001, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Beneath the plasticky politeness is the same old wry fatalism that the likes of Smog continue to strive for.
  5. Mojo
    70
    His relentless intelligence is itself a consolation, bearing gifts of order and sly humour -- though not so many haunting tunes as on, say I'm Your Man. [Nov 2001, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Sonicnet
    70
    It's not inappropriate to think of Ten New Songs as an audio book of poetry with musical accompaniment.
  7. The A.V. Club
    30
    This is the first time he's sounded less than vital.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. Shiira
    Oct 12, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers. "..we met when we were almost young/deep in the green lilac park..."

    I think about you every day. And I hope you are well. There's this version of "C'mon, Marianne" by Bill Callahan that just kills me. It makes me wonder what it would be like to be loved by you. But it's really a Leonard Cohen song. I have read so much about your condition. I'm a compulsive reader. Take care. Not in the cliched sense, but really, take care. If we ever see each other on the street, I hope you won't turn the other way.    … Collapse
  2. ZoranM
    Jan 13, 2007
    10
    Absolutely fresh, from expierienced fox Leonard the great soul builder!
  4. WodekS.
    Oct 25, 2001
    10
    Sensitive without denying his masculinity. This album and a bottle of wine and you're guaranteed to get some action. Thank you, Leonard. Sensitive without denying his masculinity. This album and a bottle of wine and you're guaranteed to get some action. Thank you, Leonard. A triumph.… Expand
  5. PeterB
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    One exquisite poem/song, "Alexandra Leaving", makes this album a 10. The rest of the songs are very fine, but few songs of the last hundred One exquisite poem/song, "Alexandra Leaving", makes this album a 10. The rest of the songs are very fine, but few songs of the last hundred years are as fine as "Alexandra".… Expand
  6. ChuckR.
    Feb 9, 2002
    9
    This record fills my soul. May the lights in the Land of Plenty shine on the truth someday, indeed.
  7. KimKim
    Feb 27, 2006
    9
    Just superb. Dreamy, sensual music and just gorgeous listening. My first Leonard Cohen album, someone lent it to me and i'm now a big Just superb. Dreamy, sensual music and just gorgeous listening. My first Leonard Cohen album, someone lent it to me and i'm now a big fan!! 9 out of 10 because there's one song I don't like (Boogie Street).… Expand
  8. GQ
    Apr 7, 2004
    0
    I stepped into an avalanche...an avalanche so sticky I couldn't move. All around me I hear how moving it all is, but I can't I stepped into an avalanche...an avalanche so sticky I couldn't move. All around me I hear how moving it all is, but I can't breathe for all this goo. It is an unremitting stinker, an album so bad that it occuies a golden space in my musical mythology. I just can't throw it away. No, I throw it on whenever I need to get something done quickly or to urge guests to hurry up an leave. It really is that purgatorial. Sharon Robinson has bought the emperor a new synthesizer which sounds as if it got damaged in the post. I hate to think of the clothes she makes him wear. … Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best Album of 2001
56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2001
71
#71 Most Shared Album of 2001

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