48: Leonard Cohen’s Songs of Love & Hate (1971)

There are a lot of really incredible singer/songwriters to unearth from the never-ending basement of records that is the 1970’s, but for my buck, Cohen is the master. Not only do the songs read like poetry (well, they are poetry, adapted), but Cohen’s gently intimidating voice is the centerpiece amidst highly reflective and even philosophical songs. “Avalanche”, “Famous Blue Raincoat” and “Joan of Arc” are my standout favorites, but the entire album is incredibly dense and stunning. Even the “hate” songs reflect undeniably identifiable feelings, the feelings of someone who was capable of a great love, an astounding care, dethroned. No one matches Cohen. I’ll fight you on that.

Leonard Cohen: “Love Calls You By Your Name” (mp3)