Leonard's Our Man (I'm Your Man - Leonard Cohen)

Member Name: nilo0901

Product:	I'm Your Man - Leonard Cohen
Date:	10/11/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great songs, production, lyrics

Disadvantages: If you don't like Leonard's voice this won't convert you

We've seen so many times that artists and songwriters who have great success throughout the 60's and the 70's often have a horrendous 80's as they try to keep up with the times. The songwriting becomes bland and the need for synthesisers means that the songs become so electronically ladened that the production becomes the focus over the songs themselves. It fills me with great pleasure to say that in the case of Leonard Cohen and 'I'm Your Man' this is most certainly not the case. It could be argued that prior to this Len was having a creative crisis. The mid 70's and early 80's were just about fair to him but albums were patchy compared to his 60's output and by his own high standards. Just when we thought Len's time was up, he brought us this curious powerhouse.

The scene is set with the opening track 'First We Take Manhattan'. A rollicking propulsive track that is both sophisticated and contemporary sounding (for the time) with the trademark wry lyrical dynamism from Cohen. 'Everybody Knows' has become a Cohen calling card and has been covered countless times. Its a remarkably cynical song and again an acute comment on the times and the dangers facing love in the age of AIDS. This song alone is worth the admission fee and is certainly one of Cohen's greatest achievements.

It doesn't end here though as every song is magnificent. 'Take This Waltz' and 'Ain't No Cure For Love' shimmer with sexual potency and Tower Of Song is another world weary masterpiece. These songs all sound sophisticated and sassy. Cohen whispers in his understated manner throughout but to great effect against the musical backdrop. If you don't like Len's voice then I'm not going to convince you that you should listen to this because if anything, he's becoming less tuneful rather than more. For anyone else, this comes highly recommended.

Summary: A Must Have Album