Description
Leonard Cohen – Songs Of Love And Hate – 180 Gram White Vinyl Record
Black Friday Record Store Day 2021 release, released in quantity of 5000.
50th anniversary edition
Includes a 12×12 booklet with lyrics.
Embossed cover.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released in March 1971, Leonard Cohen’s Songs of Love and Hate stands as one of the most emotionally raw and lyrically intense albums of his career. As the title suggests, the album is steeped in themes of love, despair, longing, and bitterness, all conveyed through Cohen’s distinctive voice and poetic songwriting. Songs of Love and Hate marked Cohen’s third studio album and solidified his reputation as a master lyricist, blending folk, poetry, and deeply introspective themes to create an enduring work of art.
The album is often regarded as one of Cohen’s darkest and most intense works, delving deep into the human condition with songs that explore the emotional complexity of relationships, isolation, and the pain of existence. With its sparse arrangements and stark, confessional lyrics, Songs of Love and Hate is a quintessential Cohen album, beloved by fans and critics alike for its uncompromising honesty and haunting beauty.
By the time Cohen recorded Songs of Love and Hate, he had already established himself as one of the most enigmatic and revered singer-songwriters of his generation, known for his melancholic voice and profound lyrics. His previous albums, Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967) and Songs from a Room (1969), had introduced listeners to his introspective, often haunting style, but Songs of Love and Hate took that introspection to new, darker depths.
Cohen was grappling with personal turmoil and creative frustration during the writing of this album, which undoubtedly influenced the mood and content of the songs. His lyrics on this album are steeped in themes of loss, betrayal, and the complexities of love, presenting listeners with a stark, unflinching view of the human heart.
The album’s title, Songs of Love and Hate, perfectly encapsulates its emotional extremes, oscillating between tenderness and bitterness, hope and despair, while offering Cohen’s wry commentary on life’s inevitable struggles.
Songs of Love and Hate is characterized by its minimalistic production and sparse arrangements, which allow Cohen’s voice and lyrics to take center stage. Produced by Bob Johnston (who also worked with artists like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash), the album features simple yet evocative instrumentation, with acoustic guitar, orchestral strings, and occasional backing vocals complementing Cohen’s deep, resonant voice.
The music is often melancholic and brooding, serving as the perfect backdrop for Cohen’s somber poetry. The arrangements are subtle, yet they heighten the emotional intensity of the lyrics, adding depth to the album’s exploration of love, pain, and despair.
Cohen’s vocal delivery on this album is intimate and conversational, often more spoken than sung, which draws listeners into the confessional nature of the songs. His voice, though not conventionally melodic, conveys an emotional weight that few other artists can match.
Notable Tracks
“Avalanche”: The album opens with one of Cohen’s most haunting songs, a poetic meditation on self-destruction, isolation, and guilt. With its stark guitar arrangement and Cohen’s mournful vocals, “Avalanche” sets the tone for the rest of the album, exploring the psychological complexities of love and pain. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and metaphor, portray a man grappling with his own sense of worthlessness and emotional turmoil.
“Famous Blue Raincoat”: One of Cohen’s most beloved songs, “Famous Blue Raincoat” is a melancholic letter from a man to his estranged friend, who has betrayed him by having an affair with his lover. The song is filled with longing, forgiveness, and regret, with its intricate narrative and unresolved emotional tension. The haunting beauty of the melody, paired with Cohen’s poignant lyrics, makes this one of his most enduring and emotionally resonant works.
“Joan of Arc”: This song is a dramatic retelling of the story of Joan of Arc, told from the perspective of both Joan and the flames that consumed her. The song explores themes of martyrdom, passion, and spiritual longing, with Cohen blending historical and metaphorical elements to create a complex emotional landscape. The song’s rich symbolism and haunting refrain make it a standout track on the album.
“Dress Rehearsal Rag”: One of the darkest and most unsettling songs on the album, “Dress Rehearsal Rag” is a bleak meditation on suicide, depression, and the futility of existence. The song’s sharp, biting lyrics depict a man contemplating the end of his life, filled with despair and cynicism. The haunting melody and Cohen’s somber vocal delivery create a sense of impending doom, making this one of the most intense moments on the album.
“Love Calls You by Your Name”: A more tender but still melancholic song, “Love Calls You by Your Name” explores themes of longing, loneliness, and the passage of time. The song’s gentle, flowing melody contrasts with its somber lyrics, which reflect on the pain of unrequited love and the search for meaning in a world filled with emotional complexity.
As the title suggests, Songs of Love and Hate revolves around the dualities of love and bitterness, affection and betrayal. Cohen’s lyrics are filled with contradictions, reflecting the complexities and emotional ambiguities of human relationships. Throughout the album, Cohen explores themes of emotional suffering, existential despair, and the inevitability of loss.
Many of the songs on the album, such as “Famous Blue Raincoat” and “Avalanche,” deal with the emotional fallout of love and betrayal. Cohen portrays love as a double-edged sword, capable of bringing both immense joy and deep sorrow. Several songs, including “Dress Rehearsal Rag” and “Avalanche,” delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche, exploring themes of depression, isolation, and the futility of existence. Cohen’s lyrics often read like existential meditations, filled with questions about life’s meaning and the pain that comes with self-awareness.
In songs like “Joan of Arc,” Cohen touches on themes of spiritual longing and martyrdom, drawing on religious imagery to explore the tension between earthly desires and spiritual transcendence. This theme would continue to be a central part of Cohen’s work throughout his career.
When Songs of Love and Hate was released in 1971, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Cohen’s poetic brilliance and others finding the album too dark and somber. However, over time, it has come to be regarded as one of Cohen’s most important and enduring works.
Critics have praised the album for its uncompromising emotional intensity and Cohen’s ability to craft deeply personal yet universal songs. Songs of Love and Hate is often cited as one of Cohen’s best albums, a masterclass in lyrical songwriting that captures the full range of human emotions. It stands alongside his debut album Songs of Leonard Cohen as a defining work in his career.
The album’s influence can be heard in the work of many later artists, particularly those in the singer-songwriter, folk, and alternative rock genres. Artists such as Nick Cave, Suzanne Vega, and Antony and the Johnsons have cited Cohen as an influence, and Songs of Love and Hate remains a touchstone for musicians who seek to explore the darker, more introspective side of songwriting.
Songs of Love and Hate is a deeply affecting album that captures Leonard Cohen at his most intense and introspective. With its sparse arrangements, haunting melodies, and profound lyrics, the album stands as a testament to Cohen’s brilliance as a songwriter and poet. It is an album that delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and existential despair, offering listeners a raw, unfiltered view of the human condition.
For fans of Leonard Cohen and those drawn to dark, introspective songwriting, Songs of Love and Hate is an essential listen. Its emotional depth, lyrical sophistication, and haunting beauty make it one of the most powerful and enduring albums in Cohen’s remarkable catalog.
Track Listing
Avalanche
Last Year’s Man
Dress Rehearsal Rag
Diamonds In The Mine
Love Calls You By Your Name
Famous Blue Raincoat
Sing Another Song, Boys
Joan Of Arc
