Songs of Leonard Cohen
Released: 1967

Songs of Leonard Cohen

by Leonard Cohen

The 166th greatest album of all time

Songs of Leonard Cohen, released in 1967 as Cohen's debut album, introduces his deep, husky voice and literate songwriting within a folk-rooted framework. The record pairs spare acoustic arrangements with occasional chamber folk touches such as strings and restrained orchestration, supporting songs like "Suzanne", "So Long, Marianne", and "Sisters of Mercy". Its focus on poetic lyrics and themes of love, faith, and solitude, delivered in an intimate, understated sonic palette, established Cohen as a distinctive contemporary folk songwriter.