Review: Leonard Cohen's _Ten New Songs:_ tunes in a shade of blue

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(This was originally written back in 2003, and on another website which shall not be named) I had never heard of this artist before catching a song that was being played as the background of a film; at least not since I was in my teens, and sadly, I hadn't paid much attention then. But now, being much older and sadder, my attention was caught, and I knew that I had to find out more. A quick search, a long wait for the interlibrary loan to come through, and as they say, I was hooked. I've been listening to this one for about three days, and I haven't got tired of it yet. Released in October of 2001, this was the first new work from this blues artist in nearly a decade. It's a raw, but silken, collection of life lived in reality. There's loss, anger, lost days, lonely nights, and yet -- there's a little ribbon of hope running through all of this. Somehow, there's that belief that tomorrow just might be a little better. And that's what makes the blues, well, bearable. What really makes this cd work is the velvety voice of Sharon Robinson, giving a smoothness to counterpoint Cohen's gravelly baritone. Back and forth the lyrics go, giving simply harmony that works for the style, and gives it depth and range. She should have gotten co-billing on this, as she helped to write most of the songs here. What makes Cohen's work so damn good are the lyrics, full of honesty, and life when it hits bottom and you're trying to get it together. In My Secret Life Trying to find peace in yourself, peace in the past, it's a hymn to loneliness and finally getting to the point where you can see around yourself. A Thousand Kisses Deep This is my favorite cut on the cd. The hopes of the person chasing after that one big score that will make him rich. Of course, we know how that usually turns out, especially if you hang out at your local OTB shop. That Don't Make It Junk Love, the things you give up, what you have to part with to survive, it's all here. But there's a sort of sideways humor here, almost tongue in cheek and I couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. Here It Is My second favorite cut on this. It's, well, hard to explain. What can you say when you have it all, and you wake up to find just ashes? There's a lot of bitterness in this one, and the angst gets thick, but oh, how it works! Dished up in a bluesy, boozy style, that sounds like a very late night at the country western bar. Love Itself More of a collection of ruminations on a lost relationship. It's kept simple, just a guitar and Cohen's voice. By The Rivers Dark For those times when we have to dig deep into our bleak spots. A few biblical references, but hey, it works. The background and vocals make it nearly a pop tune, but as with most of the others, it's subtle. Alexandra Leaving If some of the other ballads here are hard luck stories, then this is all about love lost, and it ripped my heart out the first time that I listened to it. No one deserves loss like this. You Have Loved Enough Don't let the melody fool you, it's probably the most upbeat of the songs. Time to give back a bit. Boogie Street Starting off with a nice gospel style harmony, it turns quickly into almost a hip-hop arrangement. Again, it's a smart witty little look into modern life. The Land Of Plenty There's an old saying, "There but for the grace of God go I..." It's pretty much what is happening here. Fans of Chris Rea will enjoy this collection, it's the same sort of blend of smoky blues, heartache, and lyrics that will catch at your heart. It's not for everyone, but if you want some honest music that's free of the corporate glitz and hype, find this cd. You'll thank yourself later. Ten New Songs Leonard Cohen 2001; Sony 85953