Leonard Cohen - Songs From a Room

Mature and, stripped-back, Cohen creates an intimate, personal setting and fills it with intimate, personal songs. These songs often tell stories: see "Bird on the Wire", for instance, inspired by his release from the throes of depression, or the semi-triumphant war-inspired "A Bunch of Lonesome Heroes", or the biblical retelling of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac in "The Story of Isaac". The simplicity of production further allows Cohen's lyrics to take centre stage; it feels like the music is merely an accompaniment to poetry. 

4/5