Bob and I were discussing Leonard Cohen’s singing the other day and I really couldn’t argue with Bob’s point that Cohen’s singing is a bit strained. I couldn’t say why I liked Cohen’s versions of his songs but I do. To be clear, I also like other singers’ versions as well but Cohen’s problematic singing doesn’t bother me.

I will admit it isn’t great. There is a limited range and rarely goes to far from actual speaking the lyrics. Cohen, like another problematic singer/song writer Bob Dylan, has intriguing lyrics that sometimes can only the singer/song writer can capture. Cohen delivers the tone and emotional depth of what he is trying to say and how he wants to say it. For me, this makes up for any voice limitations. Cohen is very much the every man when he sings. For lack of a better way of saying it he sings like I think I would sing if I could sing.

Here is a link to Cohen singing Suzanne.