Obituaries are not generally part of a rock writer’s job description. However, it does fall on us at times to commemorate the brilliant fallen in the only way we know how – through their music. Today is one of those instances, as we mourn the passing of the great Leonard Cohen.
Born Sept. 21, 1934, the Canadian singer/songwriter began releasing work in the mid-'60s. After years of creating highly poetic folk-rock, Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. The artist was known for weaving together mythology, spirituality, sexuality and sorrow in his creations. Cohen also possessed a unique vocal quality – one he put to work in a soulful and outspoken manner throughout his career.
Today, we present you with 10 songs by Leonard Cohen. Arguably, these are not his “top 10” best songs ever made. However, each says something about the artist that we think is worth remembering.