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I apologize if a similar post has already been made, but I really think that Leonard's version of Hallelujah is the most beautiful. Better than Wainwright and the overrated Jeff Buckley version.

Absolutely! Nobody can sing a Leonard Cohen song as well as Leonard Cohen! I especially love the way he's been singing Hallelujah on this current tour, with such heartfelt passion! Just thinking about it makes me emotional! (Although, I do like his original studio version, too. I love everything he does!)

Actually, I just heard the Buckley version for the first time the other day (no, I don't know where I've been all these years. I looked it up on YouTube because I thought I should hear what so many people have been talking about.). I wasn't impressed, I thought it was kind of wimpy (but for those who like it, hey, whatever turns your crank!).

I agree, there is just something about the way Buckley sings it that it just doesn't get to me the way Cohen's version does. Thanks for the reply.

The covers are useful though for introducing new people to Leonard's work.

Still think kd lang's version is the best cover. Even LC said this was his favorite!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYiMJ2bC65A

Kindest regards,
Mary

I prefer Leonards version too,but do like some of the covers,one I came across recently was Kate Voegele's which I was quite moved by.

I agree with Mary about kd lang's version being the best cover (and kd's another Canadian! Maybe it's something in the air up here?). Her rendition is absolutely heart-wrenching and soulful, very much like Leonard's! If you've not heard it, you must check it out!

I certainly am not against covers by any means, espcially since, as hydriot notes, they sometimes introduce people to Leonard's wonderful songs, and then, hopefully to Leonard's own versions. I simply prefer The Man, that's all!

The original by Leonard is the superior version by a mile for me, but the John Cale cover is actually very good. The vastly overrated Buckley rendition is terrible though, especially the chorus as it seems to lack any passion whatsoever. The minute and a half overblown intro on the Buckley version makes it even more intolerable The Lang version is also quite good though I have to say.

I just about had a fit when a friend of mine posted the following on FaceBook:

In love w/ KD LANG and her new song "HALLELUJAH"

Luckily, her son corrected her. After all the posts I've made on FB and on another forum this friend and I share, I was shocked she didn't know it was Leonard's.

Lili

I'm finding there is a distinct difference between Leonard Cohen fans and Hallelujah fans. It's possible to be both, but true LC fans seem to be as interested in his other songs as they are in Hallelujah. Hallelujah fans often are just that....fans of the song Hallelujah. Invariably when I mention LC they'll say, "Who???" When I mention Hallelujah they all know that song. Some have not even heard of LC himself and they all seem to have a favorite version of it. Many of these people, if they have heard LC's version will prefer some other version, some becoming quite insulting of Leonard himself.

I find that personally, I love the song, but just tolerate versions done by other artists. The only one I can get close to the same feeling from is K.D. Lang's.

No real point to this post, just an observation.

Lili

Lilifyre wrote:I find that personally, I love the song, but just tolerate versions done by other artists. The only one I can get close to the same feeling from is K.D. Lang's.


Lili

That is because she sings it very much in the style of Leonard and how he intended the song to be sung (slow and deliberate ). I can take or leave K D Lang as an artist but her cover of LEONARD COHEN'S Hallelujah is definately second only to his own version in my opinion . Infact I liked it that much that I paid to go and see her at the Hammersmith Apollo in London After she had sung Hallelujah I left the concert my mission was complete .

Notice her expression at 5.10 to 5.15 of the film. It's lovely she looks really proud to have sung it.

Mr Man wrote:Notice her expression at 5.10 to 5.15 of the film. It's lovely she looks really proud to have sung it.

I am sure if she was asked she would say it is one of the highlights of her career singing Hallelujah with Leonard sitting in the audience . It does not get much better for a performer !