Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
The 1984 song that Bob Dylan hailed as showcasing Leonard Cohen’s “greatest genius”
Bob Dylan singled out Leonard Cohen’s 1984 song ‘The Law’ as a clear example of the songwriter’s “greatest genius”. The article argues that Dylan particularly valued Cohen’s ability to combine intricate melodies with poetic lyrics, rather than treating the words as the sole source of his reputation.
‘The Law’ appeared on Cohen’s 1984 album Various Positions and is built around two basic chords. Dylan said its counterpoint lines were essential to the song, creating melodic lift and a celestial quality; the article says the song explores human fallibility and forces beyond individual control.
In short
- Dylan praised ‘The Law’ as a showcase for Cohen’s melodic skill.
- The song appeared on Cohen’s 1984 album Various Positions.
- Dylan valued Cohen’s counterpoint as much as his lyrics.
Explained simply
Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter and poet whose songs often paired literary lyrics with distinctive melodies. Bob Dylan, an American songwriter and fellow Nobel laureate in literature, has spoken about Cohen’s music and its craft.
‘The Law’ appeared on Cohen’s 1984 album Various Positions. Though it uses only two basic chords, its interweaving melodic lines add movement to the music; the song’s words consider human weakness and forces beyond a person’s control.
The song offers a way to hear how melody and lyrics work together in Cohen’s writing. Dylan’s praise draws attention to that musical construction as well as to the poetry for which Cohen is widely known.