# The 1984 song that Bob Dylan hailed as showcasing Leonard Cohen’s “greatest genius”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-1984-song-that-bob-dylan-hailed-as-showcasing-leonard-cohens-greatest-genius/
- Published: 2026-07-22T16:16:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-28T05:43:07+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1984-song-bob-dylan-thought-showed-off-leonard-cohens-genius/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.