New Skin for the Old Ceremony

by Leonard Cohen

New Skin for the Old Ceremony cover art

'New Skin for the Old Ceremony' marks a sonic evolution for Leonard Cohen, as producer John Lissauer introduces a more orchestrated, though still spare, sound with instruments like viola, mandolin, and woodwinds supplementing Cohen's guitar. The album's songwriting confronts themes of carnality, conflict, and spirituality with iconic tracks like the candid "Chelsea Hotel #2" and the liturgical, Jewish prayer-influenced "Who by Fire". The record's controversial alchemical cover art, depicting a spiritual and physical union, visually represents the album's fusion of sacred and profane themes, cementing it as a pivotal, transitional work in his discography.

Genres

  • Singer-Songwriter
  • Art Folk

Tracklist

  1. Is This What You Wanted
  2. Chelsea Hotel #2
  3. Lover Lover Lover
  4. Field Commander Cohen
  5. Why Don't You Try
  6. There Is a War
  7. A Singer Must Die
  8. I Tried to Leave You
  9. Who by Fire
  10. Take This Longing
  11. Leaving Green Sleeves