Greetings,
A while back, I did a list of my favorite singing offsprings, the children of famous singers who may or may not have become famous themselves. I thought it best to explain why one of those lesser known prodigies made the list with an album review. So today, I will be giving my thoughts on the Adam Cohen's Like a Man.
Okay, if you haven't figured it out yet, Adam Cohen is the son of Leonard Cohen. And if you don't know who Leonard Cohen is, stop now because you are no longer allowed to read my blog. For the rest of you, I'm happy to say that Adam Cohen is one second generationer who has managed to balance embracing his legacy with maintaining his own identity. That is something that takes skill, and he certainly has it.
Now Like a Man is not his first album. He has done other work, both for himself and others. Actually, it was writing for other artists that got him most of his success in the past. I've heard some of his past efforts and, to be honest, while I could certainly hear the spark there, he had yet to reach his height of potential. Thankfully, he has done so on this album. Let's begin, shall we?
The album begins quite gently with the song "Out of Bed", which is a good precursor to the mood of the rest of the tracks. The music is great, but I love the story being told with the lyrics. I find them almost humorous, and I hope that's okay, since it seems to be about a guy who would do anything for the one he loves, if he could just get around to doing it. Isn't that just like a man? Speaking of which, let's move on to the title track. This one is even more mellow than the opener, but the melodies are more strongly driven and almost fight against the calmness of the music. But in a good way. Next up is "Sweet Dominique" which I love because the lyrics tell a good story and are very visually stimulating. I love a song I can see. And the use of the words "kisses deep" certainly hearken back to the work of his father. Or am I the only one who noticed that?
Now not everything on the album is all that mellow. In fact, one of my favorites is one of the more, for lack of a better word, pop sounding tracks. "What Other Guy" is more up beat than some of the other songs, and the lyrics talk so much of a man who really knows his lady, I can't imagine any woman not loving this. Especially any woman who has a man who MIGHT buy her flowers once a year, and when he does, they're ones she's allergic to. I mean, come on, guys. Speaking of the pop world and the repetition and derivativeness of it, we also get a song called "Beautiful". Everyone gives us a song called "Beautiful". Lucky for Adam, though, he manages to be more lyrically creative than most, so he gets a pass. He also gets one because the song is - let's just say it - beautiful.
And then the album closes with a song called "Stranger". Should I ever make a top ten list of the best closing songs, this one definitely has a shot at making it. It is a very thoughtful and even comforting song. And, forgive me for sounding sappy, but it's one of those songs that makes you feel not so alone. I think that this and "Out of Bed" are the perfect bookends for the entire album.
Like I said, and I hope no one minds me saying it again, Adam Cohen's work is certainly reminiscent of some things his father did, but I would never confuse any music from one of them with that of the other. I must say, though, one of the most interesting gifts that Adam has is his voice, and it can also be compared to that of his father's. You can really tell that they are related by listening to it, and yet, because they have each lived their own lives and experiences, you can feel those subtle differences that set them apart from each other. Sometimes it's not only what you have, but it's what you've done that makes you who you are as an artist. And everything about this album really gives great insight on who Adam Cohen is.
So, obviously, I am recommending this album, especially to those of you who like music that is not too harsh and that has lyrics with which you can really take your time and slowly drink in. It truly is a work for other writers and true listeners.
Since I am both of those things, I love it.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
