Leonard Cohen vs. Jeff Buckley | Head 2 Head 🗣️

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On the 6^th edition of Head 2 Head (2022), Leonard Cohen and Jeff Buckley contend for the best rendition of “Hallelujah.”

elcome to Head 2 Head ! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their performances. Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more. On the 6^th edition of head-to-head (2022),

Leonard Cohen and

Jeff Buckley contend for the best rendition of “Hallelujah”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Leonard Cohen, “Hallelujah”

Various Positions • Sony Music Entertainment • 1984

“Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord / That David played, and it pleased the Lord / But you don’t really care for music, do ya?” Sigh, what would it feel like to pen one of the greatest songs of all time? I’ve pondered this for some time. Late, great Canadian singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen composed an eventual, universally acclaimed classic in “Hallelujah”.

“It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

The baffled king composing, ‘Hallelujah’.”

A reference to King David and spirituality, at least to some degree? Cohen, a gifted songwriter, wrote many other songs, naturally, but “Hallelujah” has become his most beloved. Interestingly, via SPIN, Cohen said “‘Hallelujah’ took 10 years to write.” Furthermore, it should be noted, Cohen wasn’t a ‘spring chicken’ when his ‘magnum opus’, appeared as the fifth track on his 1984 album, Various Positions. He was 50!

There are very few perfect songs, but “Hallelujah” is undoubtedly one of them with its poetic lyricism. On the original recording of “Hallelujah,” Leonard showcases his rich baritone, backed by production that exemplifies the 80s (those electric keys). Initially, in the first verse, Cohen ‘talks’ the song before fully embracing the radiant melody. Each verse is captivating, both thanks to the haunting melody as well as the lyrics, where Cohen’s bread is buttered.

“You say I took the name in vain

I don’t even know the name

But if I did, well really, what’s it to ya?”

Of course, the chorus, the centerpiece, marks the high point, with choral vocals and louder dynamics, creating a more pronounced sound. The original by Cohen is strong. That said, it alone didn’t make “Hallelujah” the universally acclaimed gem it is today. It would pass through more hands, including John Cale, and perhaps most notably, Jeff Buckley.

2. Jeff Buckley, “Hallelujah”

Grace • Columbia • 1994

Like Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley is best known for one song: “Hallelujah”. Sure, it’s only one stellar moment from his 1994 album, Grace, but it’s the crowning achievement. Of course, it was Cohen who wrote and originally recorded his own song – makes sense to me. Still, the version of the song I came to know, and love was the stunning cover by Buckley, inspired by the John Cale cover. Jeff, who only lived to be 30 years old, was the son of a singer/songwriter/guitarist, Tim Buckley, who also died young (28). The thing is the rendition of “Hallelujah” in the hands of Jeff Buckley is starkly different than Cohen’s. Buckley, of course, never reached 50, the age Cohen was when he released “Hallelujah.” Buckley was in his late 20s.

Buckley truly makes “Hallelujah” his own. This begins with the haunting opening guitar lines which set the tone for an intimate musical experience. Following the minute-long intro, Jeff wows with his tender, nuanced, truly radiant vocals. What makes this performance so special is the care that he takes with each lyric and musical note. At times, Buckley sings more hushed; poised. At other times, he digs in, packing more of a punch, putting some oomph behind the virtuosic songwriting of Leonard Cohen. I love how cutting he is on the final chorus before returning to a more solemn, reverent approach to conclude the song. In Jeff Buckley’s hands, “Hallelujah” truly sounds heavenly – that once-in-a-lifetime recording.

The Verdict

Leonard Cohen or Jeff Buckley? Give Cohen all the credit for writing one of the greatest songs EVER. That can’t be overstated. However, when it comes to comparing both recordings and performances, Jeff Buckley owns it. There’s just something otherworldly about it that words can’t accurately describe. RIP to two marvelous musicians.