Bob Dylan V's Leonard Cohen

1. 72

   Gareth Pritchardposted 12 years ago

   Bob Dylan V's Leonard Cohen
   
   I am interested to know what the general population think, which one writes the best songs?

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2. 77

   mattdigiulioposted 12 years ago

   I think Cohen is fantastic, and I prefer listening to his music to Dylan's, but I think technically Dylan is the more accomplished of the two. Cohen actually started as a successful poet and writer before moving to music.
   
   Another person to add to this conversation would be Paul Simon, who I think is comparable to both of these men.
   
   Best, Matt

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3. 90

   spartucusjonesposted 12 years ago

   Because of Cohen's literary and poetry backgrounds, you can't really beat him when it comes to poetic lyrics. But when it comes to overall classic songs Dylan beats him by a landslide. Cohen has a couple of songs that have become modern day standards (notably Hallelujah, which even Dylan covered) but Dylan has numerous modern day standards, and he may of been covered more than just about any other artist. Dylan his definitely more influential. Of course a lot of this has to do with the fact that Dylan was more prolific.

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4. 79

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   Definitely Leonard Cohen but I also really like many, many of Dylan's songs.

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5. 58

   J Phillip Wrightposted 12 years ago

   Interesting question because it depends on which Dylan you are talking about. First off, Cohen is a great writer. Dylan has reinvented himself so often you have to be specific. Protest singing Dylan vs Cohen: Cohen wins. Blonde on Blonde era Dylan: Dylan, no contest. Nashville Skyline, Self Portrait Dylan: Cohen by far, Blood on the Tracks Dylan: as good as it gets, Dylan the winner. Cohen far beats most of the Dylan works of the 80s and 90s, but Dylan began to hit his stride again with World Gone Wrong and Good As I Been To You, but those were all covers so they don't count, but they did pave the way for Time Out Of Mind, Love and Theft, and Modern Times and these albums can't be beat by anyone

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6. 71

   itakinsposted 12 years ago

   Leonard Cohen everytime-He's your man ! I like Dylan's music too ,but Cohen,I think,really is in a different league.

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