The Best Versions of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”

Originally penned and sung by Leonard Cohen in 1984, "Hallelujah" has been covered by over 300 artists. In the lyrics, the songwriter cleverly plays with the various meanings of the word "Hallelujah," from using it as an imperative command in the religious context to making it a joyful utterance in life.

Anyone would want to sing it out loud, and that's where the song's infinite charm lies. Through the decades, it has become one of the most misunderstood yet most loved and performed songs in music history. Cohen spent five years piling up over 80 different drafts before settling on the final lyrics with biblical references that, to date, encourage artists to put their own stamp on their renditions. 

The Song’s First Ever Cover by Bob Dylan in 1988

In the four years of its release, "Hallelujah" hadn't made many waves until Bob Dylan picked it up to perform live at his 1988 concert in Montreal. In hindsight, Dylan was the best artist to cover the song for the first time. Fiery and powerful, his performance nailed the original's palpable tension between the lyrics' biblical, sensual, and spiritual context. Unfortunately, there is no studio recording, and the live version hasn't been released officially. 

John Cale’s 1991 Rendition Outshined the Original Composition

Leonard Cohen's song that he had poured his heart and soul into gained recognition only after John Cale recorded his version with his naturally evocative voice accompanied by the piano in the tribute album to Leonard Cohen I'm Your Fan in 1991. He picked a few of Cohen's new verses and made them immensely popular, so much so that the original artist himself began singing those lyrics in his subsequent live performances. Cale's version was used in the 2001 animated movie Shrek, adding to its popularity. 

Jeff Buckley’s Haunting Performance Recorded in 1994

Most artists who have covered "Hallelujah" are known to have focussed more on the spiritual aspect of the song. At the same time, Jeff Buckley embraced its sensuality and successfully brought it to the fore in the song's recording in his album Grace, released in 1994. Buckley passed away three years later, but his hauntingly glorious rendition has stayed memorable. 

Regina Spektor's Meditative Live Cover of the Song in 2005

At the Jewish Heritage Festival held in 2005, Regina Spektor dug deep into her spiritual side and rendered a prayerful version, yet adding dollops of playfulness to the fare. Her softly masterful drawing out of the word "Hallelujah" towards the end of each chorus is unforgettable and makes it one of the most acclaimed live performances of the song. 

K.D. Lang's Definitive Performance of "Hallelujah" in 2006

In 2006, k.d. lang outperformed "Hallelujah" to perfection in the presence of Leonard Cohen and his partner Anjani Thomas. It was so magnificent that both agreed that lang's version was the most definitive. The artist had included it in her 2004 album Hymns of the 49th Parallel, knocking it out of the park both times. 

The Powerful 2010 Live Rendition by Brandi Carlile & Seattle Symphony

No matter how many versions of "Hallelujah" you have heard, we urge you to listen to Brandi Carlile singing the song with the perfect musical synchronization from Seattle Symphony in her 2010 live rendition. She has perfectly captured the agony and the elation Cohen tried to convey in the original. Her powerful vocals rolling on a few evocative lyrics with masterful precision is goosebumps-inducing. 

First Aid Kit's Fresh Take on the Song With Annika Norlin in 2017

Right when you think the song has been covered and interpreted enough that any new version is impossible, the duo of First Aid Kid breathes new life into an oft-covered piece with perfect assistance from fellow artist Annika Norlin. Their memorable performance at Stockholm in 2017 was a tribute to Leonard Cohen, who had passed away the previous year. They released the slow-burning official version of the song as part of their 2021 album Who by Fire.

Jennifer Hudson's Finest Live Performance of "Hallelujah" in 2019

For years, Jennifer Hudson has entertained her audience with her performative rendition of the song. Still, her performance at the Global Citizen Prize Awards in 2019 has to be her finest. It's dramatic, with her powerful vocals taking center stage, but it highlights the prayerful side of the lyrics. 

Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has traveled the world in various forms sung by talented artists, who have rejuvenated its popularity with their powerful renditions. Post his demise in 2016, the legendary ballad appeared on Billboard's Hot 100 list for the first time. The beauty of the song lies in the infinite possibilities the singers are compelled to explore.