Leonard Cohen Posts Title Track, Announces Release Date for ‘You Want It Darker’

Today (Sept. 21) marks Leonard Cohen's 82nd birthday — but it's his fans who are getting a gift with the debut of the title track from his upcoming album You Want It Darker, as well as confirmation of the release date.

The new set, which marks Cohen's 14th studio effort and was produced by his son Adam, is set to arrive in stores Oct. 21 and is available for pre-order now. Fans who purchase the record early will receive an immediate download of the title track, which Cohen's publicist describes as "an unflinching exploration of the religious mind."

"As Leonard’s record company for over five decades, Sony Music is proud to be associated with this remarkable achievement," said Cohen's longtime label, Columbia Records, in a press release announcing the new LP. "This great artist continues to astonish us. Uncompromising and urgent, You Want It Darker is the latest chapter in Leonard’s significant contribution to contemporary music and thought."

As Rolling Stone notes, Cohen has yet to give any indication that he plans to tour in support of the new album. After reeling off an impressive run of hundreds of concerts between 2008 and 2013, he's remained absent from the stage over the last several years, and declined to support 2014's Popular Problems with live performances.

Check out "You Wanted It Darker" above and take a look at the complete album track listing below.

Leonard Cohen, You Want It Darker
“You Want It Darker”
“Treaty”
“On the Level”
“Leaving the Table”
“If I Didn’t Have Your Love”
“Traveling Light”
“It Seemed the Better Way”
“Steer Your Way”
"String Reprise/ Treaty"

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