Bob Dylan has covered more than a few artists on stage, and his performance of Hallelujah has been prasied by fans.
The veteran songwriter once covered The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Warren Zevon all in one night, and cover tracks are no stranger to his discography, either. Dylan has released entire albums worth of covers, including Shadows in the Night, World Gone Wrong, and Fallen Angels. But it’s his cover of Hallelujah, a song which took Leonard Cohen years to write, that has fans praising Dylan. Not only was it a fantastic performance from the legendary performer, but fans believe the rendition captures the majesty of the song. Some have said it’s a great example of Dylan’s ear for great music, with some saying he “recognised a masterpiece” and brought it to the stage. While Dylan would perform the song once on his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, it’s a rock and roll version of the song which has fans thrilled.
An upload of this version to YouTube had fans praising Dylan for his effortlessly cool rendition of the song. One person wrote: “I wouldn’t say this is my favourite interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece, but… The way Bob Dylan sings it, with this heartbreak and even anger, is simply amazing. This song got me badly.”
Another added: “I am a very big big fan of both Dylan and Cohen, and I love the fact that Dylan appreciated this song enough to put effort to it.” A third wrote: “Perfect cover! He made a rock ‘n’ roll version, whereas many singers make it like a gospel song! There’s a lot of passion in it.”
Some listeners who were not keen on covers even suggested Dylan’s work on the song is more than worthy of a listen. One wrote: “Usually I don’t like a cover but Dylan is a lyrical genius and he recognised Cohen’s song as a masterpiece.” Another praised Dylan’s live arrangements around this time, with some suggesting it’s one of the best periods of his touring.
They wrote: “His ’80s arrangements for his live shows were so fucking epic.” Another person added: “Incredible vocal delivery, such passion. Reduces me to tears, if I’m in that kind of mood.” A third wrote: “Such a fantastic version with raw emotion and soul.”
Those who preferred the Cohen version are coming around to enjoying the Dylan cover too. One wrote: “The first time I listened to it, it was very difficult because I get used to other people’s versions. After listening to it again, I felt it was a little interesting, but after listening to it a third time, I didn’t want to listen to it anymore.”
Another added: “I adore this song and I love Bob Dylan’s work, even if I’m not really super into him as a performer, this cover being no exception. However I think it’s just amazing that he was out here acknowledging the gorgeous brilliance of this song long before anyone else.”
Dylan was the first artist other than Cohen to perform the song, while The Velvet Underground member John Cale would be the first to release a studio version of the song. Other artists including Jeff Buckley, Willie Nelson, and K.D. Lang would cover Hallelujah. You can listen to Dylan’s early interpretation below.
