"Various Positions" is the seventh studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It was released in December 1984 (and February 1985 in the United States). The album marked Cohen's further move to a more modern sound, with many songs having a synth-oriented production.
A notable song from the album is "Hallelujah," which has been covered by various artists over the years and is considered one of the greatest songs of the 20th century. Despite the initial mixed response to the album, it has since gained a more positive reception, with some acknowledging it as one of Cohen's best works.
The album varied from minimalist arrangements such as the synth-led "Hallelujah" to the Gainsbourg-esque pop of "Dance Me to the End of Love," the country-flavored rock of "The Captain," and the gospel-tinged "If It Be Your Will."
"Various Positions" is viewed as a pivotal point in Cohen's career, representing his exploration into a more contemporary approach in style and production, balanced with his signature storytelling as lyricist and songwriter.
Despite the initial indifference attributed to Cohen's stylistic shift, "Various Positions" and its songs, particularly "Hallelujah," have grown to achieve legendary status in popular music, showing the timelessness and universal resonance of Cohen's craft.
