Simplicity rules on The Letters where Sharon Robinson and Cohen share the vocals, sometimes solo, sometimes in duet. With its sparse instrumentation, Undertow has a dreamy melody and stirring imagery with Thomas taking the female vocal. Morning Glory is another oneiric soundscape with tinkling keyboards and spoken vocals framed by the divine female voice. The most moving moment on the album is On That Day (They Wounded New York), an elegant, lilting song with hypnotic harp textures.
Villanelle For Our Time written, by Frank Scott, is a spoken poem with memorable lines like: ". From bitter searching of the heart / We rise to play a greater part" The title track is a delightful love song with innovative arrangement Including harp and trumpet, and playful vocals. With its catchy tune and lovely harmonies, Nightingale is a little folk-pop gem with main vocal by Thomas, whilst To A Teacher Is Another recited poem. The sound of The Faith Resembles That of the album Recent Songs, with Raffi Hakopian on violin and John Bilezikjian on the lute. This is very moving, like a graceful goodbye.
The album ends, but surprisingly fittingly, with a 1985 live version of Tennessee Waltz, raw and powerful in its rootsy country delivery. The song Receives Leonard's addendum, a third verse in his own poetic style. Some people are forever stuck on Cohen's 1960s style. They do not like Death of a Ladies' Man and They dissed Ten New Songs, so theywill not appreciate this one either. I consider it a masterpiece with his genius Expressed in a refreshing variety of styles and timeless songs. Dear Heather might well be the last proper studio album Leonard Cohen. If so, what a memorable farewell It Will Be.
