AndyHicks2003 (October 12, 2008 at 11:14 pm)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - this is a song that requires age and experience. Unfortunately, even Cohen's version is marred by the production, and Buckley's effort sounds like an attempt by a choir boy trying his hardest to impress, all breathy sighs and wailing. John Cale was absolutely born to sing this song; defeated but powerful, beautifully hopeless but on the cusp of vengeful. No one has ever made it sound better.

lovegoodmusicz (October 12, 2008 at 5:20 pm)

do you really need to ask ?

MaggieHG (October 12, 2008 at 7:03 am)

Indeed Edi,... Takes it beyond, to a higher musical realm!

Yiggi (October 12, 2008 at 2:02 am)

Jeff Buckley really? You make me laugh. seriously though, as good as his version is, I still prefer Cohen's and Cale's. Buckley sings it too weakly. I prefer it sung by a stronger voice. To have it sung as more of a hymn. that's not to say His version isn't bad. It's just two ways of looking at the song.

jfk144 (October 11, 2008 at 10:19 pm)

This is fookin GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!

TrejosEd (October 11, 2008 at 4:48 pm)

This is a superb version! Respects COHEN`S poem and takes it beyond, to a higher musical realm!

flowolf42 (October 11, 2008 at 4:08 pm)

This version is good it's nice to see someone trying to do something a bit different with it (with the strings) THe K.D Lang version is really good to but you guys are missing out easily the best version, that by Jeff Buckley and Bon Jovi really? you make me laugh

jmitchell67060 (October 11, 2008 at 6:53 am)

I totally agree with you when it comes to the strings and the way that Wainwright strains when he sings this song. And I really enjoyed Bon Jovi's version of this song because of the way he used more instruments and the strings and harmonies. That was a really well done version. But KD Lang tops them all. Listen to her version. It's no wonder people cheered for hers as long as they did.

UnrivaledShogun (October 10, 2008 at 8:53 pm)

@senrab316 No senrab, Rufus only does it on the soundtrack. The version of "Hallelujah" in the Shrek movie itself was John Cale's version.

existingappointment (October 10, 2008 at 4:29 am)

Not bad, I am such a Leonard fan it's hard to hear it without that great base sound he gives it. Actually the way this is presented with the strings gives it the kind of dignity it deserves, better than Wainright whining and straining for each note.