Buzz
Penned by Leonard Cohen in 1984, "Hallelujah" was never officially launched as a single. Its fame soared through countless cover versions by numerous artists. In 2008, Jason Castro's performance on American Idol propelled Jeff Buckley's iconic rendition to the top of the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart. Buckley's version, though never an official single, achieved Platinum status on April 22, 2008, over a decade after his passing and years after its initial release.
The song "Hallelujah" has been featured in countless TV shows and films. Notable appearances include The West Wing, Scrubs, House, Shrek, and The Watchmen, among many others. Its widespread use in media underscores its universal appeal and timeless relevance.
Below are ten of the most renowned renditions of "Hallelujah". With so many notable covers, compiling a definitive top 10 is challenging—explore YouTube for even more. (A standout version by Espen Lind featuring Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes, and Askil Holm is unavailable for embedding.)
1. Jeff Buckley (Live Studio Performance)
While this rendition slightly deviates from his well-known album version (featuring a longer introduction), Jeff Buckley's cover of "Hallelujah" remains the most iconic. Inspired by John Cale's interpretation (#4 below), it was featured on Buckley's 1994 album "Grace."
2. Rufus Wainwright
Wainwright's version rivals Buckley's in popularity, largely due to its inclusion on the Shrek soundtrack (even though John Cale's version was used in the film). Personally, Wainwright's album take is my favorite. Another standout performance is from the Leonard Cohen documentary "I'm Your Man," where he collaborates with Joan Wasser (Buckley's former partner) and Martha Wainwright.
3. k.d. lang
It's no secret that k.d. lang possesses extraordinary vocal talent. Her live performance of "Hallelujah" showcases her impeccable control, particularly the final note, which seems endless. The video captures nearly a minute of enthusiastic applause. If this doesn't move you emotionally, nothing will.
4. John Cale
John Cale is widely recognized for bringing Leonard Cohen's song to a broader audience with his early rendition. Initially, his arrangement struck me as unconventional, but it grew on me after multiple listens. Witness John Cale and a string quartet deliver a memorable performance of this timeless track in 1992.
5. Sheryl Crow
Crow's version introduces a slightly faster tempo and a unique guitar approach, capoing on the first fret—a bold choice. (For guitar enthusiasts, most renditions use a capo on the 5th fret, played in "G," and sung in the key of C.)
6. Allison Crowe
Crowe's album "Tidings" showcases tracks recorded in a single take, and this is one of them.
7. Damien Rice
Performed in 2008 during Leonard Cohen's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rice's rendition is notable for its capo placement on the third fret. For a more intimate and emotional performance, check out Rice's version here.
8. Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris
This duet was part of the "Hope for Haiti Now" benefit in January 2010. While the embedded YouTube video includes distracting popups, it offers the best audio quality available for this version on the platform.
9. Regina Spektor
Recorded live in 2005, Spektor's version mirrors Leonard Cohen's phrasing more closely than most covers. This rendition is audio-only.
10. Leonard Cohen
As the original composer, Leonard Cohen's take on "Hallelujah" is unparalleled. Pay special attention to the final verse. Cohen once remarked, "I aimed to create something akin to hallelujah choruses but from a fresh perspective.... It conveys that perfection is unattainable—we inhabit a fractured world with shattered hearts and lives, yet this isn't an excuse. Instead, it's a call to rise and proclaim 'hallelujah' despite it all."
A Note for Non-Musicians
The line "it goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, and the major lift" cleverly mirrors the song's chord progression as it unfolds. While the verse references King David, it feels as though Leonard Cohen is playfully guiding future musicians, embedding instructions within the lyrics of the first verse on how to perform his song. The chords for this section are: C, F (the fourth), G (the fifth), A minor (the minor fall), and F (the major lift).
Today marks October 10, 2010—10.10.10. To honor this unique date, our entire team of writers is crafting 10 special lists, which will be published throughout the day and night. To explore all the lists we've shared so far, click here.
