Leonard Cohen's second album from 1969 maintained the haunting strengths of its predecessor. His hypnotic, murmured voice retains its compelling power and the content on Songs From A Room proves equally resonant. Where another pensive singer-songwriter might warp his craft with bathos, Cohen injects his work with mature insight, using metaphor and poetic insight to enhance his craft.

Superb acoustic guitar work weaves a path throughout the bewitching melodies, enhancing the singer's spell, although cohen's self-deprecating humour is equally prevalent, particularly on the singalong "Tonight Will Be Fine".

The album captures every facet of Cohen's inestimable talent - it's a magnificent collection of songs of solitude, despair and resignation.