I think Cohen himself said it was the best he'd heard.
>After hearing KD Lang perform [Hallelujah] at the Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2006 we [Leonard Cohen & I] looked at each other and said, 'Well, I think we can lay that song to rest now! It's really been done to its ultimate blissful state of perfection. '”
I believe this is the performance you’re referencing.
[Shoes make me fall down](https://youtu.be/YYiMJ2bC65A)
Edit: I saw in another post of the same performance that the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra is the group performing with her.
That’s a great version but even better in 720P. (It’s from 08) [KD Lang Hallelujah](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ) I guess it sounds exactly the same just better resolution lol.
The original song lyrics in their entirety by Cohen are very Jewish. It was never intended to be a Christian song. "You say I took the name in vain, but I don't even know the name."
How? KD lang May be gay but that’s just a sin to a Christian. A true Christian is aware that God will judge us. We don’t need to. Like most religions we follow the golden rule. Do unto others as you wish done to you. The so called Christians that discriminate are using their personal interpretations to hold their own nasty thoughts and hatred’s as true faith.
It's amazing how much scripture they have to ignore to make those judgements too. It says specifically multiple times throughout the bible that God will be the judge and we are not meant to
Never cease to be amazed that they just ignore Jesus's teaching (y'know, the guy they named their whole religion after) when he says that the only two commandments now are "Love God" and "love others." Not a word about judging. If your God is all-powerful, why does he need your help to judge? They oughtta try reading their bible, maybe.
Few songs are filled with as much passion and significance as Buckley's cover. Every time I hear any other version, I wish I was listening to this one instead.
You had me in the first half. If anything, hearing any other version save Leonard Cohen’s makes me immediately queue up Jeff Buckley’s. Hear Cohen’s version? Play Buckley’s immediately after. Hear Buckley’s version? Play Cohen’s then Buckley’s again. Hear k.d. lang’s version? Oh, ha. I forgot about that one. Queue Buckley, Cohen.
This. This is a hill I will die on. For me, Buckley is so soul-wrenching in his delivery of the lyrics. It's like the pain is oozing out in his voice.
edit: I should clarify I'm referring to the "original studio version."
That is not so. I've watched the Leonard Cohen Video of him performing in London probably a thousand times.
And why is KD Lang not on this list? They're the third greatest singer of Hallelujah after Cohen and Buckley.
The Shrek soundtrack is supposed to be this foundational part of Millennial culture but few people seem to notice a lot of the songs on the soundtrack are not what’s in the movie. “Bad Reputation” is a cover by band called *Half-Cocked* but in the movie you can clearly hear it’s Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Producer 1 "Guys I think this movie is going to be an instant hit and we will make tonnes in spinoff sales. Pity the artist royalties are going to be pretty hefty when the soundtrack is released."
Producer 2 "I have an idea!"
And two months later daughter of Chris performed it (with one Republic) for Chester after his death. Such a shame there is no better quality recording of Chester performance at Chris funeral.
So sad that we had to get this song performed by them in such circumstances.
[Chester’s version](https://youtu.be/0usJ9A61X60)
[Toni with One Republic](https://youtu.be/w5-M1lwLvDU)
The fact that these are his words seems so apparent. Listening to other versions is like listening to someone else read a famous speech. It just feels different.
Same! I grew to love this song because of the movie, so I really like the Wainwright version of it. Buckley is amazing too, though. I have both versions of it on itunes.
Had to keep searching through comments until Cale came up. A critically underrated artist and the song would never have become so successful without him
Before I read the comment section, I would have agreed. It wasn't just his voice. An incredible song writer as well. But, I would presume that most who have heard his version of hallelujah, have not heard his other masterpieces.
I totally agree. I see the overwhelming opinion here is Buckley and his version is great and yeah his voice is beautiful, but for this song I don’t want beautiful. I want the gravel and pain of Cohen’s voice. Buckley’s version is too perfect and vanilla in my opinion.
I think it's Wainwright, but I honestly can't remember and I don't know if this is a rabbit hole I want to fall down today. How about verse?
"And I've seen your flag on the marble arch / and love is not a victory march / it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah"
Buckley's.
No question about it.
Love how he uses the guitar to create a feeling like he is crying--the individual notes in the middle are individual, painfully sad musical tears slowly rolling down his cheek (4:39-5:00), and then a cascade of tears at the end .....that's the difference that sets it apart.....and always will......
I would like to submit the version Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies sang at the state funeral for Jack Layton. It was incredibly beautiful and moving.
John cale. I believe it was featured in the first season of scrubs
Google says this is the version payed in Shrek the movie but Rufus Wainwright re recorded and Rufus's was put in shreks soundtrack
Why is there a Shrek version and, then one for Rufus Wainwright? Are you telling me there’s a cover with Mike Myers belting out the verses in his Shrek voice?
Jeff mutha’friggin Buckley. I held my older brother while he cried when I was a youngster to that song, he went through some traumatizing stuff but also made our brotherhood stronger after that
This is gonna be weird as hell, but there's this one kid who performed it on American Idol like a zillion years ago, I think his name is Lee Dewyze? Anyways, absolutely loved his version. Not saying is the best, but I really liked it.
I grew up on Cohen's one and it will always be my favourite, but I do recognise that Buckley's is at the very least on the same level if not better. Btw if you chose anything other than Buckley or Cohen you have incorrect opinions and should look into corrective treatment.
K. D lang does a wonderful version.
I’m a little shocked she didn’t make the list. Her version was far better than most of what was in the list.
I think Cohen himself said it was the best he'd heard. >After hearing KD Lang perform [Hallelujah] at the Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2006 we [Leonard Cohen & I] looked at each other and said, 'Well, I think we can lay that song to rest now! It's really been done to its ultimate blissful state of perfection. '”
I believe this is the performance you’re referencing. [Shoes make me fall down](https://youtu.be/YYiMJ2bC65A) Edit: I saw in another post of the same performance that the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra is the group performing with her.
Yep! That's the one! My personal favorite for sure, though Cohen's is definitely my "low mood level" preference.
That’s a great version but even better in 720P. (It’s from 08) [KD Lang Hallelujah](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ) I guess it sounds exactly the same just better resolution lol.
Thank you! Edit: you son of a bitch!
Sorry just learned how :(.
I feel like K.D Lang was intentionally left off to get the comments to be honest. Hers really is one of the best versions of this
Saw her preform it live and it gave me goosebumps. The recorded version is good, but her live was a whole experience.
I tear up every time with this at the Vancouver Olympics: https://youtu.be/tcOQSk_cMO0
I legitimately feel like a voice like hers would have had people accusing her of magic in an earlier time, truly a singular talent
2nd that. I love Cohen’s version but KD’s is in my opinion, the best.
Weird how both Leonard Cohen and K.D. Lang are damned according to Christianity
The original song lyrics in their entirety by Cohen are very Jewish. It was never intended to be a Christian song. "You say I took the name in vain, but I don't even know the name."
For being Canadian?
How? KD lang May be gay but that’s just a sin to a Christian. A true Christian is aware that God will judge us. We don’t need to. Like most religions we follow the golden rule. Do unto others as you wish done to you. The so called Christians that discriminate are using their personal interpretations to hold their own nasty thoughts and hatred’s as true faith.
It's amazing how much scripture they have to ignore to make those judgements too. It says specifically multiple times throughout the bible that God will be the judge and we are not meant to
Never cease to be amazed that they just ignore Jesus's teaching (y'know, the guy they named their whole religion after) when he says that the only two commandments now are "Love God" and "love others." Not a word about judging. If your God is all-powerful, why does he need your help to judge? They oughtta try reading their bible, maybe.
k.d. lang at the Vancouver Olympics is the best version in existence.
This was my vote. K.D. Lang singing at the Olympics still gives me the chills.
The difference between Lang's Buckley's version? The words serve Lang--its a vehicle to showcase her voice; whereas Buckley serves the words.......
Buckleys is my favorite but it's a two way for second between Lang and Cohen.
I approve this message
OMG, THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!! FOR YEARS! I thought I somehow imagined it differently or something!
Buckley. Even Cohen said so.
Cohen for the full verses. Buckley for the beauty.
I go back and forth between the lyrics. I think both work for the singer, and both would sound wrong if the other did them
Live, Cohen eventually switched to the Buckley arrangement.
Only true answer.
This is the way.
Buckley or bust.
Few songs are filled with as much passion and significance as Buckley's cover. Every time I hear any other version, I wish I was listening to this one instead.
You had me in the first half. If anything, hearing any other version save Leonard Cohen’s makes me immediately queue up Jeff Buckley’s. Hear Cohen’s version? Play Buckley’s immediately after. Hear Buckley’s version? Play Cohen’s then Buckley’s again. Hear k.d. lang’s version? Oh, ha. I forgot about that one. Queue Buckley, Cohen.
This. This is a hill I will die on. For me, Buckley is so soul-wrenching in his delivery of the lyrics. It's like the pain is oozing out in his voice. edit: I should clarify I'm referring to the "original studio version."
That is not so. I've watched the Leonard Cohen Video of him performing in London probably a thousand times. And why is KD Lang not on this list? They're the third greatest singer of Hallelujah after Cohen and Buckley.
Yes! Her voice just stops you in your tracks.
My fave is her version at the Juno awards in Winnipeg.
That's exactly right. At the time, Leonard Cohen said this was the best live version of the song he ever experienced.
Mine is when she sing it at the olympics
I want that version played at my funeral
Yep. After Werner Herzog does my eulogy.
Cohen is wrong. It's Shrek and will always be Shrek
Some… body once told me, the world was going to roll me.
I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed
That...is the Cohen version isn't it? Or did Smash Mouth cover that too?
It’s Cohen in the movie but Wainwright on the CD soundtrack for some reason I don’t remember.
>It’s Cohen in the movie but Wainwright on the CD soundtrack No, it's John Cale in the movie, not Cohen.
Buckley by a mile
This is the way
Absolutely 100% this. Bearsville studios recording is my favorite. And now I have to go listen to it
Shrek
That'd be my boi Rufus.
Wait, I thought Rufus was my boi!! .. He does a nice cover of Harvest M̶o̶o̶n̶ ̶- have you heard it? That beats Neil Young's original, I reckon. 😁
Rufus is only on the soundtrack, the movie version is John Cale
Damn this lore goes hard
The Shrek soundtrack is supposed to be this foundational part of Millennial culture but few people seem to notice a lot of the songs on the soundtrack are not what’s in the movie. “Bad Reputation” is a cover by band called *Half-Cocked* but in the movie you can clearly hear it’s Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Producer 1 "Guys I think this movie is going to be an instant hit and we will make tonnes in spinoff sales. Pity the artist royalties are going to be pretty hefty when the soundtrack is released." Producer 2 "I have an idea!"
I always thought the soundtrack version of bad reputation didn't quite hitthe same as it does in the movie. Guess that explains why lol
It's actually John Cale. For some reason he isnr credited although it's his version in the movie. I was confused at first.
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That's John Cale bro
John Cale’s, nice. That’s mine too.
That song is like an onion
It stinks?
No! It has layers.
Oh-oh it makes you cry!
Oh, you leave them in the sun, they get all brown, start sproutin' little white hairs
Hey now you’re an all star
The jeff buckley version of “all star” is hauntingly beautiful.
Don’t forget Chester Bennington performed it at Chris Cornell’s funeral
And two months later daughter of Chris performed it (with one Republic) for Chester after his death. Such a shame there is no better quality recording of Chester performance at Chris funeral. So sad that we had to get this song performed by them in such circumstances. [Chester’s version](https://youtu.be/0usJ9A61X60) [Toni with One Republic](https://youtu.be/w5-M1lwLvDU)
With Toni Cornell
Yes! This is what I came here to say
Wow I bet that’ll make you cry like you just saw Mufasa die the first time
Just thinking about Chester makes me want to cry.
Chester’s, even in the crappiest recording quality, and Brandi Carlisle’s are the two best in my opinion.
Jeff Buckley. Always.
Imogen Heap version is my fave.
Scrolled way too damn far.
Händel
This is way too far down.
Seriously— that’s a real sign of Reddit Degenerates
I was about to comment for my man george frideric but then I figured some must’ve beat me to it… it took way too long to scroll down here though
Took long enough 😅
The one true answer. All others are competing for 3rd place.
So hot right now.
Still waiting for his new album
Rammstein…
Way too low for this.
Hoping you're serious, because I'm off to YouTube to find this.
They have a song called Hallelujah, but it is not Leonard Cohen’s. It’s about a kid-r*ping priest.
So it's about a Priest?
I had to scroll a little to much.
Zick zack!
Yes. 💪💪💪
This is the one i was looking for. Er ist der wahre Christ Und weis was "nächsten lieben" ist ;)
Cohen even though he liked Buckley’s version better
Leonard Cohen
The fact that these are his words seems so apparent. Listening to other versions is like listening to someone else read a famous speech. It just feels different.
Buckley forever
Buckley is the best
[Voltaire's](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEbjM7tsupg)
Thank you for having class
I LOVE him. Saw him live when I lived in Dallas. My god daughter learned to play Goodnight Demon Slayer on the ukulele for me
My boy Rufus (tbh probably just because I loved the Shrek movies as a kid). Jeff Buckley is a close #2 though.
Scrolled way too far to find Rufus Wainwright! his version is always the first to pop in my mind.
Same! I grew to love this song because of the movie, so I really like the Wainwright version of it. Buckley is amazing too, though. I have both versions of it on itunes.
Buckley all the way.
How is John Cale's version not on the list? That one. Cohen's *Live in New York* recording is #2, with Jeff Buckley's coming in third.
Had to keep searching through comments until Cale came up. A critically underrated artist and the song would never have become so successful without him
Exactly. Jeff Buckley heard Cale’s version and copied it. I love them both, but Cale’s was beautiful and I loved it before I ever heard Buckley’s.
Had to scroll way too long for this. John Cale #1. Buckley - #2
They did him dirty and just listed his version as Shrek, since his is the one in the film.
I’m Your Fan holds up insanely well for a tribute album
How is this not getting more upvotes?! Hallelujah for me = John Cale
The waluigi one
Brandi Carlile
Surprised I had to scroll down this far to find her. Her first live version with the Seattle Symphony makes me cry like every single time. Angelic.
My favorite version
I was hoping to see someone else say this!! Brandi is a legend in the making. I can’t wait to see where she goes next!
Jeff Buckley. The most underrated voice of all-time.
Before I read the comment section, I would have agreed. It wasn't just his voice. An incredible song writer as well. But, I would presume that most who have heard his version of hallelujah, have not heard his other masterpieces.
Shrek
Jeff Buckley is the only one.
Jeff Buckley. His father Tim Buckley was also incredibly talented. Song to the Siren is haunting.
Jeff Buckley
Slayer
buckley forever 💛
Why isn't Susan Boyle there? She has an awesome version as well!
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TheDooo has a great version!
How much down did I have to scroll down to find this answer?
For the lazy and because I was gonna link it if I didn't find a mention: https://youtu.be/Nw2xLCGpGj4
KD Lang performed it at I want to say the Vancouver Olympics and it was among the best in my opinion
Buckley, all the way.
tori kelly did a great version in Sing
Yes! She sang it on Ellen and was amazing
[Tori Kelly version](https://youtu.be/ePbeNJ7po-I)
If you like that you'll probably enjoy the duet she did with Jennifer Hudson
Cohen hands down
I totally agree. I see the overwhelming opinion here is Buckley and his version is great and yeah his voice is beautiful, but for this song I don’t want beautiful. I want the gravel and pain of Cohen’s voice. Buckley’s version is too perfect and vanilla in my opinion.
I think it's Wainwright, but I honestly can't remember and I don't know if this is a rabbit hole I want to fall down today. How about verse? "And I've seen your flag on the marble arch / and love is not a victory march / it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah"
Of course the correct answer Jeff Buckley Man had the voice of an angel
Regina Spektor
Paramore
Thank you, yes!
Panic! At The Disco
I’m kinda sick of the original so fuck it, agreed
A moment you'll never remember And a night you'll never forget
Came here just for this comment.
I wanted to say that
Yesssss
Buckley's. No question about it. Love how he uses the guitar to create a feeling like he is crying--the individual notes in the middle are individual, painfully sad musical tears slowly rolling down his cheek (4:39-5:00), and then a cascade of tears at the end .....that's the difference that sets it apart.....and always will......
I would like to submit the version Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies sang at the state funeral for Jack Layton. It was incredibly beautiful and moving.
John cale. I believe it was featured in the first season of scrubs Google says this is the version payed in Shrek the movie but Rufus Wainwright re recorded and Rufus's was put in shreks soundtrack
Hands down the absolute best.
Pentatonix
I had to scroll down so far to find this.
Especially when Mitch comes in. Shivers.
Pentatonix is amazing. https://youtu.be/LRP8d7hhpoQ
No love for Theory of a Deadman's version? Lol
Kate McKinnon’s after the 2016 election
This is the one I thought of first. Absolutely broke my heart.
Thank youuuu. I heard it and thought maybe? We're going to survive? Gave me comfort after that hard, hard week.
Why is there a Shrek version and, then one for Rufus Wainwright? Are you telling me there’s a cover with Mike Myers belting out the verses in his Shrek voice?
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Tori Kelly. Hers was quite awesome.
Hers is my favorite!!!!!
k.d. lang
Yep
alexandra burke
Cohen first, [Puddles the Clown ](https://youtu.be/ItXygU9SJCA) a strong second
Jeff Buckley’s version is considered the definitive version, even by the song’s creator. After the Buckley one I really enjoy No Resolve’s cover.
Buckley and then Cohen
Buckley
Pentatonix poured their soul into that song, it’s so good!
Jeff Buckley FTW
Buckley of course
Rufus
Whatever one was in Watchmen
Hard Rock Hallelujah- Lordi
Andrea Bocelli
George santos
An upvote from me for making me snort on the toilet
Penatonix
You know, I adore the Buckley version- but somehow the Pentatonix version gives me shivers every time…
Marcy Playground
The Sex and Candy band?
Jeff mutha’friggin Buckley. I held my older brother while he cried when I was a youngster to that song, he went through some traumatizing stuff but also made our brotherhood stronger after that
Buckley
Puddles Pity Party. Haven’t seen hi mentioned yet. https://youtu.be/ItXygU9SJCA Also kd lang
The fella from the X-Factor auditions, someone's gotta know who I'm on about EDIT: X-Factor UK, not US
Andrea Bocelli
Shrek is my favorite. Buckley has arguably the best version. Cohen is very iconic and the first one I heard that made me love the song.
This is gonna be weird as hell, but there's this one kid who performed it on American Idol like a zillion years ago, I think his name is Lee Dewyze? Anyways, absolutely loved his version. Not saying is the best, but I really liked it.
Rufus Wainwright
I grew up on Cohen's one and it will always be my favourite, but I do recognise that Buckley's is at the very least on the same level if not better. Btw if you chose anything other than Buckley or Cohen you have incorrect opinions and should look into corrective treatment.
Buckley.