In 1984 Leonard Cohen released his album called Various Positions, with Hallelujah on it. It is said that Cohen struggled to complete the song, and wrote over 50 verses before being satisfied. Even still, the song was not very successful at first and didn’t truly become so until it was covered by John Cale in 1992. After Cale’s cover, Jeff Buckley covered it and created the most acclaimed and consistently popular cover of the song to this day.
There are over 100 covers and below is a selection of my top 10. Part of what makes Hallelujah so magical is its simplicity and how the lyrics speak for themselves. That’s why some of the best covers are the least produced. That being said, there are a few elaborate covers that still give me chills.
Take a listen to these:

Jeff Buckley

 

Regina Spektor, John Cale, Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainwright, Imogen Heap, Zach Condon, Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris, Bob Dylan, Alexandra Burke (2008 X-Factor)

Rock on,

G