While most artists’ lyrical abilities wane with age, Cohen, now 67, has lost none of his celebrated writing skill. On “In My Secret Life,” Cohen sings of a man who regrets his past relationships: “I bite my lip / I buy what I’m told: From the latest hit / To the wisdom of old. / But I’m always alone. / And my heart is like ice. / And it’s crowded and cold / In my secret life.” With lyrics like these, Cohen shows his talent for taking a common musical theme and making it sound brand new.

Sharon Robinson adds a jazzy flair to “Boogie Street,” one of the more adventurous tracks on the album in terms of instrumentation. Her vocal delivery on the chorus—“O Crown of Light/ O Darkened One / I never thought we’d meet. / You kiss my lips, and then it’s done: / I’m back on Boogie Street”—provides a welcome contrast to Cohen’s singing style.

The album ends with “The Land Of Plenty,” which Cohen and Robinson sing together. The song takes a cynical view of religion as an institution, but it also seems hopeful: “For the innermost decision / That we cannot but obey / For what’s left of our religion / I lift my voice and pray: / May the lights in The Land of Plenty / Shine on the truth some day.”

Overall, Ten New Songs is a welcome return from Cohen. Now, if only he could teach Mick Jagger a few lessons about staying artistically relevant . . .