Reviews (page 3 of 8)
danceable, cool vibes, so fun
This is a really good album, but I wish I liked it more than I do. I think I couldn’t stop comparing it to Moondance, which is a definitely superior album. This is fairly solid as well, but in several spots it felt like he was doing some form of self-styled scat. And sometimes the song just wouldn’t end, like Madame George. Fortunately, Van Morrison has a pleasant enough voice that I still liked listening to him, even if I was mostly over the song. The strings were fantastic, also.
I like my Van the Man records with a bit more pep, a little less wet than this one. He's good, but he's done better!
This album had some good songwriting and songwriting moments.
Ok, das nimmt mich irgendwie mit, auch wenn alles auch irgendwie peinlich klingt. OG whitest boy alive?
The Way Young Lovers Do --> 👌 Verbindung von Bläsern, mit Stimme und Gitarre mag ich. Überraschungshit
Sublime album, very easy on the ears. Great lyrics and lyricist!
Really close to a 5
Yes please.
Just beautiful
Note just listening to music, but being invited into a dream universe of sound and voice. Not easy listening, but beautiful nonetheless.
The voice makes this album. Morrison’s vocals are soulful and emotive, adding weight to the chilled out grooves and melodies that flow through the record. It's not fully blown me away but it was a very enjoyable listen, made even more impressive by the solid production for the 60s. A strong 7/10 or light 8/10 for me.
Shit, den var fin! Hvorfor har jeg aldri lyttet til ha før?
Hørt på 03.01.25, mens æ drakk masse kaffe. Sykt fin folkemusikk. Perfekt bakgrunnmusikk for en kaffekopp.
Hørt på tur rundt Prestvannet med Guri 3/01/26
Didn't connect with the lyrics but I enjoyed the flow and musicality a lot
Pretty alright I’ve grown up listening too Van Morrisons “classics” and I’ve never heard anything on this album but his voice is a little annoying but I do like the use of string instruments. 6.4/10
I remember buying this on CD with a Circuity City gift card when I was about 26. Which would suggest I know this album better than I do. It starts out very strong and then kind of fades into what feels like an endless, undifferentiated vibe towards the end. Five stars for the first half, 3 for the second.
There are good songs. However I ain't listening to 9 minutes of folk. 4/5
Hypnotic lyrics with lovely instrumentation. Unfortunate he is such a shitty guy.
A classic album that really polarises people. It’s either a drunk rambling in a faux accent or a transcendent road trip album. I’m with the latter.
8 / 10
Acoustic storytelling
Folky, bluesy, psychy and somehow never boring. His voice grates after a while but never too much for this to not be a great album.
Just a solid all around record. Well produced and recorded and pretty iconic.
163/1001 Van Morrison - Astral Weeks Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ I love how each song seemingly flows into the other with Morrison's stream of consciousness running over the top of the music. There's blues and jazz infusions in the folk rock on this, which make it such an interesting listen. Sure, it's not perfect, but a great album.
I thought some of the songs were a little long, but amazing vocals and guitar as usual from Morrison.
Always impressed no matter what he does
I love some Van Morrison but don't find this to be one of his strongest albums. it's good-he's always had his own style/vibe, just not as focused as several others
More mellow than I expected ?? Idk what my expectations were tbh but I liked it
If I could give this negative stars I would
Cool, great album, can’t deny it. God, he sucks.
Old but nice. The cats liked this when I hummed with it
Rounding up from 3.5. Maybe influenced because I know this is regarded as great. Also, there’s a batshit organized-crime story behind its recording. Anyway, this would be really good to listen to by the fire with a glass of whiskey.
beast
I didn’t get to listen to it
Van Morrison is so good. This would be a 5 if I weren't comparing him to himself.
It's a lyrically beautiful album. Like a passionate summer romance. If there was a bit of pop in there, it would be perfect.
Favorite Track: Astral Weeks
it was pretty good
8/10 - really enjoyed this, more so than Moondance
Good use of background instrumentals
I enjoyed this playing in the background while working. I know I missed any depth, but the vibes were fit for a relatively productive afternoon.
I might be a Van Morrison fan. Listening to this album made me want to listen to more Van Morrison, so that feels like it was a great album. It wasn't necessarily a 5 but it was great. He has a very unique interesting voice that shows emotion and depth. He also has some interesting lyrics that make me smile. Then you add together the different instruments and genres he mixes, just make it interesting and enjoyable.
4 Stars (11/15)
Classic Van Morrison. Solid 4
I thought it was good. I good see why van morrison fans liked it. I would probably listen to it often if I was a fan.
3.6 zu ungerecht es eine 3 zu geben
4 out of 5 Never heard half these songs but I enjoyed all of them. Great classic rock catalogue.
How did a folk album become one of the greatest rock albums of all time? I’m not sure. But the songs are smart and interesting. And Morrison’s voice is darn engaging. I especially like “The Way Young Lovers Do.”
Good. But sleepy.
Cover 5 Yeah this would be a good chill album. I often wish I had a better set up for listening to vinyl. This album would be excellent to do that with, relaxing in a chair, a cold drink perhaps, and just listening.
did not listen to the whole album, but liked what I heard
I guess you'll like it if you like Van Morrison
Another classic album.
Love this album. Sweet Thing is probably my favorite Van Morrison song. Highlights: “Sweet Thing” and “Cyprus Avenue”
Listened to the 1999 Remastered album. DUDE - what an album. This was released after "Brown Eyed Girl" put him on the map. Cool jazz and blues vibes throughout. Need to pick up a physical copy of this album. Favorite Tracks: Astral Weeks (such a great song - so cool with the beat, the occasional flutes, and Van Morrison just getting after it) Sweet Thing The Way Young Lovers Do - cool jam
Only recently discovered that Van Morrison did some really good stuff. Enjoyed this.
Some excellent songwriting on this one
There isn't really much more I can add to the discourse on this album, it's one of the best and most important ever made. It's not one of my personal favorites. I don't find Van Morrison's voice all the pleasurable, but I can objectively say his performance is masterful. The expansive freedom and spontaneity of the instrumentation throughout is great, but there are few spots where I don't know if the string arrangements were needed. But this album really seems to be one of those flashes in pan, where everything came together just right in recording and all the artistry outpoured all at once. It's still fresh today.
Not a big fan personally, but there's no denying his influence--particularly this album which is about as close to jazz as you can get with folk rock. A really good listen and probably warrants multiple listens.
I have been assigned so much post-punk in the last few weeks I'm starting to feel like this is a targeted psy-op. 3.5/5
He was always an asshole. He's become an unbearable asshole as of late. But damn could he write a song and that voice is like no other. Not my favorite album of his but...Sweet Thing can put me in another space. A good space.
This was really good!
Dag bang dig along bang doo long doo
Have and love this album
Hard to have a bad time with Van Morrison
Great songwriting!
Nice
Timeless. Van Morrison's voice works in any decade. Mellow with a light growling edge at times. One of the premier American singer/songwriters of all time and this album is him in fine form. I actually am trying to listen to every album on the most recent Rolling Stone top 500 of all time list and listened to this album just last month. I have mostly skipped relistening to albums on this list if I have recently heard them but Astral Weeks is so good I gave it another spin. Top notch stuff.
Listened while falling asleep. It was good!
superb
Van Morrison is THE artist for folk and blue-eyed soul. No one can compare. The way he sings is effortless, and his voice is just beautiful. The entire album is a charming and pleasant listen. It was too easy to keep Astral Weeks on repeat. Interestingly, I was reminded of very early Elton John. However, this album (Morrison's second) came out a year before John's debut, so Morrison must've inspired John. I first heard his follow-up album, Moondance, several hundred albums ago. I can't help but compare the two albums. I loved Moondance and gave it a 4 when it deserved a 5. While Astral Weeks is quite lovely, it has less whimsy and isn't as bright as Moondance. The songs' backing instrumentals, especially that flute, are so lovely and I'm thrilled Morrison included them again. All in all, Astral Weeks is good but a clear stepping stone to Moondance, perhaps Morrison's opus.
Van Morrison has such an unusual voice for folk music, but it really just works. It stands out and contrasts so nicely to the very relaxing jazzy folk music that he's singing over. And his lyrics are so incredibly poetic, too. Before 1001, I knew of Van Morrison, but was really pleasantly surprised by just how fantastic his "Moondance" album was. Well, here we are again with "Astral Weeks", and I'm loving this album, too. He is so much more than "Brown Eyed Girl", and I'm glad we got to see that on display on this project!
Calm, cool, collected
Beautifully arranged songs delivered with an intensity that makes you take notice. You can’t listen to this album casually because his unbelievable voice demands your attention. He gives everything to every song. A little too freeform and jazzy in places for me maybe but overall superb
Listened to this at work. Calming for a stressful day. Was pleasantly surprised.
Would listen again but no particular bangers
The perfect stoners album and a great double play when paired with Moondance. Shame Van is a bigot
Sweet Thing is one of my all time favorite songs. The way it continually builds and never completely arrived is so satisfying. Overall, a fine album by one of Irelands best.
Ещё одна фолковая запись в духе конца 60-х. Слушал в наушниках на улице и кайфанул в какой-то момент.
I'll be honest, I skimmed this one. But gets points for being classic.
3.8.
Kind of hard to believe it's been 18 months since my last Van Morrison album. Crazy. Well, a year and a half after listening to Moondance, it's finally time for me to visit Van Morrison's other highly acclaimed album, Astral Weeks. It's great! Obviously, it has been a while since I listened to Moondance, but everything that I remember enjoying in that album is present here too. It might even be better. I will say that it's a closer call than I'd like to admit. Astral Weeks is pretty cool. I enjoy Van Morrison's vocals for the most part. They fit the folkiness of the instrumentals while also adding a bit of a bluesy feel to the music. Pretty unique and admirable. Van's songwriting is pretty strong here. There's nice themes on songs like "Sweet Thing" and even some light storytelling on "Madame George." Pretty good stuff. The songs are all good. The pacing is respectable, unlike Van Morrison's thoughts on COVID, am I right? Still, that sort of thing isn't very relevant to an album like this. There are other artists that I like more, sure, but Van Morrison has proven himself to me as an artist who, at one point in time, made some pretty great music. Strong 4/5.
This was excellent, all eight songs were really good. The music especially was beautiful and exquisitely crafted, and his voice, while I can see how someone would view it as annoying, I really like, and he has a melodic sensibility I really like. The album is easily one of the best I’ve gotten in a while with only one or two from the last two weeks or so stacking anywhere close to this album.
Well, darn it, this is a tough one. About 20 years ago I might have rated this album five stars. But that was before I became aware that the artist maybe became/is a not great person. This music is still great but there’s a shadow over it. On a lighter note, the band Secret Machines did a decent cover of the song Astral Weeks about 20 years ago.
This is a pretty good album that goes on far too long. Van Morrison's vocals are incredible, his lyrics are sweet poetry, and he's got some great added instruments (flute, strings, different percussion) that give it a cool feel. But more than half the songs linger and meander, which is super frustrating. The title track is a great example - it's a beautiful song and it feels like he's winding down around the 4.5min mark, which is perfect, except he keeps going for another 2.5min. Madame George is another - I really enjoyed it for the first 5min but didn't really need the last 5min of scat singing. Cyprus Avenue and Ballerina would've made great 4-5min songs but they're both 7min. At least he got it right on Sweet Thing - 4min of beauty. There is magic here, but a tighter delivery could've made it a masterpiece.
I really struggled with other Van Morrison albums. Maybe because I just kept expecting him to break into "Brown Eyed Girl". But I did actually enjoy this one. Apparently he went to pretty great lengths and angered a lot of people to make it (including a record label executive who died, with his widow blaming Van Morrison). But I have respect for artists who risk fame and fortune to make the art they believe in. In this case, blues-tinged pop was exchanged for less marketable folk and strong jazz connections. The result is an unexpectedly great album. I would have liked a slightly more stripped back version but it's still quite a success.
A strong folk album. Astral Weeks and Young Lovers Do.
Van Morrison is a dick, but wow has he made some great music and this album is one of his best!
Loved this. Like a folky Led Zeppelin with an upright bass.
Solid little number
I enjoyed this one! It took a moment to get used to his voice - it added some texture to the songs. The instruments used also really added to everything. I really wish this site gave half stars in this case. I feel like its a solid 4.5, but not a 5.
Nice
4 This album brings back so many memories. Both of my parents loved Van Morrison and played this album all the time when I was a kid. Personally, I’m more of a ‘Moondance’ guy, but this album is a certified classic. I will say the only downside is most of the songs sound the same.
Van's an asshole and his voice is irritating but this does slap
This was an enjoyable album, a nice surprise. Who knew there was so much more outside of "Brown Eyed Girl"
Classic.
A singular voice crooning sweet rock
Enjoyed this one all the way through, very good flow to it.
I ebbed and flowed with this album almost as the album ebbed and flowed in my speakers. I went in thinking "eh, van morrison is overrated and boring". Each song was similar and blended into each other. However as I kept listening, I enjoyed how it swung and swayed. I liked that it was so similar as it drifted along from one part to the next. I don't like the individual tracks, which is what I'm used to from classic rock radio, but I really like the album as a whole, which is clearly how this is meant to be enjoyed.
Love his voice, so it's easy to like this. Wasn't aware of this album before.
Probably need to give this one another listen to really lock in my score, but thought that on the whole this was quite beautiful. A very successful mix of folk with the structures of jazz that just gives the whole album this very loose, almost improvisational form. Can see how this influenced a litany of artists and mad it took me this long to listen to it.
Great vibes. Wish these songs had choruses. I'm a bit Van Morrison head (despite his shitty politics). This one isn't my favorite of his, but it is still incredible.
He’s so good
What’s remarkable about this is how free it feels but is still so groovy. The upright bass ties so much of it together.
Nice impressionistic album. The first songs are the strongest in my view, the album drags a bit towards the end with very long songs.
This was pretty awesome. Great voice, great band, great songs. The Way Young Lovers Do was my favorite on first listen, but I will likely go back to this one.
Not the best VM album in my opinion - that accolade goes to Veedon Fleece, but I can certainly see why this one is in this list. A seemingly timeless album, yet of it's time. Only 4 stars simply because I prefer Veedon Fleece.
Dont love the man Van but love his music and voice
I have a tremendous amount of respect for Van Morrison. He has great presence and demands your attention. This album doesn't have any real stand out singles or signature tracks, it is like one of those Saturday afternoon movies where no matter where you are in the story, when you see it, you stop and watch all the way to the end.
4.2 very 60s whimsical
Хороший блюзик
Lives up to the hype, no real stand out tracks just a really interesting and enjoyable journey
A very enjoyable Van Morrison album. I must admit, this is the first time I've truly appreciated one of his albums, whether solo or with Them. The orchestrations, music, lyrics, and vocals are all spot on here.
Just so cool.
Beside You // Sweet Thing // The Way Young Lovers Do // Madame George //
On the advice of a fellow group member, I decided to engage with this album by "Fantasiaing" with it. I'm sure I've mentioned "Fantasiaing" before, but in case I've never explained it — and for the benefit of those where this might be my only review they read... Well, you might've heard of the movie FANTASIA. It was the third feature-length movie Disney ever released, and consists of a number of vignettes animating and visualizing classical music. "Fantasiaing" is essentially just imagining your own vignettes in the same vein. It's very similar to how I like to imagine music videos or fight scenes or whatever to songs, though "Fantasiaing" tends to be a lot more fluid and abstract. It's more about letting the music guide the imagery rather than having a concrete set of scenes — y'know? It's the difference between any Gorillaz music video and how FANTASIA presents, say, "Toccata And Fugue In D Minor". And that's not to say what Van T. Man did here was on par with classical music. Far from it; this is very light folk with some jazzy overtones. If I wasn't "Fantasiaing" to this, I can see myself getting pretty bored with it like I did with MOONDANCE. With the extra context of "Fantasiaing," though, and imagining lush autumn forests, with streams gently running through and squirrels hopping about, or picturing a woman walking and dancing the leaf-covered fall street of a small, rustic town that's largely built out of cobblestone, and stopping in particular to swing around the park gazebo... And I realize, this is very different from how most people engage with music, but damn if it doesn't work, y'know? For sure, it got me thinking about how much of an autumn album this is. Like you should be walking down a little back road path between these beautifully red and orange trees, feeling a crisp breeze on your face and admiring how pretty the sunlight looks breaking through the leaves. Certainly made me wish it wasn't all grey and cloudy the day I heard this thing... All to say, this is an album where atmosphere and vibe are king. It's not an album for doing; it's an album for laying down and mellowing. And, y'know, there are times where even "Fantasiaing" it can be a bit much — even the most vivid fantasy in the world can't distract my AuDHD brain from how long these songs can feel and how repetitive they can get. But certainly, I feel like I locked in with its vibe better than I would have if I treated this like a traditional album. I mean, hey, I never felt the need to rag on Van for him being anti-lockdown with the Coronavirus was raging, and believe me that that's a major plus. Like, honestly, I know it's not something everyone's gonna be able to do, but if you can just turn off your mind, relax and float down stream... Well, jeez. You'd probably end up conjuring better visuals than FANTASIA 2000 did.
Liked this more than expected. I often don't have the brainspace to listen to the lyrics on these albums AND work too, but this felt poetic, expansive and ambitious. I liked the mood, even if I couldn't pinpoint particular tracks or even parts of tracks. This is definitely conceived and compiled as an 'album', and it is all the better for it.
Love Van
I liked this one. Super chill.
A seminal album that definitely deserves to be included on this list. Overall I like the vibe of the album, and "The Way Young Lovers Do" is a highlight. Van Morrison's vocal style and singing can be hit or miss for me, and that personal preference is the only thing keeping it from 5 stars.
I expected a string of "Brown-eyed Girl"-like songs but was rewarded with some pretty uncoventional sounds. I'll have to listen again, but I don't recall any proper verse-chorus structures. Interesting album for sure
Second Van Morrison album in a week. I’m quite fond of him
Fantastic voice, great music!
Geweldig album! Eén van z'n beste, maar z'n beste zal hier ook wel nog in staan. 4.3
7,37
Very good the slower pieces are not as engaging for me, but the sound and feel seem both ahead of the time and personally unique
8/10
While not sounding like any of his hits, it may be the most Van Morrison sounding album. Not every track lands, but overall a wonderful listen.
Lush would be the most fitting single word to describe this album
Van the Man
Rating: 8.5/10 Great album with very creative and unique instrumentation to complement Van Morrison's folky style. Could definitely be rated higher with repeated listens, I see why this album is so loved.
Tal vez 5.
One of my most nostalgic artists. Grew up listening to a lot of VM and this album also has one of “our songs”. So much love here. Will admit there are some other tracks that I find quite claustrophobic? Highs and lows!
I probably should have spent more time listening to this instead of doing a deep dive into ‘Van Morrison vs. the Northern Irish Department of Health: Trial of the Century’, as I think I’m still a few listens away from fully getting it. I already think it’s very good, but it’s so clearly the type of album that only reveals itself after repeated listens, and I currently find it very hard to get past what a bizarre and bracing experience I find this to be. I think I should theoretically find ‘Astral Weeks’ relaxing, but the combination of quietly all over the place instrumentation and Morrison’s ‘unique’ raspy squawk is such an ill-suited match that it becomes more of a freaky listen. I don’t mean ‘freaky’ in a forced psychedelic Donovan kind of way, as there’s something really pure and almost drug free about this. I mean ‘freaky’ in the sense that I often have no idea what I’m listening to or why any of these choices were ever made. The image I get when listening is less Morrison strumming a guitar under a tree and gazing up at clouds, and more a paralytically drunk man stranded in a wood post midnight, stumbling frenziedly around and yelling at trees, before collapsing into a shrub. I guess come back to me on this in a few weeks, as I do like how flummoxed ‘Astral Weeks’ makes me; something that is usually only a prelude to me falling majorly for an album. It does also help that the songs that have clicked for me (‘The Way Young Lovers Do’ and the title track) are absolutely astonishing. Either way, this practically tuneless pastoral free-form jazz folk album is quite the achievement, and about as uncompromising a listen as you’d expect from all round lovable guy and champion of vaccines: Van Morrison.
Hippy folk goodness. Mysterious and smooth. Good shit but a record store owner in Norway once told me he's a prick so loses points.
I know I’ve said this before, but I really do think that Van Morrison is so much more than Brown Eyed Girl which, let’s be honest, is what most people know him for. His music is like sedatives for the ears, bringing everything to a lovely calmness. I didn’t recognise any songs on this album, but I did find myself enjoying the journey from beginning to end. This album is far less rocky than songs like Brown Eyed Girl, so if that’s all you know of him then give this a listen to hear his other side.
I like Van Morrison, I really do. However, I feel like this album was a little bland for his work and overall, forgettable.
At last, someone I love, “ Van The Man.” Such a unique stylist. Early album, of course, so not all his big hits. I like Sweet Thing best. Astral Weeks is the most famous. So poetic. 4/5 just because.
I find old mate's voice (and opinions) quite grating these days but I used to love the heck out of this. Still listen to Madame George regularly. Can't argue it's classic status. Always blows my mind that it was recorded in 3 sessions.
Didn't know anything by Van Morrison beyond Brown-Eyed Girl. Pleasantly, surprised by his output. Great songwriter and vocalist. High point being Madame George.
Very pretty songs, though I'm not the BIGGEST fan of his voice.
Really good. A bit melancholy.
astral weeks just like leeks bitter and tart this is art Vertical slice listened thrice beauty galore what 'n store
So, who are you who likes this? What are you doing if you like this? I think you are either a humble toes-in-the-dirt naturalist with scruffy hair, or a pretentious taffeta wearing dilettante with curated manners, and you don't really like it, you are just pretending to do so because it's retro cool. It's an album that would have angered off 17yo me, bored 21yo me, charmed 26yo me, been poisonously dismissed by 30yo me, and been discovered with a bit of nostalgia by 50yo me. So, I'm still a bit nostalgic about this discovered album. The lyrics, they wash over me. Not too sure about the meaning. I stopped and wondered if he was promoting troubling attractions with older men and much younger women, and I tried to parse the lyrics a bit more. It felt very stream of consciousness in th retelling. I think it's good? It feels florid, but joyous, in good ways. Yesh, I think it's good. Is it a repeat listen, I'm unsure, maybe. I think so. But the lyrics, just wandering around an expression of passive aggressive descriptions of love. I'm not sure what to make of them. It feels both annoying and superb, and I don't know which. I'm willing to keep trying and actively listening, and for that, 4 stars. Thanks for the album.
Same as previous day. Nothing to add.
I half forget Van Morrison did more after being a more pop-focused success. This is an interesting album. Great vibe and instrumental choices. It does have a similar sound thoroughout that almost gets repetitive but especially for when it came out this is really well done. Makes sense to be on the list.
Very nice song construction and lyricism. A warm sound. The production and instrumentation are solid, but it mostly seems forgettable. Although I could see it growing on me if given more time.
J’aime
Reminds me of camping… every time.
Pretty astonishing
I've on a British folk binge for a couple of days and I may have had enough. I think this is nice, a wild summer field on a warm, windy day but Morrison's vocals annoy me a bit, must be the pollen.
7/10 - It was better than the live album but still worse than Moondance. Some decent songs and some longer ones. His voice kind of becomes grating over time but I like it most of the time.
awesome
Great album. Some classic tracks
The album that made me love Van even though I hear he’s a real curmudgeon. But he wrote Sweet Thing and that’s pure perfection.
4+/5
I'm not sure if I've ever heard this entire album all the way through, but I definitely dig the jazzy vibes on some of the songs and Van Morrison has a completely unique voice that's unmistakable. Short and sweet.
Dammit. Someone give me a really great or really crappy album. I'm tired of giving these albums a score of "3." This is the third Van Morrison album that I have gotten in this project and it seems like the last one. I have enjoyed all three albums. This is the lowest rated of the albums because it tends to focus more on the rambling Van Morrison songs that I did not enjoy as much on "Too Late to Stop Now." I do believe Astral Weeks has a spot on this list. Sweet Thing Astral Weeks The Way Young Lovers Do Ballerina Those are my favorite songs and I enjoy the chill vibe of this one. I have to admit, I am probably just as likely to listen to this one again as I am to listen to "Too Late to Stop Now." Van Morrison is a warm cup of coffee on a slightly chilly Autumn morning. I may not remember exactly what the flavor of coffee was but I do remember I enjoyed it and would like to do it again.
I’m not ALL the way there with it yet…but I think it could happen one day. 4.5/5
Man, I love that flute. While I think this is a solid record and probably a 5/5 for a lot of people, I have to give it a 4/5. The songwriting is solid but since I’m a music-first, lyrics-second music enjoyer, I do need to criticize the repetitive nature of the instruments on each track and the lack of melody.
I'm always impressed that in the heyday of folk revivalists like Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel, Van Morrison comes out with an album like this. It's not my favorite VM album, but I love that he is just absolutely going for it. Its folk, its country, its jazz, its blues. Every song is introspective, personal and sometimes even spiritual. I love how he sings about Belfast and how he group up. I love that all of the songs are kind of long, he kind of broke out of short simple acoustic folk and made longer, interesting songs with cool instruments. Astral Weeks is my favorite on the record, followed by Madame George. Despite having interesting instruments and longer songs, I still don't gravitate this album as much as others. However, I still really enjoy it and revisit from time to time.
Can't understand a word van says.
The entire album was great. The last song definitely had a country and folk vibe.
Had wondered why people rave about this for many years without bothering to find out. Couldn’t see it at first but it really grew on me.
A couple of months ago, I reviewed Van Morrison's It's Too Late To Stop Now. I was only familiar with a couple of his songs, neither of which were on that album. I really didn't care for It's Too Late To Stop Now, and that experience has really lowered my expectations for this album. I'll do my best to give this a fair shot, with hopes that my low expectations will be dashed. Thankfully, I enjoyed this album significantly more than It's Too Late To Stop Now. This album was beautiful from start to finish, a wonderful combination of the best elements of folk music from America and The UK. The string arrangements on this album were fantastic from start to finish, and they brought a lot of life to this album. Van Morrison has such a unique voice, and I really enjoyed hearing him sing some songs that I'm not familiar with. There's a really cohesive atmosphere throughout the album, and the music matches the dreamlike lyrics really well. The use of so much figurative language leaves this album open to a lot of interpretation, and in my opinion, that makes it worthy of multiple re-listens. As for my favorite song on the album, it's a tough call for me, between "Sweet Thing" and "Cyprus Avenue." They both have some of my favorite string playing on the album, and they're both really beautiful to listen to. I really love how he stutters when he sings 'my tongue gets tied every time I try to speak' on "Cyprus Avenue." I think that line really showcases Van Morrison's attention to detail. My only gripe with this album is that quite a few songs overstay their welcome quite a bit, especially the ones with the repetitive vocals, like "Beside You." Oddly enough though, I thought the two shortest songs were the weakest ones on the album. Even though this isn't the sort of thing that I typically gravitate towards, I thought it was beautiful to listen to, and featured some really great songwriting. I hope that I'm going to enjoy Moondance as much as or more than I enjoyed Astral Weeks.
Incredibly pleasant. the folk i like
Such a beautiful records. It floats around and hits crescendos and emotional culminations. Admittedly, I can't understand half the lyrics without reading them, but it still hits on such an emotional level.
Some lovely stuff! Liked the last few tracks
Surprised i didn’t know more of the tracks. Sounded better in the evening. Some tracks hard to get into.
Astral Weeks is one of the greatest songs of all time. Besides that the album is mixed with some great hits and some lulls. Definitely above average though from Van the man. 7.5/10 (3.75/5)
Van Morrison has such a vast catalog, it’s going to take some time for me to work through it all. But out of everything I’ve heard so far, this album is definitely my favorite. I love how heavily it leans into folk, with strong jazz and blues influences, which creates a lush and rich atmosphere throughout the album.
Full disclosure - this was one of those albums I needed to listen to a second time with the lyrics on hand to put my thoughts together. One of the biggest hurdles with Van Morrison is that his talk-singing delivery is very warbly, often to the point where some words sound incomprehensible and I had to double-check what he sang. That said, Astral Weeks is still gorgeous despite his singing. All the instruments coalesce under Morrison's command with his acoustic guitar for a progressive folk style that paints wonderfully with the rather impressionistic lyrics of love and spirituality. Whether it's Larry Fallon's harpsichord work on "Cypress Avenue", the brass accompanied bombast of "The Way Lovers Do", or the gentle sway alongside the string arrangements of the title track and "Madame George", the atmosphere of this album evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity that's astonishing. If you're like me and your prior experiences with Van Morrison were "Brown Eyed Girl" and his anti-lockdown antics during the COVID-19 pandemic, this album will at least be a pleasant surprise even if it takes more than one listen.
Enjoyable. Plinky plunky
I enjoyed this album quite a bit. The first half was better than the second but overall still very good.
I’m not into this kind of music, so I would rate this lower, but a lot of the instrumentals seem flippable, so extra points for that.
What do I find more irritating, the flute riffs, or Van himself? But yes this is a pretty epic album.
Album 474 of 1001 Van Morrison - Astral Weeks Rating : 4 / 5 Van Morrison is someone I've meant to listen to more. This is a good album. Pretty consistent all the way through. Good tunes but none that just really stood out over the others. Very good all the way through, though.
Another great album from Van Morrison. I have a friend from school named Vann after Van Morrison, I'm starting to understand why. Such a unique voice, just an unmistakeable texture to his sound. I like the kind of jazzy guitar work on some of these, it's different. "Sweet Thing" is actually one of my favorite Van Morrison songs, aside from that I didn't know much on here but there's a lot to love. Favorite tracks: Sweet Thing, Astral Weeks, Madame George, Ballerina, Slim Slow Slider. Album art: Really dig this one, could be his best. Very contemplative shot of (I assume) Van layered in with a shot of trees. The framing around that shot and the text are great, nice color choices. 4/5
Lovely, start to finish. I'll absolutely be spending more time with this album. A little droplet of a universe in some earthy fairy land of storytelling and singing and exploring forests. It made me feel calm and happy, and I'd like to listen through and read along with the lyrics next time - like isn't this bit from Sweet Thing so good? "And I shall drive my chariot down your streets and cry / Hey, it's me, I'm dynamite and I don't know why / And you shall take me strongly in your arms again / And I will not remember that I even felt the pain We shall walk and talk in gardens all misty wet / All misty wet with rain down / And I will never, never, never grow so old again"
Astral weeks The way young lovers do Ballerina
he's great
Have you ever heard an album that made you feel like you were coming home? Well then: this is exactly the feeling this album gives me. Van Morrisson had been on my waiting list for some time and this was a pleasant surprise.
A nice album. Van Morrison has a real distinct sound
Requires more than one listen, Standout influence but under appreciated
i like van morrison
Just love the stories and the voice. Agree there is no memorable single song.
I think the only song I know going into this is Astral Weeks, and of the three Van Morrison songs I know it’s my favorite. Brown Eyed Girl is too cloying and Moondance is too (bad) jazzy. So, that’s promising, but his hit rate is not high. Alright, upon listening, I fear I have to give this anti-vax conspiracy theorist his props. This is a beautiful album. It seems the awfulness of brown eyed girl and my mistaken belief that this album would sound like that have denied me some pleasure all these years. Gave it a second listen to see if it was a 5, but I think it’s merely a strong 4.
Some good, classic music.
There’s always been something timeless about Van Morrison, this is quintessential Van Morrison and for my generation every note reverberates.
Een folk record die op zoveel vlakken afwijkt van een doorsnee folk plaat. De meerlaagse productie, waarin tal van instrumenten in de loop van het album de spotlight weten te vinden, voelt meer aan als dat van een spiritual jazz album dan dat van een folk artiest. Die rijke instrumentatie, waarin zoveel prachtige melodielijnen verschuild zitten, is de absolute x factor van dit album. In combinatie met de passionele vocalen en meeslepende teksten is het een wonderschoon muziekstuk, dat op momenten zelfs een therapeutische kwaliteit heeft. De titelsong, 'Sweet Thing' en 'Madame George' behoren tot het beste werk van de Noord-Ier. Toch bijzonder hoe de luidkeelse zanger van een garage rock band uiteindelijk zulke intieme muziek wist te produceren. Een valkuil van dit album is wel echt de structuur van de songs, waar weinig variatie in zit. Het zijn basically allemaal verhaaltjes waarin de narrative eindigt met Van Morrison die tientallen keren een sleutelzin herhaalt, waarna de song in alle kalmte een langzame dood sterft. Het album had nog interessanter kunnen zijn als er wat meer hooks in zaten waar je je als luisteraar aan vast kan grijpen, zoals dat in 'The Way Young Lovers Do' zorgde voor een welkome change of pace. De manier waarop de songs geschilderd worden, op trage wijze, geeft de muziek een intieme lading, maar datzelfde trucje werd iets te vaak tentoongesteld, wat de luisterbaarheid van het album niet ten goede kwam. 8/10 Highlights: Astral Weeks Sweet Thing Madame George
Really good.
Was decent. Solid 4 stars. Probably need to be more familiar with it to reach any higher.
HL: title track, "Sweet Thing", “Cypress Avenue”, “The Way Young Lovers Do” Beautiful, and another worthy Van entry in this list. Definitely wish I could have heard this a lot earlier in my life, since it’s a kind of album that my appreciation and understanding will likely deepen over time. The kind of freeform folk he has going on here didn’t scratch the same itch that Moondance (1970) did when it showed up here. Nonetheless, I expect it’ll hit harder once the leaves start budding I mean spring, not pot April 14, 2024
Yeah, a classic
Such a unique voice and the music just fits perfectly with it. Great use of folk instruments from Ireland and it just sounds totally different than anything else from that era.
Beautiful album. Van may be a jerk in real life based on many documented reports, but all that goes away for me when he starts singing. Combined with the backing band, they reach moments of transcendence. There’s just enough filler for me that it’s just short of classic status, but there’s much love for this one.
Great voice. Great album
i was dead all day, i escaped. i was mad all day, i escaped.
I was surprised twice today - once when I realised that I don't think I have listened to Van Morrison before, and also when I realised that Van Morrison's music is not what I expected it to be. I am quite satisfied with this album, pretty happy with the vibes, enjoyed having this in the background while I was doing other stuff.
this album was pretty good! with the mixture of guitars and sweepin strings, it makes for a... i dunno, this album feels magical in a way. lots of these songs make me feel like suddenly i've slipped and i'm floating in the air. it happens sporadically.
Pretty good but not my favorite of his.
More accessible than people give it credit for - don’t be afraid.
Original indie. Good stuff
Love this man’s voice and music! The songs on this album may not have been as popular as some of his other songs but I love the combination of folk, rock and jazz.
I like this album. The jury is still out for me personally as to how inspired, important, critical Van Morrison is, but this is an enjoyable listen.
Better than moondance
- "Ich höre zu wenig Van Morrison" (Ich, jedes mal, wenn ich aus Versehen Van Morrison höre) - Der Typ holt mich mit seiner Stimme und dem Klang seiner Songs einfach immer ab. - Ich habe bisher nur Moondance (Das Album) richtig gehört. Astral Weeks war mir nur stellenweise ein Begriff - Tolle Mischung aus prekussiven Shaky tunes und tragenden, tiefen Balladen - Rein Melodisch fehlen mir hin und da die großen Hinhörer - Alles in allem aber irgendwie ein schönes Album 3,75/4
the way young lovers do temon
Poetry overall, different styles but mainly folk rock. Funny how the Tidal review calls this pop, as the modern definition is so different. Overall a great listen for a subdued evening. Lots of beautiful acoustic guitar and sad, yet upbeat lyrics.
Not bad musically, honestly not my vibe but a good album nonetheless.
All sounded the same, bit I like Van Morrison
So good. Sweet Thing is such a good song. This album is just such a pleasure to listen to amd easy to get lost in, feels like early summer
I thought this was going to be a slam dunk 5 star review because of my Van Morrison love, but this one was good but didn't grab me the way his albums usually do. Maybe I'm just getting cynical in my old age to not give 5 stars for a great album...
A decent folksy rock album. Seems kind of meandering at times and nothing really jumps out at me, but overall a pleasant listen.
The don't call him Van the Man for nothing.
For me, Van Morrison will always work. He’s got timeless appeal.
Good one, it seems like a legendary one from this artist.
VMs Celtic soul classic. Holds together brilliant as an album. The acoustic bass shines through as do Van's vocals. Lovely.
Good album! He sounds so young on this-not sure he’s reached the peak of his powers yet, but he’s close!
Van himself is a twat of the highest degree, but Astral Weeks largely deserves its reputation as his masterwork. The sound of a dewy spring morning caught on record.
From day-to-day, whenever I think about Van Morrison, which really is not very much, I think, “man, I really used to like that guy.“ As if I don’t like him anymore. I don’t know why I feel that way. Maybe because i heard brown eyed girl one too many times, and one time I tried to play it on the guitar for Erin and she thought it was so fucking cheesy and cliché it almost ruined our early budding romance and also, like, broke the spell Van had over me for the six or seven years prior that I’d been listening to his albums on my parents’ record player and bootleg CDs. So I just kind of carry around this idea that I don’t love Van Morrison. But then his music plays, and I think “holy shit I love this stuff.” Now, the songs on this particular album are too long by like two or three or six minutes each. I don’t know what combination of Quaaludes and elderberry flower liqueur and marijuana they were on in the studio in 1966 when Van was recording this albums, but I honestly thought Astral Weeks was on single-song repeat, but when I reached down to fix it, I realized it was, in fact, only about a third of the way through. And the lyrics are honestly a bit basic. But that, man. That sound is there. And it moves to me to my soul.
Brown Eyed Girl was the song I played during my audition for the 8th grade jazz band. I got the gig, but if I’m honest, it was only because no one else auditioned. Actually, I was so bad that the band director made me take lessons on my own for three months before our first practice, and even then he was always turning my amp down whenever I wasn’t looking. In any case, the experience left me with a lot of love for Van Morrison, but I somehow never got to this one before. Listening to this feels like being in a dream - it all makes perfect sense, but none of it really does. And it seems like every time you try to turn your attention to one part, it fades away as soon as you do.
This was never a supercool album but still had it down as a 10/10 album, and the music is clearly five stars, but after not having listened to it for many years, I could not take in the vocals and am also pretty indifferent towards the lyrics (which luckily are miles away from VM current type of lyrics and mode of thinking).
I can't help but to compare this with Moondance, both very nice records. While AW is arguably more consistent, I favour M because it has a warmer sound and some better melodies. Also the vocals on AW occasionally reach the point of irritation.
Just like I had to do with Eric Clapton and other idiotic creative geniuses, I must put on my 'Separate the man from the art' hat with Mr. Van 'the man' Morrison. His Astral Weeks is nothing short of a masterpiece. His 'blue-eyed soul' from Northern Ireland is soothing to the ears and mood in a way that differs from other Irish singer-songwriters. His tonal range and lyrics are a perfect match for a creative genius. I would maybe suggest his nickname be updated to Van 'the Stan' Morrison to suit his conspiracy theory-laced mind. 4.5/5
It's a calm album. Just for some kitchen activity. Got some bops
Only knew two songs by Van Morrison before this album. I really enjoyed the unique styles of mixing instruments. I will definitely revisit this album.
Loved this - very pleasant listening
This was hype
Otherworldly jazzy reflections
Rock de Van Morrison. Demasiado lento para el vinilo.
What a vibe, lovely stuff here. He’s got a unique voice that helps him define his own sound, but is also original in his arrangements and style. Beautiful lyrics as well, though there isn’t much range throughout this project. Still love it. 4/5
This one didn't hit me as hard as Moon Dance tbh, still really solid imo though
sweet. this will spark my yearly obsession with van morrison again. love the guy some good chunes on this one but i rarely go back and listen to songs that are longer than 5 minutes long.
Better than the other Van Morrison album I got. Too bad he became an anti-vaxxer weirdo.
Hmmmm, it's all quite samey, but it's a nice samey, so I guess I can't complain. Certainly wouldn't object to hearing it again. Fave track - "Sweet Thing" - I swear I've heard this track a bunch in compilations, but lastfm says no - maybe it was a cover? 🤔
Great album, easily the best pre-1970s album I've had so far in the 1001 albums project. Beautifully tender but with enough substance
Todella hieno ääni ja muutenkin jotenkin kauniisti tähän alkusyksyyn sopivaa tunnelmointia. 4/5
Van is the best. So soulful. I don't know that any of his albums are better than the others. They're all just solid.
I quite enjoyed this! It’s not a record I’ve ever listened to and truthfully I’m not super familiar with Van Morrison beyond his big hits either. Great combo of folky vocals and lyrics along with deeper lush instrumentation and a jazzy feel. Really had an ethereal quality to it that got cemented further on my second listen. Several tracks overstayed their welcome a bit but all in all forgivable when listening to it as a whole. I probably won’t give more than half the tracks a listen on their own, but as a full piece I think this record is very effective.
I’m going back and forth on this. I can see myself listening to each individual song, but got a bit redundant after an hour. I feel bad doing less than four but can probably do a 3
interesting use of non-traditional instruments in the album. although, truth be told, his voice seems out of place more than i'd like to admit.
Lots of nice sounding flutes on here. Currently listening sitting in a quaint little coffee shop and its a ~vibe~ I specifically like Cyprus Avenue. The vibraphone on Ballerina is also so smooth. Was honestly heading for a 3 but it was really pleasant to my ear holes, opposite of Throbbing Gristle. And for that you get a 4 you crazy son of a bitch Van.
I quite liked the sound of this, though he's a bit shouty at times. I'm not a huge fan.
Positive surprise. Every song had a vibe similar to "Brown Eyed Girl", to the point that I thought it's just one long medley based on the melody from this track. And the melody is great, but it was pretty repetitive. But what was the best on this album was Van Morrison vocal. Just genuinely a treat to listen to. Pretty good album, but rather one and done on my list.
Van Morrison is another that I heard a lot when I was younger. I have also listened to this album in the last year or so. He has an unmistakable voice and style. Really enjoyed most of this, although it doesn't include any of his bigger hits. Highlights: Beside you Sweet thing Cyprus avenue Madame George
It was alright
I love this album (except the whiny track Beside You), and have to be in the mood for it. Except Sweet Thing, which I've always got time for.
baita som, astral
Wat het precies is, een soort singersongwriter-zingzeg-blues? Geen idee. 'Van the man' hoeft alleen zijn smoel maar open te trekken en het klinkt al goed. Enige nadeel is dat het af en toe behoorlijk in de herhaling valt. Het kan niet altijd 5 sterren zijn.
I think his best album. So much of this is the classic Van Morrison sound with more of the good stuff than the bad stuff. Could listen to this album on repeat which is a good sign.
Feels like a bunch of vignettes of pretty pastoral landscapes. Beautiful layers, kind of drifting here & there. As much as I may be a fan, sometimes his voice is jarring.
Super late to this one but I finally got the chance for another listen through. Very much night and day between first to second listen. The album has been hyped up to be very transcendental and I didn’t really understand why at first. On second listen I was driving with my dog on a nice day and it hit me a little more. It’s a very free album lyrically and musically that takes you to another place if you just kinda drive and let it play. A lot of the songs like sweet thing have very all over the place lyrics but all have the same sentiment that tie them together and come off as a stream of consciousness which I think works well. Like if you go into a studio and try to make a happy song but make it into a perfect pop song with everything very neat it loses that carefree feeling which this album conveys very well. The last song is also intriguing cuz it kinda comes out of the blue and has a much darker theme and sound. The only one that still didn’t do mucb for me was madame George. Just dragged on but not in a good way like the first couple. 👍:sweet thing, slim slow slider, astral weeks
Though this isn't my favorite Van Morrison album - that would be his next: Moondance, this is a very unique and brave album. I respect the faith he had in the musicians to improvise the arrangements around his wandering musings. I do enjoy the sound, but they don't necessarily feel like songs, more like emotional landscapes you temporarily immerse yourself in.
Astral Weeks, Sweet Thing, Cyprus Avenue, The Way Young Lovers Do (best song), Ballerina and Slim Slow Slider. Good but boring as fuck in some places. The lyrics and vocals are good and I love the jazzy parts of the songs. Especially The Way Lovers Do.
Both the lyrics and the music are well written and performed quite well. However, Van Morrison has one of those voices that absolutely overpowers everything else. I wish this album was mixed with his vocals lower in the mix so that some of the instrumentation, which is really interesting, could shine through.
Comes off as Post-Folk as it is obviously tinged with Morrison's older work but there is a much wider range of influences present. A sweeping soundscape of moods, this album came off much better than I anticipated.
Enjoyable overall. The way young lovers do was good
What a great album! Who doesn’t like Van the Man! What a voice this guy has really can’t say how much I enjoy Van Morrison. Not the first listen to these songs but first time all the way through at once and god what an album! Will always be down to listen to this guy!
The song "Sweet Thing" is amazing (and I love the Waterboys' cover as well) and gets this album at least 4 stars even though it's not my favorite Van Morrison album, and even though I'm only rarely in a Van Morrison listening mood. But his poetry and style is so unique, he completely deserves his place on this list. And this album deserves its place on this list.
Peak dad rock but it makes my dopamine receptors go brrrr
More of a grower than Moondance, but great in its own right. Perfect music for wine-and-cheese parties if you want to give the impression that you're a pretentious cunt.
Lovely, not his best but still great. Sweet Thing is the highlight.
I knew Van Morrison's bigger hits but after listening to this album I think I just like his sound overall.
Nice old-school shift rock album
Fantastic album. Love the vocals especially. The songs can feel a bit dragged out though. Definitely want to revisit. 4.5/5
first listen timeless
Beautiful
Tried to get into this a few years back, knowing how revered it is. I bounced off the first 2 tracks then and I do now. Particularly Beside You - the musicianship is great but waaaaa waaaaa waaaa. Each time I listen to this album I recall the same reaction, Oh no, I hate this universally loved classic. but then it continues, and slowly grips me. Sweet Thing allows me in with an actual tune I can wrap my ears around. As it goes on though I grow into it, by Madam George I can float. I can hear some of the seeds of early Spiritualized here.
Pleasant folk rock/jazz. Dream like at times, album highlights Van Morrison's vocal talents. A record meant to be listened to front to back with each track carrying into the next with good continuity. Standout is "Sweet Thing"
Yep I liked this. Good acoustic/ folk-y sounds Didn’t have any of the Van Morrison hits I was familiar with and I was happy to discover these tracks 4/5
jesenska bajka
Listened to on 2/21/23 4/5 Favorite song: Cyprus Avenue, astral weeks This album wasn’t as great as moondance but I still really adore Van Morrison
Pretty
Un disco que suena como el mix raro entre música blanca y negra. Fue extraño, pero es positivo, adornos y arreglos que se no son de la época, pero eran futuristas para la época. Sorprendido y me llevo a un buen artista 8/10.
What an impossible album to rate. It's the sound of driving through dappled sunlight through the trees in an open-top car on a warm summer day. Anyway, four stars.
Great song writer. Not my favorite style but can still appreciate how great he is at it.
Liked it more than I thought I would
I just really like his style.
Part of this is motivated by nostalgia, since this album meant _a lot_ to me when I was in high school; but Way That Young Lovers do still bangs, and the title track, Cypress Avenue, Madame George, Slim Slow Slider are all great.
This is a beautiful folk album, great mix of music and Van really shows off his voice on this one, and the songs just blend so well together. Just a shame he turned into a Covid denying nutter.
I really like Van Morrison, I find his songs soothing and easy to listen to. I think what sometimes makes his music a little different is sometimes the kind of jazz like structure, repetition and hanging onto a riff for a really long time. Its good!
Great stuff.
I have a deep-rooted love of Van Morrison. His raspy whiskey soaked vocals take me to a special and joyful place. He has a prolific catalogue of poetic songs and emotionally stirring instrumentation. I just love listening to him. Moondance is a vastly superior album, but I like this one a lot too. It’s a shame his brilliance is currently being channeled into seriously problematic new music. I’m not going there though, I’m just gunna kick it with 60s and 70s Van, the sweet and soulful artist I admire.
not my preferred style of music, but i can tell it is quite good. still i couldn't make it through the whole album.
This one definitely had a slower, more soulsy vibe to it than moondance or brown eyed girl and I appreciated that more than I fully enjoyed it. I much prefer his more upbeat stuff but this was still good. Sweet thing and it’s instrumentals was the standout
A contemplative album from Morrison that ventures into Jazz and Soul rather than his more recognizable rock tunes. This only further heightens his range as a writer and composer though, as he has multiple singles and classics as he muses and works through an album of longing.
I wasn't excited going in, but I ended up really enjoying this.
Beautifully recorded and some of Van Morrison’s strongest songs. But his vocals/phrasing and songwriting are what make this album special.
Completely unexpected.
Really surprised by how much I liked this album. I don't know much about Van Morrison outside of his few hits. But this whole album works. Good stuff here.
Liked some songs more than others, but overall a pretty good album. 4/5
I've never given Van a chance! I think I wrote him off as a hippie, Bob Dylan wannabe, but he's so much more. What a nice surprise!
Astral Weeks - amazing song Sweet thing - very solid song. fun guitar work Cyprus Avenue - fun song The Way Young Lovers Do - really good song. jazzy
Great Van album
almost perfect
Holy cow, this album must be responsible for the conception of so many children.
Artsy! Sounds like something that people who smoke cigarettes and drink wine listen to.