1001 Albums Generator
Astral Weeks by Van Morrison

Astral Weeks

Van Morrison

1968
3.25
Rating
24121
Votes
1
5%
2
19%
3
36%
4
25%
5
15%
Distribution
Genres: Rock, Folk, Soul, Jazz Styles: Singer Songwriter, Folk Rock, Acoustic

Reviews (page 5 of 9)

We already had Moondance why are you tossing in Astral Weeks too 😭 one Van Morrison album is enough, thanks

my life is a fuck

Weak album. His wonderful voice tried to carry the mediocro song writing but failed miserably

Very nice little album

I thought I like van Morrison more than this. Felt that the songs on here were fairly weak, there was some good songwriting but it got somewhat repetitive. The songs are all like 6 minutes long too, if you cut them all in half I think it would be better.

Meh. Loses an additional point for being an arsehole.

Good music, hated the singing.

This has always been king shit of the heap of Important Albums You Must Hear (that KPH hates). I can remember throwing it on expecting to have the same revelations as I did with Laughingstock. The roadmap there was from the celebrated post-rock acts of 99-02: Godspeed, Mogwai, Sigur Ros, which was an unreasonable expectation for Astral Weeks. Because it sucks.

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.

Listened Before? N This one is not bad. Kind of drags on a bit toward the end. It's very mellow and same-y. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Astral Weeks

Remarkle vocals and sounds like a summer breeze under a shade tree. Some beautifully, understated instrumentals. ASTRAL WEEKS, and SWEET THINGS are my Mick Picks. CYPRUS AVENUE is a cool change of pace. Would've enjoyed a few more of these tracks to add some buoyancy.

No strong opinion either way

It’s not that it’s not good it just didn’t really pop for me

Dont love the man Van but love his music and voice

Pleasant. nothing stood out but would listen again

Great album

Maybe I'm just not the guy for Van Morrison, but I feel like his voice is grating and it all sounds near enough the same.

One of my absolute favorites. Awesome record.

Van Morrison’s movement from “Brown Eyed Girl” to a soundscape like this is what made the 60s so musically revolutionary. This album been called “folk jazz” or folk/blues/classical/jazz. In other words it defies easy categorization. It’s been called “stream of consciousness” at least in its lyrical presentation, and that seems true of the music as well. It just sounds like musicians finding their groove. You can drop the needle anywhere and have the same, immersive experience. Astral Weeks defies easy categorization. It’s really good. Before you die, you should hear it.

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

Somehow the music reminds me of Mick Jagger singing folk. Not uninteresting, but it doesn't excite me either. 3/5

Mystical jazz dronings that go on for what seems like astral weeks! Hated it. I’ve tried a few times over the years to get into it, but it’s just not for me.

Separating the man from the album this is still as consistently boring as I suspected it would be.

Ballady 70’s

Ok Van Morrison

For sure a classic....doesn't quite fit me personally but the quality is undeniable.

I fell in love with this album in college around 12 years ago, and every now and then it hits an ethereal spot in my soul that few records can match. There’s not much like it, from Morrison or anyone else.

Damn, this is not for me...the volume went softer and softer on my headphones as Van the Man kept screaming and screaming...Just don't like his moaning screams...lower voice, "nice"...one good song for me when the volume went higher : The Way Young Lovers Do...

He has better albums

And the love that loves to love that loves the love that loves the love that loves to love the love that loves to love the love that loves

i love him, love the album.. but it meanders quite a bit and i get lost.

In space for week?

# 465 : 23/04/2025 : Astral Weeks "The sound of sweet relief" in a light fluffy folksy kind of way. 60 on Rolling stones to 500 Greatest Albums (2020) called it, "The sound of sweet relief" Best track : Madame George

#563. Low budget Rolling Stones. 2/5: weak.

This feels like B Tier Bruce Springsteen/Bob Dylan

I enjoyed this, but also realized that Van Morrison is best in small doses. Minus a star for all the anti-vax BS as well.

Not my favorite but really enjoyed parts of it.

Wow he’s annoying

I've never listened to this. Now I know why

вторая половина альбома ярче и интереснее

I know this album is supposed to be one of the all time greats, but I can't say it does much for me. Morrison has released some all timers in his career, but I struggle to find anything on Astral Weeks that really excited me enough to feel like it lives up to the hype.

Today I learned that I can’t tolerate Van Morrison’s voice for more than two songs in a row? I expected to love this, and did not.

Very interesting. I liked this conceptually, but musically it was lacking for me personally. Felt like it was trying to be acid jazz with folk, kind of like Captain Beefheart, but was more R&B with the floaty melodies that you could never quite grasp on to.

Хороший блюзик

It’s a shame he is such a grumpy little troll cos this was brilliant. Perfect little sunny afternoon listen

Lives up to the hype, no real stand out tracks just a really interesting and enjoyable journey

I love a bit of VM and this starts really strong but it lost me near the end and slipped into a 3

Van the man makes damn good music. I’m a fan that he can jam.

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.

Aujourd'hui, on s'attaque à un monument, une légende, un disque qui trône dans tellement de listes "best of all time" qu'on se demande s'il ne paye pas un loyer dans le Panthéon du rock : "Astral Weeks" de Van Morrison, cuvée 1968. Bon, soyons clairs, quand tu vois débarquer ce nom, surtout si comme moi, tu as grandi avec les ondes radio des années 70 et 80, tu penses direct à "Brown Eyed Girl" ou plus tard à "Moondance". Des trucs cool, certes, mais disons… calibrés. Le genre de morceaux qui te font taper du pied sans te poser de questions existentielles. Et là, tu lances "Astral Weeks", et c'est la douche. Froide ? Chaude ? Disons… différente. Oublie la pop facile, les refrains évidents car Van the Man, en 1968, a décidé de foutre le camp loin de tout ça. Le mec sortait d'un succès populaire, et au lieu de capitaliser dessus, il nous pond un truc… ailleurs… complètement ailleurs. Le descriptif qu'on m'a filé parle de "folk rock, folk jazz, folk progressif, blue-eyed soul, blues et styles classiques". Ouais, en gros, c'est une sorte de salade composée sonore assez unique. T'as des cordes qui flottent, une basse jazz qui se balade, la guitare acoustique qui tisse des arpèges un peu hypnotiques, et par-dessus, la voix de Morrison. Ah, sa voix… Elle est là, bien sûr, reconnaissable, mais elle navigue dans des eaux beaucoup plus troubles, moins directes. Elle murmure, elle gémit, elle s'envole dans des improvisations qui semblent venir d'un autre monde. Les thèmes, on nous dit : amour romantique, amour perdu, désir, chagrin, renaissance, union mystique… Tout un programme. Et ça se sent car c'est pas un disque qui te saute à la gorge avec des messages clairs. C'est plutôt une collection d'impressions, de sensations. Les paroles sont souvent abstraites, non-linéaires. On est plus dans le ressenti, dans l'atmosphère que dans la narration pure et dure. Faut se laisser porter, accepter de ne pas tout capter direct. C'est une expérience, quoi… Et c'est peut-être là le probleme pour une écoute "moderne", ou du moins, pour une écoute qui s'attend à être séduite immédiatement. Parce que, soyons honnêtes, "Astral Weeks", à sa sortie, ça a été un bide. La maison de disques n'a rien pigé, n'a pas fait de promo, les critiques étaient perplexes, le public aux abonnés absents. Faut dire que balancer ça en pleine explosion rock psychédélique et pop plus structurée, c'était un pari couillu ou suicidaire, c'est selon. Pourtant, aujourd'hui… Culte, chef-d'œuvre, indispensable. Les critiques ont retourné leur veste (ou alors c'est une nouvelle génération de critiques, allez savoir) et le disque est devenu cette référence absolue. On loue le chant, les arrangements audacieux, l'écriture poétique. Et c'est vrai qu'il y a quelque chose d'envoutant, une sorte de magie brumeuse qui se dégage de l'ensemble. On sent que le mec ne calculait rien, qu'il était en pleine exploration, guidé par une inspiration quasi mystique. La note, c'est un 3 sur 5 dans la catégorie "à découvrir". Ce n'est pas le genre de disque que je vais me passer en boucle tous les jours. Ce n'est pas une évidence comme peuvent l'être certains albums de mes chouchous. "Astral Weeks", ça demande un certain état d'esprit, une disponibilité. Faut être prêt à plonger dans ce folk jazzy, atmosphérique, parfois un peu décousu. C'est le genre d'album qui te fait dire : "Ah ouais, quand même… C'est spécial." Tu respectes l'audace, l'originalité, la démarche artistique jusqu'au-boutiste. Tu reconnais l'influence qu'il a pu avoir (même si elle est moins évidente que celle d'un Velvet Underground & Nico sur la scène indie que j'affectionne). Mais est-ce que ça te prend aux tripes immédiatement ? Pas sûr. Pour moi, ça reste un peu… distant. Intrigant, mais distant. C'est un disque d'ambiance, presque une bande-son pour une fin de soirée brumeuse ou une après-midi pluvieuse passée à regarder par la fenêtre en se posant des questions sans réponse. C'est beau, c'est profond, mais ça manque peut-être un peu de l'électricité brute ou de la mélancolie tranchante que je recherche souvent. Mais voilà, le projet "1001 Albums" est fait pour ça : sortir de sa zone de confort, explorer des territoires inconnus. Et "Astral Weeks" est clairement un territoire à part. Un disque qui a mis du temps à être compris, mais qui a fini par s'imposer comme une œuvre majeure. Il mérite donc sa place ici, et ce 3/5 signifie bien qu'il faut y jeter une oreille attentive, même si ce n'est pas l'amour fou au premier rendez-vous. C'est une pièce importante de l'histoire, un jalon.

Just so cool.

Its decent background music... but every Van Morrison song sounds the same. Because of that, I'll give it a 2 - because I enjoyed it, but every song sounds exactly like "Into the Mystic"

Was alright

Enjoyable stuff

This album is so famous but I just can't understand it unless you love his voice which I don't. It's just ok.

Beside You // Sweet Thing // The Way Young Lovers Do // Madame George //

Honestly, I like his other stuff much better. His next like 3 or 4 albums are all leagues better.

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.

It's decent enough but feels a little bit meandering at points. 3.5 bumped down to 3.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. I don’t think I quite fully caught the vibe of the album as intended, but I think I picked up on most of it – if this is as improvised as it’s all claimed to be, then the intention of this album feels like closing your eyes, trying to find the sort of mental imagery & setting of each track, and then letting Van Morrison’s voice & his stream of consciousness train of thought paint the broad strokes for your brain to fill in the story, enhanced by some fabulous instrumentation throughout. This is a masterclass of sound design, but not in the Nine Inch Nails sense, where the production is used as a harsher tool to express unstable emotions. It’s more so sound design in the classical orchestration sense, a la Beethoven or other composers of his time. I’m not foolish enough to say Van Morrison or his team are actually Beethoven or anything, but what makes classical music work well enough & feel sort of timeless is the intention of each track. This album thrives on trying to create an atmosphere, and letting Van Morrison guide you through that atmosphere. It succeeds more often than not, & while I might be hyping it up a bit much in terms of Van Morrison’s intention vs the actual outcome, I do think they sort of work hand-in-hand; this was designed to be as different from something like “Brown Eyed Girl” as possible, and it certainly is. It’s also different from anything on Moondance, which took a more measured & traditional approach. It’s a testament to Van Morrison’s fluidity as an artist, honestly. I really liked this. The thing is, for my brain, I think I only caught the general mood of the track on about 6 of the tracks – specifically, “Beside You” & “Ballerina” didn’t quite click the way that I think they could have, but that’s less of a fault of Van Morrison’s approach, and more so my inability to catch their vibe. When this album clicks, my goodness, does it click. Cyprus Avenue & Madame George in particular felt brilliantly produced, and the mood brought on by that soundscape felt ethereal for 1968. Those two tracks alone are worth the listen. I understand why this has a 3, because approaching this like a typical album will leave the mind with a lot of confusion – lots of repetition, weird broad lyrics, some instrumentation that’s nice to listen to but makes no sense… all things I might say if I treated this like Moondance. It’s an impossible feeling to describe once that zen state really truly clicks, but it’s something that I think is worth chasing on every track. Hence, the 4.5 bumped up to a 5.

really dissapointed with this one as i really like van Morrison and his voice a lot. This is clearly a different part of his career. I don't really see the appeal myself, its very meandering and calm music but at the same time its really jolty. It makes for an experience where i'm bored if i really listen but am annoyed when i don't.

The album cover really sets the tone here. You kind of just want to lilt in a field while listening to this and remind yourself who you are. Its song cycle style keeps you hypnotized throughout, pulling you to the surface only occasionally with tracks like “the way young lovers do”. It seems to tap into what’s ancient and mystical around us.

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.

An album that I own, but I'd struggle to recognise any tracks from it tbh. You bounder! You cheat! Yes, tar and feather at the altar of Van. He doesn't half waffle on.

Boring the pants off me since ‘68. Sorry. But I’ve invested way too much time I’ll never get back in figuring out why this particular album. It’s not as though I don’t recognise the talent of The Man (‘TB Sheets’, for example. A masterpiece.) But this is just lachrymose introspection lacking a destination.

Wow, does his voice get on my nerves really quickly.

Yeah, was ok. Has a nice voice.

Love Van

No, just no.

Not another mid white man who drunkenly sings in a guitar 😭😭😭 what the hell was happening here on this record?! It gets a point for being short and not as a gratuitous as Nebraska looool FAVES The Way Young Lovers Do

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.

Nothing here made me say wow. Very jazzy. His voice so unique - just doesn’t work for me sometimes. Other times it does. This is average.

Far too many songs where he just cackles and holds notes too long. “Beside You” should be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

He’s got a cool voice, but his music is otherwise kinda boring. Reminds me of the girls from my high school class… pretty, but vacant.

He might be a prize arsehole, but this is still a glorious album.

My first Van Morrison, and I think I'm at peace. At least I'm more at peace than I have been all week. The music, for one, has no right to sound this good for the '60s. The baroque arrangements are all so lush and detailed and constantly flourishing and shifting. Each song builds so subtly that before you even know it, you're entranced. It's the standout musical elements here, that subtle progressiveness. A perfect example of this is the song 'Madame George', which has a nine-minute length that just flies by, like a good night's sleep. And Morrison's voice is just filled with so much conviction, emotion, and sheer power. He's not afraid to get unconventional. At times, he'll randomly switch up a core melody and even get tangential with his ideas. And like the music, his voice just builds emotionally. On the lyrical front, it's an album that resists easy analysis after only one listen - but as it goes with folk music, it's filled to the brim with evocative imagery relating to nature, love, and intimacy. 'Beside You' might be my favorite as it seems to relate to the singer's child, but it's tough to pick just one. The writing is gorgeous; it feels like every minute, there's a line or two that steals your attention. I'm mesmerized and absolutely in love with this album. Super excited to see what else this guy has in store (after I bash myself in the head for not having listened to him sooner).

It insists upon itself.

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

Van Morrison is one of those acts that I can understand why others dig him, it's just not for me. Like Bob Dylan.

Another good album, but just not his best in my opinion

Awful ... one of the 1001 albums you will hear after you've died and gone to Hell.

Day428 - it sounds like a live album and the lyrics are wonderful. it doesn’t have the hits of moondance but somehow it’s just as good

Mostly mellow 60s folk/folk rock. Not bad, but kind of forgettable.

He seems like a jerk IRL and also I imagine listening to this would suck if you didn't like his voice. I enjoy this; it's sublime, abstract, and repetitive. The random jazz song in the middle keeps you from falling in too deep. I listened to this like four times today.

I liked this, but found myself wanting a little more variety. Really enjoyed Astral Weeks, Sweet Thing, and The Way Young Lovers Do. Probably need to give it another listen.

>The Beatles

Amazing. Pretty abstract experience, forgot how good this is.

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

Man, what a perfect album. No hits; just one perfect song after another.

Boo this man!

Good songs, however the singers voice slightly causes earpain over time

Van Morrison is hit or miss for me. I really enjoyed Moondance, but this one just feels like it’s lacking anything in regards to substance. Everything feels unfinished or unpolished, giving this album a feeling of one of those release that is a compilation of Rarities, demos, and unreleased tracks.

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

Prolly pretty good, but not sure I would put any of these songs on by choice... So since we're going by my own rating regime, is GON BE LOW

One of the all time great albums. Different from anything before or since. Influential to this very day. A vibe as the kids say. Elusive and highly listenable. A masterpiece of doing your own thing.

Just too slow, monotonous and mellow. I don't get the accolades for this one.

2 van morrison albums in 3 days? can I just get my favourite morrison instead😩🙏 his songs just all sound the same after some time

Kedvenc/Favourite: Cyprus Avenue Elméletben nagyon jól hangzik, de hallgatva meguntam a legtöbb számot és az egész albumot is sajnos. Nem igazán tudom, hogy mi nem tetszik benne, biztos lehet ezt is nagyra értékelni. Alapvetően elég öncélúnak érzem (ami alapvetően nem baj), nehéz volt a végére jutnom. In theory it does sound very good, but listening to it I got bored of most of the songs and the album as a whole unfortunately. I don't really know what I don't like about it, I'm sure it can be appreciated. Essentially it feels pretty self-centred (which is fine in principle), I found it hard to get through.

Also perfect

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.

I’m not the biggest fan of Van Morrison’s voice

Lush would be the most fitting single word to describe this album

Van the Man

This record feels very overrated. Excellent instrumentalists jam while some dude, who sounds disconnected from the entire process, prattles on and on with an abundance of lyrics and over-singing that detracts from their meaning. More than half the songs overstay their welcome. Without his voice this might be a nice chill album. "The Way That Young Lovers Do" was the best of the bunch. It gets the job done with the most interesting arrangement in the shortest time. It also happens to have the least Van Morrison singing over it. ;-)

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.

Every track is like 4 minutes too long. And the sweeping searching droning does not build to anywhere satisfying.

Not gonna lie, like all my albums this week have been metal, so this was kind of a breath of fresh air and my rating is likely to reflect that. Easy listening. Elevator and hold music. Wholly inoffensive to my ears but not particularly interesting at the end of the day.

Tal vez 5.

Grew up with a lot of Van playing in my house. Lots of nostalgia might be clouding a proper review but I loved listening to this to. Putting his irritating politics to one side, I can't believe he released this at 22

Uplifting but also sorrowful. Big fan of the title track and 'Sweet Thing'. Ngl after a while I find his whiny tone a bit annoying, but overall found it an enjoyable listen.

My history with Van Morrison is "Brown Eyed Girl" so this album added a creative dimension to Van that I didn't know was there. It feels experimental, for him and of its time. Mixing genres, from the jazzy-bluesy anthem "The Way Young Lovers Do" (which is a bop) to the more folksy sounds of "Sweet Thing", and the toned back "Slim Slow Slider". This is definitely an album that requires a time of day or mood - for me it was at that bluey dusk on the ride home from work (I found it more abrasive in the early morning). My only real problem with it is - I'm not a fan of his voice. I find his vocal progression predictable, a little shouty (but I enjoy the huskiness). So, full marks for the creative genius and instrumental arrangement, fell back on personal preference.

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.

By all accounts, Van Morrison is a deeply unpleasant person and he sings (as a review I once read put it) like a man trying to attract your attention across a crowded pub. But music works in mysterious ways and this album is a thing of beauty.

Musicalement, c'est très cool, j'aime beaucoup ses arrangements. Maintenant, c'est très personnel, mais sa voix ne marche pas avec moi, je ne sais pas pourquoi. J'ai fini par un peu m'habituer, mais c'est resté quelque chose qui m'a dérangé dans mon écoute.

Not bad. Decent album.

5* Perfection

Weliswaar een classic album maar ik was blij toen het was afgelopen.

Not sure why, but this doesn't do much for me. I have a feeling it might be for a similar reason as other singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan: there is just too much that hinges on you listening to and enjoying the lyrics. And I didn't really do that when listening to it. Not bad, just not for me.

We've had "Moondance" before and I was really impressed by it, I wasn't at all as impressed by this. Maybe it was the Elvis Costello album the day before which made me incredibly tired of singer songwriters (and Elvis Costello in particular). The vibe is still nice and I really like "The Way Young Lovers Do". There are some memorable songs like "Sweet thing" too but they are not the same calibre as what is found on "Moondance". "Sweet thing" makes me think of Nick Drake and "Pink Moon" in particular. Strong 3.

Van Morrison is VERY dandergous 5*s

1. aztral - 1.5 2. bezide you - 2 3. zuueet - 1.5 4. cyprezz - 1 5. loverz - 1 6. madame - 1.5 7. ballerina - 1 8. zlider - 2

Amazin as always

Not for me

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.

An absolute ghoul today but this album is still incredible.

Why did Mateen have to tell me about Van Morrisons politics??? A perfect album.

Love Van. Not my favorite album.

Disappointing. Felt like a front of a heart rather than any heart itself.

I understand and respect the experimentation but I sure don’t like it.

I like Van Morrison but a whole album of him shouting with marbles in his mouth... its gets a bit grating.

I wanted to like this album more, but I had alot of issues while listening to it. For starters, the guitar is out of tune for 75% of the songs, the bass in a couple songs didn't really work, and a couple songs really overstayed there welcome. It's still a 3 cause there were some cool elements, but I probably wouldn't listen to this ep again.

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.

Perfect album! Very nice songs and music. I lke it.

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.

Great album from a recently awful man.

## In-Depth Review of *Astral Weeks* by Van Morrison Van Morrison's *Astral Weeks*, released in 1968, is often hailed as one of the greatest albums in music history. This review delves into its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also evaluating its pros and cons. ****Lyrics**** The lyrics of *Astral Weeks* are characterized by their *hallucinatory* quality, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth. Morrison's writing reflects a deep sense of nostalgia and longing, often drawing on personal memories and experiences. The album opens with the title track, where Morrison sings about venturing into a dreamlike state: > "If I ventured in the slipstream, between the viaducts of your dream." This line encapsulates the album's exploration of memory and the subconscious. The lyrics are fragmented yet cohesive, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate with listeners. For instance, in "Ballerina," Morrison captures a moment of intimacy with lines that convey both vulnerability and desire. His attention to detail—such as specifying the "light on the left side of your head"—adds a unique touch that elevates his storytelling. The recurring themes of love, loss, and existential reflection permeate the album. Songs like "Cypress Avenue" evoke a sense of place and time, while "Slim Slow Slider" confronts mortality with haunting sincerity. The lyrical content invites listeners to engage deeply with their own experiences, making it relatable across generations. ****Music**** Musically, *Astral Weeks* is a groundbreaking fusion of rock, jazz, folk, and classical elements. The arrangements are fluid and improvisational, featuring a diverse ensemble of talented musicians. Key contributors include bassist Richard Davis, flutist John Payne, and drummer Connie Kay. Their performances create an ethereal soundscape that complements Morrison's emotive vocals. The album's instrumentation is characterized by: - **Flute**: Adds a whimsical quality to tracks like "The Way Young Lovers Do." - **Strings**: Provide lush backgrounds that enhance the emotional weight of songs. - **Acoustic Guitar**: Grounds the music in folk traditions while allowing for jazz-inspired improvisation. The production by Lewis Merenstein plays a crucial role in shaping the album's sound. He opted for a live feel rather than heavily polished studio recordings, which allows the spontaneity of the performances to shine through. This decision contributes to the album's organic quality, making it feel like an intimate experience rather than a commercial product. ****Themes**** *Astral Weeks* explores several profound themes: - **Memory and Nostalgia**: The lyrics often reflect on past experiences and relationships, evoking a sense of longing for what once was. - **Transcendence**: Many songs grapple with spiritual themes and the search for meaning beyond earthly existence. - **Love**: The complexities of romantic relationships are portrayed with both tenderness and raw vulnerability. These themes resonate deeply with listeners, allowing them to connect personally with Morrison's reflections on life. ****Influence**** The influence of *Astral Weeks* extends far beyond its initial release. It has inspired countless artists across various genres, including folk, rock, jazz, and pop. Its innovative blend of styles paved the way for future musicians to experiment with genre boundaries. Critics have noted how the album’s emotional honesty has influenced singer-songwriters like Jeff Buckley and Norah Jones. Additionally, its lyrical depth has been compared to that of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, establishing Morrison as a peer among these iconic figures. The album continues to attract new audiences decades after its release. Its timeless quality speaks to universal human experiences—love, loss, and the quest for meaning—ensuring its place in musical canon. ## Pros and Cons ### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The fusion of genres creates a unique listening experience. - **Emotional Depth**: The lyrics resonate on personal levels due to their introspective nature. - **Timeless Quality**: Continues to appeal to new generations of listeners. ### Cons - **Accessibility**: Some listeners may find the fragmented style challenging or less accessible compared to more straightforward songwriting. - **Production Choices**: The live feel may not appeal to those who prefer polished studio recordings. - **Pacing**: The album’s meditative quality might not suit all listening environments or moods. In conclusion, *Astral Weeks* stands as a monumental achievement in music history. Its intricate blend of lyrical depth and musical innovation continues to captivate audiences today. While it may not cater to every listener's taste due to its unique style and pacing, its influence and emotional resonance solidify its status as an enduring classic.

Distinctive Van Morrison vocals but not as good Brown Eyed Girl or Moondance.

Ehhhhh…I feel like this should be right up my alley but it was just okay to me? Don’t feel the need to listen again. Maybe I’m missing something?

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.

Very easy listening folk music

This was a surprisingly hard listen. I've never gotten around to listening to Van Morrison outside of Brown Eyed Girl, but I've come to understand him as 'your favourite singer's favourite singer'. Honestly I found this album to drag and at times sound like a knock-off Bob Dylan. Most songs are waaaaaaaaaay too long.

Van Morrison might be one of the artists where I prefer some of his lesser known tracks (to me) than his big hits. I really liked this album. Tim has played me another album of him that I loved too, 'Common One' google has informed me. Nice sunday vibes.

Amazing that someone so miserable can make something so magical. Blissful experience in the winter sun. Music is great.

Great songs, great voice....it can't help but move you this album. Unfortunately, there's this nasty taste in my mouth when I listen to it, as the man himself has got increasingly more of an arsehole as he's got older. Maybe a little unfair to mark an album down on this fact but when you read & consider his dysfunctional, selfish, rude, arrogant attitude throughout his career it is staggering to believe he had wrote and sang such beautiful music.

astral weeks just like leeks bitter and tart this is art Vertical slice listened thrice beauty galore what 'n store

This could have really used a hot to anchor the rest of the tracks. He sort of mumbled his way through this one.

I really didn't care for this. All the songs just kind of rambled and went nowhere and I got sick of his vocals.

I was looking forward to this album but my god Morrison just “chews” every line so much it was almost unlistenable.

Cyprus Avenue is a good song but apart from that a very dull album. Did nothing for me.

he do be shouting

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.

It's difficult, i've tried to like this before and failed. It's acclaimed and influential but I can't find anything here that I like. It seems to meander on and on and Van's voice is so jarring it's a struggle.

Very dull and not very good, also, I'm sure you hear some of these songs on the live album included on this list? What's with the repeated material? And if I'm wrong, that just shows how uninteresting this music is.

Sådär.

I've known this album for more than 40 years. Superb. 5/5.

not my bag baby

5/10 not a fan

This really feels like it never caught its stride. I was expecting more.

If Ed Sheeran really did put Van the Man on the jukebox it would definitely cause a murder suicide.

I really like his music. Too bad he turned into a grumpy right wing asshole.

Wouldn’t change it, but wouldn’t seek it out

This didn’t stand out to me. Average piano driven pop songs.

Same as previous day. Nothing to add.

Wow!...just...Wow! Nearly 100 albums in and this project has just handed me the best new discovery yet. Having instilled in me an appreciation of Bob Dylan, an artist whom I once despised, and who I can now listen to and enjoy, it has now revealed to me what kind of an album Dylan could deliver if he could actually sing. Van Morrison's voice is soulful, distinctive, and a delight to listen to. I don't typically enjoy songs with overly abstract or cryptic lyrics, but I was enthralled by every track on this album, to the point where I kept stopping what I was doing just to take the music in. I've not had a great experience with the 60's albums received over the weeks I've been participating in this project, but this one breaks the mold. If I didn't know better, and was told that this was first released in 2024, I think I would believe it without question. It's timeless, and simply awesome - definitely an addition to my Tidal library, and definitely getting five stars from me.

Too many tracks that are too long. The Way Young Lovers Do is tied for shortest, at 3:17, and its Latin waltz feel is excellent, making it the primary standout track. I love harmonised trumpets. They're used so frequently in jazz, reggae, pop, and soul – among others – and for good reason. I would've liked to hear more than two repeated chords (for seven minutes straight) on the title track. That being said, it sounds pretty decent, especially if you're not listening to it studiously. The violin and flute additions are nifty. Tragically, though, the seven-minute I-IV chord progression comes back to bite you in the eardrum with Cyprus Avenue. Less than halfway through the album, and we have over 14 minutes of essentially two chords and some rambly singing. (Ballsy, I guess?) Madame George, clocking in at just under ten minutes, comes dangerously close to repeating this feat, but fortunately adds a V chord to the progression to break up the monotony slightly. But the title track carries out the bland chord progressions best. From another reviewer: "I feel like all [of these tracks] are kind of like the folksy acoustic songs that Zeppelin did, but that Zeppelin did them better." Moondance is significantly better than this album, and comparing the two only serves to hurt the latter. 3/5 Key tracks: Astral Weeks, The Way Young Lovers Do

I always loved Van Morrison but overlooked this album, I liked the high energy songs especially some of his live recordings (It's Too Late To Stop Now and his songs on The Last Waltz are my favorites). The stripped down style of this album highlighted Van Morrison's creative and unique voice. His phrasing and rhythms while singing are one of my favorite things about him and they are front and center on this album. These songs show that it doesn't have to be loud and fast to have a lot of emotion and energy.

Just not my thing

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.

An alright album, I liked Sweet Thing.

Muddy. Not pleasant. His voice is an acquired taste most times, but this is pretty bad.

The movement from pop hits like “Brown Eyed Girl” to a soundscape like this is what the 60s is all about. This album been called “folk jazz” or folk/blues/classical/jazz. In other words it defies easy categorization. It’s been called “stream of consciousness” at least in its lyrical presentation, but that seems true of the music as well. It just sounds like musicians finding their groove. It’s been called a “song cycle” versus a concept album. Either way, you can drop the needle anywhere and have the same experience. It’s going to defy genre and you can love it or hate it. I for one love it. I think you should give this a listen before you die.

One finds it nearly impossible to fathom that this was a record made by a 23-year-old. Not the easiest-listening Van, but the deepest and most expansive. This is music at its most mystical and a high-water mark for the decade, or for all time. These are more like ragas + spoken word performances than songs or jazz improvisations. "Sweet Thing" is an all-tme song. Only criticism might be that it sprawls at times, but such indulgence is easily forgiven for all its other blandishments. And that Springsteen claimed that this record opened him up to the divine, the wide-open possiblites from even the simplest structures and that this is the record Greil Marcus says he's listened to most down the years speaks volumes. Don't sleep on the live version from Hollywood Bowl (available on YouTube) or the excellent 500 Songs podcast. And maybe Van is better served by not getting the full creative control he has long craved, given his later comments that he was unhappy with how the record landed (something about too many strings). That he followed this with Moondance is nearly as hard to fathom as the miracle of this work; again, Greil – AW "went out to the limits of what this form could do" and it's the inexplicability of so many great works that makes them great.

Here's one I've always seen towards the top of albums you should listen to lists and try never have. It was nice background. I like his voice. I no longer like Brown Eyed Girl (not on this album) which is ironic as my friend just gave me the 45. I've started sitting skip at the speaker when it comes on.

Just not a fan of this one. I think I need there to be more song structure if there's going to be this much singing.

multiple 7+ minute van morrison songs is the worst thing this list has produced since it was multiple 7+ minute live van morrison songs

i regret to inform that mr. morrison is intolerable for more than three minutes at a time. hard to hear, i know. 1.5

this was fine but I don't really enjoy this much van morrison, I would like to get off the van morrison ride now, please,

Once you've heard a Van Morrison album, you've heard them all.

J’aime

Enjoyable listen 3/5

Reminds me of camping… every time.

Pretty astonishing

Van Morrisson rules

not nary an instrument on time, not nary a vocal in tune

Incredible album. I don't have a problem separating the art from the artist so as much as Van Morrison sucks, this album is about as good as it gets. I could put this album on repeat all day every day.

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.

This wasn’t bad at all but I just wasn’t feeling it. I really liked the first van Morrison album we got after that I feel like it’s been a bit worse every time. I think

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.

Feel like Van Morrison doesn't really deserve as many albums as he has on this list with how similar all his stuff sounds, but I don't really care because they're always pleasant listens. This was solid.

It was meh, I’m not a big fan of Van Morrison.

I love this album so much. The freeforminess of it all and how Van’s wails dance around the beats like a leaf flapping in the wind. This album has been out for almost 60 years, yet no one has been able to replicate the magic on it unlike other pieces from its era. Madame George is firmly in my top 100 songs of all time. Just a beautiful album even if the guy who made it is an all time asshole nowadays

It's relatively pleasant, but also just a bit slow and boring. The Way Young Lovers Do is the standout track, but the rest don't hold up to it. 2.5 rounded up.

Sweet Thing is cool, only one that’s decent enough to listen through without wanting to skip. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this, but this does nothing for me. I was over this album long before it got going.

This is #day110 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... where did my review that I saved in this window go? You mean there's no option to save a review now? I'm too lazy to remember what I wrote yesterday. A 2 out of 5 is what I can recall. Looking forward to #day111.

All time fav

Highlight: The Way Young Lovers Do, Astral Weeks. In a nutshell: the ramblings of a drunk. Great backing band. Good lyrics and storytelling. Ambitious fusion of jazz and folk. Curated sound that replicate a series of jam sessions. Meandering and repetitive. Madame George didn’t need to be over nine minutes. Overall: 5/10

Great album. Some classic tracks

Did not find it interesting

I have the same opinion as to Moondance. The music's ok. His singing bothers me, and it's somehow always the same. The music's ok, somehow each track is different but also somehow similar. Morrison's singing bothers me. It's somehow similar on each track. Didn't care for the lyrics as they were nothing outstanding. Don't get the hype.

One star for the flute and minus a star for the articulation and Just not for me

This was a hard one to finish. Some nice sounds but sooooo repetitive, not his best work

Not my thing

Astral Weeks is a pretty cool tune, a stream-of-consciousness astral journey from the ditch to heaven, but I start to lose engagement quickly after that. His voice often verges into screechy and the wandering music is alternatively intriguing and lost.

I don’t love it as much as Moondance but he’s a great songwriter and that magnificent voice! Sweet Thing on its own deserves a 5.

Did I miss something or was this just VM vamping over endless two-chord progressions throughout the entire album? I couldn't take it... I started skipping past songs... I honestly can't stand the sound of his singing on this one. It's unbearable.

This is one of my all-time favorites. Listening to it is almost a spiritual experience, which is saying something since I am decidedly unspiritual. On paper, I should hate this. Most of the songs are maddeningly simple—extended repetitions of three chords with no choruses or bridges to break things up—and the lyrics are often obtuse. But the ecstasy is in the details. The performances are understated yet bold. One could just listen to the bassist and be perfectly captivated for 40 minutes. The strings never fail to thrill. And damn, but my boy can sing. I don't know if he ever stretched himself out like this again. This is a lightning-in-a-bottle kind of album. There is quite simply nothing else like it, and every time I hear it I marvel that humans are capable of such beauty. Too bad he's such a knob.

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.

Not really for me

Sounds very Van before the booze gt his voice. Quite nice.

Not one of my favorites from him.

Incredible album from start to finish.

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.

I was down for the mellow mood out of the gate. It’s been a busy weekend and I was only planning to kick it anyway. But after the third track of the same song, I was ready to fast forward. A scene flashed in my mind of 1968 trippy folk Van singing this in/to a circle of hippies dancing, smoking grass, all the stereotypical 60s stuff, where these laughably self-serious young adults are having revelations from other planes of existence. Maybe this stuff would fly back then, but its mysticism didn’t grab me.

I've never actually listened to this album despite the amount of Van Morrison my parents would play growing up. I respect the concept of it -- it's honestly like one long, jazzy drug trip song -- and can see why it's on the list. That said, the scatting and doo-doo-doo's make me cringe a little.

I'm normally ok with Van, but this was dire. The same low energy, dynamically lacking muzak backing all the way through, with Van pretending to belt out soulfully repetitive lyrics like he doesn't want to wake his parents.

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.

Listening to this album on repeat would be a more effective form of torture than waterboarding. The instrumentals might have been fine, but I couldn’t hear them over the excruciatingly obnoxious vocals. 0/10

I like this but don't love it. His voice is unique but got a little grating for me over the course of the album. The songs are also all a little same-y. My favorite songs were "Sweet Thing" and "The Way Young Lovers Do". The latter had a sweet section with a lot of horns. 6/10

Van Morrison is a repellant human being. But i tried to assess the music independently. Astral weeks is supposed to be this transcendent album that couldnt fail to hook me in, but i didnt think it stood out. Sure its a good voice and the bluesy feel is nice, but i dont get what the fuss was about. A 3 downgraded to a 2 because he is a human turd.

First impressions as ever with Van Morrison is how much I hate his voice, just not for me at all. Shame as the instruments and melody & feel to this are all decent. But to me his voice really grates, the lyrics are quite something but they are wailed. For me the music isn’t given enough time or space to breathe, this is an LP that’s more about poetry & literature, the music a background accompaniment. ‘Astral Weeks’ the name and its cover has always really intrigued me as it looks and sounds so excitingly psychedelic but sadly for me although the lyrics & imagery may be the music is not. By the end of this it seems like his voice only has one trick & it’s a trick I didn’t like in the first place.

Wow, this album really hits you like a small felt-covered mallet hits the xylophone.

favourite song - ballerina favourite lyric - "we strolled through fields all wet with rain / and back along the lane again / there in the sunshine / in the sweet summertime / the way that young lovers do cover - 2/10 album overall - 5/5 wow

Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: 🪴⭕😞 Production (1999 Remaster): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🍂🪶🥱 Rating: 🌌🌌(🌌)/5

Pretty nice background music - no real standout tracks that take it to the next level

Previously rated: Moondance (4/5) ********************* I heard this once before and didn't think much of it. Wasn't much different this time. It's just a bore. Favorite track: The Way Young Lovers Do

From the description on Apple Music I really thought this would be right up my alley, but unfortunately, it fell a little flat. I did like the jazzier bits like on “The Way Young Lovers Do” (if I’m rendering the right track) and I wish there had been more of that, but overall, it came across as too bland and inoffensive.

4.5 beautiful album

Jotenkin vähän erilaista akustista, vaikea kuvailla. Kaikenlaisia eri elementtejä. Ja genrejä, bluegrass, jazz. Parhaat: Sweet Thing, Cyprus Avenue, Slim Slow Slider

Iconic voice. I like some of his other albums better

Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Astral Weeks Cutting Edge: Ballerina Overall Notes: Really enjoyed the first song but his wailing vocals and the meandering nature of his songwriting kept me from really connecting with anything else, though I see the appeal.

Just beautiful.

I’m not ALL the way there with it yet…but I think it could happen one day. 4.5/5

Loved the idyllic and vivid descriptions of Belfast and the countryside, but aside from 'Sweet Thing' and 'Beside You' there wasn't really a track that gripped me.

The poetry and vocal delivery while very emotional, does nothing to compensate for the lack of musical cohesion. The songs that do stand out from the wave of disjointed jazz are not sticking with me. Was this influential? Yeah perhaps, but that's not what I'm rating here.

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.

Today I found out this guy (WHO??) has more monthly listeners on Spotify than DAVID BOWIE. Like... what!?!?!

Folky rock, kinda wandery

The word meandering represented in album form. Whatever you hear in the first 20 seconds you will hear until the song ends. None of these songs needed to be over 5 minutes, yet some of them are nearly double. Normally I would give this a low 3, but it gets minus 1 for being an antivax idiot. Low 2.

I regret to inform me that a bunch of this was alright. Songs nothing special, Richard Davis on bass quite good, acoustic guitar sounds alright in that 1960s way, vocals not great but usually not distracting.

Here’s what I can muster for this: it was ok.

Not his best. Kind of dry and same-y. Favourite songs: Astral Weeks, Cyprus Avenue, Madame George Least favourite songs: Beside You 3/5

pretty boring to me

Has some strong spots, and some that I wasn’t huge on. Not a major disappointment.

Luckily in this case I don't have to worry about separating The Man from the art, as I find both annoying.

The tv show wonder years, in album form. Its ok. Another example of music fitting so well in a time and place.

Better than Moondance. I'm realizing that I really like Van Morrison's music but I don't really like his voice outside of Into the Mystic. But that's not his fault. He's doing his best.

this was an okay guitar singer album but I don't understand why it has a cult following

Emotion-filled and some lovely acoustic guitar, with a not-unwelcome jazz feel at times. A bit too rambling in places.

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.

Did not finish

Beetje vervelend album eerlijk gezegd. Beside you als absoluut dieptepunt tot nu toe, waar ik zn stem echt verschrikkelijk vind. Blijkbaar ben ik een uitzondering want de beste man gaat L O S met zn stem. Ik kan me niet goed herinneren of ik het vorige album me ook zo heb geirriteerd aan zn stem? Want god, deze man heeft echt een stem als een rasp en dan voor mij althans niet positief bedoelt. Dan ook nog eens nummers hebben die rustig 5 tot 9 minuten zorgt er voor dat dit voor mij echt to-taal niet werkt... Favoriet is The Way Young Lovers Do, een nummer wat veel jazzyer is tegen de soul en blues die verder het album domineert. FAVO: The way young lovers do,

Same as previous comments, nice but does nothing for me

Not very interresting. Not bad but basically very forgettable.

To me, the album sounds like an overly long version of "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones.

2 not his best. His voice is grating at sometimes and the music isn’t the most interesting

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

Sometimes a 3 ,sometimes a 4 for me. Hard to rate.

That voice is just peerless. There is something about Van Morrison that demands your attention. I am not sure how to describe it in terms of genre, but the album exudes soul. After listening, I was exhausted in the best sense of the word. Great album!

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.

Boring too long too slow not for me

If this were to catch me on a different day, I might appreciate it a little more. Didn’t really catch my attention, but I didn’t give it as much attention/thought as I tropically do, to be fair. 3/5

Some lovely stuff! Liked the last few tracks

Majestic textures. Songwriting with a painterly touch. I can only hear Van the Man bark out the same lyric over and over and over again for so long though.

Surprised i didn’t know more of the tracks. Sounded better in the evening. Some tracks hard to get into.

Was soll man sagen? Es dauerte eine Weile bis ich mich an seinem Gesang gewöhnte. Es beginnt sehr folkig, Flöten, akustische Gitarre. Aber je mehr man hört von Astral Weeks, umso mehr bin ich gefesselt von seinen Arrangements und Gesang. Noch einmal anhören. Jetzt bin ich begeistert

There is something about Van Morrison that rubs me the wrong way. Something about the image of his roly poly body frolicking in the green grass behind the stadium with a young coed that permanently puts me off. Plus, not sure why but he just seems like a dick. However, this is a lovely album, especially good when played on a sunny summer afternoon lawn.

I wasn't sure if we were going to get other Van Morrison albums than "Moondance", and I was also equally unsure whether that would be a good thing, as good as "Moondance" is. I really appreciate it that this is an earlier album, before Van Morrison's descent into sad and extremely unsettling ranting behavior. I haven't heard most of the songs on this album before (at least knowingly), but I enjoyed many of the songs all the same. My favorites are probably "Astral weeks", "Sweet thing", "Cyprus Avenue", and "Madame George" (and particularly didn't enjoy "Beside you"). It's hard not to compare this to "Moondance", and I'll admit that "Astral Weeks" pales in this comparison, sadly, despite the wider range of styles he explores on this album and a clearly more personal approach. Fine but not as satisfying compared to what you get with "Moondance", and I'm kind of bummed to discover we'll have yet another Van Morrison album before the collection is done. (I'll admit, though, I kind of enjoyed reading about the insane mob-related craziness Van Morrison and various other people had to deal with in the course of getting him out of the contractual obligations to a dead man...)

The title track and the brassy "Young Lovers" song are the best of an otherwise not too interesting album, unless you really like Van Morrison.