Astral Weeks

Great voice. Not my fav album by them but a great one nonetheless

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)

Gets samey after awhile, and that's not a good thing. Enjoyable listen on a quiet evening, when you just want to chill. 3/5

A bit interesting but definitely not astral lol

2-3

Yawn dude.

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.

Bien.

Ikonische Stimme.

Alright, if there's one negative thing this list has shown me, it's that I have a bone to pick with Van Morrison. Ignore the fact that he seems like a well-reported asshole, why is *this* such a popular record? Inoffensive instrumentals with fluttering flutes, playing underneath the absolute foghorn that is Van Morrison's voice. He's talented, but that escalating yawp he seems to hit every other line is just... it wears on you. Every song on here wanders aimlessly through the mist, with some tracks pushing ten fucking minutes? Nah. Just don't get it.

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.

Quite pleasant to start but then his voice got annoying

Astral Weeks Beside You Sweet Thing Cyprus Avenue The Way Young Lovers Do Madame George Ballerina

I almost like Sweet Thing, The Way Young Lovers Do

Enjoyable. Plinky plunky

Uso do vocal impressiona, mas não empolga.

Genial!

VM is tolerable performing actual songs; like The Way Young Lovers Do or Madame George. But so much of this album comes across as free-form modal jamming from a bunch of stoned hippies led by a bleating billy goat. Whenever I'm in the mood for mandolins I reach for Rod Stewart, and then for Moondance; never this album.

I really dig Van Morrison. The passion! And for the most part it outweighs his voice. But jeepers, haha. There are moments here and there, and I feel bad saying this, but his voice just sounds ridiculous. Anyway, that's nothin. Dude's a top tier song writer and makes due with the vocal cards he was dealt. Love that he just goes for it anyway. Like Dylan. The songs on this album are beautiful. Often so so simple with no obvious or traditional structure. Most seem less like songs and more like freestyles, or just stream of conscious. We know he can make radio hits but these are just his raw spirit. Like opening a cosmic door into Van Morrison land. I listened to this one like 6 times today. Enjoyed it more each time. Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Van 🙂 ❤️ 🙏

An artist that I have always enjoyed but never picked up an album from. I should remedy that and then do a deep dive. Poetry and Beauty.

I see why people like Van Morrison. A few days after listening, nothing in particular stands out. It was pleasant enough to listen to, but it didn't leave much of an impact.

Beautiful album. Very lush instrumentation with some intricate playing scattered throughout as well. It's such an easy album to immerse yourself into and watch time fly by. Gets more beautiful with every listen.

This is like a piece of my heart. I’m not sure there’s another album that gives me the emotional response this does. Makes me feel so much. Can’t think of an album that makes me want to smile and cry at the same time. It’s nostaligic, it’s effortlessly beautiful! 5.0

Nice Van Morrison but certainly not the best

Meh. I get why this is here but its not for me. It just feels overwrought and of a specific time.

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.

I enjoy the Morrison vibe but there's not a lot holding me here.

Yeah, one that I own! Yet I must confess, I've never been fully taken by the Van Morrison experience. This is, however, probably the best vehicle for his singular talents. I don't spin it much, and when I do I'm left slightly underwhelmed. For years, I've awaited a great flowering of understanding; and after this listen, remain waiting. Perhaps one day I'll grasp that this is a five star experience. Not today.

Chiedo scusa alla gorgeous and proud nation of Ireland

Van Morrison goes Jazz. .... which is not utterly horrible, but still not one of his best ideas. 2.5/5

What do I find more irritating, the flute riffs, or Van himself? But yes this is a pretty epic album.

5/5. This is purely ethereal and beautiful. Hard to describe exactly the feeling but each time I listen to it, I tear up with at least one song. This time it was Madame George. Van Morrison as a person, pretty bad, as a singer and songwriter, hard to beat. I wouldn't even say he has a great voice, but it is unique and he knows how to expertly control and manipulate it to create an otherworldly sound. It's not the most accessible but letting yourself go while listening is the best approach. Best Song: Cyprus Avenue, Madame George, Astral Weeks

I have listened to this record before, beautiful and folky. Droney at some points and not exactly any singles worth putting in a playlist but as a complete meditative work it comes together well!

I've liked Van Morrison and have listened to a great deal of his music through the years. I wanted to love this recording because it's been so highly rated over the years. It's OK, but it never held my interest the way Moondance does.

I prefer his more upbeat stuff but this is so enjoyable..

It was OK

Creepy git

Astral Weeks I went through a big Van Morrsion phase about 15 years ago and I absolutely love this album. It’s astonishing that something this delicate, moving and beautiful could be made by someone who’s such a cunt. Sometimes it's hard to separate the art and artist, and this is extra tricky with his extra cuntiness over the last few years, but Van Morrison has always been a cunt, so I’m well enough practised to ignore much of that. Even though, of course, I’m inconsistent enough to not be so forgiving of other objectionable people’s music. Anyhow, that aside, I love the flows and movement of this album, the songs, instrumentation, melodies and atmospheres, sometimes skipping around like butterflies, sometimes babbling like a stream, sometimes flitting like a breeze. The stream of consciousness words give the whole thing a dreamy feel, where some things make sense and feel concrete and real and others feel abstract and out of reach. The first side from Astral Weeks to Cypress Avenue is almost perfect in that regard, each of the four songs having a commonality of sound and style, but working as a brilliant cycle of songs, hazy and ephemeral yet simultaneously tactile and dynamic. Cypress Avenue is the cornerstone of these, but I do also love Sweet Thing’s bucolic feel. The Way Young Lovers Do is possibly the least strong track, and feels a little out of sync with the rest of the album, although I get why it starts the 2nd side, as a bit of an end point to side 1 and before heading back into the ethereal and impressionistic soundscapes of the absolutely fantastic Madame George. What a song, like the first side’s tracks, the double bass giving it a sense of being rooted in something real, the circular guitars give it a sense of rhythm and movement, the strings freely skipping around give it an untethered sense, while the dream-like imagery of the lyrics tie the whole thing together. It’s kind of hard to follow that but Ballerina, while maintaining a similar atmosphere, has a tangibility and density to it, with a great, soulful vocal. Slim Slow Slider’s jazzy sax, double bass, percussion and mentions of Ladbroke Grove, locate it more in a big city at night, in contrast to the more vaguely pastoral and less lonely settings of the other songs, ends the album brilliantly, as a kind of step into reality after the mystic dreaminess of the rest of the album. It’s been great rediscovering how much I love this album today, after not hearing it for a good few years. It’s an easy 5, right up there with my favourite albums. 🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐 Playlist submission: I’d like the whole first side really, but I’ll go for Madame George.

Nothing really standout and a lot of his songs just droned and droned on. He is not my favorite performer and this album just left me wanting much, much more.

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.

Boring.

What plaintive drudgery.

A masterwork

Another fun Van Morrison album though I liked the other more. Astral Weeks was a keeper for sure, some of the others felt in one ear out the other, but his voice is so unique I was happy to listen.

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

It's pretty nice. I like the arrangements and instrumentation a lot, but I think a better vocalist than van would make the album a bit more likable as a whole.

Überraschend nett!

Not my cup of tea.

I don't like Van Morrison's music. Brown Eyed Girl is one of the most boring classic songs that sees regular play today, and now with 2 of his albums via this playlist, I'm still not a fan. This album is a lot more jazzy than I expected, but it still isn't for me. If I had to pick a favorite track from here, I'd go with The Way Young Overs Do.

The instrumentations are inoffensive enough for the album to have been listenable on repeat plays, but Morrison’s mumbled, slightly grating voice (part of that might be the mix, though), uninteresting lyrics, and his repeating his repeating his repeating his repeating words words words make this difficult to revisit.

Folk/rock music with a mix of strings and flute included. Hits a certain solo summer night campfire kind of vibe. Except for the song The Way Young Lovers Do which is a lot more jazzy, which was unexpected. By the end of the album I was kinda over it though. A bit too much of the same for the whole run time. When you’re in the mood for this, I’m sure it’s just what you need, but it was not hitting for me. Standouts: Beside You and Sweet Thing.

The catalog says there are eight songs on here but I'm not sure I hear more than one. And a whole album of that plaintive wail is a bit much - I like Morrison, but only in small doses, apparently. Nothing here as appealing as Brown-Eyed Girl.

A decent little listen here. I think my brain needs so sort of chorus or hook or storyline to latch onto when I listen to music and this album is unfortunately completely devoid of any of those with the flow-of-consciousness songwriting. Much of the time it just comes off as rambling, but I still enjoy the vibe and instrumentals. 6/10

I’m not the biggest fan of folk/singer-songwriter sort of albums. Although I did enjoy some parts, there were others that I didn’t. I think if I had a more laidback day this would be pushed to 4 stars, but didn’t really work while more hectic. 3/5

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"

Ik had natuurlijk stiekem al gespiekt naar het album van vandaag toen ik m'n vorige rating afsloot. De derde keer Van Morrison. Deze keer klinkt hij alsof hij klaar is om in de groeps-chat om zich heen te slaan en een ietwat pijnlijke monoloog af te steken. Hij klinkt een groot gedeelte van het album als een zeurende dronken oom en ik kan me daar niet overheen zetten. Ik zit me niet aan te stellen, dit zit echt precies op m'n irritatiezone. Een schellere Bob Dylan die per ongeluk articuleert. Wat ongelofelijk jammer van de verder prima muziek zeg. Vooral bij de eerste paar tracks is het contrast tussen de prachtige muziek en de verschrikkelijk aanstellerige zang immens. Als ie enigszins normaal zou zingen was dit misschien een 4 geweest, maar nu is het overduidelijk een 1. Op elke track doet hij hetzelfde, of de muziek er zich nou voor leent of niet. En maar door brabbelen, krijsen, meppen. Totaal kut. Ergernis. Houdoe.

Too Long.

Pleasant noodling but didn’t really hold my attention

Long songs

Nice hearing something from him other than Brown Eyed Girl. Pretty solid with a few standouts, but has a few samey moments.

Astral weeks The way young lovers do Ballerina

Fine enough. 3 stars?

Just find VM a bit boring, despite it not being boring music. Can't quite put my finger on it. 2.5*

Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.

he's great

So over rated this guy

3+

Astral Weeks is a fantastic album. I had never listened to it start to finish. He sings with lots of emotion, it’s more intense than I expected. Maybe the best mix of acoustic folk, blues, jazz ever recorded. Astral is a fitting adjective. 9.1/10

45 minutes of being whined, whispered, and wailed at by a man who either has or, even worse, is pretending to have a speech impediment.

"Astral Weeks" by Van Morrison is a timeless masterpiece that floats somewhere between folk, jazz, and soul. The classics like "Sweet Thing," "Astral Weeks," and my personal favorite, "Cyprus Avenue," are just out of this world. There’s a raw, unfiltered emotion in these tracks that feels like it’s speaking right to your soul. Although I absolutely adore the album, some of the songs do feel a tad long. They’re the kind of tracks that would blow your mind in a live setting, but on record, they can leave you a bit adrift. Despite that, there’s no denying the pedigree here. It’s got that desert island quality—Lester Bangs wasn't wrong about this one. It's almost perfect, a real gem that gets richer with every listen. Rate 4.5/5

cool, but not for me i guess

Hadn't really listened to an album by Van before and this was decent. Great vocals and the music didn't sound too sixties.

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.

I don't think I've ever heard anything so grating and terrible outside of bands trying specifically trying to do that on purpose. his voice is like nails on a chalk board and the music has no rhythm or any relationship to his singing. I think this is the first album I actively want to give a 0. How did this become popular?

A nice album. Van Morrison has a real distinct sound

Was stoked for this one but I don't get the hype. He's just hollering with some flute accompaniment, or in the case of 'Ballerina', what sounds like a junior highschool band.

All-time album. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It's a perfected folk rock brilliantly infused with jazz-y and blues-y elements. Vocals are powerful and balanced with great, impressionistic and evocative lyrics. The songs come together in a sort of song cycle of spring (for me at least). This is a rainy day in May. *****

boring singer songwriter folk siht again NNN

Requires more than one listen, Standout influence but under appreciated

i like van morrison

Für ein 68er Singer/Songwriter Album ungewöhnlicher Stilmix/Instrumentierung. Leider sind einge lange Titel dabei die wenig abwechslungsreich sind. Und die Stimme von Van Morrisson ist mir persönlich zu quäkig/aufdringlich.

Это вообще не мое. Если убрать пару песен, то это слабенькое 3, но вместе с ними выдержать даже час прослушивания этого блеяния очень сложно. Не понимаю тех, кто говорит, что это прекрасный альбом для того момента, когда у тебя родился ребенок. Скорее, наоборот, это альбом для женщин в момент, когда они рожают ребенка.

Yo this guy's voice blows. Hey man you don't have to shout every single note. Sounded like a drunk uncle giving his all at Applebee's karaoke

Just love the stories and the voice. Agree there is no memorable single song.

3.4/5 -- listened 2x 1999 remaster, 1x 2015 expanded edition remaster (1h14m)..

Liked the second half of the album a lot more than the first. Beside You was SO whiny! Favorite tracks are Madame George and Ballerina.

Oh how the critics love this album — #132 of 1,001. I think this is fine, but the songs just aren’t that great. His next 3 albums (Moondance, His Band and the Street Choir, and Tupelo Honey, released in 1970-1971) are all wonderful, filled with great songs to groove to and sing along to, but Astral Weeks just doesn’t do it for me. Surprisingly, Tupelo Honey is not available to stream on any of the major services and I couldn’t find out why. Also, sold this album for $18 years ago on Amazon.

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.

More like Asstral Weaks

I like Van Morrison. His Irish-soul really hits for me. On this one he hadn't settled in yet. Yhe music is nice and all the songs start with a great groove and promise. Then it all just...goes astral... I was excited to see Van the man this morning, bit this one wasn't it for me. He needed a producer who he wasn't going to listen to.

Not his best, still wonderful.

There’s always been something timeless about Van Morrison, this is quintessential Van Morrison and for my generation every note reverberates.

I usually love Van Morrison at this album was disappointing.

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

Ik heb nooit zo goed geweten wat ik hier van moet vinden. En het feit dat deze review 4 dagen op zich laat wachten is ook daar een uiting van. Het de LP meermaals in mijn handen gehad maar altijd laten liggen. En ook thuis zet ik eigenlijk nooit Van Morrison aan. Nu ik er toch een keer voor ben gaan zitten ben ik nog steeds niet helemaal uit. Maar een paar dingen zijn wel duidelijk geworden: * de stem van Van Morrison is intrigerend en echt ijzersterk. De kracht die hem kenmerkt van Them's Gloria komt op deze plaat, en met deze songs, echt super goed tot z'n recht * De nummers zijn mooi opgebouwd met een mix van folky en jazzy stijlen. * Onderling lijken de nummers teveel op elkaar. het gebrek aan variatie gaat op een gegeven moment wat vervelen. * ik heb nog een paar luisterbeurten nodig om echt te snappen wat ik van Van Morrison moet vinden, al begin ik zijn cultstatus steeds iets beter te begrijpen. 7/10 Highlights Astral Works Beside You Sweet Thing

The tracks on Astral Weeks kind of end up coalescing into one giant song, giving the record a contemplative or meditative feel. When it comes to Van Morrison, though, I prefer Veedon Fleece.

Really good.

Perfect vibe

like someones drunk dad singing along with a gorgeous celtic band. Good enough, but 3 stars.

senza infamia, senza lode

Non mi ha fatto gridare a miracolo, ce ne potevano stare altri di migliori al suo posto Nel complesso carino però

Durante l’ascolto ho oscillato costantemente tra le 4 e le 3 stelle: ho trovato alcuni momenti davvero coinvolgenti e lirici, mentre in altri punti era come se ci fosse qualcosa di “strano” (la voce? l’interpretazione?) che distoglieva la mia attenzione. Alla fine le 3 stelle hanno avuto la meglio. Ho apprezzato gli elementi bucolici sparsi qua e là, però.

Chiedo scusa alla gorgeous and proud nation of Ireland

abc

Enjoyable!

I try to like him but don't really

Surprisingly nice songs for a COVID denying anti-mask conspiracy theorist. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Astral Weeks Date listened: 28/04/24

I generally enjoy Van Morrison, and enjoyed this too, but nothing really grabbed my attention; just pleasant background music.

Big fat five for Van the Man! Just perfect from start to finish. I may have listened to this album more than any other, I’d love to see the stats on that. Sweet Thing is certainly in and around the top spot every year for most listened to song. Banger. Simpsons: No

Was decent. Solid 4 stars. Probably need to be more familiar with it to reach any higher.

I've only heard of a few Van Morrison tracks before. And been meaning to check some more of his stuff out. Nothing really grabbed me on here though

The less I paid attention the more I enjoyed it

Not a big van of this one I’m afraid

all the songs sound the same (bad, annoying)

It's pretty... that's it. As someone who always feels sick with nostalgia at the best of times, I really don't need to be listening to an hour's worth of reminiscing. I also don't want to listen to someone who sounds like he has mouth full. The one positive thing I will say is that this sound is timeless and if you told me this was released in 1998 and not 1968, I'd believe you.

Neutralne 3/5

Dear gods this is dreary. I'm on track 4 and can't stomach the thought of listening to the full 47 minutes of it.

Great record. Nice and mellow with the signature Morrison style and voice. Very cool.

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

Should’ve been credited to Morrison and Richard Davis, given the latter’s bass work made the album a true classic.

Boring except for The Way Young Lovers Do which is pretty good.

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.

i will never grow so old again

Seichter Folk Rock.

1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die eh? Well death didn't come quick enough to save me from this. No stars.

I’m not a big VM fan. But I recognize his voice and his music are viewed as sacred for many people. So 3 stars from me.

Always loved him but especially love how bluesy the early work is

Hm Van Morrison...do I even know any of his songs? Guess we'll see. Why do I think this is the singer from the doors. Oh haha Jim Morrison. Oh yeah Brown Eyed Girls, of course! But it's not on this album it looks like. Meh, it was alright. Nothing that stood out to me much. It was a bit monotonous, I don't know what it is about "song writers" that I just can't get into. oh well. 2 stars.

Enjoyed that. 3

I'm on a cracking run at the minute. Van the Man at his most ethereal, most beautiful, most weird and most listenable. Normally, if you're telling me a folk singer has got an album where each song averages eight minutes, I'm checking out, but these just drift by on an undercurrent of beautiful musicality. There's so much variety - sometimes you're in a French tavern, sometimes you're deep in a forest, sometimes it's just you and Van in a wood cabin (while he presumably tells you the perils of vaccines). Madame George is the highlight, but really, this is one of the peaks of music. It sums up an era, a genre and an artist perfectly. Love it.

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

Almost a perfect album.

The songs are good, but too long and I hate his voice. Good use of more traditional instruments like violins, double bass, and I think I heard a bassoon somewhere. Favorite song: Sweet thing.

Solid 70's

This one is a true sleeper, but not in the good, unknown way. It will literally put you to sleep. Later Van’s song writing and voice are so much more lively, richer, and just in general better that we’re really questioning if the 1001 list was put together by length of album or picking the worst album by the artist. He has way better. This one (1.9*s)

This album is pleasant enough, good for a spring day outside, but overall pretty forgettable. Most of the songs are too long and sound more like drafts of songs than full fledged compositions. The whole album is just a 2-string backing track with Van mumbling over the top (and he has a mouthful of mashed potatoes 85% of the time). This felt a bit too improvisational with some wailing and horns thrown in for my likes. It's still better than a lot of other albums in this list though.

Van the man's a poet no doubt. Peaceful, serene album that makes you want to lie in a field surrounded by nature. Most songs were a little too slow, rambley, and drawn out though.

I didn't recognize a single song. Despite this Van Morrison has a very distinct voice that makes most of his work pretty instantly attributable. There's some decent stuff in here but overall I lost track of the individual songs. I imagine if you are a Van Morrison fan this is right up your alley. I think I tend to prefer his pop radio hits over the more folk/blues deep cuts from VM. Astral Weeks wasn't something I need to hear again. I'll stick to the greatest hits rather than dive into 50 years of his prolific discography. 1.80 stars

This is a favorite of mine. I think it's truly beautiful. This album puts me in mind of sitting outside, watching a sunset, and thinking of the good times spent with a friend you recently lost. Or perhaps you are dying and thinking of the happy moments in your life. It makes me reflective in a way that is beautiful and sad. I'm not sure what higher praise I can give to a piece of music.

Couldn't get into it. 1/5

I love Brown-Eyed Girl and Moondance from Van Morrison, so I was really hoping like this, but it’s not quite there. The lyrics are rambling, he does his raspy scream way too much, and the instrumentals vacillate between too boring and too jazzy and weird.

This is kinda interesting.. certainly for an ostensibly folky/singer-songwriter album, he was willing to experiment with less structured songs that are longer and more rambling than we might usually expect. Some nice instrumentation dripped in which gives it a lovely layered, but still folky, sound. I also like Van's vocals on this, he really is soulful at times I will stick with 3* because I find the long tracks a bit dull and sometimes it feels like they don't go anywhere, which made me a bit bored

5.0 + One of those rare records (see also "There's A Riot Goin' On") that immediately slinks into an effortless groove, gently taking your hand and ushering you on a beautiful little journey.

Album # 43 Can't go wrong with Van Morrison

This album was just OK. It took me a while to warm up to it. I enjoy a little Van Morrison but I'd pass this one up for Moondance any day.

I'll admit, I closed my mind to this

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.

The vocals aren't my jam.

Not the biggest flute guy

Flat

I have not heard of this album or artist before. I wasn’t sure how to interpret it but either way I couldn’t really enjoy any of the songs. Very boring and its song length didn’t help. I won’t listen again.

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.

One of the best albums from the 20th Century

Tricky one to rate. Didn't like it at first but once you get used to his vocal style, the songs are very good. Reminds me of Bob Dylan. Fav tracks: Sweet Thing, Young Lovers, Madame George

Being unfamiliar with Morrison's wider body of work this LP was incredibly refreshing - rather than a "sung vocal" his voice here acts more as an additional instrument which influences the overall tone and mood of each track. For 1968 the production quality is absolutely fantastic: strings and light percussion bounce cleanly and effortlessly off of the ear. Everything drips in baroque sorrow as well as carefree arabesque reflective of the time in which it was made. Soft on the ears, and a joy to listen to.

Sorry Van. This album is awful. Way too long and way too much whining. I really don't know what this album does on this list. I've asked a Van Morrison fan and they agreed, its one of his weakest. The songs are just way too long and no dynamic on this album whatsoever. Same tempo, same whining. Sorry Van, I know you've tried your best.

Pretty good but not my favorite of his.

Some very high highs

More accessible than people give it credit for - don’t be afraid.

I do like him. This was just average for me.

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.

Decent. The softer instrumentals in the background give dimension to singing and lyrics that can sometimes feel unfinished. Liked it but not over the moon

This is some real mellow Van Morrison and all their stuff is pretty chill. There really wasn’t anything that stood out but I do like Van Morrison.

Van Morrison is a real bag of dicks and not my favorite of the folk musicians of this era, but when he hits he hits and I won't discredit that. I feel sometimes his shout/talk/sing move works well and other times it feels like it just isn't a song for him to sing, so it is about alignments and tracks because otherwise he sounds samey or off. Like, Beside You sounds like yell-whining to me while Sweet Thing sounds like an actual song. Highlights - Sweet Thing, Madame George, Slim Slow Slider.

meloso

Loved it!

2.5/5 liked the instrumental, was annoyed by the voice

changed my life

I often call this the most underrated album of all time. It might be my favorite album of all time. I would give this 6 stars if I could. Too bad Van Morrison has turned into a total douche pickle.

El uso de violín, flauta de pan, guitarra acústica, entre otros instrumentos poco comunes, así como su voz característica hacen canciones bonitas en ejecución y melodiosas, muy calmantes. Pero, que largas son, son eternas. En mi opinión, el disco entero es la misma canción repetida. Hay poca variación en la melodia, ritmo y ejecución.

Fine

3.3/5 Best Track: Astral Weeks

This didn't really stick to me at all. I thought it was meandering, almost sounding lost. "Madame George" didn't need to be 10 minutes long. I feel let down, or like I'm missing something. Highlights: I'm going to listen to Moondance again

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.

La voix de Van Morrison m’a lassée à la longue; j’avais l’impression qu’elle exprimait un sentiment d’urgence parfois disproportionné et peu nuancé

If you listen to one album by Van Morrison, this should be that album. It is a breezy folk based album at its core that incorporates elements of jazz, Americana, and even some baroque instrumentation. The albums has a meandering feel that doesn’t feel lazy or noodly but allows the album to simmer and build. It is incredibly lush and layered and grows more complex the more closely you listen. The praise is well deserved.

Better than moondance

Astral Weeks is Van Morrison's second solo album, after starting his musical career with the band "Them. It's a beautiful collection of his version of soulful folk songs. His distinct, rich voice is the defining element of his work, and his expressive sound gives life to his thoughtful, engaging lyrics. Add skilled, complex orchestration, and Morrison is able to create a memorable set of tracks. This album met with near-universal critical success, but didn't catch the attention necessary for commercial success. Regardless, Astral Weeks may be Van Morrison's masterpiece, and marked the beginning of his long, successful solo career.

Bien.

I'm white, but all I can think about when I listen to Van Morrison is how much it just sounds like music for white people. I don't mind Van Morrison, but his singing style starts to grate on me after a couple of songs. This sounded like one long song to me.

I’m not the biggest Van Morrison fan, but I can see why this album has become the classic that it is. At first listen I was lost, but once I got to Madame George (a beautiful song) I finally had the key that helped open up the album for me. Definitely need to hear it again.

Okay, hat mich aber komplett kalt gelassen.

- Wiedermal ein Debütalbum - Ich mag Van Morrison eigentlich, aber das Album kam mir leider sehr langatmig vor und hat mich emotional leider nicht abgeholt. 2,5/5

- "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

Als ich gestern die Seite geöffnet habe, hatte ich bei dem Albumcover erstmal ein wenig Angst, was mich da erwartet.. Aber so täuscht man sich, das Album war am Morgen so gut, um in den Arbeitstag zu starten. Bin nach meinem dritten grippalen Infekt (oder Corona) in drei Monaten immer noch etwas matschig und saß irgendwie halb zerstört am Schreibtisch. Meine Laune hat sich aber deutlich gebessert nach diesem chilligen Einstieg. Trotzdem ist mir nichts besonders im Kopf geblieben, was ja aber auch nicht immer unbedingt sein muss, als Gesamtwerk gefiel es mir jedenfalls.

Because the artist is such a prick, I was concerned this album was going to be amazing, partly because I know it was such a big influence on stuff I love, like bruce. However I was relieved to find it quite average. Its good, but I was expecting it to be incredible. Instead it's fine, nothing stood out, nothing made me wanna come back to it at any point in the future. It is what it is, and what it is, is okay. 2.9?

Musically and lyrically, it's great. He sang runs before runs were cool, and I still don't like them. Also, it really got whiny at the end.

It's really not bad but its still folk and I hate it.

Me aburrió, lo agarré en mal momento...

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.

It's all right. Seemed a bit meandering.

I understand the story telling but this is unnecessarily long. The music is nice and it does have soul.

point off for antivax nutjobbery

Judging by his more popular tunes, I thought I would enjoy this Van Morrison album more. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.

I have a vague recollection of listening a long time ago, because I was told “you have to listen to “Astral Weeks” because it’s considered one of the greatest albums ever made. Wow! This will be great! As a teen I remember thinking what the hell is this. So, of course I knew this was coming and maybe I will appreciate it more now that I’m so much older. It’s true, I think I do appreciate the music more but the vocals I just can’t stand. It’s like the music and vocals don’t match up. He seems to be singing the same song and the band changes the tune. And after a few songs it just gets so irritating for me. I tried, I really did, it just when I hear his waling for an hour it wears on my eardrums. Even his hits I’m just not a huge fan of, but can understand why people would like his style. But what happened to this dude, has nothing to do with the album, but seems he kind of turned into a really grumpy old dude. Album cover is bad, just bad on every level. And I get he was going for the nature thing but it’s bad.

Didn't really enjoy anything here

One of my all time favorites

Love moondance but astral weeks is a little slow

All sounded the same, bit I like Van Morrison

I don’t know how much of this I can listen to before turning it off. I mean, he hits the notes, but Jesus Christ does his voice piss me off. The instrumentation is good, kinda Van Dyke Parks or something. But it doesn’t make up for the voice one bit. Fuck this. Almost sounds like someone found a lost Nick Drake album but lost the vocals and grabbed some drunk Muppet off the street to provide them. I’ll just never understand the appeal.

Depressing.

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.

C'est tellement plate que j'ai pas envie d'élaborer plus que ça

I really like this album!

The instrumental on “The Way Young Lovers Do”??? Absolutely insane in an album where the rest of the songs sound the same/simplistic in comparison. Also, am I crazy or does he venture into Muppets territory with his voice at some points. Fav: The Way Young Lovers Do/Slim Slow Slider Least Fav: eh

i really love Van Morrison but I found this to be more of a chore, not bad, but not great. great singer/songwriter but tghis album left me wanting.

Eh sometimes I like Van Morrison and sometimes his voice grates. Tonight was grating.

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.

Like later Morrison albums more

I’m indifferent on this.

Hieman samaa kuin Songs of Leonard Cohenissa: aloittelun, luonnostelun tuntua, vaikka eheä levy onkin ja sinänsä hyvät biisit. Ei meinaa jäädä mieleen, kun jokainen biisi muistuttaa toistaan, on kuin samasta aihiosta. Mut kiva ajan tunnelma.

Laulelua extraordinaire.

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!

sin duda un album lleno de sonidos familiares como el blues y el jazz con una mescla envolvente de setntimientos como el amor y el odio.

I did not care for this very much, the tunes are pleasant and simple but his voice gets grating after just a few songs. Not very enjoyable to listen to, felt like a chore after awhile.

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.

Honestly, after first song i want to drop this album, but after 2 songs it starts to grow on me at the point, that i listened to it 3 times, maybe in the future this album would be 5/5, but for now 3/5

Didn't pay too much attention to this one, but maybe that says something about the album 2.5

One of the best albums of all time. A truly singular work of art.

I prefer singing. No yelping, please.

This album is not my favorite of Van Morrison, but without doubt a great musician.

Sounds like Van Morrison...of course. Outstanding album.

Even with some weird instruments, I found this really beautiful, especially Madame George.

Considering this follows his commercial success I can see it being a true departure and therefore visionary. But is this a sophomore slump? I don’t really think so but it is independently viewed in his catalog and that can make it hard to be fully objective. Produced well. A bit singular. 3.33/5

Terrible person, album was okay

It was ok. Not in any rush for a second listen.

This is clearly a very good album that I just don’t need to hear again. Maybe that’s just the effect of the day and other things going on, but I wasn’t into it and just don’t see myself appreciating it for the skill involved

Fav song: the way young lovers do

Ok

No thanks

I'm sorry bu I need hooks in my music, this just borea me. Sometimes Van sings A LITTLE LOUDER, and sometimes he sings a little softer. That's about the only interesting thing here

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.

Timeless

good Van is really good Van. this seems more jazzy than what i know him for, but i enjoyed it

This was a bit much. It just all kind of sounded like one really long song that didn't have much variation. It was fine, and I bet it's rewarded on closer listenings. Van Morrison isn't really for me though.

lovely

Easy listening, unique voice but not really my thing. 2/5

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

2 Some interesting sounds and songs, but never really does much other than be van morrison.

I really don’t enjoy Van Morrison’s vocals. They grate on me. The music is fine, songs well crafted but I just can’t get passed the whining

Musical dna. It’s an album that is that rare thing. A work of sonic art. I can’t just listen to it a song at a time, nor can I have it as background music. It’s an experience. Focussed, deep listening. It’s a religious experience. And to me like your best bottle of scotch. Brought out occasionally and savoured slowly and deeply. 15/5.

I didnt realise this all dates back to the 1960s. It also sounds like it could be intimate, soft soothing, and comforting etc. and his lyrics reveal some vulnerability. the guitars and flute offer delicate counterpoints to this raw and unique vocals. Alas, while acknowledging it has merit, I cant hear it with a 60's ear, or tell you those special moments where he was the soundtrack for my life, where his music was alive a brave and spoke to me, because the Wonder Years, while wonderful, arent my youth. So it is wasted on me.

I was a Van fan going all the way back to Them. However his solo work after leaving Them in 1966, on the Bang label didn’t get much coverage in Australia. For example, his first single on Bang, Brown Eyed Girl (1967), a Top Ten hit in the U.S., was never released here. My copy of the first album he released on Bang, Blowin’ Your Mind (1967), is an Australian pressing on the World Record Club label, and pop/rock albums on that label had either stiffed badly on original release or had never been released here in the first place. Astral Weeks was the first album Van did for Warners, released late 1969. But I missed it, as I did the great follow-up album, Moondance. And, in fact, I didn’t hear Astral Weeks until 1973, while visiting a mate in Goulburn. When I returned home I bought that mother, &, as I thought, I’d never heard anything like it before. And that’s still true. Madame George was always the favourite. You are prepared to believe Morrison when he says the lyric was a stream-of-consciousness effort. It sure sounds like it. Morrison was always pissed off about the strings used on the album, but I notice that strings are there on the cd released in 2009 of Astral Weeks Live at The Hollywood Bowl (taken from 2008 concerts). I recommend it. His voice is still great. I won’t go on, except to mention how pleased I was when I bought a copy of Jeff Buckley’s EP Live at Sin-e in the late 90’s & heard his version of The Way Young Lovers Do. Astral Weeks is an extraordinarily great record. The flow is outstanding. Five big ones for me.

Here are my heretical opinions on Astral Weeks. Overall, I find this album nonsensical, vague and meandering with, little to no real focus. Van certainly projects sincerity in his stream of consciousness singing, but the lyrics can be described as "impressionistic" at best, and he seems to be singing the same tune fragments over and over. It works in an ambient kind of way. Beside You is probably the most egregious example of this on the record. Madame George and The Way Young Lovers Do are the best formed songs on the record, and stand out as a result. I know Van didn't like the string arrangements, but often the string arrangements actually provide some structure to the songs. I know that many people love this album, and I love the Jeff Buckley version of The Way Young Lovers Do on his Live at Sin-e ep. And Van's improvisational approach to singing was clearly a big influence on young Jeff, so that is a good thing. Look, the record is pleasantly listenable (if you don't pay too much close attention), but I don't love it. I'm glad that I have given it some good close attention, as it highly rated by many. But it really ain't for me.

His voice is the opposite of soothing, but the acoompanying music is folksy and soothing. It's a weird mix, not my thing. Why is this "one of rock music's most important records"? It's just some dude doing his weird thing. As an example, Neutral Milk Hotel is even more weird and artsy but Jeff's voice is more palateable because he is not always yelling at me.

It's a calm album. Just for some kitchen activity. Got some bops

Van Morrison is a prick of biblical porportion... but this album is amazing

I like what I hear, but I wish some of the songs were a little shorter. I think Van Morrison really perfected what he was trying to do with his next album, Moondance.

Not my thing

Re-listen. I definitely prefer this one over Moondance.

Heard of artist, not album. Is alright, not bad but nothing special either. Apparently Rock from 1968, doesn’t really sound like it. 3/5 at the moment.

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.

This was soooo bad. I couldn't finish it, and I'm usually very good about sticking through an entire album so I can properly rate it. His voice was awful and didn't match with the music at all. I was so happy to turn it off. I guess my favourite song was Sweet Thing, but they are all awful.

A little too late-60s scattered for my liking. For a record that's only 47 minutes long, it seemed to play for an hour and a half.

Good, but kinda somber and introspective.

Loved this - very pleasant listening

This was hype

Pretty weak for Van Morrison, not a patch on his more famous work, his voice remains outstanding but the whole thing doesn't get very far as an album.

This is a bit boring, decent dinner party music but not a lot beyond that really. Title track is decent, Sweet Thing also good, but not showstoppers, and the rest fades into the background very easily. Squeaks a 3 on the strength of the two highlights.

Van Morrison has one of coolest and most distinctive voices in Rock 'n' Roll. This album is super mellow and the music is pretty stripped down. I don’t think the songs do him justice but his vocals are pretty great nevertheless.

A bit forgettable to me.

Not nearly as good as the other album on the 1001 list. Slightly disappointed.

Fun tunes, nice singing, very upbeat

Interesting stripped down album by Van. I liked the songs, but everything was a little too slow. 3/5 Might listen again

Beetje zeikerig, grote naam wel maar meh

Otherworldly jazzy reflections

Такой странный альбом и странная музыка. Он когда начал петь в первом треке, я подумала: какой красивый голос, это предвестник Бубле! А потом чувак отлетел в космос в пространные рассуждения о люби к особе и их отношениях. Музыка в стилистике "что вижу, то и пою", без структуры, без повторяющейся мелодии - немного блеющий, варьирующийся голос. Красивый, но расхлябаный, расслабленный.. Странно, но интересно.

Rock de Van Morrison. Demasiado lento para el vinilo.

Bien.

Nja, det var allt lite trist.

J'en avais un meilleur souvenir

en vrrrrrai ca passe

Not bad, enjoyed some of it

could not for the life of me get into this

Not for me

So conflicted on Van. Love his music, don't like his views. But that said, this is an absolute classic collection of songs.

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

Van morrison is an amazing artist but every song sounds like van morrison

Meehh barely paid any attention ..

This one didn't hit me as hard as Moon Dance tbh, still really solid imo though

Top 5 of all time, nothing else like it

Slow rock. Nothing special, but not bad either. Listened to it while working, so didn’t get the chance to concentrate too much on it.

Iconic perfection. I’ve been going deep on Van’s later work (which is amazing) but this album still totally holds up.

I enjoyed the first two Van Morrison albums in this project, and in their reviews I noted that I had to rethink my dislike of Van Morrison. This album reminded me of what I disliked. Ack! I did not like this album. His meandering, squawky voice in the long wandering songs made me want to punch someone...hard. I didn't even really like the flute bits, which is the sort of thing that usually wins me over. There was precisely one song I liked on this album, "The Way Young Lovers Do," but that was largely by comparison to the rest of the album.