Moondance
Van Morrison
1970
Album Summary
Moondance is the third studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. It was released on 27 January 1970 by Warner Bros. Records. After the commercial failure of his first Warner Bros. album Astral Weeks (1968), Morrison moved to upstate New York with his wife and began writing songs for Moondance. There, he met the musicians that would record the album with him at New York City's A & R Studios in August and September 1969. The album found Morrison abandoning the abstract folk jazz compositions of Astral Weeks in favour of more formally composed songs, which he wrote and produced entirely himself. Its lively rhythm and blues/rock music was the style he would become most known for in his career. The music incorporated soul, jazz, pop, and Irish folk sounds into songs about finding spiritual renewal and redemption in worldly matters such as nature, music, romantic love, and self-affirmation. Moondance was an immediate critical and commercial success. It helped establish Morrison as a major artist in popular music, while several of its songs became staples on FM radio in the early 1970s. Among the most acclaimed records in history, Moondance frequently ranks in professional listings of the greatest albums. In 2013, the album's remastered deluxe edition was released to similar acclaim.
WikipediaI lost my virginity to Van Morrison. To be clear, I don't mean whilst listening to Van Morrison, I mean he stuck his knob in my bum. 'Twas the summer of '71, me a shy farm hand on the verge of becoming a man, him an established musician using his power and influence to take advantage of a pre-pubescent stable boy. The memory still lingers like a dark, unwavering trauma. He needs to be stopped.
Love this album. Gems all the way through (except maybe Everyone). Poetic stories in a signature tone - although the falsetto on Crazy Love is also nice. Every instrument and background vocal serves a purpose, and they always seem to weave in and out of the songs in a way that's just right but also often feels subtle and effortless. To me, there's really nothing else to ask for here!
Well written and executed. Cohesive as a concept. It also had a considerable calming effect on my wife, earning it the coveted fifth star. Congrats Van.
Love it. When ever I think of a "perfect record" this is one that always comes to mind. The use of saxaphone really thickens up the sound. And the mix in general is just stellar. Fantastic song writing. What else could you want out of this album? Nothing. Perfection.
In my reviews of albums and bands I often talk about energy. Well, what about the bands with more mellow vibes? Van Morrison's 3rd album is a perfect example of a mellow album that still has plenty of energy and life within its chill collection of soul/jazz/r&b/folk rock. It's all so incredibly catchy, the instrumentation works great together and the vibes are on point. And again, it's mellow but there is no doubt that the album has a lot of life to it. That is the energy I usually am pontificating about.
Five seconds into "And it stoned me" and I'm like, OK I get it, the rest is going to be like this then. Just one 38 minute long folky-rock track, I'm probably just going to let this wash over. Then Moondance comes on and *jazz hands*. Alright 'Van', let's see what's going on, my ears are open. Unfortunately it didn't pique my interest much after that. Very enjoyable, easy listening but I've got to say, none of these tracks are going to make my most listened 2021. Nevertheless, I respect your talent Mr Van and, perhaps most importantly, you are not Iron Maiden.
started off all happy and nice and then got boring pretty quickly. bring back Lamb chops.
One of the best storyteller songwriters ever. Pretty much every song on this album is great.
A surprisingly short album but an absolute corker. Also, Moondance was the first dance at my wedding. A fact I never forget.
Probably one of my favorite albums. Van Morrison makes some of the most soothing and relaxing songs that feel personal. The lyrics are great. The jazzy instruments are wonderful. It’s a tough call between this and astral weeks but both are top notch. 9.3/10
The horn accompaniment (and every other accompanying instrument) couldn't be a more perfect addition to his beautiful guitar playing and story telling. A perfect album to watch the world go by out the train window, especially after a big (one of the biggest) day at work. His voice is simultaneously velvet and gravel all the way through. Crazy that he's Northern Irish, would never have picked it. Aside from the two perfect tracks mentioned below, Caravan would have to be my highlight, amazing how well it controls the timing and pace of the entire record. Moondance is a 10/10 track but it invariably gives off Buble vibes (through no fault of the van man). Still a very rare perfect song. The Flute accompaniment on it is totally underrated, not to mention the piano solo. Crazy Love is even better though, what an incredibly moving and in no way tacky (ver rare) love song, the range he demonstrates on it is straight up tear inducing. Lots of my five out of fives aren't perfect, but this one most definitely is.
I was surprised to read in Wiki that his debut album, Astral Weeks was a commercial flop because it's my fav Van Morrison album. Van went back to the drawing board and wrote more commercial sounding songs for this album and completely knocks it out of the park with the first 5 songs. It flags a bit with Come Running and These Dreams, but he closes it out nicely with Everyone and Glad tidings. I don't think this is as strong as the seminal Astral Weeks but this is still a very strong effort.
It was a nice enough listen while I did other stuff. It has a nice balance of upbeat and easy songs so it doesn't get tiring at any moment. Felt like it would make for a very cool road soundtrack.
It's crazy to think this album was released in 1970. It's so clear and well-produced compared to anything he's done before. Sounds fantastic. In this album, Morrison finds his calling, sticking to his jazzy folk rock, only much more accessible to young adult audiences, taking inspiration from soul through his passionate singing. It's bright and melodic, with every track to sing along to. Van Morrison is one of the greatest songwriters of his era. We saw that in his masterpiece Astral Weeks, but we continue to see it here. All of these songs are incredibly well-written and complement well with Morrison's vocals and the lead sax. Weaknesses? Well, the instruments and vocals overshadow Morrison's singing. He's a great singer; there's no reason to subdue him just to make it pretty. Maybe Astral Weeks ruined it for me. Doesn't make any tracks bad, just slightly disappointing. But that doesn't change the fact that it's Van Morrison, and it's easy listening you could hit play, sit back, and relax.
Van morrison sounds so much like the era in part because he helped define the music of the late 60s early 70s. More than 50 years later, I found it to be mostly ignorable, if still pleasant, background music. It's not bad at all. It's just not awesome. Kinda boring. Minus one star for committing the sin of using flutes in rock music.
OK, so you made me listen to it. I don't particularly hate it but am I a fan? No. Nice coffee store background happy music. I think the only Songs from him I truly know is "Brown Eyed Girl" and Wild Night". But remarkably so, all the sings on this one sound similar. I guess he has a style. - Whatever
Love it. Totally unexpected. One track didn't quite work for me ("Everyone") but otherwise I was really into it.
Excellent! Recognised quite a few tracks including the title track. He looks so young here. Kind of jazzy in places, bluesy, really very good indeed.
My favorite listen so far. Maybe it was just familiarity but I really enjoyed every song on the album. Interesting voice, lots of horns and wind instruments thrown in there, it was a good time
Found some Awesome classic I never knew was written by Van. Great listening around the house for the whole family
Absolutely love the album despite the artist having turned into a full-blown anti-covid whacko.
This is an album of my childhood that therefore deserves a 5 because I am painfully nostalgic. That aside, this album is a feel good, easy bluesy, walking on a sunny day, driving happily through the countryside vibe I adore. So yeah, still a 5 for me.
Sonics: 9 Music: 9 Feel: amazing album, classic songs and a warm wunderful feeling through the whole album,masterpiece!
A new(old?) favorite. Lots of songs I recognized but didn’t realize were from the same album. Folk-rock feel, less polished in a good way
I really liked this one. I've always thought there was something special about the title track. Its rhythm bounces around and he makes it seem very natural for the vocals to start and stop in unnatural places. The keyboards are quite really good too. Just a quick comment on the title song but there are so many more positive things about the album.
Haha I dont need to listen to this bad boy again One of my favourite albums of all time! A true wonder!
Absolutely amazing. Chill but catchy at the same time. Into the Mystic is a true banger but first time hearing the full album front to back
This has always been one of my top ten albums, and it still is. Disappointed to learn that he is a total douche, but the music and lyrics are both top notch.
Amazing album. Fantastic hits ("Moondance" and "Into The Mystic"), fantastic lesser known tracks ("And It Stoned Me" and "Glad Tidings"). Not much variety, but the consistency is welcome.
Van Morrison's voice is so recognizable and so powerful. His politics and issues regarding the pandemic and masks have soured me on him, but his music is excellent. I know a few songs off this record, and I love listening to them. And it Stoned Me - Great mood set here. Poetic and love the horn section and the use of piano. Timeless song. Moondance is a masterwork. Jazz, soul, rhythm, blues, it's all there. Romantic, jazzy, and all around a great song. Bass line is killer. Crazy Love - The rhythm feels like And it Stoned Me, but then it gets to that familiar hook, and it becomes its own thing. Much softer vocal than usual. And the backup singers move it to more pop than jazz. Beauty of a song. Caravan - Back to the Van sound you're used to. Makes me think of Elton John. Great mix of instruments, vocals, and a chill beat. And a nice message about togetherness. Into the Mystic - One of my all time faves by Van Morrison. I put it above Brown Eyed Girl. It's beautiful, poetic, and a great groove. This, Tupelo Honey, and Moondance are a slow jam trifecta! Also, I never heard that "foghorn" instrument before. It's layered in there. Crazy! Come Running - Horns remind me of Blues Brothers intro music. Toe tapper. These Dreams of You - Feels like a 50s bopper. Another easy listening song for sure. Brand New Day - Song of hope for sure.
Absolutely stellar. The first half is exceptionally strong... passionate and catchy. Though it peters off a little bit, Van Morrison delivers an amazing album.
Loved it. But if a shame VMs personality and later work dominates so much now. What a voice and songwriter. The title track is an obvious classic, as is Into the Mystic, but there’s not a bad song on this.
What a great album for me to start with. My favourite Van Morrison album. Side One, especially, is just one fantastic song after another.
Damn I loved this. I knew so little about Van Morrison besides the title track of this album. Definitely an album I'm glad I heard.
Super unique voice, this would be a perfect record to put on when it’s a rainy evening. I wish more contemporary artists made albums like this.
Despite Van being a dick, I love this album soooo much! I have so many lovely memories attached to this album, especially the song ‘Into the Mystic.’
This felt like a guilty pleasure, without any of the guilt. Into the Mystic and Crazy Love are placeless and timeless. I can't imagine anyone would ever listen and not love those songs. I did find myself enjoying Brand New Way (that first note on the piano) in a different spirit, now than I'm older. It's hard to separate this album from memories of my last years in college and first years in Chicago. A transition-time album that reminds me about the hope in heartbreak. An absolute non-guilty pleasure.
Astral awesome is the gold standard of Van Morrison albums but make no mistake that Moondance is a fabulous album. It has touches of Astral Weeks jazzy feel but is much more pop music accessible. Ultimately it lacks the wow factor of AW. Still an easy 5 🌟 rating from me.
I grew up with this album so it's hard for me to be objective, but I really can't fault it. I'm usually a big lyrics person, but for me it's the music that really stands out on this album. Every layer has its place, and they all come together to build something gorgeous. Easy 5/5 stars
I remember having a conversation with some work colleagues about 20 years ago, talking about albums that had no holes cover to cover. I'm sure I said something like Weezer's Blue album but someone said Moondance to which I kind of scoffed at. Well, it's taken me 20 years to finally put his claim to the test. I think side two dipped a bit compared to side one but it's still a beautiful album. The songs are poetry put to music. A really deft fusion of rock and jazz - impossible to separate one from the other - with his voice that carries the whole way.
At this moment of his career, Van Morrison could do nothing wrong. Moondance is only one of numerous peeks. Take the time to savour it.
Fuck yeah! This is the shit I signed up for. I ended up listening to Van Morrison all day.
A true classic.. top band behind our man Van, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere. And then there is Van at his best delivering his songs with true passion
One of my favorite albums. Great voice, complex and varied songs. Original. Truly a great work of art. Timeless.
Really enjoyed this album and the vibes it gives. There was not one song that I didn't like.
I enjoyed several songs on this album and it was super pleasant to listen to! I really liked Crazy Love, Caravan, and It Stoned Me.
Listened to on 5/8/22 5/5 Favorite song: moondance I was not expecting to like this album but it was absolutely phenomenal. The instrumentation and lyrics were beautiful and soothing and so easy to listen to. I would listen to this album again and again and again
Upbeat, horn-driven soul and mellifluous folk-jazz merge to create an entirely original, wholly refreshing platform on which Van Morrison’s catchy poetics of nature, spiritual redemption, and self-affirmation are able to foster a listening experience that is cleansing, cathartic, and absolving. Standout Tracks: And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Caravan, Into the Mystic, Glad Tidings
The memories with chloe that’ll be associated with this album already give it a 5 but it’s also a great album and van Morrison is awesome
Moondance is about as perfect a rock album as you will ever hear. It's probably the album I would first recommend to anyone who is new to Morrison's music. The songs are warm, soulful, intimate and endlessly catchy, a perfect summer day in musical form. This is an album built for repeat listenings, full of songs that will stay with you for a long time. I don't have a bad thing to say about it. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Into the Mystic, Everyone, Moondance, Caravan, Brand New Day, And It Stoned Me, These Dreams of You, Glad Tidings, Come Running, Crazy Love
This is tough to decide. On the one hand, it opens with a bunch of bangers so strong I felt a 5 was inevitable. But there end was a little weaker (though not without bangers of its own). The last few songs were still good, but in comparison with the opening they ironically feel not as good. So, can a few 3.5 songs at the end bring this from a 5? Or does the opening barrage of It Stoned Me, Moondance, Crazy Love, Caravan, Into The Music make this a clear 5, damn what follows? Gonna think about it.
4.6 - As a single, “Moondance” can sound jarring to me - the vocals sound vomited at times, the horn fills kind of cheesy, the flute parts sort of student jazz band-y. But somehow within the context of the album it fits perfectly. Uncannily, this record feels both tightly composed and loosely structured. As an overall listening experience, there’s impeccable flow. Individually, the songs almost feel improvised. I like everything on here and I love “Into the Mystic” and “Glad Tidings.”
The first stone cold classic album I have reviewed to date. Every song is superb, to listen to, to dance to, to reflect on. Pure joy
I’m in looooooove. Fantastic album…too bad Van Morrison’s a dirtbag. Listened during a road trip both ways, just a great album, my first 5.
It was a great album. I already knew a few of the songs, but there were some I didn’t know and I really enjoyed them.
I have mixed feelings about putting 4 stars vs 5 stars. I’m not a huge Van Morrison fan. However, this album is so great to listen to. The songs are just so classic and so well known. Overall just a great album to put on and feel good listening to it.
Absolute classic and relaxed yet catchy so a must listen to every time it happens to be brought up
The cover looks like a meme. "Past Van Morrison tries to make sense of future Van's ramblings" Annoyingly, considering how much of a massive bell end the guy is, this is absolutely fantastic. "Throughout my career I have always preferred to let my music speak for me" he said in 2015. You what mate? Tell the last couple of years you. Anyway. Yeah, great record. The horns! The soul! The, erm, the clavinet! It's just great.
Really really like this album. Caravan, into the mystic, are so good. The lyrics are not that deep but still poetic and the chord progressions are not obnoxious but still rousing.
Abordagem diferente do estilo, com os metais tendo destaque sobre o violão/guitarra. Mistura de Blue, Rock e Soul
Ah... one of the 10 albums I got for $1 from Columbia House back in the heyday of CD clubs. Liked it then, like it now.
Nice. This is what I was expecting when I got astral weeks a while ago but was disappointed. I’ll try to listen to more Van.
I enjoyed the album. Only ever really hearing “Brown Eyed Girl” this was definitely a different sound, but the sound of the time for sure. The first song “And it Stoned Me” remind me a lot of The Band’s “The Weight.” Definitely open to checking out more of his music in depth after hearing this album.
Perf with beers in the sunshine. Love the prevalence of trumpet/clarinet/other blowy tube instruments
Going in blind. Don't know much Van Morrison. Hate Brown Eyed Girl. Really soulful and jazzy, nicely surprised. Reminds me of The Band with more horns. Solid listen.
Gotta be a a fan of some Van the man, while you crack a can with dinner in the pan. Prefer his Astral Weeks album, but some classic tracks on this album
I really enjoyed this album. Backyard bbq/summertime music. Album is just solid top to bottom.
i oscillate between thinking he's annoying and really respecting his music. this one is pretty solidly respectable.
Beautiful, warm sounding album. Familiar and welcoming. Would be great to listen to with friends on a summer's night!
This takes me back to memories of mum and dads Van Morrison vinyl records spinning the tables when i was a youngun
I’ve got a pretty superficial knowledge of Van Morrison and I’d never listened to this album before (although I knew a few of the tracks). Will definitely be going back to it again. Detected a bit of Belle and Sebastian on album closer ‘Glad Tidings’. Not sure whether Mr Morrison was influenced by the infant Stuart Murdoch, or it was the other way round (I’ll let the lawyers fight it out), but loved it either way. First album on the list that I’m genuinely glad I’ve heard before I die.
I like the way, in many songs, he starts signing on the first note, without any preamble, like he doesn't care what the rest of (white) bands are doing in 1970, he's doing his own thing. There are some real classic tracks . I always thought Moondance would make a great jazz standard (maybe it is?). Nice horns and backing vocals.
This is one of my favorite Van Morrison albums. When I opened it up I already had five of the songs starred. It's a banger album for me. I'm going to go ahead and give it four G L O R I A 's
Not my usual genre and probably never will be but I enjoyed the album and can understand why it would have a good reputation.
His best album for me (at least from the albums I’ve listened to) A singer at the top of his game on it - some classic songs - great stuff
My favourite Van track on this makes it a winner for me (Moondance). Almost every song eminates warmth.
Nice is a nice and fun album. I enjoyed the different rhythm/melodies, and even though most of the songs are slow I found them uplifting.
I’ve heard good things about this album and it didn’t let down. This is great, a warm and relaxing album to put on and just forget about everything for 40 minutes. Especially the first side of this album is absolutely perfect the 2nd side might be a bit worse but still great. Sadly the last 2 songs were kinda worse especially the last one idk why but I didn’t like it as much as the rest of the album. 8/10
Great music ... Clean expressive lyrics where the instruments don't overwhelm the songs
I'm not sure to what extent he is describing a depth of emotion I've not experienced or if he's just that good at expressing himself in song.
A solid album with 4 or 5 amazing songs that everyone knows. Side two is pretty forgettable, but the sheer caliber of the songs on side one is mind-blowing. Songs like those feel like they must have appeared fully formed out of the ether, because it's difficult to imagine someone being talented and inspired enough to have written them. Still, it doesn't quite reach the level of those rare few albums that are filled front to back with great songs and no filler. This album does have some filler.
Went expecting to enjoy it but not as much as I did. Not a single bad song on the album. Starts out very strong.
For some reason, this album has stood the test of time. I'll definitely listen to it many times again.
Van Morrison is at some of his most soulful and polished on this album that has some of his most lauded tracks. Smooth and serene the ballads go from deep longing to everyday love.
If I haven't heard this album as a whole before, I've heard most of the tracks before. All of the tracks are good, and this would be an easy album to re-play. "Crazy Love" might be my favorite track, and there are some covers of the song that I like almost as much. Liking the covers is evidence of Van Morrison's talent for writing a good song. "Into the Mystic" is another favorite.
The album cover is me waiting for the next album to generate. 7/10, Moondance was a good track, nothing too special about the album in general for me though
Pretty classic but definitely too much Van Morrison at once. On their own the songs were good, didn't have to think about anything too hard. 8
A bit cheesy, but it’s a solid feel-good album that I enjoyed cleaning the kitchen to. 8/10
Wikipedia tells me this album was a huge deal. I guess it's been so influential that whatever made it so remarkable has now become commonplace? It was a nice listen, for sure. Fave track - "Glad Tidings", let's say, but I didn't feel like there were any stand out tracks - they all blended together...
I knew more of these songs than I thought I would, and the ones I didn't know felt like old friends anyway. Very good stuff.
Heard quite a few of these love standards before. Between Cat Stevens and Van Morrison, it’s been a gravel-voiced balladeer couple of days
Actually great. I mean I know it's great, but I hadn't properly listened before, and it's brilliant. Shame he's a grumpy sod.
Van the man's more poppy effort. Songs have soul and finesse with his amazing vocals. Ignore the fact he's a fucking terrible old man with regressive views that would make Trump blush - or at least high five him. Best Tracks: And It Stoned Me; Moondance; Into The Mystic