Moondance

I 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 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.

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.

Sawdust core

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!

A passable album does not a cunt redeem.

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.

One of the best storyteller songwriters ever. Pretty much every song on this album is great.

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.

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.

Nah, not having this. Music for nonces.

What a bloody lovely album.

Absolutely love the album despite the artist having turned into a full-blown anti-covid whacko.

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've never really cared for Van Morrison aside from thinking his songs are "nice". I still feel that way. Songs are nice, album cohesion is nice, not much to complain about. Nothing particularly exciting either. Just nice.

Moondance I’ve never been a massive fan of the title track, I do appreciate it, but I’m not as keen as I am on the rest of the album, which includes a couple of my favourite VM tunes - Crazy Love, Caravan, Into the Mystic, Everyone and Glad Tidings. It’s easy to see it as suffering in comparison to Astral Weeks, but even though it is the follow up it’s a very different proposition, and of course a fantastic album in its own right. Whereas AW is more impressionistic, ethereal and abstract, MD is more concrete and conventional, although you can still hear the threads of AW in some of the jazziness and the horns and in the philosophical delicateness of tracks like Into the Mystic. And it Stoned Me is kind of emblematic of the departure from AW; a little bit of jazz but mainly a kind of soulful r’n’b folk rock with more traditional structures. Love the rolling piano. Like I say I’m not a huge fan of Moondance, although I can see why its popularity has endured, but Crazy Love is an absolutely superb song, again kind of wonder how such a knobhead could write so tenderly. Caravan is great, The Last Waltz version is possibly even better than this, but it pairs brilliantly with Into the Mystic. I’ve already mentioned it twice, I know, but it’s absolutely superb - mesmeric and strange, but with palpable warmth and sense of magic. I never tire of hearing it. Come Running works really well with These Dreams of You, great bits of soulful folk pop. Come Running in particular is very catchy. Lovely bit of slightly bluesy business on Brand New Day and some super backing vocals. Everyone, another super track has that lovely harpsichord and a great upbeat melody. Great use in the Royal Tenenbaums. And I love Glad Tidings, the bass really drives it forward and the horn arrangement and answering motif to the ‘la la la la’ is great. Also used really well in The Sopranos, particularly the ‘bring you glad tidings from New York City line’. Because I love Astral Weeks I sometimes forget what a fantastic album this is, it’s been great listening to it today. Can’t be anything but a 5. 🌙🌙🌙🌙🌙 Playlist submission: Into the Mystic

LOVE!! Such a classic and totally deserves to be on any best-of list. Great songwriting, super creative and beautiful incorporation of jazz without being cheesy. And there’s that voice. Every song is a masterpiece.

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

A surprisingly short album but an absolute corker. Also, Moondance was the first dance at my wedding. A fact I never forget.

Veedon Fleece is my go to Van Morrison record, but Moondance is pretty great, too. But let’s be honest here, no Van Morrison record will ever capture the magic of his performance of Caravan, clad in a maroon sequined getup, from The Band’s Last Waltz. If you’ve never seen it, stop reading this now and go watch it, I’m sure it’s on YouTube. It borders on unhinged and is one of the greatest rock performances ever captured on film. Coked-out-grandma-pantsuit Van Morrison is the best Van Morrison. SWITCH ON YOUR ELECTRIC LIGHT.

I haven’t listened to this for quite a few years and remembered enjoying it but not this much. Every song is just absolutely fantastic. It combines every I love about Morrison’s music, with the ethereal headiness of Astral Weeks on songs like And It Stoned Me and Into the Mystic as well as the stellar hooks on Everyone, Brand New Day and the title track

Found some Awesome classic I never knew was written by Van. Great listening around the house for the whole family

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

Couple better than I was expecting but too much lounge sax for my taste.

started off all happy and nice and then got boring pretty quickly. bring back Lamb chops.

1000/10

Maybe the best A side on any album ever.

I bought his way back after loving Astral Weeks, and particularly Ballerina from that album. It's very different and way more accessible but still a beautiful album and seemingly so full of love. One of my regrets was seeing Van Morrison at Glastonbury and not really engaging with it, an unappreciative 16 year old who didn't know anything except Brown Eyed Girl!

So many great tracks. Van the man!

Just joyous perfection. Kind of a contrast with his personality.

One of the best albums ever. :)

Anyone who rates this lower than 5 stars should be removed from the list.

Quite good. More of a daytime album despite the title track. While I feel this hindered my appreciation it still had an interesting mix, impressive arrangements, and decent variety of sound. I found the album inspiring with the use of swing time, waltz rhythms, horn section, and creative transitions.

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.

Flawless genesis of a one-man genre, this could play all day and I doubt I’d tire. Brings back strong memories of a Van nut friend at university and a lovely insider story I’ve heard involving a grumpy Morrison, an idiotic Donald Trump, a blameless lighting technician, and a tiny dressing room toilet.

Another long term favorite I'm going to reduce to a few ramblings. Too late to stop now! - I will always stop what I am doing and listen, entranced, to "Into The Mystic". Just delightful. The story of Arturo and Catarina immortalized therein also provided inspiration for the fun Goldie Hawn '80s comedy "Overboard"; I'm sure Van would approve - Likewise, "Everyone" serves as a joyous end to "The Royal Tennenbaums", perfect - 'Joyous' is an apt description of this masterpiece; every song captures Van having a good time and sharing it freely. Unique in his catalog, perhaps? - Each of the last three songs could work as the album's closer; it almost feels like a series of encores. "Glad Tidings" is the right choice, its cheeky nod to "Brown Eyed Girl" inviting you to press play again

Just based on Moondance and Into the Mystic, this is a 5* album. Some other quality songs, too. Glad Tidings is just happy, fun music, which I think I appreciate more as I get older.

If you don't like this album, you don't like Van Morrison. Which is fine, he's not for everybody. But this is his most consistent, best-sung, best-arranged, most accessible album, with four classic songs -- And It Stoned Me, Into the Mystic, Caravan, and of course Moondance. Moondance, the song, is overplayed and parodied, but the magic of it is that any ELSE that tries to play it sound like a parody. Sometimes Van's melodic sense gets repetitive, starting lines on high notes and winding down to the tonic far too often, but at least on this album he makes it work. "Astral Weeks", the album that came before this one, is quite a bit more spacey and folky and less soul-inflected... but if you like "Moondance" and want more, you can't go wrong with the 3 albums that came after. "His Band and the Street Choir" and "Tupelo Honey" especially, and "St. Dominic's Preview" as well (however, the two 10+ minute tracks on St. Dominic's, especially "Listen to the Lion", are not for me). Heartfelt, passionate pop-rock without equal in 1970.

Shame Van Morrison is a tool IRL, because this is one of the best albums ever.

This falls on my ears like a warm soft blanket made of golden sundrops. Van Morrison himself has fallen off the deep end in terms of sanity, but his music (in particular this album) is timeless. "Crazy Love" in particular is a fav.

How can a man so bitter and jaded make music that brings me so much joy?

A great vibe that really encapsulates the 70s country indie merge. Although some songs all kinda sound similar they blend really well for a full listening experience.

En af de bedste stemmer nogensinde, lækker plade. Håber dælme ikke at en af Van Morrisons sidste plader var 2½ timer lang mest med sange om at corona er en hoax med titler som "Why Are You on Facebook?" og "Where have all the rebels gone?", det ville godt nok være deprimerende

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.

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.

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

glittershite

I just really don't like this sound, and I hate Morrison's voice. A trial to listen to.

balls

Sin duda su mejor disco, el más disfrutable y el más luminoso. Desde el inicio ya te sientes como en casa. Si además incluye Moondance, Into the mystic y Caravan (su mejor versiónn es la de The last waltz en directo) poco más hay que decir. Hay más mucho más: Come Running, Brand new day... Eterno e imprescindible

Great. Distinctive voice and style. Easy album to like

And it stoned me.

Retroactive regret at having not listened to this sooner. This is right up my alley, strong soulful vocals, folk rock backed with horns, I think the first half of the album is stronger than the second, but I felt pretty much straight away after my first listen that this would be a 5, and I've listened to it twice more since then.

Absolutely Perfect

A true classic. A timeless masterpiece.

I know so many of these songs! What an iconic voice.

I love Van Morrison, and this is my favorite album from him. This album has so many amazing songs that invoke some amazing feelings from me. And It Stoned Me and Caravan will always be on repeat for me. If I could give this album more than 5 stars I could. 11/10.

Van the man

Nice, easy listening. Great instrumentals and good vocal work. 'Moondance' was my fave.

This album really makes my van gogh.

In my opinion thuis is his best album

Perfect A side. VM delivers an all time great vocal performance - introspective, melancholic, tender and delicate, forceful and reaching. The music is autumnal and folksy, mellow and jazzy, warm and familiar - tied together by great bass playing that underpins lush and deeply textured arrangements. The B side isn't as good, but even so is basically is a sneak preview of the rambling gospel country Americana that the Rolling Stones would do shortly afterwards on Exile. So good the flute is forgiveable.

Definitely biased as Van Morrison has a ton of nostalgia for me. Puts me in a great mood.

Sounds like a blast!

All time classic

Amazing album, with songs that range from "alright" to "fantastic". Moondance is the second in the heptalogy running from Astral Weeks in 1969 to Veedon Fleece. Truly some of the best soul music ever made. 'Into the Mystic' is the standout but 'And It Stoned Me' and 'Moondance' are both amazing tracks

Great

Thought this album was fantastic, big fan of van morrison.

He’s apparently a first class asshole but damn it, he can make an a-class album. The album is mystical, romantic and sexy all at the same time. To me, this is the yin to Astral Week’s yang; both essential but here you get more polish and clarity in the tracks, less unknowable yearning. And it works here; the vibe throughout is palpable. For some reason “Moondance” reminds me of Fall in New England with the leaves changing color, which is always a nice thought.

Masterpiece.

I can't give an artist I just bought tickets for to see them live anything but 5 stars. You have to be in the mood for a Van Morrison album, but when you do, it becomes perfect and hits just right. This one is filled with a lot of classics, I really like everything on here.

So captivating, well rounded and altogether an enjoyable listen.

Fifty-five years after its debut, "Moondance" remains a magical experience. "Moondance" marks a departure from Van Morrison's previous album "Astral Weeks", showcasing a more vibrant blend of blues and rock while still weaving in elements of jazz and Irish folk. This sound would lay the groundwork for much of his future albums/music. Overall, it is a deeply spiritual album, rich with themes of redemption, nature, love, mixed with other aspect of the human experience. This album features a remarkable collection of classic songs, such as the title track "Moondance", "Crazy Love," "Brand New Day," and the virtually flawless "Into the Mystic." The album is exceptional from start to finish, a truly rare accomplishment. However, a shadow has fallen over Morrison and his music over the last few years. While expecting perfection in any human is unrealistic, demanding empathy and consideration for others is essential. In this regard, Van Morrison's actions have somewhat damaged his musical legacy and they do not reflect the spirit of the songs on this album. Even if you are unhappy about the person Van Morrison has morphed into, as he ages, you should still take the time to listen to this album. It is truly an outstanding masterpiece.

Love this album. Blue eyed soul at its finest.

A poeerful voice yet also a relaxing one, beautiful instrumentation, I loved this album.

First Van Morrison album I’ve ever listened to. Excellent album, very soulful.

I dislike this hippy-dippy R&B-light sound. But (very UNlike Astral Weeks) the great songs here just wash up on shore one after another.

That's my shit right there. Moondance (the song) has always been my go-to karaoke song, but who knew that Moondance (the album) had so much more to offer!

One of my favorite albums, it was the album I learned of Van Morrison.

Van was the first gig I ever saw, I don't remember much other than the singalong of Gloria. He seemed like an old man to the 10-year old me, he was the same age as I am now. I don't know his music that well but everything on this album was great.

Didn't listen but I know

This is on my short list for favorite albums of all time. The title track is perhaps one of the worst on here, and it's still good. I really wish Van wasn't such an asshole, as I love his music.

I loved this album! It will definitely be in my rotation. Finding these gems was what I was looking for when starting this 1001 album journey!

sweet sound

This guy fucks! Just classic after classic here. For the style of music this is, it gets a 5. It isn't my favorite type of music, and certainly not something I'd listen to on the daily, but it puts a smile on my face. The title track is my favorite.

Great album

Un très bel et bon album. Plusieurs chansons juste parfaites : « Moondance », « Crazy Love », « These Dream Of You » et « Everyone ». Les arrangements sont vraiment beaux; j’ai surtout remarqué le piano. Il y a aussi de beaux back-vocal de choristes femmes sur certaines pistes. Un grand album que je ne connaissais pas assez comme un tout.

A perfect album. It's not my favorite Van album, but it's probably his best. This was a really good listen today.

Some great songs! I notice crazy love inspired ed sheeran's song we found love

I went to a van Morrison concert once. He sang a song then introduced his daughter. She sang an hour. This album is perfect though.

Not my favourite because it’s too heavy compared eg to Astral Weeks, but still it’s full of great tunes

seminole

Really enjoyed this one. A mellow and just cozy album. From the start with "And it Stoned me" I was hooked. Honestly, this album is so front-loaded and the whole first side of the album is just filled with great songs like "Moondance" and "Into the Mystic". It drops the ball a bit on the second half which is clearly not as good as the first. If it was only the first side this would be a clear 5 but the second side is just not as good. After some contemplation I still I think this warrants a weak 5 since the first half is so strong and the album is kind of short. The second half is not bad just not at the same level as the first.

luv it

I think Van Morrison is a jerk, but can’t deny this is a great album. Caravan and Into the Mystic are my favorites on this but everything is strong

What a Side A! MY GOD. He truly stacked the bangers here though Side B did still have its moments. A unique blend of Jazz, Soul, Rock, and Folk that just feels good. As much of a jerk as he is, Van Morrison is truly one of a kind and is great at what he does. My favorites were "Into the Mystic" and "Caravan" which will always make me think of The Last Waltz.

Lovely album from a great musician!

Brilliant blend of folk, blues, jazz, and gospel.

I've always enjoyed Van Morrison's voice and was familiar with this album prior to listening for this review. The first 5 songs on this album are bangers and classics, no notes. The back half drops a little but still have that Van Morrison charm. I would give a 4.5 with half stars.

Van brought it on this one.