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Moondance
Van Morrison
1970
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!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 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.
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
I like Van Morrison's music; even saw him perform not long before covid. This album contains many classics, and I will rate it without taking into account Van's... problematic tendencies.
Vam Morrison begin with the band "Them" and then was famous as singer alone: a referent.
I've been pretty down on the 70s sound, but this just works for me. He has a good voice without all the twang to it.
Ah, here was Van the Man at the top of his game. Such finely skilled songs such as And It Stoned Me & Moondance, such a unique voice, such a talent. But even then, back in 1970, as a man, I bet he was still a bit of a tit.
Belongs on the list: 5 Monumental Album: 4 Influential Album: 4 Van-the-Man™'s best disc. 4.5/5
Another album I think I had a cheap cassette reissue of and played a great deal in a certain phase of my 20s. Not really into Van Morrison any more but this is still pretty flawless.
Very good. Brown-eyed girl cunningly rewritten as Glad Tidings. He was obviously a huge influence on Loudon Wainwright, who stole Come Running for People in Love. Don't like all the songs but Into the Mystic is worth 4 stars all on its own.
This album was a pleasant experience. It’s tonalities and timbres got me in a soothed mood right from the beginning. I had never listened to Van Morrison before, maybe did not have the interest or was not ripe enough for it. Now I want to go down the rabbit hole of his music
A long time favourite. Absolute magic for the first half of the album, musical masterpiece in Into The Mystic, then a slow decrease in song quality through to the end.
One of those albums that feels like a comfy blanket or a warming drink. Soothing without being trite. Along with Tupelo Honey this is a an Morrison at his finest
Finally! After a run of 2* albums, something I actually like! It’s charming, playful, romantic. It’s a shame Van has turned into such an objectionable grown-up, but there you go!
Morrissey and Van Morrison on consecutive days. What have I done to be saddled with these two bastions of COVID misinformation in such proximity? With that being said, this album is pretty fun. He does white guy blues without it being too cringy. Much like the last Van Morrison album that I listened to, Astral Weeks, there are lots of instrumental additions to the composition that are unexpected and well executed. I may be of the personal opinion that Van Morrison is a twat, but I guess I like his music 4/5
Not much to say about this one. After *Astral Weeks* proved itself too complex for the charts and general audience of his time, Van Morrison chose a far more direct approach, adding a *huge* chunk of rhythm'n'blues to the formula. And to help him attain his goals, he found a stellar backing band in the Catskills, after following Dylan's steps over there (for a relatively small town, Woodstock seemed to have quite an impressive scene, which did not wait for that famous festival to thrive). Such a backing band behind Van Morrisson brings *a lot* to *Moondance*. The saxophone section--tenor, alto and soprano--is just doing an extraordinary job, all lush and sinuous, especially on the most memorable songs ("And It Stoned Me", "Caravan" , "Into The Mystic", "Glad Tidings", "Brand New Day"). Great performances overall. As for Van Morrison's voice, recorded in live takes throughout, it is technically perfect. You really believe he is a genuine American r'n'b singer. Well, except maybe on the title track, but it's probably because that cut is a little underwhelming compared to the rest, sounding more like a jazz parody executed in a second-tier club than a genuinely interesting cut (putting this song in slot number 2 was not the brightest idea in my honest opinion). That being said, even some of the least immediately striking cuts have something going for them. Case in point: "Everyone", with its clavinette and flutes heavily drawing on Irish folk influences. And lyrically, the songs are very interesting and personal, displaying a sort of down-to-earth mysticism about love, nature and mundane experiences. Such a thing doesn't even seem possible on paper. Yet Van Morrisson pulls it off effortlessly. The only reason I'm not giving this album five stars is because as far as I like albums with a single intent in mind, this one is just a little too one-note for me. After *Astral Weeks*' commercial failure, and from this point onwards, Van Morrisson would only take calculated risks, for better or for worse. And here, it shows. But even with that minor grudge in mind, this is definitely an album to listen to before you die. [Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 983 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 7 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 6 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (as I think many others are more important): 4 Albums on which I feel my judgment is muddled by my past forays into specific genres instead of others (some might end up on my final list if they're culturally important): 1]
Not the absolute best Van effort, but high quality nonetheless from the old curmudgeon
I was pleasantly surprised, because of this album, I so far only knew the title song, which I don't particularly like. But the other songs are quite good in a Summer Vibes kind of way. Very solid 4/5.
I liked the improvisational feel of all the songs on this album. It is what he was going for, that jazzy type of mood. "Everyone" could have sounded annoying and repetitive, and yet it holds up because of the delivery. It's one of my favorite tunes on the album. I think we've all heard the title track "Moondance" at least once or twice in our lives (I've had to play it a few times, not an easy tune.). But the other stuff on the album is just as freeform and improvisational, I quite enjoyed it. I wonder if that feel is brought to the songs live, and how many of the songs were performed live. So yeah, really enjoyable high marks for me. I'm glad the album is more than just the title track. A lot of times albums can't get past that big hit, but this one was able to do so.
This was a great album! Very chill but insanely catchy at the same time. The best way to describe it is that it feels like a sunny/relaxing day with bright and cheery vibes present throughout. I was only somewhat familiar with Van Morrison (mainly through his biggest song, 'Brown Eyed Girl'), and the title track was the only song I ended up recognizing during this listen; however, this album made me appreciate his voice and songwriting capabilities way more as these songs are excellently crafted/performed. 'And It Stoned Me', 'Caravan', and 'Everyone' were the standouts on my first listen, but every track here is smooth and solid. While it is not the most diverse album in terms of instruments or sounds, I did appreciate the moments where VM brought in harpsicord, flute, and saxophone to add a bit of variety. It is not groundbreaking necessarily, but it feels like the type of album that is hard not to like. I would definitely give it another listen in the future. 4/5.
Listened. It's more pop than Astral Weeks but still really good. Would like to listen again for the lyrics
A really pleasant listening experience that unleashes its penchant for standout moments in every song, therefore making them memorable. A necessary step forward from the impossible to follow Astral Weeks and is thus an essential part in the story of Van the Man. Favorites: And It Stoned Me, Crazy Love, Caravan, Into the Mystic, These Dreams of You, Brand New Day.
Més melòdic i musical que 'Astral Weeks', menys donat a la improvisació i mostra perfecta del que hauria de ser la resta de la seva discografia en el futur. Folk rock pastoral i molt personal, amb una de les veus més característiques del rock
Really great folk stuff here from Mr. Morrison. I think the thing that sets apart a lot of big folk names from one another is their unique vocal timbre and exquisite songwriting. Worth a listen for sure.
Very cool, mellow, amazing story telling. Easy to relax and listen to and makes me think of enjoying a nice summer day.
Very enjoyable and easy to listen to. Moondance was very recognisable…didn’t realise it was VM.
Listened to this on a previous list and didn’t really stick with me. It’s time I really enjoyed it.
It's fine. Maybe a little one note, or maybe Van Morrison's voice is so distinct that it feels one note due to that. "Moondance" is still a killer song. Shame VM is a shithead in real life. Favorite tracks: "Moondance", "And It Stoned Me"
A surprise for me. Listening to this at 5:10am on New Years' day 2021. Real enjoyed this album of foot tapping stuff, in places, with soulful poetry in others. Rating high 3s but will keep as a 3 star out of 5.
Perfectly nice folky, bluesy rock. Great vocals. Really liked Into The Mystic, but overall just a bit boring and unremarkable for my taste.
Die Platte geht schon mal recht langweilig los. Und weiter. Crazy Love ist - okay. Mit Caravan wird‘s dann sogar noch besser und auch in der zweiten Hälfte finden sich solide Tracks, sodass ich stellenweise sogar überlegt habe, ob diese Platte vier Sterne wert ist. Letztlich ordne ich sie bei guten drei Sternen ein. Nota bene: Brand New Day hat deutliche Anklänge an Bachs Französische Suite Nr. 5, und hier insbesondere der Gavotte. Nichts ehrenrühriges, sich bei Bach zu bedienen, fällt aber auf.
For me, this album fits right into the category 'Not offensive but not really interesting'. I know this kind of blues songwriter thing is really deep for some people and it is my failing that I don't know the genre well enough to be moved by it.
Quite alright. I might have been a little too harsh on Astral Weeks which I got at the beginning of this journey. Having a little more perspective changes a lot.
Another great classic for which I wouldn't always be in the mood. Perhaps to leave it playing in the background, but this is not the type of music that draws me in to active listening.
The song Moondance is one of those songs I’ve heard a million times, but not really appreciated. And come on, It has an exceptional melody. Crazy to think someone wrote that from nothing. Pretty cruisy album all up. Glad Tidings very much like Brown Eyed Girl
Gefällig bluesjazzfolkt er sich da durch seine extra gefällig komponierten Melodien, weil "a man's gotta live", und das Publikum soll bekommen was es will. Laut einigen Kritikern ist das eine wahnsinnig gute Platte, mir ist sie ein bisschen uninteressiert drunterweggelaufen, und hätte ich mehr Lust darauf gehabt, hätte ich sicher einige Highlights finden können. Hatte ich aber nicht, und deshalb: 2,6 für den Ehemann von Janet Planet.
Ernsthafter Typ aufm Cover, ernsthafte Musik unterm Cover. Seine Stimme stark, soulfull, gospelig und das zentrale Element, auf das seine Begleiter sich konzentrieren. Musikalisch ist die Band wirklich Spot on, aber nie wirklich im Spotlight, wie bspw. beim Opener. Dadurch wirklich nur 3.1
Not particularly my thing but not bad per say. Another nice look at the music landscape of the 70s.
11th June 2021 Listened in the garden while re-sowing the lawn. Sadly had to miss going down to Brighton for Ben's stag cos of jen's covid, but found out I've got the job at the financial Times and it was the opening of the Euros which was amazing! I think I'd really like this album if I listened to it a few times, I like the combination of jazz and soft rock and van Morrison is clearly a troubled legend. 3.5 if I could
Not a big Van fan but there is no doubting he had a good run circa Astral Weeks through to St. Dom’s preview. Moon dance falls right in the middle of that period and is perhaps his most accessible album, it’s enjoyable when in the mood.
very pleasant. was considering a 4 until I realized the album ended and it had moved on to playing similar hits from that period.
Eh. I am not mad at the album. Wasn't a waste of time but Not really my thing. Might get another listen or two. But I don't see it growing on me anymore than it already could have.
Some classic tunes. Great bass playing. Mostly the tracks all do something different. But Van Morrison’s vocals don’t live up to the rest of the group for me.
This is the sort of album where the guy is obviously very talented and I can easily understand why somebody would say "I love Van Morisson, 'Moondance' is one of my favorite albums" but it just doesn't speak to me. Aside from the title track (a wonderfully sung jazzy little number), nothing on this album really captured my imagination.
Lots of classics on here that, of course, I've already heard because they play on the radio. Overall a "good vibes" album, a little too easy-listening, and I can only take his voice for so long. Not a bad album though. 3.5/5 or 7/10 Highlights: Crazy Love Into the Mystic Glad Tidings
Quite nice, nothing really stuck with me. I was expecting something very different, I think I was confusing Van Halen with Van Morrison
van morrison's voice is cool. there's an appeal there. I would throw on this album for fun. But i wouldn't notice it much. and i might be annoyed if like, the song moondance comes on. so, it's fine in the background.
Hard to separate this from the curmudgeonly old bastard Morrison has become recently. The music is good, the man isn't.
I appreciated the variety in songs. Moondance is a nice jazz song. The rest of the album is fine, but not something that I would listen to again.
More smooth 'n' soulful that I was expecting. Not entiiiiirely my cup of tea but it's got a kind of classic feel about it. Is Glad Tidings supposed to sound so much like Brown Eyed Girl...?
Some nice jazzy numbers, he does have a cool voice that transports you back in time. I'm judging this on musical merit and not his mad covid conspiracy tendencies
Never listened to anything on this other than the title track before. It’s chill, it’s “nice”, would buy on vinyl if I found a cheap copy somewhere. Not my normal style but I dig it.
Much better than Astral Weeks. Enjoyable, if not super remarkable, from top to finish. My two take-aways: 1. Van Morrison has more good music than just the song Moondance 2. That part of Moondance where he goes "Bahvvvvaaavvvvaavvaavvaavvaa" really fast is so weird and we need to talk about it more.
Decent vibes, nothing too crazy. Wouldnt put it on again myself but wouldnt mind it in the background somewhere. Probably good for a roadtrip but gang we have Simon and Garfunkel for that!
The same but different vibe. Starts to wear thin after about the 3rd track. Entertaining enough though.
A nice album. Just barely misses out on a 4 from me. It’s definitely got some bops, particularly Into the Mystic and Glad Tidings, but it just doesn’t completely click together for me.
Mildly enjoyable. Nothing I really liked or really hated. The vocals are both pleasant and unpleasant at the same time; it’s kind of intriguing. 6/10.
First time ever hearing this, and man, it is just so good. Great and very beautiful songs.
Refreshing and sweet. Didn't realize I'd like this as much because of his very popular songs.
Sopi hyvin seesteiseen maanantaihin ja toimii varmasti rauhallisen aamun käynnistyksessä noin yleisesti.
I'm only familiar with Van Morrison hits of which two of them open this album. Then I heard the same songs over and over again. This album just doesn't go anywhere. It's the same sound for 10 songs and I got bored midway through. He just doesn't go anywhere new. For such a highly acclaimed album, I was expecting a lot more.
Tän tunnelmassa ja tyylissä on jotain tosi kivaa. Lämminhenkistä, rentoa ja helppoa. Mut ei sit kuitenkaan nouse loisteliaaksi. Sanotaanko, että oisin mielelläni ravintolassa tai baarissa, jossa tää soi.
Moondance oli yllättävän hyvä biisi, ja jossain toisessakin oli ihan ok blues-riffi. Mutta muuten yleinen viba oli vähän semmonen rekkamies-kitaralätinäkantri. Ehkä muuten antaisin 2, mutta annetaan nimikkobiisin vuoksi 3.
Van Morrison has a great voice (time to admit I thought "Van Morrison" was his last name (like Van Halen). I had no idea it was short for Ivan Morrison. I'm learning much on this 1001 albums journey). But the songs sound like a lot of other songs (including each other). For example, while I enjoyed the opening "And It Stoned Me" I found myself singing The Band's "The Weight" over it (and The Weight was released 2 years earlier, so I don't have causation backwards). Crazy Love is good, but it also starts with the same essential tune as And It Stoned Me (and therefore, the Weight). Glad Tidings is basically Brown Eyed Girl part 2, so he's derivative of himself. Moondance is definitely different from the other tracks - it's a classic and I always enjoy it, but it's pleasant, not amazing. Overall, I give the album a 3 because it's pleasant, but also far too often derivative and repetitive.
I know this album quite well from my college years. I still like a lot of the tracks, but overall I've drifted away from Van Morrison in my personal listening preferences. I do appreciate his work, though. Heck of a songwriter.
One of the few Van Morrison albums I enjoy. I definitely prefer this over Astral Weeks (which is widely regarded as one of this best). Almost 4 stars, but not quite.
Way better than my last Van album, on account of fewer annoying vocal tics. Still not my thing
Quite enjoyed listening to this one from Van M. Jazzy but not too much, retaining melody and structure. No bad He was a kid when he did this, yes?
And It Stone Me & Moondance are great tracks, but the rest are nothing special. Plus, like Clapton, he turns out that he's massive prick.
Veedon Fleece was my gateway to Van's catalog, and beside it this seems meh. Easily as good as Elton John, to be fair, and sounds good. The timelessness of the production takes it over the line.
A "nice" album. Each song on their own is really nice, feel good music, but a whole album of the same type is a bit draining
This was okay. Moondance was a pretty good song, the rest of the album was pretty forgettable.
The title track is great! The rest was pleasant enough but inoffensive and unremarkable.
Pretty boring. Basic chill 70s love songs. Good songs to smoke weed to I guess, but isn't that every 70s song? Worst album cover ever? Dude has pipes though.
Not too hot on this one. A lot of the songs end up sounding the same, with no particular standout track. 3/10
I enjoyed the title track, but that was mainly from having heard it growing up. The rest all melded together and nothing stands out. The music is somewhat overshadowed by the racism and anti-science COVID stance of Van Morrison in recent years.
building your entire career off music invented by black people and being a giant racist, what a familiar combo unfortunately the songwriting is still really good tbh, moondance is iconic even if the original is probably the worst version of it his voice is probably the weakest link here, similarly to bob dylan i actually prefer covers of van morrison songs back half of the album was pretty forgettable
I have not listened to this for many years. Pretty dull. Always thought Van was overrated. Astral Weeks is a much better album.
lol @ wikipedia saying this is considered by every man and his dog to be the best album of all time. it's not. 2/5.
2 tracks I've heard before - Everyone and Moondance which I dig. Overall, not a fan...
Langweilig. Nicht schlimm und für damals gut produziert, aber langweilig. Gut als Hintergrundmusik in Cafés vermute ich mal?
Just meh, really off and on through each song. Honestly was expecting a slightly stronger overall sound.
While I was listening to this album I was cooking cauliflower cheese, my dog jumped up next to me and knocked the whisk out of my hand and got cheese sauce all over the kitchen which I had to clean up. Not my thing.
Tää on must vähän taas näitä välimallin juttuja. Oon aikaisemminkin koittanut kuunnella tätä levyy saamatta selkoo että onks tää lintu vai kala. Moondance-kappale itsessään on kyl jo tietynlainen jazz-klassikko, mutta muu levy on jonkinlaista folk/rock/country/soul -sillisalaattia. Jotenkin uppoo aikalailla tapettiin koko homma. Yksittäisenä kappaleena Moondance on upee, mutta sitä tässä ei kyllä nyt arvioida. 2/5
Still salty over the last Van Morrison album I hated so much. This one was better...but still hippy drivel.
03/18/2022 I was really enjoying this! ...But then after 'Into the Mystic' finished, it all got very bland and boring?
I don't think I am going to like this. I didn't dislike it as much as I was expecting. Two. Ish.
Why does he have the simplest basslines mixed in so prominently. Eg come running Ok I do like brand new day
Didn't realize this is where the song "Moondance" is from. Makes sense. Haven't generally listened to much Van Morrison. Good R&B/soft rock sort of Stuff. Definitely worth listening to more.
Quite melodic.
balls