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.
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.
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.
started off all happy and nice and then got boring pretty quickly. bring back Lamb chops.
Absolutely love the album despite the artist having turned into a full-blown anti-covid whacko.
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
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.
Couple better than I was expecting but too much lounge sax for my taste.
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
Shame Van Morrison is a tool IRL, because this is one of the best albums ever.
Found some Awesome classic I never knew was written by Van. Great listening around the house for the whole family
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.
Into the Mystic is so good. One of my favorite albums. Love his lyrics.
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.
Welcome familiarity with some hidden gems to be discovered. Great easy listening
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.