Moondance

Van Morrison nowadays isn't a great human being. Separating the art from the artist, this album is truly amazing. The vivid imagery and chords make this album come to life for me, picturing the scenes and scenarios. Fantastic singing, lyrics, music.

This is a really great album. This is one of those albums that was always on around my house growing up because my dad loved it, so these songs just kind of sunk into my head. Ironically the one song I'm not a fan of on this album is the title track, it's too smooth jazzy for me. Aside from that, this feels like an understandable next step after Astral Weeks, which is a masterpiece and will always be my favorite of Van Morrison's. Too bad he's a lunatic anti-vaxxer now, it was fun while it lasted. Standout Tracks: And It Stoned Me, Crazy Love, Caravan, Into the Mystic, Come Running, These Dreams of You, Brand New Day, Everyone,

I enjoyed this a lot!

Why is he singing like he just had a tooth extraction and half of his mouth is anesthetized. It's fine. Can't say I'm a fan of his voice, but I enjoyed some songs.

Enough Van Morrison already. I'm gonna instead review an album from an artist that deserves this spot much more, and has a similar sounding name - Ennio Morricone. For my chosen album I'll go with Once Upon a Time in the West (C'Era Una Volta Il West) from 1968. Morricone's compositions shift between wistful and mellow to playful to intense and sometimes downright evil, conjuring up a wide array of emotions and atmospheres, that are equally as evocative without the cinematic images they were meant to accompany. There is another common thread here. Both Morrison and Morricone are Europeans producing work inspired heavily by America, but only one of them manages push past inspiration into actual innovation. As for Moondance, I award it one lasso for Van to go and play cowboy pretend. 𓍯

I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS

wonderful album. Shame he's an anti-science wanker tho.

Good classic album, I surprisingly recognized nearly every song on the album. I preferred the first half of the album over the second but overall it was a very enjoyable album

And It Stoned Me Moondance Crazy Love Caravan Into The Mystic These Dreams of You Glad Tidings.

Only a four because Astral weeks is better. Of all of the big songs from this album, Moondance is actually my least favourite. Caravan, Glad Tidings and Everyone are my favs.

It was great album. I didn’t really listen to it. I skipped through it, but the songs are really catchy. I’ll make sure to listen to it throughout.

Does anyone remember that old blog-turned-book called Stuff White People Like? I should dig out my copy to see if Van Morrison is in it, because he should be.

mid. 3

Even if I didn’t already think Van Morrison was an absolute twat, I doubt I’d enjoy this album very much. Apart from the title track none of the songs have much juice.

Good album, aged really well but I can see this being forgettable overall on a personal level..

This is a pretty alright blues and jazz inspired album a strong 3/5

Meh

Not as good as the incredible astral weeks but still a good album. After the last few ‘it’s cool to live at home at 35’ albums this is a bit refreshing. It’s still not a must listen (unless you are a van Morrison fan) but at least there’s a standard on it. Morrison is a problematic person and can be inconsistent as a songwriter. But when he hits it it’s brilliant. 3.5 rounded up. 5 from any other artist.

What's not to like? Perfectly suited to chilling . Great rainy day music. Amazing that it stands up so well from the 1960s... And there is nothing quite like can Morrison... I don't think anyone even imitates it... Best when not overplayed. (Like the 90's after the Julie Roberts film - sleeping with the enemy....) That was rough. Yes belongs on the list ... Not my all time favourite musician. But a big soft spot. 4 starts

Wow a great record, who'd have thunk it possible? I've always loved Van, Domino from the next album His Band blah blah is my favourite all time Vanster tune, but hey Caravan started his whole "on the rayyydio" schtick, and to this day I can't get enough of Van singing "raydio...raydio...on the raydio". Caravan is a deadset highlight of The Last Waltz, Van high kicking his way off stage in purple spangled seventies suit.. ( turn up that raydio...raydio...)Dimery people out there, if you want to understand Van and his place in the world watch Branagh's Belfast, where Van's tunes are the soundtrack. Tells you so much about where he's from and where he's at as a Northern Irish protestant boy making his way in the world. Been kicked and ripped off has Van, just ask him how he feels about Brown Eyed Girl to get a sense of how he sees things artistically. He had to go through the hippy drippy bizo of Astral Weeks to get to Moondance, but aren't we glad he did. These songs, just unbelievable. The opening five to six tracks are simply unbeatable as a sequence, probably the best I've heard in this weirdo process, they are that good. Like the last great record a few weeks ago now, Stevie W, Van is writing and producing tunes for the ages, what was in the water back then, no one can do this today. And it Stoned Me, Into the Mystic, just sublime, beautiful pop music. This was so good to go back to and listen anew. I'm sure the next record is going to an Anthrax live triple album.

I don’t know how to talk about this record. It’s like reviewing the Bible or something. As a teenager I was a huge fan of Van’s band Them - I don’t think anything I heard in 1965 was as radical as Gloria. But when they broke up, I lost touch with Van. Brown Eyed Girl may have been a Top Ten hit in America but it was never on the 2UE Top 40. So I missed his Bang label stuff and his first 3 albums for Warners when they were released, of which Moondance was the second. It was after a weekend in a farmhouse outside Goulburn, visiting a mate who’d moved there in mid-1972 & had a bunch of Morrison lp’s by joining the Australian Record Club. As soon as I got back to Sydney I signed up & soon had Astral Weeks, His Band And The Street Choir & Moondance. And I’ve been a devotee ever since. Even after what is generally regarded as one of the most disappointing concerts ever held at the old Sydney Entertainment Centre in 1985. (His only 20th Century tour here). But that’s another story. This is one of the most played albums I own. I love these tracks. The first 5 are all classics. The following 5 are not padding, they just exist in less rarified air. I love the voice he uses on the exquisite Crazy Love. I love the grandeur of Caravan. And I love the fact that Moondance became a go-to song for saloon singers over the last half-century. (Most notably Buble in 2003 - would have been a nice little earner for Van). A great, great record.

Van Morrison is one of the great cranky bastards of rock. Throughout his career, he has often struggled to overcome (or even conceal) his contempt for his audiences. At this particular point in time, however, he knew he was on his last chance with his record company. Astral Weeks had been a critical success, but had not found wide commercial appeal, and he had one more shot in the locker to get his career going. And so he made an album that would accessible and enjoyable for wide audiences. The tunes are cracking, his voice is fantastic, the horn-led band is warm and welcoming to listen to. The lyrics are still a bit spiritual, but a bit more accessible. It's a really easy album to listen to. Given that he has spent the next 50 years being a cantankerous arsehole, it's kind of a miracle that he had this in him. He was difficult to start with, and I don't think that success and cocaine did him any favours. I find it easier to listen to this album if I don't think too hard about Van Morrison the person. 4.5 stars, rounded down for bad behaviour.

My enjoyment of that was like a roller coaster, but one of those ramshackle rickety wooden ones that doesn’t get very far off the ground. Will probably end up rated 1 star in lieu of 1.5 being a rating.

I've never been into Van Morrison. I like a few tracks but I know he's an arsehole and he sounds like an arsehole so I always feel he's slightly at arm's length to me. This was quite easy listening but nothing else for me. I liked the piano on Moondance though. More of the looseness would have been welcome.

Good music for a beautiful Bay Area morning 3/5

beautiful folk! i had heard moondance before but didn't know which album it was from, such a beautiful song

Primera vez que se de su existencia. Me encanta lo nostalgico que suena, tambien suena a pelicula romantica entre los 80's y 2000's. No tengo nada negativo sobre este album que decir por ahora, es bastante reconfortante escucharlo.

ijbol

Not as good as Astral Weeks to me, but still an impressive album with great songwriting in a more popular style.

Grew up hearing this in my younger years - It's a very good album, with a lot of memorable songs for me. What the hell happened to him, though... turned into an absolute whack job.

2.5

Van’s poppiest, most accessible album is a tour de force. No filler on this platter. Never dates and always hits the spot

I think he would enjoy this so therefore a 3/5

I’ve never thought about ranking Van Morrison. Most of the run from Astral to Fleece is basically perfect (Hard Nose being the good not Great album in the run). I’d say I reach for this one more often and that’s certainly true, even last fm agrees with me. It’s a warm blanket of an album.

Moondance is a banger. Decent. 3 / 5 stars.

I don't know what I was so afraid of. Yes, it was boring, but not more boring than usual. And I liked the title song

it was all right

Listened Before? N I have heard a few songs off this album and until today I couldn't have told you who they were by. Now I know. This is a solid album and his sound is great. Really enjoyable. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Into the Mystic

Yeah, great album! Excited to listen through in earnest. Yeah, solid album... Def a 4. Glad Tidings was a bit of a surprise.

Fairly fun listen.

Well its van morrison

Classic rock is classic. If you don’t like this, you don’t like blue-eyed soul and you’re not my friend.

What a snorefest! I got excited when i saw moondance but it turns out it is the only song I liked.

Elska þetta.

If you like Van Morrison, and I do, this is sublime. When a band is really working, you can forget that there’s individual musicians. This is a great example where the band coalesces into something more than the sun of its parts.

just a great album. everything meshes perfectly, it feels like nothing should be added or taken away. really enjoyable listen, and i’m gonna come back to it many times

An okay album, doesn’t really stand out. Only two songs I really enjoyed was Glad Tidings and Into the Mystic

Van chillerson

My dad prefers this album over Astral Weeks, I’m the other way. Definitely some great tracks on this one though

De va swag

Inoffensive but dull. Well crafted.

"And It Stoned Me" is a great song to start an album. Especially because there's no interlude, it just goes straight into the lyrics. To read that this album was written from a mountaintop cabin in the Catskills is not surprising, either. It's smooth and beautiful. I love Moondance, Into The Mystic and Crazy Love, as well. This is just a solid album all around. I had never heard the song Come Running, but it was also great. It has an early Bruce Springsteen rattle and shake and saloon piano feel to it all. Five stars.

If you don't love this album, you either don't have ears or a heart. It's nearly perfect.

This was a good album. The song Moondance feels oddly placed but this is a Classic mellow rock album for a reason. It was very easy to listen to. So much so that it easily fits in as background music at a family BBQ or a JC Penney's.

Really good album. I’m molecularly connected to Into the Mystic. One night on a backroad with the windows down and wind blowing in my hair. Magical. The rest of the album was great. Very jazzy. Some blues. Just great.

Stoned Me, Moondance, Crazy Love - maybe the best opening three to an album ever? (I said maybe). Seriously though, Van is iconic. He makes this sound so much easier than it actually is. It's jazz, folk, rock all mixed together - but in a really crafty way. No complaints.

not my favorite genre but overall excellent execution. although not particularly memorable, provides very easy listening and a lot to enjoy

His third studio album, released in 1970. Mellow, clean compositions, really well mixed, and produced himself. Varied instrumentation used to create solid rhythms and flow through the blues, soul, jazz, pop, and folk sounds. A mix of his ballad and rambling vocals throughout the album, but the backing vocals bring so much depth.

Always good

I didn’t expect to like this at all, but I actually did! Some of the songs were really great. Fav track: Crazy Love Least fave: Glad Tidings

Recovering from disappointment following the classic second album dip after the first album success, Morrison returns to roots and finds more to work with. Interesting Irish fusions with traditional folk. A lot of metaphorical phrasing in lyrics and diverse use of instruments. First 2 tracks are the highlights for me.

rounded up second half was way better weirdly

Slightly concerned he’s singing about showing his bottom.

glittershite

A masterpiece Van displayed several styles here, starting with the 1st song that is one of my favorites by him ‘And it stoned me’

A magical record, such great musicality and represents a wonderful era of songwriting.

It's alright. Sounds old. Not sure if I like his voice. Favorite song: Everyone

meh

Title track was pretty great, but didn't like the rest much.

This is largely considered one of the best albums of all time and it shows. So many hits on here and very re-listenable!

Yawn. Not for me Clive. Hoping that's the only van Morrison album on here but I reckon I'll be disappointed

I did enjoy this. maybe I like Van Morrison?

Oustanding

It was alright. Started strong but eventually all the songs sounded the same.

7.0/10

Now I know who sings that one song I don’t like

Some pleasant songs but I just don’t like the way he sings. Like can he try to sing a little… better?

We got "Astral Weeks" a while back, and there's a marked difference in tone between that album and this one (Morrison's second and third albums, respectively). "Astral Weeks" certainly has artistic value, but it contains a number of long, meandering tracks that don't lend themselves to casual listening. "Moondance" addresses those issues with shorter, more accessible songs while retaining the evocative lyrics and Morrison's unmistakable voice. Honestly, the more I listen to him, the more I respect him as a lyricist. The dude's a storyteller, and his fantastic voice just adds to the charm. I don't think any single track on this album knocked my socks off, but they're all quite good. Let's call it a 4.5.

I've always enjoyed Van Morrison's voice, and Moondance is one of my favorite songs. I enjoyed this.

classic, nothing jumped out at me

I´ve never been into Van Morrison, so this kinda helped me. The opening tracks was amazing, but then I feel like if this went downhill. I personally not a folk fan, so this was something different. Until "Into the mystic" were I believe the vocals and music were much better. Althought the last two tracks are much superiors, and really enjoyed them. In general, this album was differente to what I usually listen to, and honestly I dont regret listening this. Enjoyable listen, and also very easy to digest, but I dont look myself returning to some of this tracks very soon. Fav Tracks: Crazy Love, And it stoned me, Into the mystic, Come Running, Glad Tidings

Moondance is quality, good stories, easy bluesy folksy stylings, endearing voice, 4.

This is really pleasant, particularly at the beginning. It's levelled up crooning - it's got that style to it, but it's got something else about it that elevates it above your Randy Newmans. Album flows together beautifully, there's a little bit of variety, and the lyrics are interesting enough but without being world-beating. First half of the album is stellar, falls away a bit in the second half, but still just about merits a 4. Will listen again. 

Very good. Moondance is fantastic, And It Stoned Me is great. Loved this album.

I remember hearing Moondance covered by the college jazz band, which was my entree into the world of Van Morrison's music. That, and Jeff Buckley's cover of The Way Young Lovers Do. I think that's where my interest ends. The voice is unique and does not fall happily on these ears.

Top 3 Songs: 1 - Moondance (2) 2 - Brand New Day (8) 3 - Into the Mystic (5)

Un álbum que ya había escuchado y revisité. Un clásico del folk, un género que mucho no me gusta, pero sin dudas este disco es una joya, canciones muy redondas.

I don't really like his voice. There's something weird about it to me. This album was boring. I don't get Van Morrison. Oh well. Not excited to listen to more of him for this list. My favourite song was Moondance.

Good, easy folk album to put on during a sunny day. A pleasant listen. I’m rating it a 3 only because if it was in my collection, it wouldn’t get much rotation.

Låter ju så självklart från och med första introt. Föregångaren är dock strået vassare.

A bit soft for my taste

Ohh I really liked it, listened to it on my way home from college. Such nice and peaceful atmosphere..

i enjoyed it! an album i would listen to while taking a walk in the park on some summer afternoon or something.. it's like a restaurant background music but in a good way. -1 star because didn't really like the guy's voice, which kinda takes significant portion of enjoyment out of one person record

Judging by this album cover, Van Morrison is the most Northern Irish looking man ever. Like a slim Jim McDonald. I didn't expect to hear touches of soul and dollops of easy listening, but that's what the album delivered. Pleasingly varied singer songwriter fare, overall. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Moondance Date listened: 03/05/23

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Yes Favourite song: Track 7 - These Dreams of You

Honestly, this just gives such comfy, authentic, heartfelt vibes. Like listening to it even on the second or third listen feels like I’m returning to my hometown during the holidays to see family and old friends. Just an overall really quality record. 9/10

I wouldn't have sought this one out myself but it's definitely a solid album. It's nice to hear the lesser known tracks. I doubt I'd personally go back to this one often but I appreciate the artistry and skill here.

Not good at all

And It Stoned Me, Moondance (best song), Crazy Love, Caravan, Into the Mystic, Come Running, These Dreams of You, Brand New Day, Everyone and Glad Tidings. Amazing jazz throughout the songs. Great bass and flute. Love the combo of folk with jazz. A lot less boring than Astral Weeks. Shorter songs and better flow. Love it.

slightly better than bob dylan. the lyrics seem like the focus, and I don't care about lyrics much. brand new day, moondance

Quite pleasant album, very easy to listen to. I liked Morrison's vocal, and even though it wasn't anything special, it was a nice background music. Interesting experience, but most likely I won't come back to Van Morrison anytime soon.

Peu de gens savent que Van Morrison a rempli toutes ses salles de concert en mâchant son prénom quand il se présentait aux programmateurs pour que ceux-ci le confondent avec Jim. Il allait même aux rendez-vous avec un crayon derrière l'oreille et une salopette en jean...

Van Morrison est beaucoup moins maladroit que son frère Jim, mais n'en demeure pas plus intéressant pour autant.

"Moondance" is the third studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison. After the commercial failure of his previous album "Astral Weeks," Morrison moved to upstate New York where he met musicians, John Platonia (guitarist), Jack Schroer (saxophonist) and Jeff Labes (keyboardist), whom he recorded the album with in NYC. He also decided to abandon the abstract folk jazz of his previous album to more composed songs, which he wrote and produced by himself. The lyrical themes are focused on finding spiritual renewal and redemption through nature and romance. The album was both a critical and commercial success propelling him to a major artist in popular music. "And It Stoned" showcases Morrison's great, clean and soulful vocals. Piano, drums, acoustic guitar and just lovely sax. The lyrics were based on an experience he had fishing as a youth and stresses feeling joy from witnessing and experiencing nature. "Moondance" is more jazzy, straight-forward and less souful. A flute as lead instrument at times for Heaven's sake! Adult romance in the fall. The second single from the album was the ballad "Crazy Love." Van goes falsetto and sounds similar to Smokey Robinson and 60's Motown. A song Helen Ready covered and took to the top ten. A spiraling piano opens "Caravan." A bounce beat. Blue-eyed soul. More lovely sax and as lead instrument to. The transcendent power of music. Acoustic guitar and soft drums and we're "Into the Mystic." Lots of nature imagery. A wonderful song. The balance between the wonder of nature and the cosmic universe. The second side begins with "Come Running," the first released single. More R&B and upbeat with the piano and sax. Definitely the most pop song. "Brand New Day" was inspired by The Band and us a great deeper track. Slower piano. Alto sax. Van crooning. Female backing vocals giving this elements of soul, jazz and even blues. "Glad Tidings" ends the album with a bluesy beat and sounds like a Memphis Stax Records song. It's upbeat. Based on a letter Van got saying "Glad Tidings from London." The first side of this album is one of the best in music history. Van's forceful and soulful vocals. It's got Motown soul, blue eyed-soul, jazz, blues and pop. Interesting different instrumental leads and solos including sax and flute. For better or worse, it ushered in the popular softer rok of the 70's. Regardless, a true masterpiece.

What a lovely, soulful album. This is great stuff.

Never listened to a full VM album before, but it was nice.

One of the greatest albums ever.

A very well written and produced soul-folk-jazzy album on which every songs are great. Van Morrison is such a great storyteller and I love his voice, too. A very soothing and calming album.

Jeg følte egentlig 4, men nå dagen etterpå så husker jeg nesten ikke albumet hmmm

Classic Van Morrison sound!

very pleasant bops, din't care for the singers voice that much

love this album. its just jazzy blues grooves start to finish

Did not vibe with this Mr Morrison sorry

Heyrið, þetta er svona ljómandi ágætt. Þarna eru þekkt lög og góð, og mörg hinna minna spiluðu alveg ljómandi góð líka. Jájá, gæti vel hlustað aftur.

Not my style, but still nice

Heard before. Sounds good. But pretty much the same. + Moondance

Lekkere muziek, goeie zanger. Heerlijk rustig als achtergrondmuziek. Als ik een cafe had, zou ik dit opzetten overdag. ***

The title song sounds very nice, reminds me of something You'd hear in a restaurant. It sounds like a CCR album. Very easy listening

Very solid album with a few fantastic songs, but I like Astral Weeks more personally.

I don’t know it’s alright but for such a short album it really drags. 3/5

Sometimes you forget how many great song writers there are from recordings of the past. You can just hear the truth and pure feeling coming from each of these songs.

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.

3.5/5 This album brought back memories for me. I can remember us driving down the road and my dad playing this album and drumming his thumbs on the steering wheel. So, I don't know if nostalgia is coloring my experience here, (probably), but I enjoyed it. It's got good music, played well, on nice instruments that are well tuned, good lyrics and the there are levels! There are slow songs that are sad or melancholic, fast paced fun, upbeat songs and songs in between. I have and will listen to this one again.

Not sure what I think of his voice, at times I Iike it and at others I want it to just bloody stop. Some interesting music here and not all totally one note but still not my bag. Didn't feel like the album or any songs dragged on here so extra credit for the lack of bloat. Meh!

variations on a theme: brown eyed girl. best tracks: moondance, these dreams of you, crazy love

Moondance is a great song, but I've never listened to the rest of the album. Honestly past the first couple of songs, this album didn't really interest me.

Although I've always really loved the song "Moondance," I've never really appreciated much other music by Van Morrison, so I never spent much time with it by choice. Taking the time to this whole album a couple of times today helped my appreciation grow.

I have listened to this album many, many, many, many times in my life. It is not my favorite Van Morrison album, but it certainly is the sound that is most popular and familiar. I love it.

Huh. I thought I really liked Van Morrison but, aside from the songs I already knew, I found this rather unexciting.

I grew up listening to this album. It was nice to listen to it with fresh years 52 years after its release. Pretty darn timeless. Of course I enjoyed this. The only real surprise was when I read that Van Morrison was Northern Irish… I had no idea.

Good album, first half is definitely better. I’ll admit I kinda got bored towards the middle to ending. But it definitely had its beautiful moments, but it’s just not my cup of tea exactly. Or maybe I didn’t connect with it now at this moment. Really good lyrics, incredible soulful voice.

Altijd wel chill. Waarom klinkt alles van Van Morrison altijd alsof het remixt kan worden met The Weight?

Another old classic - this site gets better and better!

I lived for a year and a half in Ireland, and at least part of this album was playing on a bus going through County Wicklow during my last day in the country. Bittersweet! Seems unfair to have to objectively rate an album I associate with curtains on a phase on my life. But I thought this was just lovely, that 3 song stretch from Crazy Love to Mystic hits all the right notes HL: Crazy Love, Caravan, Into the Mystic, Everyone March 24, 2023

Upbeat and unpretentious, romantic and mellow… “Moondance” is a landmark moment in Van Morrison’s long career. In 1968’s dazzling, experimental “Astral Weeks”, he’d aimed for the sun. One year on, he recorded this third album as a means of coming back down to earth. In his own words, “I make albums primarily to sell them… I had to forget about the artistic thing… one has to live.” Questionable as this approach might be, the result is a refreshingly direct, sturdy album, chock-full of rich and soulful vocals, mellow acoustic folk, and numerous jazzy adornments. There’s no disputing Morrison’s vocal talent, and he’s on fine form here, anchoring the more twinkly and ephemeral tracks and galvanising the upbeat ones. The instrumentation is very easy going, including a horn section full of character, piano and an occasional double-bass. There’s even some unexpected harpsichord and flute to liven up “Everyone”. The title track deserves to be a jazz standard. “And It Stoned Me” and “Into the Mystic” have an instantly beguiling spiritual quality. “Come Running” is lightweight, throwaway fun. And for gentler fare with gospel backing vocals, “Crazy Love” and “Brand New Day” are both beautiful, softly stirring soul numbers. Finally, we culminate in the triumphant closer “Glad Tidings”, which feels like a transparent attempt to recreate “Brown Eyed Girl” for a new album (right down to the same chord progression and a “La La La” refrain in the chorus). It’s a wonderful, if obvious, way to wrap up. “Moondance” is consistently comfortable and endlessly easygoing. It might not be the most exciting album I’ve heard, but I’d be hard pushed to find a more pleasant set of songs.

Beautiful masterpiece

Still a dick though

First listen. Quite a nice listen. Some chill songs.

good music, not a lotta replay value for me

Average 70s rock

One of those great '70's albums that everyone you knew seemed to own back then. Into The Mystic is one of my all time favorite songs.

This album feels like a mixture between Springsteen brass and 60s soul. I'm here for it. Van Morrison has a unique voice that is both powerful and soothing at the same time. I have no idea how he does it but he did it. Loved the brass showcased throughout. Added dimension to the music. Lyrically it's hard not to smile while listening to this album, lots of positive vibes throughout. It feels like a sunny day. The jazzy title track stands out with its excellent instrumentation, including gently tickled piano, bass, and sax. "Crazy Love" showcases a softer side of Morrison's vocals. Someone definitely danced to this song at their wedding. On the other hand we have "Caravan" which highlights his wildly impressive pipes during the bridge. "Brand New Day" is a soulful, gospel-like track with lyrics about finding hope and revitalization in the sunshine and "Glad Tidings" is a cohesive package of harmonious sax, groovy bass, and treble-y guitar plucks. Speaking of sax -- can't talk about sax without mentioning the solo on "These Dreams of You". This Collin Tillton guy absolutely killed it. I felt like I was reliving a happy memory with this one. In some ways I was living VM's happy memories. Hard for me to pick out anything I did not like with this one. It didn't necessarily feel like an all-timer to me or an album that changed the game but it certainly was a great album that everyone should hear before they die. "I've been used, abused and so confused And I didn't have nowhere to run But I stood and looked And my eyes got hooked On that beautiful morning sun" :( --> :)

I thought that the music was great but the lyrics were not my thing. I hate to bed too heavy on the lyrics though as I loved to listen

Hard to believe these songs were all released on just two sides of the same disc. “And It Stoned Me” is one of my most-played Van songs, but it is a sure second to the version of “Caravan” he sings with The Band in The Last Waltz. (Van the Man!) This album is great! But—and this is a big but—a significant part of me is always saddened listening to this follow up to 1968’s Astral Weeks. With Moondance, Mr. Morrison sacrificed the ambling rhythms, forested textures, and dreamy gnosticisms of Weeks for a stripped-down and streamlined pop sound. The results are brilliant. And evidence the versatility of one of the era’s greatest singers, so I can’t complain too much. But I’ve always felt that he might have returned to explore the terrain set out in Astral Weeks if not for the overwhelming success of this record and all that came after it. Oh well. It’s still a damn good record.

Classic summer album. Listening in March makes me even feel like the summer is a little closer, the sun is just a little sunnier. A little repetitive, but honestly… would it be such a classic “put on in the background and enjoy your one sunny day” record if it wasn’t? I have nothing insightful to say! This album just feels good. 4/5 I know I’m 20 years late to this battle, but… Spotify, record labels, stop with this “Deluxe Album” insanity. A poor, hapless listener might happen upon “Moondance Deluxe” by mistake and be treated to 4 hours of scratch takes and demos. Nobody needs to hear take 9 of Glad Tidings.

Basically someone who wants to please Dylan a lot.

Was feeling pretty anxious today and this was a nice balm. Nothing transcendent for me but very pleasant none the less. Found that his voice isn't my favourite to listen to for an extended period. Fave track: Into the Mystic

Some really terrific songs here, just a shame they’re all by Van Morrison. Had trouble deciding what to rate this album. The summery, nostalgic songs sprinkled with fanfares are boppy and make for some very enjoyable listening, and there are some classics in the first half of the album that are likely somewhere in my top ever played tracks on Spotify. The other half of the tunes I find kind of tedious and are overshadowed a bit by how much of a knob Van Morrison is. And I never really want to hear the title track ever again. So I’m landing this somewhere between three-and-a-half and four stars if that’s allowed. Favourite track is Caravan.

Very good :)

Not that memorable but had nice tracks.

Felt like Van Morrison would be a band I would enjoy more if I committed the time. Well, I committed and outside of a couple songs, went from bored and to annoyance. Really liked the 1st song and thought this was going to be very good. Moondance is a song I find annoying. Then I really enjoyed the lyrics in Crazy Love and I went back to thinking, OK, this will be fine. Then the rest of the album did nothing for me. I don't have a specific criticism, just did nothing for me and thought it all sounded the same. Maybe the voice? I don't know. Just wasn't a fan. I'll give this a 2 because I did like a couple songs, but other than those, I'll pass.... 2

Diet Bob Seger. Does all of the 70's rock stuff I expect. The more swing like songs were cool but overall meh. Maybe once upon a time it was groundbreaking but it exists solely on legacy to me. Other than that it had little to offer. 2

2.5 Idk man this didn’t really give me a lot to bite into - pretty generic classic vinyl. And It Stoned Me was a decent opener, but I was pretty disappointed by the title track, finding it a pretty boring piece of jazz that could probably rival some elevator music. The next few tracks were slightly better, with Into the Mystic probably being my personal favorite here, and while I appreciated the unique sound to each, I still didn’t find myself overly impressed with anything. Unfortunately, it’s downhill from there - as it turns out, this is actually an incredibly frontloaded album, and there is just nothing interesting going on in the back half. I guess I can acknowledge and commend the versatility, but nothing about any of the songs provided a notably standout moment for me. While I don’t think Van Morrison is a bad songwriter, his stuff doesn’t resonate with me - one of the more mid albums I’ve heard so far.

It’s a classic. Points for the Irish!

So, Moondance is by Van Morrison!? I had no idea. Well, my kids like it.

Currently #818 on my artist charts. I know this is supposed to be a classic but it'll be different listening after his lockdown tantrum. Pretty plain.

Van Morrison is a genius, I listened to so much Van Morrison in 2020. Me and dad got a photo outside his house in Belfast on a family holiday lol. Favourite song on this one probably And It Stoned Me

I've been away but Henry's 5* drew me to this one. Quite liked it, Moondance the stand out track. Feel the album faded towards the end and lost a bit of funk

Started out strong, but dips pretty low on a lot of the tracks. This album gets crushed when put up against John Martyn solid air, hall and oates luncheonette, or cat Steven tillerman

After ‘Astral Weeks’ Van Morrison returns with a more straightforward that plays less like an experimental record. This album is very folk centric though of course it still dabbles in jazz phrasing and instrumentation. The musicianship and songwriting are top notch and the album as a whole was incredibly enjoyable. It’s definitely on my list to listen to again soon.

Great record. Particularly love the horn parts, bass playing, and Van Morrison’s iconic voice. Not a huge fan of a lot of the hard panning going on.

I got 'Astral Weeks' recommended to me and I gave it just two stars because often I can't deal with Van Morrison. 'Moondance' is the wonderful exception though and his best album in my book. There is a clear style yet a lot of fun ideas that it never gets boring. One of the best albums!

YAAAAAAS

One of my Dad's all time favourites

This is another one where I think if I were listening to it fresh it might not impress me, but so many of these songs I know by heart. It can't not be at least four stars

Oh I mistook Astral Weeks with Moondance. I had not heard Astral weeks, this is the record I heard, and it's a great one. Great from end to end, in this one Van Morrison actually sounds good, and each track is lovely and flows from one to the next. The album never tapers and is simple a great record.

Forgettable songs

muito bom, jazzy/folky/rock - fácil de escutar, voz boa que combina com a música - já conhecia alguns hits e pela semelhança, álbum inteiro pareceu um tanto familiar. Acho que é um artista que eu poderia escutar os melhores hits em sequência mas mais do que isso pode começar a ficar um pouco sleepy. Quem sabe misturando hits dos outros álbuns ao longo da carreira, ficaria melhor para ouvir o artista por mais tempo seguido.

4.5. Stunnin gorgeous wow

fantastic listen

A few good songs.

This album was wonderful. Big time improvement from Astral Weeks for me. This is the Van Morrison I expect to hear. Favorite track: Glad Tidings

What a fantastic album

Some bangers some mid

Love this album, so much soul and captures so much. Nearly a 5 for me

Tämähän on ihan kiva. Mutta paino sanalla ihan, koska mulla meni kyllä kuunnellessa puolet ohi, koska ei jaksanut kuitenkaan napata mielenkiintoa. Se vie pisteitä

A-puoli on itselleni "kokemuksia" ja "mystiikkaa" ihannoivassa pehmeydessään vähän niin kuin guilty pleasure-kamaa. And It Stoned Me, Crazy Love, Caravan ja Into the Mystic vain yksinkertaisesti toimivat. Jopa Moondancea siedän. B-puoli taas on kokonaisuudessaan heikompi, ja Everyone on jo hirveä - puhdasta syyllisyyttä ilman nautintoa.

I can't believe this guy made the jazz standard moondance! everything else is pretty forgettable and bullshit.

Classic Van Morrison. The man cultivated quite a vibe before he slowly became an unbearable asshole

I only really know him for Brown Eyed Girl and I think that song is alright. I'm not super psyched for this album but I hope I like at least one song. He's not a bad singer, I'm just really picky about music.

I loved it! A mix of rock and jazz! It was a good album!

If Van Morrison's voice didn't seem so...wheedling...would I take against him so viscerally? Probably not. (On the other hand, TB Sheets (not here) is a masterpiece, and proof in itself that I can get over myself and my irrational dislikes when the moment calls for it.) (That said, music is nothing if it isn't about irrational likes and dislikes. Summat to do with issues of internal narratives, I suspect.)

Alright

not good not bad

Classic made by a man from the same island as me.

I thought this was okay... At first the tone of Morrison's vocals was quite grating on me but I quickly got used to it. Sadly I think this was just a bit boring, and most of the best stuff seemed to be on the first half. There's a few decent songs though. Favourite: Moondance

Eh ok

Didn’t mind this album. It felt like quintessential middle american music even though he’a irish.

I asked someone to give me albums to listen to some time ago and every single one they recommended was fantastic, except for this one. I actually put this one off for a few months for some arbitrary reason, and instead of being transcended into another dimension and seeing Jah, I found it tasteless and boring. Even 'Into the Mystic' didn't raise the hairs under my chinny-chin-chin. I don't know music like Quinn does, so maybe the matter of the fact is that I'm just an uncultured swine.

This is one of those albums where I actually knew a ton of the songs but have no idea when or where I heard them. Oh to be a small child with a malleable mind and an ear for the oldies. This was clearly a well done album, especially the first five songs, but unfortunately it didn’t hit like I hoped it would. I’d listen again, but not anytime soon. I was going to give this another go around to determine whether this was a 3 or a 4, but then Sam Cooke came on right after and I instantly made my decision.

3.5, I really enjoyed the first half of the album but the second half waned just a bit... maybe I just get bored at work at that point because it seems to be a pattern... Or I'm one of the youth with an attention span less than a goldfish

I love Van Morrison. It was heard to check my bias at the gate, either way I think this would get a 4 though

Moon dance is actually my favorite Van Morrison track, but I’ve never listened to this album. Again though, that means absolutely nothing because I haven’t been exposed to much Van Morrison. Honestly, pretty good. Mans gets in his feels and does it with good music. Really grew on me. There are a few tracks I REALLY liked outside of Moondance. A very strong 3.

great album, very catchy. It has an original sound and style that I've not seen much before.

Incredible album. The blend of jazz folk and rock that shine through all of the first side of the album is amazing. Moondance, It Stoned Me and Into the Mystic are all time classics of this period. The songwriting is intimate and strong without ever sounding pretentious. The second side of the album is not as strong but still shows some impressive songwriting and production from Van Morrison. Stellar album 9,5/10

A perfectly cromulent record. Best track: Into the Mystic

baita som, bem calmo e instrumental rico

Enjoyed this one surprising amount. I'm not really a folk fan, but this definitely had its moments. I even liked the bits with the flute lol. Saved tracks: And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Everyone, Glad Tidings

damn all his best songs are on this, acc rly good album

A very good album. "Moondance" and "Crazy Love" are some of my all time favorites and the other songs - which I don't know as well - fit right in.

Easily his best album. So much more focused and articulate than "Astral Weeks." Every one of these tracks could be a single. Not an ounce of filler. He has a natural soulfulness that feels completely worn in and authentic. Flows gracefully from song to song. Arrangements are so well balanced, with nice touches throughout, but nothing is overdone. Goldilocks zone. I consider this a perfect album. Watch him perform "Caravan" with The Band in "The Last Waltz" to see what he is capable of as a performer.

Good stuff in general but never could really get into Van Morrison a ton. It's great but just kind of background for me.

Overrated.

It is what it is, a singing man ;) no fan here.

Out of the 10+ VM albums I know, always thought of Moondance as VM-light, in the sense as being one of his most accessible albums - had not listened to it for at least 15 years or so... ..but after the album finished, iTunes went seamlessly over into playing Tupelo Honey (skipping His Band and the Street Choir due to the alphabetical ordering) and I only realized this after a couple of songs, even happened to me twice... ..reason: the songs and atmosphere change quite a bit on the B-side (once Come Running begins). Anyways, pretty great album overall due to the perfect 5-star A-side (with Into the Mystic as the absolute highlight). It is not Def Leppard (the previous artist generated by the list) so I was initially doubting to give it 5 stars, but side A: 5-superstars side B: 3/4/5 stars overall: > 8/10 so just about 5 stars, whereas Astral Weeks is of course 10/10 and Into the Music is a firm 9/10 if I remember correctly.

Really good album, but Van Morrison's singing is what prevents me from giving full marks.

Listened to this album couple of times to conclude that it is flawless.

Good album with some recognisable songs

One of my favorite albums.

One more artist ruined in legacy by their revealing themselves as awful people. Good album though, lots of sax and piano.

Holy shit it’s so many of my Van favorites. I grew up with this album. My parents were always playing it. Makes me wonder what/who that’ll be for my kids. This reminds me I need to get it on vinyl.

You'd think that my Atlantic coastal roots and my usually contrarian nature would have me totally out on Van Morrison generally and Into The Mystic specifically, but the song still just does it for me. Surprised and happy that there are a few great songs around it, too. I'm not ashamed to admit that I like Van Morrison. Standouts: And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Into The Mystic, Glad Tidings

its just eh. Thats it.

That totally suited my Saturday afternoon post park run potter. Can't find fault with it, should I give it a 5...??

Good listening very relaxed with a unique voice.

Hyvää musiikkia.

It was alright. I was familiar with the title song Moondance. It was a decent album. I don't think I will revisit it, but it was just kind of there.

Amazing album!

I listened to this while doing leg day. Was this a good idea, no not really. The songs were a bit too slow and not lively enough for it but nonetheless they were still good songs. My favourite song was moondance as I really liked the jazz tunes in the middle. Not my normal taste in music but it was good to listen to something new.

Very good album I really enjoyed Moondance and into the mystic. Was some music that I could definitely study too. I also thought that Glad Tidings was a good song to end the album with. Would give 4.5 but will just be generous and give a 5

Meh.

Love this album. Glad tidings is such a joyful way to end the album. Into the mystic is such a classic and has been a staple for me. The album is filled with tender ballads and uplifting lyrics. The second song Moondance has a fun jazzy twist to it whereas Everyone has more of a folk theme to it showing slight diversity of sound throughout the album. This is such a feel good album and very up my alley. A lot of emotions while listening with an overall happy mood. :)

American music that plays at a bar on the countryside at the closing hour. Or just at a very chill bar. I’m one who don’t really listens to the lyrics during songs. But when I did listen closely to the lyrics, they seemed boring. Læve læve læve, is all he sings about. Oh, he said la la la, my bad. I like the jazzy style over the album. Ok the further into the album I got, the better the music got.

Average, solid and cozy music, favorite song is Moondance

Moondance is an album that’s a favourite of my partner. I’m only half particular to it. It’s mostly just there.

Pretty interesting song, primarily consists of a jazzy-blues type vibe.

Nice, solid album. Flows nicely from start to finish.

Lovely for listening to on a rainy morning.

One of the best albums of all time

Not for me

Beautiful favorite.

Solid album

It's not so much different from the "Astral Weeks" album I received on this list some months ago: same good vibe and same rate.

too long

Very nice. Mostly road-trip music

Can't really stand him. There are some good songs on this though

Reminds me of something I would listen to if I wanted to entertain Elise's parents. Definitely will listen again. Some happy songs, some sad songs. It's a nice mix. Definitely dad rock though, but that's not a bad thing. The vibe reminds me of that song 'The Weight' by The Band.

Album #: 15 first impressions: The only Van Morrison songs I know going into this is Brown Eyed Girl & Into the Mystic. I've been avoiding going back to this album because it seems like this book is chock full of music that sounds like this/from this era. And wait, lol, of course I knew Moondance (barf), too. Wait. And Crazy Love (fine). after listening through: This album is much less cool than I thought it would be. I thought it would be more Laurel Canyon-Summer of 69-jammy for some reason. But its...much cornier? The vibe is like, 70's Gavin Degraw. And wow, his voice is grating when he shouts, but tolerable when soft. I liked Into the Mystic, and the funky bass and sax on Come Running. Most of the rest ranged from moderately to hugely embarrassing to listen to. Its like a less fun CCR/ (poorly) yassified Dylan. post-reading reviews/wiki: Ope, forgot he did that whole covid denial / lockdown protest thing. Also wasn't expecting that many people to love this album? Hm. recommended for: middle-aged aunts drunk on $5 sangrias during a girls night hang out; MAGA hat wearing dads who love to explain that they aren't racist bc classic rock was very inspired by Black music and they love classic rock.

This isn't about blowing you away, but it blew me away anyway. A world apart from Astral Weeks. Absolutely perfect for a small night in with friends.

Nice, very groovy

Not very exciting. The title track stands out a mile as being fun and catchy, but most of the others are pleasant enough but dull.

Fucking love it! ❤️

Hasta ahora ningún disco de Van Morrison me había gustado en conjunto, si canciones sueltas. Muy recomendable en especial: "Moondance", "Crazy Love", "Caravan", "Brand New Day" y "Everyone".

Chill yet cheerful. Nice as background music but also good to throw on your headphones and float away. I feel like the cover art sells the songs, especially the eponymous Moondance, a bit short. Might have had a bit more fantasy, you know?

Killer album!!!

Não sou muito fã de músicas dos anos 70... mas gostando muito de ouvir esse álbum! Algumas músicas lembro de já ter passado em alguma esquina da vida, outras foram surpresa (ótima, por sinal). Ouvi Van Morisson em alguma fase da vida, parei, e agora fiquei com vontade que ele permaneça no meu gosto musical.

I would say this is the originator of the sound that I described for John Martyn. Or, at least, this is what I identify in my experience of music as the originator of that sound. Though I didn’t say the term in those notes, I refer to it as ‘Sundown’ or ‘Sunset’ music, as it seems like something they would play in a sequence of a film when two characters are having a moment on a porch, slow dancing and the feelings are happening and the sun is setting. Sometimes it’s the end of the movie and we are meant to be believe that this world is okay. It’s a bias I have and I am okay with it. To add to artist’s who have this sound I am including Norah Jones as well, as it isn’t the sound of just male singers but it is the male singers who do it that annoy me the most. John Mayer too. Best song by far is ‘Moondance’, from this album anyway. There is a certain amount of cheese to this style I can’t endorse.

Sure Moondance is a classic. I like it okay. But for me, Payin’ Dues, now that’s a Van Morrison album you should listen to before you die. Is it better? No. But it is one of the best concept albums of all time: “I hate my label and I owe them this piece of shit so here it is.” To me, songs about ringworm are much more revealing of the real man Van Morrison, his sense of hard-headedness, and his sense of humor. The album circulated only as a bootleg for ages, originally saw release many years later as the surplus material of a bargain-bin double CD. I would recommend that album for your bucket list.

Very good, easy listening album. “Into the mystic” is the highlight song for me. Not legendary but a very solid album.

Muito bom, só chegou para mim na hora errada. Mas voltaria a ouvir com certeza.

One of my favorite albums growing up

It's almost a kind of... zydeco/Dr. John sound? I've heard Moondance of course, which I took to be a sort of Jazz standard. I liked "Crazy Love"... but overall, the album all sort of blurs together into that swaggery voice thing... I appreciate the talent, but I am not a fan.

I cannot stand Van Morrison. Okay, he's done a couple of good songs, but with such a large output, anyone could knock off two or three half-decent songs. On this album - an album I own, for some inexplicable reason - the one good song is "Moondance". The man himself is also a bit of an arse.

the gentleman on the cover of this album (Van Morrison, presumably) looks like Denholm Reynholm and I cannot unsee it the music is fine

Ganske kjipt. Burde kanskje gitt 1?

This record is not Astral Weeks for sure, but it is quite close to that masterpiece.

Pretty good

Much better than I expected, pretty good all round album and well worth a listen.

very good

This sounds really good but I don’t really kmow if i’d ever cone back to it and i wish he weren’t such a pizza. And it Stoned Me: has some powerful moments and is a good opener Moondance: a classic i was never that crazy about. Nothing’s changed. Crazy Love: i AM crazy about this one tho Caravan: This must’ve been cool live. Into the Mystic: YEP now that’s what i’m talking about. This is the big one. Come Running: Slaps. These Dreams of You: decent bluesy number that doesn’t get interesting til the end Brand New Day: Pretty nice ballad tbh Everyone: Harpsichord?! Immediately slaps. It’s giving elf Glad Tidings: Here’s our closer! A nice groove and a fine ending to this record. Highly prefer second half of record I think but overall a NICE record!!

One of the definitive Belfast Cowboy albums

Music exclusively for dads

reminds me of that 70's show joke about Van stock

10 out of 5..My favorite artist of all time….this album got me hook back in my early 70s in high school

ive listen to it a while back, remmember realling liking Moondance, and the first 5 songs wich are all great, but the rest of the album ? yeah not much remembering, kindda forgetful

I feel like this type of music is never truly my style but it was pretty lyrics and music.

Van has some highly infectious songs on this collection and it would be hard to be inoculated against falling for timeless classics like "Into the Mystic" "Crazy Love" or "Moondance" - that would just be a conspiracy. Why, you'd have to own the media to refute such pseudoscience. Hey, I'm just asking the questions. It's too bad that at particular period of time (1970) he couldn't have been locked down and quarantined yet alas, he had the freedom to go on shedding his fake news all over humanity lo these many decades since. 7/10 4 stars for the music only. Not for the shithead who won't be missed when he inevitably keels over bloated and dead from his own freedom.

Really liked this, dude has a cool voice. Great use of sax. If you like Cat Stevens at all, you'll probably like this too. Definitely some songs in here that are going into the rotation. In fact: 4.5 rounded up. This is definitely better than some of my 4s.

Such a powerful and passionate vocal delivery. Very engaging for the listener. A great album listen.

Hard to define what made this album stand out, was just a overall easy listening, good mooded album

I liked the album overall (1). I also saved it to my Spotify library (1). 80% of the tracks were saved to my library from the album (3). I am very familiar with this album and consider it a personal classic (1). The first half of this album was so good I am giving it an extra point (1). 7 points total.

Asshole

I like it, saved some musics, but nothing that memorable

Good, not great album.

Pop elegante, con buena voz y sencillo de escuchar. Quizás un tanto parecidas todas las canciones

Go white boy go

This is Van at his more romantic and approachable. It usits him better

Really enjoyed this one

I have always loved this album so much

It’s van Morrison’s best effort. I can’t imagine there is a human who would give this less than 5 stars.

Good album makes me feel like this guys not a one but wonder but his voice gets kinda grating after a while

I just don't understand the acclaim this dude gets. Dull as fuck.

Oh my goodness! I've owned this LP for YEARS. It's not my favorite Van record, but it's close.

Iets minder zeikerig dan t vorige album, 3.5

Masterpiece

Really enjoyed

Close to perfection.

"Moondance", "Crazy Love", "Into the Mystic", and "Glad Tidings" are the most known songs on the album. I thought the album started strong, tapered a bit, and finished well. Great vocals and didn't realize how many great, known songs Van Morrison actually had, especially on a single album. 8/10.

Beetje boring

Harmless - couple of lovely tunes, lots of filler that I no doubt would love if I'd lived with this for 50 years

Pas désagréable, j'aime bien la chanson Moondance, mais je dois dire que, dans l'ensemble, ce n'est pas mémorable pour moi.

Tight and focused where Astral Weeks was sprawling and ethereal but every bit as effective and haunting, perhaps even slightly more so. The first side is a landmark – great opener "And It Stoned Me," followed by the title cut (rare among monstrously overplayed tunes in that it holds up and doesn't become annoying – probably because it's perfectly structured), "Crazy Love" a sweet and endearing ballad, the groovy "Caravan" and "Into the Mystic" – is there better set of five consecutive songs in this whole book? Side 2 is lighter and freer, and a bit more joyful, but only the slightest of comedowns.

some music i like, some music i like less

Did not like it at first, but after letting it play I really liked it midway through

Just an average album to me.

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.

A true classic

One of my all-time favorites. Every song on this album is amazing. Easily can listen to this entire album on repeat.

bien qsy. 7 / 10

Perfectly pleasant listening experience. Lacks a bit of excitement however.