Moondance

Perfect album, even if he is not

4+/5

Great stuff, upbeat and slightly jazzy. Could maybe be considered a bit background noise but I can see myself listening to it again so it's getting a 4

Ei sykähdytä, aika unohdettavaa.

Es como country jazzeado a veces, queda genial aaaaa no me gustan todas las canciones pero funciona dms bien junto xd

I love his political views and cheery disposition. I sure wish I felt the same about his music. That's called sarcasm. Props for the final two songs appearing in The Royal Tanenbauns and The Sopranos, respectively. Whichever song on this album is playing when you first make out with a woman tells you all you need to know about her.

Maybe this was original for the time? Sounds boring now.

Gorgeous album, very enjoyable and relaxing listen. Great story telling and instrumentation. One of those albums that you forget how good it is.

Sweet love make you righteous, make you whole. And that’s the kind of love people call “crazy”. Returning to this album is like slipping into the world’s most comfortable chair, just a welcoming, warm, relaxing album. I know this gets mentioned a lot about this album, but it’s really lopsided. Side A is so good I just want to punch someone in the face. Side B isn’t bad, but compared to Side A…well, what five songs in a row on an album can compare with that? Very few, I reckon.

10/10 super fun

I like it.

Ok. A no brainer. An absolute masterpiece. A run of recordings from 1968 to 1972 where he was channeling the astral plane. His voice like a sultry saxophone. I always enjoy going back to period of his oeuvre. Spin it up. You'll agree.

More country than I thought that it would be; but good.

Quality mellow feel-good oldies

This album got played to death when I was a kid-- and it sounds pretty wilted to me today. I was not happy with his recent forays as described on a recent Reddit thread, "Van Morrison released his new album 'Latest Record Project' and backlash immediately followed. The album included anti-lockdown and antisemitic lyrics. In the song 'Where Have All The Rebels Gone?' he sings about how rockstars should appose the coronavirus lockdowns. In 'They Own The Media' there are lyrics relating to conspiracy theories of Jews secretly running the media(Jews aren't specifically mentioned but it is pretty clear what he's implying)." This is probably the last time I'll intentionally give one of his albums airplay. What a d**k.

Ahh yes. the original Ray LaMontagne. A guilty pleasure for sure, but those sweet VM pipes are like a gentle caress in the twilight of a fall meadow that I just cannot deny.

Van Morrison was once an amazing songwriter, penning iconic and timeless songs that may not seem to be my flavor at first but just work. He was once iconic and timeless. Now he's just an old curmudgeonly buffoon and anti-Semite who doesn't believe in science.

My roommate in undergrad swore that Van Morrison was the best get-it-on music. I never understood. I still don't. Don't get me wrong, the music is perfectly pleasant. But this album is more likely to put me to sleep than put me in the mood.

Much like Astral Weeks, this album took me multiple listens to come to a conclusion. Just like Astral Weeks, I’m a new fan of this album. Van Morrisons voice is sublime and I dig the vibe of his sound. I like the jazzy, swinging bass lines and the flute. All of it. I will be revisiting both albums in the future and I’m glad we still have one more Van Morrison album to come on our 1001 journey.

Liked it despite myself. First time better than the second. Easy listen , similar vibe to Carol King which I have been listening to on the bus too. 1970 too so it makes sense. Bluesy jazz... there's one song towards the end that I do like. 27/09/22

Better than I thought it would be.

I'm not exactly a fan of Van Morrison as a person, so I figured this album wouldn't be up my alley, especially since I kind of despise Brown Eyed Girl, but this album was okay. I recognized far more than I was expecting to, and the standout songs the other reviews are mentioning are as good as they say. It is mostly just "You know that guy who did Brown Eyed Girl? More of that", though.

The cover looks like a meme. "Past Van Morrison tries to make sense of future Van's ramblings" Annoyingly, considering how much of a massive bell end the guy is, this is absolutely fantastic. "Throughout my career I have always preferred to let my music speak for me" he said in 2015. You what mate? Tell the last couple of years you. Anyway. Yeah, great record. The horns! The soul! The, erm, the clavinet! It's just great.

Great!

Probably the best thing to come from Van Morrison when he was still relevant.

Loved it!

Chill

Excellent

Not for me this, it’s just meh. His voice is not for me, also why does he sing in an American accent, the northern Irish accent is a great accent. The music has a nice warm party vibe but it doesn’t go anywhere. It’s not unlistenable, it’s pleasant enough but just background music.

Van’s voice is amazing and carries this. It’s otherwise a pretty straightforward soul album. It’s a little light for my taste, and the 2nd half isn’t as strong, but an enjoyable listen.

A sweet, folk-rocky vibe for my travels in gloucestershire, but nothing to really write home about - except the first track, I liked that one a lot. Nice and upbeat but also a bit of nothingness?

Solid album with some folk, rock and blues elements

This was the right music for a funeral on a rainy day. Beautiful, soulful stuff.

Amazing, never heard the album before but wow.

It's kinda hit or miss. There are good songs on the album, but then there's something so utterly boring, that I almost gave up during one of those songs. But the beginning was good, so 3/5 or 6,5/10 it is

Easy listening but didn’t pull me in

Absolute classic and relaxed yet catchy so a must listen to every time it happens to be brought up

Great

Hate

Never heard this before, had no idea what to expect. Enjoyed it.

A deep relaxing listen, found it to be perfect album to drive to would happily revisit on a road trip

I liked this one more than Astral Weeks. It didn't sound quite like the same song over and over. I don't know if I'd come back to it still. 3.25/5

Morrisons vocals aren't nearly as annoying as on "Astral Weeks". Enjoyed this a fair bit more than that one, but still wouldn't return to it. The swingy title track was cool.

I know he’s a COVID-denying piece of shit, but Van really knows his way around a tune. This has got to be his greatest collection of music. B+

This is a great album, start to finish.

Not a Van Morrison fan.

Thoughts on first 2 play throughs - some cool moments, some okay, and some skippable. Not a big fan of the use of saxophone and flute, and some songs stick out as being out of place for me personally (Moondance and …Crazy Love - both good songs, and Everyone). Glad Tidings is a bit too Brown Eyed Girl. Listened to the album a few times, had to turn off on the 3rd or 4th play through somewhere in the 2nd half. I came back for another listen a few hours later and found skipping Moondance made the album a more cohesive and enjoyable experience. This album has grown on me throughout the day and is one I can see myself coming back to. This is my first generated album so I may look back and think otherwise but would rate it 3/5 - 3.5/5 if that was possible

This is a big album - i.e., a milestone for Van Morrison, with a lot of well known songs. The problem is - I don't like Van Morrison at all - I find his voice too grating - his high notes sound like a small baby crying....'whaaaaaaaa' So - as an album - it's good, personal enjoyment zip though.

Good liked the acoustics

Mélodieux et agréable à écouter

SO many classics on this record. Excellent

I have mixed feelings about putting 4 stars vs 5 stars. I’m not a huge Van Morrison fan. However, this album is so great to listen to. The songs are just so classic and so well known. Overall just a great album to put on and feel good listening to it.

It was a great album. I already knew a few of the songs, but there were some I didn’t know and I really enjoyed them.

Mysigt album

First, if I saw this cover on Instagram today, I would never listen. Second, this album sounds like September. Van Morrison is a genius. Wish he got more love.

How on earth was this the successor to Astral Weeks? Quality is obviously still here, but the structures and lyrics are almost complete opposites of his previous output. There is still plenty of room for innovation, and the title track is just immensely impressive.

An almost surreal successor to Astral Weeks. What a musical journey Van Morrison undertook in those years. An incredibly impressive track list with a few minor misses.

Very easy going pleasant Van Morrison soul. Good, warm stuff.

Moondance - this is a solid four stars for me. The first side of this one are all pretty great and I've heard 'em a million times. The flipside is decent but fades into the background a bit. Good performances across the board, I think, but not as engaging. Kid A - This is a big disappointment for me following OK Computer, which I liked every corner of. There's great stuff in it, but it's not something that holds my attention all the way through. It sounds so canned that I just want there to be a little bit of fresh air in it. Anyway - Moondance gets 4, but Kid A gets 3.

The production of this album is lovely, feeling like a warm hug. And it's certainly got some memorable tracks - the incredible blue-eyed soul of 'Crazy Love', the choogling 'Glad Tidings' and of course the jazzy, yearning title track (one of the first pieces I ever learned to play on piano). It's hardly an original observation to make, but Morrison has a helluva voice. All the material fits around it very snugly. At times, perhaps, it's too 'just so' and oozes into the background, but overall Moondance is a very pleasant, folksy, soulful listening experience.

I always mix Van Morrison and Joe Cocker up in my head, even though I don't think they really sound anything alike. Maybe it's just the soulful white guy thing. At any rate, agree with Alex about the production. This thing just sounds good, so even after the two singles I knew passed and it faded from the forefront of my attention, I still enjoyed just having it on and up in my earholes. I wonder if it still gets played at spring gatherings on the lawns of art schools? Probably.

I just really get bored of his voice while listened over and over through an album. Like ear fatigue in a way. The music is okayish but its not my cup of tea honestly. I know this guy was huge but I understand now why I only knew the hits.

Rhythm and blues, rock de Van Morrison. Vinilo.

Alegre

The title track is solid. I had heard it before but I never knew what it was called. Everything else was a bore that I struggle to recall.

Can't be arsed listening as I know it'll be a boring album

Twee gin tonic mare en deze voelt geweldig hehehe - Brand new day is echt gewoon top hoor ik pak hem mee!

Excellent album He’s a completely bellend of a human

como para estarlo escuchando de fondo, suena a rock clásico por excelencia, son sonidos reconocibles y agradables, me gustó

not the best album ever, but it’s not bad!

It was good

Sweet soulful singing, with gorgeous instrumentation (THOSE SAXES) proves Van Morrison knows how to write not just a beautiful song, but a super catchy one too. Favorite Tracks: Caravan, Moondance, and especially Into The Mystic

I’m in looooooove. Fantastic album…too bad Van Morrison’s a dirtbag. Listened during a road trip both ways, just a great album, my first 5.

If you like Van Morrison then this album is fantastic - It's all the hits. That said, if you dont then its not like this album is going to make you suddenly change your mind. I'm indifferent to Van Morrrison - 3/5

Vaya, este disco fue de menos a más para mí.

Better than expected. Still a bit too much “dad music”.

The first stone cold classic album I have reviewed to date. Every song is superb, to listen to, to dance to, to reflect on. Pure joy

Pleasantly mellow but nothing too memorable

Absolute banger

This absolute piece of shit is a very talented musician!

Really hit and miss.

I prefer this to Astral Weeks, controversial I know.

This is peak Van Morrison for me. Big points for It Stoned Me and Into the Mystic alone. The rest is great too.

I have never been a huge fan of Van Morrison maybe because some of these tracks were just forced upon me through my surroundings...but Moondance always seems like a parody to me since it gets played so much...but overall the album is still pretty light and easy listening. It's not Van's fault...or maybe it is. Either way, I get it...solid album.

Brilliant album, and so different. Third five star album.

+And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Everyone I like the part in the first track where he goes "Take a load off, Fanny, Take a load for free"...oh wait, that's The Weight by The Band; And It Stoned me sounds a lot like that song, but that's not a bad thing! Van Morrison doesn't fix what isn't broken here, just soulful, swanky, and smooth. I dig it.

Great, even excelent at some points

Smooth cheese. Nice bass but I couldn't wait for it to finish.

4.6 - As a single, “Moondance” can sound jarring to me - the vocals sound vomited at times, the horn fills kind of cheesy, the flute parts sort of student jazz band-y. But somehow within the context of the album it fits perfectly. Uncannily, this record feels both tightly composed and loosely structured. As an overall listening experience, there’s impeccable flow. Individually, the songs almost feel improvised. I like everything on here and I love “Into the Mystic” and “Glad Tidings.”

A decent singer-songwriter LP. Well-fleshed, catchy instrumentals and good vox, nothing too memorable but still a good listen.

Drugi pick na liscie od tego pana i drugi w jego dyskgorafii, wiec fajnie wypada porownanie obu tych krazkow, Astral Weeks pomimo tego, ze sluchany pod golym niebem w spiworze jednak jakos utkwil w glowie, ale Moondance jest zdecydowanie bardziej popowa twarza pana Van Morrisona, w kat poszly proste mocno spontaniczne jazzowe kompozycje, na rzecz ulozonego grania przypominajacego bluesowego rocka przez mocne naduzywanie instrumentow dentych, wiec sekcja hornowa i basiorze daja po uszach, o ile jeszcze na pierwszym albumie dalo sie wyczuc wyspiarskie pochodzenie pana Morrisona, tak na tym albumie brzmi jak prawdziwy spiewak nashvillowy, chociaz sam krazek nagrywany byl w nowym yorku, wiec hameryka, ale jednak nie mekka takiego grania, no ale okreslanie tej plyty jako irish folk przez wiki jest chyba ogronym naciagnieciem faktow, bo gdoybym nie slyszal pierwszej plyty, to nawet do glowy by mi nie przyszlo, ze moze to byc material wyspiarza, na co tez ma wplyw fakt, ze wszystkie backujace wokale sa spiewane przez czarne artystki, co jeszcze bardziej nadaje utworom tej amerykanskiej autentycznosci, 38 minut dopieszczonego materialu, ktory jest o wiele bardziej przystepny dla sluchacza, ale jednak nie zanudza, bo lirycznie Morrison przemyca wartosci uniwersalne, czyli milosc do otaczajacego swiata w troche stonersko mistycznych klimatach, patrzac nawet na sama trakliste, ale nie brakuje tu takze klasycznej milosci do drugiego czleka, czy siebie samego, wiec mocno pozytywne wajby mozna zlapac po przesluchaniu, wiec drugie podejscie do pana Van Morrisona nawet przyjemniejsze niz pierwsze i z pewnoscia bardziej wygodnickie, bo jednak inaczej slucha sie w deszczu, a ogladajac deszcz za oknem, na plejke leci openingowy and it stoned me i into the mystic

Very nice. Great sound.

I like this but I do not feel strongly about it haha. Moondance is great but I have heard better versions of it... Maybe that's unfair. I just feel completely indifferent about this album.

I do enjoy a bit of Van Morrison but I don't think this album covered particular faves for me. I love his voice and style though

I really love this album and a lot of early Van Morrison. Such a nice sound that you can just relax into, a right banger in my opinion.

my goodness, moondance is so, so pleasant to listen to! i didn't know van morrison made such soft music. the whole album flows seamlessly and smoothly together. "crazy love" is beautiful and has such lovely lyrics. the sax, the piano! the optimism in "brand new day"! this was such a well rounded album. i am looking forward to listening to it more.

Aside from some general knowledge of a couple of his biggest hits, I am not really educated on Van Morrison. I wasn't even aware that Moondance was originally his song. So imagine my surprise when I hear this album and it's basically some kind of weird folk-blues-jazz hybrid. On the other hand, I WAS familiar with his original Crazy Love, which in my opinion is one of the sweetest folky love songs to ever be recorded. It is quiet and intimate and highlights the most subtle vocalizations in Morrison's voice. I really enjoyed this album and found myself going back to it for more listening.

A surprisingly lovely album! Each song is so unique with a relaxing yet upbeat sound.

Listened to this on a previous list and didn’t really stick with me. It’s time I really enjoyed it.

I think this is the first time I've listened to Van Morrison. It's very good singer-songwriter album with a lot of versatility and a strong, full-bodied sound. Still nothing to get overly excited about though.

The title track is great! The rest was pleasant enough but inoffensive and unremarkable.

Very enjoyable and easy to listen to. Moondance was very recognisable…didn’t realise it was VM.

Went back for a second listen because the first time through was so nice.

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.

This was okay. Moondance was a pretty good song, the rest of the album was pretty forgettable.

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

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

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

Not really my thing.

It's certainly interesting to read that there was a time when Van Morrison didn't sound like Van Morrison. This sound is so synonyms now. Fave: And It Stoned Me -- everything else kind of just blends together.

Very cool, mellow, amazing story telling. Easy to relax and listen to and makes me think of enjoying a nice summer day.

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

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.

Really enjoyed this album and the vibes it gives. There was not one song that I didn't like.

I liked this more than I thought. It’s got that old school feeling to it.

I've had Morrisey and Jim Morrison, finally a Van Morrison record. This is so good. 4

A passable album does not a cunt redeem.

One of my favorite albums. Great voice, complex and varied songs. Original. Truly a great work of art. Timeless.

ok

Soothing

Would be 4 stars but I can’t separate the man from the music.

Liked it more than Astral Weeks

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

A decent album

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.

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.

I don't think I am going to like this. I didn't dislike it as much as I was expecting. Two. Ish.

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

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.

Overrated.

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

Love it.

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.

03/18/2022 I was really enjoying this! ...But then after 'Into the Mystic' finished, it all got very bland and boring?

Alright

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?

Wonderful

Yacht rock to the fullest

You’d be hard pressed to find a chiller album than this one

Listened. It's more pop than Astral Weeks but still really good. Would like to listen again for the lyrics

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.

Fuck yeah! This is the shit I signed up for. I ended up listening to Van Morrison all day.

Still salty over the last Van Morrison album I hated so much. This one was better...but still hippy drivel.

Some really great singer/songwriter stuff. There's a reason he's a legend.

Rhythm and blues, rock de Van Morrison. Vinilo.

Classy. Best lazy summer afternoon album.

This is a great album I couldn't read while doing the email list, but found out about somewhere else. I love Morrison's singing and the album's good back to back

Way better than my last Van album, on account of fewer annoying vocal tics. Still not my thing

NOICE

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.

very solid, liked it quite a bit.

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.

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.

Pretty solid album I've heard before

Solid one

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.

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.

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 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

Un album classique rien à dire de plus. Un chef d'oeuvre

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 am having a bad day and I really needed this. 4.5

Really great casual listening

não é minha vibe

He's an asshole live. I won't support him at all.

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

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.

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.

Nautin. Hyvää blues?-tunnelmaa jostain jenkkien erämaasta.

Not the absolute best Van effort, but high quality nonetheless from the old curmudgeon

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.

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]

Van morrison is a referent. Good singer and his compositions are great.

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.

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

неплохо готовиться к европе получилось

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!

Pretty cheery, short and sweet. Screams early 70s. Some good tracks but overall ok.

Classic

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

Excelente

Good restart

Sopi hyvin seesteiseen maanantaihin ja toimii varmasti rauhallisen aamun käynnistyksessä noin yleisesti.

Kyllä toimi. Automatkalle sopi lähtölaukauksena mökkireissuun

Was overall decent

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.

Refreshing and sweet. Didn't realize I'd like this as much because of his very popular songs.

Yes, the night is magic.

Not my bag, but Van Morrison’s voice is quite pleasant. 5/10

Easy listening!

Moondance full fire

Melodic

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.

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

great

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.

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.’

Nýbúinn að hlusta, alveg kósí en ekkert gritt

First time ever hearing this, and man, it is just so good. Great and very beautiful songs.

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.

It's van!

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.

Just meh, really off and on through each song. Honestly was expecting a slightly stronger overall sound.

Langweilig. Nicht schlimm und für damals gut produziert, aber langweilig. Gut als Hintergrundmusik in Cafés vermute ich mal?

Solid album filled with good music. One recognized song

Classic album. A good spin.

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.

Surprisingly croonerific. Not all albums from this era are that good.

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.

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.

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.

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

Belongs on the list: 5 Monumental Album: 4 Influential Album: 4 Van-the-Man™'s best disc. 4.5/5

Decent enough.

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.

Memories and tears! Recommended! 👍

it has some moments, but it is a 3.5/5 at best

was not bad

The same but different vibe. Starts to wear thin after about the 3rd track. Entertaining enough though.

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!

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.

Moondance's a hell of a track

9/10

Begint sterker dan ie eindigt

Some good tunes, minus points for Van Morrison being insane

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.

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.

2 tracks I've heard before - Everyone and Moondance which I dig. Overall, not a fan...

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

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...?

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

It's all a bit nice and straightforward and formulaic

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.

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.

Vam Morrison begin with the band "Them" and then was famous as singer alone: a referent.

rock-ish easy listening music. didn't know he was the guy who wrote Moondance! mostly passable old school background music. shame that he is apparently a terrible person- oh well

This is packed full of good songs but it also has my favorite song, Caravan.

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.

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.

Moondance and crazy love are such great songs… rest pretty good

Really love this album

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.

Super bon album. Agréablement surpris.

Slow

Moondance stuck in my head for days afterwards. Is that good?

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

Nice

Very nice listen

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

Great

Hard to separate this from the curmudgeonly old bastard Morrison has become recently. The music is good, the man isn't.

Better than I expected

I have not listened to this for many years. Pretty dull. Always thought Van was overrated. Astral Weeks is a much better album.

Made me feel like I was in some American bar!

Welcome familiarity with some hidden gems to be discovered. Great easy listening

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

Quite pleasant.

caravan

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.

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

Damn, what a rock-solid album. I really like his sound, very relaxed and comforting.

Not my style, although it is a very good album to have on in the background

Good but you know

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.

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

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.

Quite good, a moody one

What a great album for me to start with. My favourite Van Morrison album. Side One, especially, is just one fantastic song after another.

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...

A bit cheesy, but it’s a solid feel-good album that I enjoyed cleaning the kitchen to. 8/10

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

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

There were some good songs but the back half got a little sing-songy to me. 7/10

So many greats on this ablum. Would listen again.

jazzet rock album, god stemning, gladt album

I loved the title track, but the rest of the album was okay for me

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.

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.

Just incredible

Great.

Solid album. Haven't heard most of the tracks

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Moondance

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.

Pff. Boring.

Quite nice, nothing really stuck with me. I was expecting something very different, I think I was confusing Van Halen with Van Morrison

Another classic

For some reason, this album has stood the test of time. I'll definitely listen to it many times again.

Absolutely stellar. The first half is exceptionally strong... passionate and catchy. Though it peters off a little bit, Van Morrison delivers an amazing album.

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.

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

Wonderful.

Folk. Rock suave.

Some absolute bangers on this

Liked the title track, everything else was eh

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 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.

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.

A regular listen ...

Love this album

balls