Reviews (page 7 of 15)
A bit of a mixed bag of an album in terms of song quality, but a fun listen none the less. Another album that would get 3.5/5 if I could officially give half star ratings.
Such range, moon dance is the highlight along with 'And it stoned me'. Everyone was unexpected but pretty good. Shocked it was released in 1970
Few good songs, but never my thing
I find the band to be more interesting to listen to than Van himself. The singles I'm aware of vary from "overplayed and kind of tired" to "unsung and deservant of more play." The other tracks are just kind of middling, and again, the band is more compelling to listen to.
*Liked Caravan and Moondance *Some good backup vocals, instruments in backup band *Pleasantly surprised by this album
'Oh, the water / Let it run all over me / And it stoned me to my soul / Stoned me like Jelly Roll.' Altho Astral Weeks will always be the album for me, not only in Van's catalogue but perhaps of all time, Moondance is where his romanticism is somehow fulfilled in the vernacular of hits and catchiness. He isn't an occultist like Yeats; he's a nature-worshipper like Wordsworth, a mouthpiece for the sublime merge of self and non-self: 'Hark now, hear the sailors cry / Smell the sea and feel the sky / Let you soul and spirit fly / Into the mystic.' It's also and unavoidably black music, soul music for the gospeller of the 'Brand New Day' and 'Glad Tidings.' This record is on the short list of the greatest, and let me stress, happiest ever. 'Lalalala,' etc.
Love these songs, made me cry a little.
3.5/5
I find the title track kind of grating for whatever reason, but there are some good songs here. I think Royal Tenenbaums is doing some heavy lifting for me here to make this a 3.
8.5/10
Love it!
Some great songs and a great voice. I'd only heard his hits so I didn't quite expect this.
Nice 70s piano vibes.
I 100% forgot this record! And it's really great!
How did such a serious ass make a string of just flawless records? Another perfect one that deserves to be on the list.
love this album!
mid for the amount of streams it has
There is definitely some gems behind it but it was just not hitting right for me. To be fair after Aha, Oasis, the white stripes and Tracy Chapman it falls a bit flat. But i will say moon dance is an amazing jazz swing song
Distinctively “Van Morrison” with his bard-like voice. Not quite folk, but definitely not hard. Lots of acoustic instruments
It was okay.
I liked Caravan and agree with VM - the song he would like played at his funeral..
Sounds like a soft light and breeze coming through an open blind. Gentle and moving. So good I’m going to listen to it again now. Favourite track: Into the Mystic
I liked this one in college, but didn’t enjoy as much listening now. Also thought he was American this entire time until looking his bio up today! Into The Mystic was probably my favorite track on this album but the rest is a little too old man for me on this particular one. I’ll give it another listen in 30 years.
Album 4/1001 Can't say my interest in VM has ever extended beyond Brown Eyed Girl but there were a few songs on here I did enjoy. Found it a bit shouty and repetitive after a while, and have a strong dislike of the title track, but really enjoyed Crazy Love - perhaps because it's the least shouty? And I know all British artists were trying to sound American during this era so I don't know if it's because he leans into it too much or something, but for me his sound comes across as inauthentic and derivative. Favourite song: Crazy Love🤪💖 Honourable mention: Brand New Day 🌄 Into the Mystic ➡️🌌 2 ½ / 5
This album unites people. Anyone - regardless of age, class, nationality - can agree that this is a masterpiece and Van Morrison is a raging dickhead.
Another meh album from this shitbag. 3/10
Some classic songs mixed with some very good songs. 5 stars or A.
This album always reminds me of Fat Freddy's pizzeria back in the early 90s. Someone who worked there played this album on repeat. So, in my head, that's what this is: inoffensive background music. I know I'm in the minority, but I could never appreciate Van Morrison, no matter how much I tried. I can understand that these are decent songs, the musicianship is good, and his voice is what it is, but it all feels very "beige" to me. On the plus side, relistening to this now in my old age, I did very much enjoy "And it stoned me" and the higher energy parts (like the end of the song "Moondance"). But the rest of the album remains as inoffensive background music in a pizzeria to my ears.
Classic. I'm not too familiar with Van Morrison but I can appreciate that he was a very innovative and inspirational artist fusing rock blues and folk music. Myself not being too educated in music, for me at least the album itself seems to be more a compilation of his hits rather than one song and narrative flowing into the next but it was still enjoyable listening to a piece of music history.
Was suspicious of this one, as I find the song 'Moondance' really quite annoying, but the rest of the album was quite enjoyable.
Good
I had a fun time listening to this album. It was very chill. I liked it more than I was expecting to.
3.5
Brzmi meblościanką
High quality from start to finish. An album that is guaranteed to improve your mood.
Everything sounds like brown eyed girl.
Hey Van what’s your favourite lyric? “La la la la la la la la la gypsy la la la la la la la la woman la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la…” Lots of nice sounds on this album, he knew what he was doing but you can tell when he got bored. 4.0/5.0 Best Song: And It Stoned Me
The greatest ever songwriter at the peak of his powers. There isn’t a bad track on here. It’s a sexy, jazzy folky love story about love by an absolute powerhouse and a bizarre nutter to boot. Couldn’t pick a favourite track, genuinely impossible. 6/5
mooi album... maar beetje kalm
3,5/5. Очень приятно, но не так интересно.
7/10
Muy lindo álbum, va más allá de ser simple country rock, tiene una combinación de muchos estilos, jazz, blues, incluso R&B. La voz es muy agradable, los arreglos muy divertidos y enérgicos. Hacia el final siento que pierde un poco e fuerza y se vuelve más genérico, pero como el álbum no es largo no sufre tanto la experiencia de escucha.
One or two songs felt like versions of more popular songs elsewhere in the catalogue but a great album
One of the best albums ever.
I expected to love this one give Mystic. Instead of come off blah. Moondance is ubiquitous. In the end don’t see myself listening all that often. 3/5
A masterpiece, and I'm thoroughly convinced those who do not appreciate it are complete up their own ass.
Classic song full of classic hits.
Timeless
Yeahhhhhhhh that’s the stuff right there.
I love the song Moondance mostly because of American Werewolf In London. Maybe if the rest of the tracks appeared in the film, I'd like those as well. Unfortunately the rest of the album didn't excite me too much, all too middle of the road
Very strong musically although my favorite type of Van is longform, freeform which he obviously makes a decision to move away from here post Astral. He returns to that at least partly on a couple of later albums and as good as this is, those and Weeks are the ones I tend to hit up if I want a Van fix.
“Ooh that sounds like a white 24 year old from Belfast” Said no one ever upon first hearing this album. Whilst not delivering the ethereal sound of the earlier Astral weeks, Moondance a soaring achievement nonetheless, More accessible and eclectic, fusing as it does elements of motown, blues, and jazz into a consistently listenable and enjoyably uplifting whole, this is an album I’ll never tire of. Another 5 for Van the Man, that’s a rare double from me.
Sounded like beige wallpaper. Not bad, not painful, just aggressively fine.
Not my style. It’s good, it just needs that “fit.”
This is a tough album to rate for me. Into the Mystic is an all timer for me, it is a song that speaks right to my soul. And Moondance just plain sucks, from the terrible lyrics, to the rock flute, to his pitchiness. There are some really good songs on here and some absolute cheese balls. So I have to split the difference with the star rating.
This album conjures up the year I fall in love with my wife, the summer we met and the summer we worked together doing timber/veg research plots in California, Oregon, and Washington. Magic, simply magic....
Better than brown eyed squirrel
Pre-listening thoughts: the end of my Cotswolds hike/walk around town was with this album. I know that’s not a pre listening thought but I just picked it to listen to bc I thought it would be nice Post/during listening thoughts: this was WAY better than Astral Weeks. Cohesive, fun, and just like palatable. Astral Weeks felt like he was yelling at me the whole time. This felt like we were dancing together at night in the city streets. Title track is awesome and a few others were great as well. Van Morrison you have redeemed yourself. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: Moondance, Into the Mystic, Glad Tidings Least fav tracks: n/a
I hate this dweeb But this is a bloody good album Good album
This one was a bit bland and forgettable for my tastes.
Forgettable
3.9 // I mean, it's a Van Morrison album. Folk-y and nice/calm. Doesn't blow you away but pretty good
A favourite for 50 years.
Good vibes. Not entirely my type of sound. But I can see why it was rated highly. Good jazz and soul themes. Will revisit. Keeps: Moondance
I quite enjoyed the cocktail jazz/soul vibe (with folky overtones). I'm not the biggest fan of his voice but it instantly recognisable and distinctive, plus it does suit this kind of material. The songs are catchy so on the whole this is great album.
White boy soul.
Not sure that I'm a VM fan really, other than the familiar stuff it's all a bit...rubbish?
This was my go-to album for something to listen to during my revision. I also saw him at some festival with my mum in the late nineties, so all kinds of feelings are stirred up listening to this in full again.
First time listening to this album. Enjoyed much more than I'd expected to.
Choosing to listen to this album voluntarily would be like choosing to sit in the back of my Mom's metallic green Buick in 1979.
Listened to this while reading a book. Good.
Jazzy folk...me like. Nice, easy listening. Van Morrison has a pretty chill voice (though hard to understand at times). I enjoy the acoustic work along with the horns and pianos. That solo in Moondance(!!!) was amazing. Favourite songs: Moondance Come Running Caravan Brand New Day Glad Tidings
Good album. Every song was interesting. Into the mystic is my favorite song to play on a summer evening when I’m driving and I believe this album should be played that way. Driving with someone you love and scream singing the words together and doing Van Morrison impressions together.
I feel like its an alright album but I really dont take any songs away from it.
Folk isn't typically my thing, but this is a pleasant enough listen. The instrumentation is subdued save for a couple riffs, so it's very chill.
Menetin neitsyyteni Van Morrisonille. Selvennykseksi, en tarkoita sitä, että kuuntelin Van Morrisonia, vaan tarkoitan, että hän työnsi nuppinsa takapuoleeni. Oli kesä '71, minä ujo maatilan rengas mieheksi tulon kynnyksellä, hän jo etabloitu muusikko, joka käytti valtaansa ja vaikutusvaltaansa hyötyäkseen esipuberteettisesta tallipojasta. Muisto viipyy edelleen kuin synkkä, horjumaton trauma. Hänet on pysäytettävä. Se on lähes sekopäinen ja yksi kaikkien aikojen parhaista rock-esityksistä. Kokaiinissa-mummo-housupuvussa-Van Morrison on paras Van Morrison. Aluksi onnellinen ja mukava, mutta sitten kyllästytti melko nopeasti. moondance
tiene un par de canciones guays pero en general tb un poco aburrido, tipo beatles también
Good album, one of Van Morrison's best. Lots of goods songs on this one.
Sounds like US country music
This is the sort of music that I could happily have on in the background when doing something because it really doesn’t offer anything fantastically interesting but trots along. Something that annoys me about Van Morrison though is that you spend 10-15% of the album listening to him simply making noises. 3 stars.
Easy listening, good tracks I couldn't help but bop along to. Unique feel to his music that's still as refreshing today
Marvelous and heartfelt songs
Gillade mycket! 4:a
What an absolute classic. Without ever having listened to Moondance, I already knew and loved every track on here. Van’s meandering vocals can get tiresome in large doses, but just as I was beginning to tire, the album ended. A perfect length for an excellent and unique artist.
It's a classic
Kinda fun, inoffensive, happy vibes. Flute was fun. Best song: Moondance Notable(s): Crazy Love
Cover 5 First half is great. Second half iis ok.
top 3: - brand new day - moondance - into the mystic
#682. It's good. 4/5: I like.
There are some really great songs on this record. Also a lot of mildly-decent-at-best. And what with Van Morrison being kind of a twat, I'm not feeling super generous. Two stars. The saxophone was nice until it wasn't. Fave songs: - And It Stoned Me - Moondance - Crazy Love - Into the Mystic
An album full of happy nostalgic bops
Turn it up little higher
I'm being generous, giving it five stars. But I like if a lot and was happy to be reminded. Most of Van's albums I find repetitious. This one and Astral Weeks are both vary nice.
Hmm... It has been a while since I had this criticism. I think Van Morrison is actually quite unique and wonderful. Not quite jazz, not quite pop, not rock... not quite a singer/ songwriter... Van Morrison is unique. That makes him all the more interesting and since he is quite good and calming and enjoyable to listen to, it can even be delightful. But... Van Morrison IS unique! His voice is very specific and distinct. He has a style which is consistent... so ... A whole album in a row starts to get a bit redundant. Yeah, it sucks to say, but I started wishing it would "end soon" and it was not a long album. Taken individually or a couple songs at a time, GREAT! But he runs into the not uncommon problem of many a fine band: Things start to run together after a while even as individual songs (any of them really) are quite nice. SO. On his own merit, four to five stars! In an album played in a row...
I was already very familiar with this album. Balances precariously from brilliant to boring old white peoples music, depending on the day and mood when listening. Today blasting Caravan it was brilliant.
The Good: We are dancing on the moon! The Bad: Lack of gravity and lack of rhythm make the event a disaster… The Ugly: Trying to find a ride home… I forget the name of the show, but there came the song, and my ears perked up… it was Into the Mystic and became my song for a month, listening to it at least once a day. Due to this, I obviously listened to Moondance… but I did not listen like I am listening to music today… So, there are some awesome songs on this album, that should be on top-10 lists left and right… but at the same time, the album does go into some kind of funk where you stop listening. I don’t know if it is the voice, the instrumentation, the composition, or a combo of all… So no 5* for Moondance… but I will grant it 4* as it is a 3 1/2* that deserves additional play.
Great album! But VM is a jerk. Was a total A-hole to a dear friend of mine.
Phenomenal album but tainted by the asshat that Morrison has become.
Was not expecting to fall in love with this album tbh. I worked at a kind of shitty yacht club during summers whilst in college and Moondance played over the radio literally every single shift I worked, somehow it still retains a soothing quality untouched by food service PTSD. The whole album (minus maybe Everyone) was cohesive without being boring or stale for me. Perfect to listen to to be lulled to sleep (not derogatory)
easy listening
It’s okay, wouldn’t listen to it out of free will.
The song "Moondance" has one of the best bass lines ever. The rest of the album is fair
Excellent work by a man with a very spotty record.
Bluesy, folky, soulful, well-executed album, the enjoyment of which has been undermined for me by its overexposure.
Perfect. No skips
Couldn't really get into it. Monndance is good but not that good and not enough to hold it
I sure did listen to Moondance by Van Morrison for thirty-eight minutes and fifty-four seconds. It was okay
Van Morrison is really one of the greats when it comes to early blues rock, and frankly I'm a sucker for the whole genre. I grew up hearing a lot of these songs. I wish he had just a bit more hit power, though - some of these songs so blur together in the end.
A jazzy folk-rock album that started off quite promising, and had quite a few really nice songs (particularly that title track!), but by the end it was starting to blend.
It wasn’t bad but I didn’t love it. Moondance (the song) was kinda good and jazzy but the rest of it all blended together as just old people music.
I can tell there's some heartfelt material here, but outside of some nice instrumental passages the record feels very bland overall. Unluckily for Van Morrison, it also happened to show up on this list right after Court and Spark -- where by pure RNG, Joni Mitchell mogs this man with more variety, sharper instrumentals, harder cover art, and infinitely more charisma as a folk/rock singer-songwriter with jazz inflections. I have no clue why Moondance is the one with the higher rating, because this really ain't it. Standout: Crazy Love
I always try to give every artist on these lists a fair shake but I think van Morrison must have some insider info on whoever compiles these because he is so boring.
Typ 2-3 låtar var ok, inget för mig överlag med denna genren så svårt att finna uppskattning. Säkert bra på sin tid eller något men låter inte mer än generiskt. Not a fan helt enkelt men kan fatta varför den är med liksom.
Classic album. Great songwriting and an unmistakable voice.
Moondance is obviously the stand out
Remember Van Morrison's loony phase? I remember it like it was yesterday. "Moondance" has some good songs. However, I wouldn't consider it one of the greatest albums of all time. It seems I had a rubbish week this time. 3 stars for "Moondance".
Moonlight Mile is my favourite Van Morrison song. This is a really nice album.
I own. I love 9.2
Definitely a 70s keeper album. Goes along with Fleetwood Mac well.
What's up with the album cover? It's just his face over and over. I guess it's fitting because it's like it's telling you: this album is just a bunch of Van Morrison. You know, the "Brown Eyed Girl" guy. If you like Van Morrison, you'll like this album, if you don't like Van Morrison, you won't like this album. I don't like Van Morrison. It's not the worst album I guess, it's pretty calm and soothing and I can imagine people liking it, but his song writing is just so painfully boring and unadventurous. No interesting sounds or ideas or hooks. The songs all immediately blurred together then left my consciousness the second I stopped listening. Couldn't finish the album at risk of falling asleep.
not for me
Good album. Reminds me of a less drugy version of the doors mixed with some Bob Dylan
It’s ok. I really really can’t stand Van Morrison’s voice but the instrumentals are fine enough. Really like the song Moondance but nothing else really stuck out to me.
Amazing album and one I am consistently drawn back to. One great song after another by the musician's musician. Van Morrison is an incredible talent. Nothing beats Into the Mystic.
I only knew Relax going, fun and weird album. I'll abide the don't be bland in Disneyland directive, but don't think I'll revisit.
Two Van Morrison albums and two 5 reviews. I don't mean to be common and care so much about the singers voice but for him I will make an exception. This is such a beautiful sounding album and I have loved listening to it for 20+ years. Morrison, Sam Cooke, Dean Martin, Paul Simon, Vandross and a few others can sing almost anything and I will love it.
My favorite Van Morrison album! Never a bad day to listen to this one.
Not much to add that I didn't cover in the It's Too Late to Stop Now review. I enjoyed the instrumentation and it was pretty easy to listen to, but a little too slow and unexciting for me. The jazzy title track was my favourite from the album.
nije ono kaj inace slusam, ali jako mi se svida. bonus points za brass, uvijek dobrodoslo u glazbi.
There is something about Van Morrison's voice that is so soothing. I have always enjoyed his music, but the things I like about it, the folksy music and his nasally vocals, are what make it hard to listen to an entire album. I think the 39 minute mark is perfect for a VM album. I heard most of these songs before but never as a collection. 8.2/10 136/1001
Banger
Just a classic. Not much more to say and hard to argue with the quality of the songs on this one. The music is soothing and pleasant and fusion of musical traditions results in a masterpiece. I’m not gonna give this one 5 stars, but only because it’s not my personal favorite kind of music. But can’t give it less than 4… and wouldn’t argue with 5.
really solid stuff! every song was a vibe and it kept me engaged the entire listen
Hold now this brother has some soul!
It's a good album, nice easy listening, I just won't come back to it, but will enjoy the hits when I heard them in the wild
Isn't it funny how Van Morrison always runs out of words when writing songs and needs to fill big parts of the song with sha la la and na na na all the time?
Pretty easy & enjoyable listening. Moondace is a classic for a reason, but the rest of the album was new to me. I enjoyed all the songs, but am not floored. Hard to relate to whether it was innovative 50 years ago.
Full of melodies and writing that makes this album amazing. Moondance, into the mystic and caravan are timeless.
So lala
I only knew Van Morrison by name. I expected something polite and boring, but it was actually a very pleasant album. While it is indeed a bit too much on the easy-listening side for my taste, the soul, folk and country influences blend well together, and Van Morrison totally makes it work thanks to his genuine love for these genres. It’s full of heart and emotion, and I can totally see myself listening to this again. On the downside, there’s not a lot of variation throughout the album, most songs follow more or less the same pattern (except Moondance, a beautiful song). It’s also a pure product of its time, so much that it almost sounds like the soundtrack of a generic movie about the late 60s. He was obviously a talented artist back in the days, but maybe not original or excentric enough to leave a lasting impression beyond that time period.
Nice tones, good ambiance. But it does not linger.
This doesn't do it for me but it's not offensive either. 5/10
I really don't understand how Van Morrison could have turned into a famous singer. His singing is unpleasant to say the least... This album has a big highlight and a very low lowlight. The highlight of course is the title track - that is a fantastic song. But why on earth is that wonderful bassline played on an electric bass????? This screams for a double bass. The lowlight is very clearly 'Crazy love' - that's horrible. A meager 5/10. Because of 'Moondance', the song.
VM such a boring git.
I fell in love with 'Astral Weeks' after hearing it for the first time a few months ago - it has genuinely become one of my favorite albums. And despite telling myself, constantly, that I'd listen to more Morrison, I never actually did (shocker). But hey, that's what this list is for. And 'Moondance' is honestly very different than 'Astral Weeks'. It has a lesser focus on subtlety, atmosphere, seamless progressions, and odd song structures. It's more in-your-face, poppy, and honestly very soul-inspired on a few of these songs (just listen to 'Crazy Love'). Also, the music sounds less hazy and fuzzy; every instrument here just pops in the mix. I still really loved it, though. The first two songs are incredible, especially the very jazzy title track, which has a killer chorus. 'Caravan' and 'These Dreams of You' are just as catchy, and 'Into the Mystic' is another great Morrison love song, albeit a bit dated. Really enjoyed this. I mean, there was no high here as high as 'Sweet Thing' or 'The Way Young Lovers Do', but I didn't expect that. Instead, what I got with the incredibly iconic writing of Morrison over these catchy, easy-going instrumentals. That's all this album was, and that's all it needed to be.
Smooth easy listening.
7/10 This was better than I expected, could have been a soft 4 but in the end it was t quite interesting enough. The boy can sing though, really fits his style. Best: These Dreams of You
Several songs on this album are about nature and outdoors. I’ve always enjoyed Van Morrison’s tunes, and most of the tracks on this record were good. It was difficult to assign a rating to this record, as I waffled between three and four stars. So I listened to the album a second time (fortunately it’s just 38 minutes) before deciding.
This album cover made me gasp (and lol). It reminds me that Kyle Mooney recently released an album ("The Real Me"). Nice font though. Also, I do genuinely like 'Moondance' the song. Also, Wiki says Van Morrison's wife was named Janet Planet. Amazing. Perhaps the inspiration for "The Wedding Singer"'s Julia Gulia? I'm not sure what my preconception of Van Morrison was (old? like Tom Petty but more old?) but even though this is kind of country-adjacent (as well as old), I kinda like it. Mellow, lyrical, some background horns (I'm calling saxes horns now, sue me). After the first few songs, it began to feel a little too dentist-office for me, though. (Apparently 'Into the Mystic' is one of the best songs to do surgery to, which is cool, but I don't want to imagine being surgeried during my music listening time). Highlights: 'Moondance' (nice lil compound, implies the existence of Sundance... wait a second!), 'Glad Tidings'
8/10
I was familiar with Van Morrison, but had never listened to this album all the way through. I loved it! This would definitely go on my list of classic, timeless albums!! Standout songs (of course ) were Moondance, Crazy Love, and I also liked Glad Tidings.
Wonderful listen.
Now that’s what call music
Strange ordering of songs, but overall enjoyable.
"And when that foghorn blows I will be coming home. And when the foghorn blows, I want to hear it. I don't have to fear it." Listened to B4? Yes Tracks Already Saved on Spotify: 6 - And It Stones Me, Moondance, Into the Mystic, Brand New Day, Everyone Standout Tracks: And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Into the Mystic, Brand New Day, Everyone (85/100)
Heartbreaking, a total asshole made a really amazing and beautiful album, or: Music to Get COVID to
Que lindo disco!
2.5. Just meh, not bad. Background music that you don't mind if you completely miss. the title track was probably the best of the bunch imo
meh
Cool
jest to typu muzyka w tle ale gdybym sie urodzila z 50 lat wczesniej pewnie zmienilaby mi chemie w mozgu. 6 punktow dla irlandii polnocnej (w sposob eurowizyjny, nie daj boze harrypotterowski)!
i liked the vibe but ultimately think the songs were mostly forgettable
I really enjoyed this album listen more than my other Van Morrison album that I had recently. I especially love Into the Mystic but there are so many great tracks on this album which just makes it great to listen to all around. I would definitely listen to this album again in the future!
This was a great album from start to finish. A delicate balance of slowing things down as well as adding more energy just when it was needed. There wasn't a single song that wouldn't have been listenable by itself and therefore, this album will get a 5/5 as a definite listen again whenever it would pop up without a doubt.
Love this album. So much so I even have the vinyl. Blend so many styles and could be seen as the greatest non-American soul album. 4.5/5. Raising to 5.
Honestly fucked up to have this immediately after CCR, because it might as well be the same review. I prefer John Fogerty's dirtier sound, and the fact that these two albums might as well be interchangeable in my mind save for the smooth jazz background, I'm inclined to ding this lower, but you know what? Perfectly good music Of This Kind. Good, but could probably go through life without having heard this, though.
What a classic! I forgot there were so many brilliant and well known tunes on this album. A true innovator.
Didn't really know Van Morrison beyond Brown Eyes Girl. Moondance seemed out of place with his other songs but still, very enjoyable!
I love this albums soulful, R&B / jazzy sensibilities. Van Morrison's vocals have such great swing and vibe. Side one is killer and there isn't a skip-worthy song on the whole album. Great stuff!
absolut geil!! BANGERS: - Crazy Love - Brand New Day - Glad Tidings
A classic!
Really familiar with the three major tracks on here, "And It Stoned Me," "Moondance," and "Into the Mystic." Was happy to hear the rest of this album and while it was good, the rest fell a little short for me. It was going well until "Everyone" came on which is just an abomination. The clavinet intro and the flutes were just terrible...it made it sound so old and dated on an album that holds up reasonably well elsewhere. Made me picture a kid with a bowl cut in orange overalls with a yellow longsleeve underneath playing in a field at sunset with a whole lot of lens flare. I can't be the only one who thinks about weird shit like this but those color schemes and that whole aesthetic fits the vibes of that song and that era. It ended on Glad Tidings, another song I'd prefer not to hear again. I'm giving this a 4 because the rest of it is strong, but not quite as strong as the three main tracks from this album that are certified classics but it ended on such a sour note.
I was surprised by how much I liked this. Although it gets a little same-y as it progresses, there's plenty to enjoy here.
I remember buying this CD with a Circuit City gift card around 2004. I must have listened to it quite a bit because I knew every song on here. Hadn't thought about this album in a long time, but it's damn near perfect.
Fine. Very soulful, although after this album I got an autoplayed Bill Withers song and it reminded me how much better this genre can be.
The only van morrison song i knew coming into this album was brown eyed girl, and the only song i liked on this album was moondance (the title song). I really didn't like this album, mostly because of the meandering feel, it was all very samey.
One of his best but not THE best
A great representation of the era without being boring. Van Morrison is a unique assortment of instrumentation and styles, but with the production techniques that keep it in the Classic Rock sound I grew up with.
More of a fan of the live versions of these tracks
Van Morrison should have done after this album what most people who get too old and say stupid stuff should do... Retire.
This is probably the most difficult case of separating the artist from the art that I've had to deal with on this 1001 albums journey so far. All I can say is he might be a desperately misguided anti-vaxx Covid-denying dick, but he can write a tune.
Pretty solid folk album. Moondance was pretty different from the rest of the album because of the Jazz influence, but it's probably the best track on here.
Pleasantly surprised with this record. I wasn't expecting a mix of Pop, Folk, and Jazz. I enjoyed the jazz section in "Moondance." Favourite Track(s): Moondance, It Stoned Me Least Favourite Track(s): Into the Mystic
Not my usual choice. It's well done musically I just can't get into his voice.
Great
Not originally a fan of Van, I did like what I heard on the radio. I did have a copy later, and have grown to love and appreciate his groove, and this album is mostly all good stuff. I enjoyed listening to again
First 3 seconds made me cringe. I really don't like the country twang sound. It mellowed was more able to listen to it. Disclaimer. I mostly have only heard these songs when covered by other people. And with a first listen, I can tell why they are covered. They are beautiful songs. But his voice makes his songs tough to fully enjoy. It is very dated to the time it was created, and the updates to the songs are better for people like me with no nostalgia for the 70s. How many songs are on this. They are all blending together and my brain is bored.
not for me
This is good but not really my thing. I'm not sure I'll ever return to it unless my tastes change and I get even more sentimental as I age. I guess that's the fun of this project.
Nice
I always confused Van Morrison with Morrisey. Now I know the difference. This jumped right into it on the first song, I had to check that I didn't click a few songs in. Usually there's a bit of instrumental, but not this one. It wasn't bad, but I prefer other late 60s/early 70s albums. 3 stars
Great Album
Great laid back album!
Van Morrison does not do it for me. Even his good ones, like this one. It’s bad.
2 star person, 5 star album.
Closer to 4.5
i like this album
I didn't really like it. It wasn't bad, but I'm just bored of old records. Can't tou hire a younger person to add some albums on this list?
Good album! Has some good songs! Not a crazy Van Morrison fan but still a classic!
All bangers. If bangers were slow soothing music.
It's sort of fascinating to listen to an artist who seems so focused on himself and his own thoughts, to the point of not necessarily caring who does or doesn't overhear what he's doing. (Contrast with someone like John Denver, who hits on a lot of the same nature/transcendence themes but seems to put a lot more effort into welcoming the audience.) At first I wanted to dismiss Morrison as a self-serious wanker, and he might still be. But this album sounds so damn good that I was seduced despite myself. There's a reason your mom warned you about boys with guitars.
This reminds me of late nights on the lake trying to sing these songs to impress girls. It never really worked, but I always associate this album with laid back good times.
van morrision has kinda torpedoed a previously unassailable stature (i remember when astral weeks was a staple in the rym top 100!!!) by being a bigass chud, and also i just think a general move away from blue eyed soul stylistics in the gaze of the online nerd music canon. still, having not rly had a chance to establish a relationship with his music until after all these shifts have happened, i definitely liked this well enough and can see the seeds of his following. my only real past experience w/ van morrision is listening to astral weeks when i was a teenager and having his voice hurt my ears (much in the same way bob dylan's used to), but obviously im now receptive to the cool qualities of it, it rly is genuinely gritty and emotive and more than anything its Sincere, with zero posturing or smugness or condescension towards the material (which really i think is where a lot of similar vocalists go wrong for me). and the songs themselves are lovely and punchy...not something that immediately becomes part of me, but i can understand why it would for some. i definitely owe astral weeks another shot sometime, there is clearly still some Pleasure to be gotten for me out of his music. even if he is a bigass chud.
Van made a couple good songs - and he keeps making them over, and over, and over.
Many classic tunes - even the deeper cuts - track pick 'Glad Tidings'.
Banger after banger
Great voice, some of these songs were kind of mid
Volltreffer ;-) Ein ewiger Begleiter meines musikalischen Lebens, auch wenn er leider auf die alten Tage ziemlich seinen Kompass verliert.... Es gibt allerdings wenig Musik, die mich so sehr erreicht, wie der frühe Van.
10/10
Didn't really listen or appreciate him at the time, but my goodness how this album has stood the test of time. Amazing songwriter.
Good
What can I say that hasn't been said before? One of the most recognisable voices, brilliant lyrics, melodies to die for. This probably doesn't even cover the accolades this album richly deserves.
It starts pretty nicely with some actually great songs, specially because of the arrangements but it just peters out after a while, a shame because it starts with the kind of sound I want out of folk rock but winds up being more standard stuff at the end than the beginning...
Classic
I really like this, it was boppy and felt like a warm hug and Werther's Original
better than expected
I liked Liv did not
So many good songs.
Probably a 3.5. I think it deserves another listen
Irgendwie no überraschend stimmig für es weiters "sitzemer am lagerfüür und bestönd uf eusi freedom will mir alles tax payers sind"- und "MIGRANTS!"-Album. trotzdem wirdi de Van Morrison nüm so schnell antreffe im Lebe. Würd fast sege, dass s Van Life nöd so für mich isch. 2 mal Blinker setzte und ab de bahn bide negste Möglichkeit
also jetzt hemmer 5 fotis vo dem dude gmacht, wie wämmer sie uf em cover ahordne? was meineder zu 2 spalte? 4 links, aber s'unterste chli weniger höch wie die andere? ah jetzt hemmer rechts aber es hochformat – was? mir hend keis einzigs hochformatfoti gmacht? fuck it, dreihemer's eifach um 90°! guet so? ja voll. glaub das verbuechi hüt au mal unter de kategorie: netti hintergrundmusig wo mi nöd nervt nach mine kalkulatione gid das 3 schnauzhaar
Not a skip to be found on this one. Suave, soulful and folksy. Just a few g-words shy of the ideal afternoon listen. Strangely festive? Probably best left to the autumn and winter months despite its summery strumming and springtime brass sections.
This is genius. A truly exceptional album. This was a favorite during my early college days. Care free good times for me. It’s impressive how fluent he is in different genres (jazz, gospel, blues, folk-rock) and more impressive how he blends them. Morrison creates a genre of his own here. A desert island mainstay. It’s a 5.
I’m not going to lie, I pulled a face when this came up. I don’t knowingly know much by Van Morrison other than Brown Eyed Girl which suffers from being played at every wedding, disco or party for the last million years. I actually quite enjoyed this listen though, and I recognised the title track, and although I’m not sure I’d rush back, it has its merits for sure.
Love the sounds! Listened to it at Desmet today.
Enjoyable, AM standards like Moondance and Into the Mystic are familiar. Its a good record. Its a little bit Jazzy, a Bit folky. Cover is a bit weird though, like a 70's Australian Fast Bowler...
So much consistent good stuff. I love this album.
For sure bopped along with some of these tunes - the vibes were good.
I bought this on CD many years ago at a now defunct Borders Bookstore. The kid behind the counter said something to the effect of, “That’s a great album.” I accidentally answered with the very jerk-sounding, “Yes, I know,” which I regret because I didn’t mean to sound rude, just agree with him. Because he was right, it is a great album. And I knew that, because it is a great album. I don’t think there’s a weak link in this chain, either. My personal favorite for reasons I don’t understand is Caravan. But I would listen to this album just about any day of the week.
****A very good upbeat album
So good!
S’good and his vocal style is unique
Moondance is a great song but the rest is pretty boring. This guy is such a prick.
Never have I heard an album that reminded me of my childhood more than this one, this is dad music if ever I heard it. Absolutely love it 5/5
Mix of folk jazz and soul that is unique but does feel a little stagnant at times. Generally quite pretty.
Madame George makes this a three star album, containing everything Morrison does best. The rest of the songs meandered a bit for me.
sin mas, muy relajado pero ya
I’ve always loved VM. My mum played him a lot growing up and there’s just something so endlessly warm and nostalgic and enjoyable about his music.
Pretty mixed. Some excellent songs, but also a few that didn’t seem finished.
solid album all the way through, standouts include crazy love, caravan, and these dreams of you
I really like crazy love and liked the inspiration and ideas of the album, but tend to prefer more upbeat stuff in general.
This was the perfect album to go for a summer walk and listen to. It’s relaxing but not boring. It doesn’t force emotion on you but instead gives you the ability to feel however you need to feel. It’s not overwhelmingly happy but you don’t feel sad either. It’s the perfect “easy listening” music. I loved it so much more than I thought it would. I think I just like late 60s, early 70s folk blues rock fusion. And this is exactly that. I can hear a Celtic influence too which is nostalgic for me. I wanted to keep listening after it was over. The songs flow nicely into one another without blending together. A real surprise for me. I’d 100% listen to this again and enjoy it. Am I….. a Van Morrison fan now????
Not for me this.
2.5
One of my already favorites
3.2
Anti vax twat
Good vibes. Would listen to again. I enjoyed the instrumentals.
Very enjoyable chill rock album
I really enjoyed this album. Brought me back to sounds we just don't hear anymore.
“And AYYYYY wanna rock your gypsy soul, just like back in the days of old!” You’ve probably heard about half of this album without even realizing it.
I always have a soft spot for this kind of rock. I love the vibe it brings, the vocals, the jazziness… very mellow and folky and puts me in a good mood. It’s a great record all around, and one I’ll have to revisit again for a deeper listen.
Pleasant feelings, summer days, love in the air. This brings me back to my Ireland trip last summer. I’m always here for some blue-eyed soul 😊
This is Americana. Every song is beautiful. A combo of folksy, rock, jazz. Everything you want.
Beautiful, especially after the last one
This album makes me happy. Everything about it. Nothing more needs to be said.
I haven't finished listening to it but I enjoyed the songs I've heard so far. They are mellow and chill and good background songs. I will continue to listen to the album.
Enjoyable...always find myself sleeping on Van...probably because I think Brown Eyed Girl is one of the most overplayed and overrated songs. 3.5/5
I liked "And It Stoned Me."
Lang album, beetje gardians of the galaxy stijl muziek
5 stars aren't enough. S-tier album.
fiquei igual o van morrison na capa do disco, ouvindo esse disco.
I inherited a copy of this album on vinyl from friends who were disposing of their vinyl. I'm not a massive Van Morrison fan (though his potty Cvid views were decades in the future at this time!) but I found this album more fun in many ways than Astral Weeks, being rooted a bit more in the R&B side of things.
Northern Irish songwriter. 70s folk. Jazzy.
Even the ones you don't recognize by name are legendary.
Harpsichords and yazz flute? Sign me up
Great album for travelling, kind of a snoozer sometimes but it's a good album. 8.5/10
This is decent but I'm not sure I'll really go back to it
I know he's a wrongun but it's a 5
Okay this is really good. Definitely going to come back to this one
One of the best albums ever!
Ok. Nothing jumps out at me that I didn't already know
Even if his voice is annoying at times, this was a great album.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5. Again, almost a perfect album! The hits from this are nuts, and really made me appreciate Van more than I think I ever did. Last couple of tracks blend together, but the cohesiveness of the album as a whole is awesome.
Album is full of bangers that I haven’t heard in time, good reawakening
Very Nice album. Would listen again in the background whilst working. 6/10
Meh a little too Claudia's dad music for my taste. Hit songs are still bangers tho
Album cover had me laughing a bit, another one where I subconsciously know the music, but not the artist . Didn't hit me like the other albums, I'm going to be harsh with the rating because I had enough by the half way point
Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-it's-fine 2.5/5
Good listen, song stylings are perhaps dated, but a fun album
Okay album, though sometimes a bit boring. This is probably a 3.5 but I won’t be rounding up.
‘Into the Mystic’ gets regular plays for me, but this whole album was pretty great. Lotta new stuff for me, nice to hear the original ‘Moondance’… 4.5/5
***** Perfect, I love it totally
Really love this album. Nostalgia definitely plays a part in my enjoyment of it - reminds me of car journeys with my family - but I also just think the songs are gorgeous. My main complaint is that I think the end of the album isn’t as strong as the beginning, but the beginning is so strong that this is sort of understandable. Shame he’s such a dick. Fav song: Moondance - Into the Mystic, Crazy Love and And It Stoned Me - this feels very much like the sort of album where my favourite so my would change depending on the day Least fav: Everyone
Absolute bloody banger after banger. Vividly remember my mum playing this album all the time in the car growing up. Only reason it doesn’t get 5.0 is that I didn’t care as much for the last two songs. Apart from that it’s near perfect Specific rating - 4.8 Fav song- moondance Least fav- everyone
Never fully sat and listened to a full Van Morrison album before but I've heard some of the songs on this album from my mums playlist- most nostalgically Into The Mystic. Just lovely, calming music, don't think I can fault it. Favourite: Into The Mystic Least: Everyone
Enjoyable, easy listening. Sort of music I'd play in the backyard on a summer evening.
Enjoyable album with some catchy pop tunes. Each song did not disappoint.
While I put this in the same category as I do Cat Stevens and Simon and Garfunkel - safe, easy listening rock - I can’t describe Van Morrison as boring. He uses a variety of instruments and backing vocals that keeps this album interesting
The title track was definitely my favorite off the record (how can you beat flutes in a rock song?!) 3.5/5
The only way they could kill the message of Jesus Christ was to form a church around his teachings and suck all the life out of them over 2000 years. The only way they could ruin the beauty of this album was to play these songs on classic rock radio and in the background at Banana Republic for 55 years. But in both cases, people who can listen without prejudice and who aren’t cringy edgelords can still appreciate them for the magical things they are. The best albums are all of one piece but the individual songs still stand out from one another. This album does that perfectly. The whole album is a singular work of art, but repeated listens reveal the individuality of each song. I love the jazzy loose feel of Astral Weeks, but Morrison’s decision to make his next record a pop/soul album was inspired, even if it was done for commercial reasons. He made an album that was just as good as Astral Weeks but operated in an entirely different idiom. Both albums are brilliant.
First song alright but not for me
Good stuff by Mr. Van Morrison.
So lovely. This kind of music always helps me relax.
1 star, but moondance is ok .
Very good
Does it get better than Caravan? Overall, very solid album.
My first 5 star of the project! Van Morrison just does it for me. Even though every song on the album kind of sounds the same I love it. And it stoned me will never not get stuck in my head after a listen. And Moondance makes me want to have a dance party in my living room.
Nastalgic album. Extremely relaxing. Could be good car ride music. Had no clue he was irish
I feel like I didn’t know these were all Van Morrison songs… I could listen to this album on repeat! They are classics for a reason!