Everyone, sometime or another in their life hears an artist that is truly life changing. For me that artist would be Van Morrison. I was introduced to this iconic musician at a very young age. When I first heard
Moondance I was in awe at the sheer brilliance of it. So what makes this fellow so important and great? For one he has one hell of a voice. Second, he incorporates all types of musical genres like folk, jazz, funk, rock, and soul, and mixes them into his own signature style (and executes it amazingly). The music completely enfolds you and the soul in his voice is undeniable. The amount of energy he puts into his music is so apparant on these 20 songs, and should be listened by all.
Van Morrison always seemed the type of musician who wouldn't release a greatest hits album. It's impossible to sum up his career in 20 songs. They main focus of this album is his folk rock songs. While they are great, it doesn't seem right doing a greatest hits album for Van Morrison and leaving out a lot his jazzier and more complex material out. It's also a shame that their is only one cut from
Astral Weeks, and
Saint Dominic’s Preview, two of his best albums. Another problem is the way the album flows. It's very poorly arranged and the tracks more so than not, don't flow in with the next track. On a positive note, the musicianship is excellent. The brass instruments and piano solos really standout, most notably on
Moondance. Van Morrison isn't a half bad guitarist either.
This album is a very good starting place for the casual listener trying to get into Van Morrison. The songs chosen are his most accessible and famous. Though they don't do enough justice to this amazing artist. The lack of his more complex work is a bummer, but the album is still good. Every song on here is stellar and is amazing. The beauty of songs like
Sweet Thing and
Have I Told You Lately is breathtaking. This album is a must have for the casual fan or someone trying to get into Van.
Recommened Tracks
Moondance
Jackie Wilson Said
Sweet Thing
Gloria
And It Stoned Me
