Van Morrison is a legendary Irish singer-songwriter who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on August 31, 1945, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Morrison was exposed to a wide variety of musical genres in his formative years, ranging from blues and jazz to traditional Irish folk music. His music is a fusion of these influences, creating a unique sound that is hard to categorize.
Morrison’s career began in the 1960s with the band Them, best known for their hit single “Gloria.” However, it was his solo career that cemented his place in music history. His iconic albums like “Moondance,” “Astral Weeks,” and “Tupelo Honey” are considered classics of the rock and folk genres.
Morrison’s voice has been described as soulful, powerful, and emotive, with a distinctively raspy quality. His lyrics often touch on themes of love, spirituality, and the struggles of everyday life, and are known for their poeticism and depth. Morrison’s songwriting is also notable for its use of intricate melodies, unusual chord progressions, and an array of instruments that include the saxophone, harmonica, and organ.
Over the course of his career, Morrison has won numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Brit Award, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, at the age of 77, Morrison continues to tour and release new music, cementing his status as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of our time.
1. Dweller on The Threshold
“Dweller on the Threshold” is a song by the Irish rock band Van Morrison, featured on his album “Beautiful Vision”. The song is a haunting meditation on the mysteries of the subconscious mind, exploring the concept of the “dweller on the threshold”, a figure from esoteric traditions that represents the boundary between the conscious and unconscious mind. The song’s lyrics are supported by a dreamy, atmospheric instrumental arrangement, featuring swirling synthesizers and a prominent saxophone solo. “Dweller on the Threshold” is widely regarded as one of Van Morrison’s most enigmatic and poetic songs, showcasing his unique ability to blend mysticism with musicality.
2. In The Garden
Van Morrison’s “In The Garden” is a gospel-infused song featured on his 1986 album “No Guru, No Method, No Teacher”. The song’s lyrics center around a powerful spiritual experience in a garden, where the singer encounters God and is filled with a sense of wonder and awe. Morrison’s soulful vocals are complemented by a backing choir and a bluesy saxophone solo, creating a haunting and reverent atmosphere. “In The Garden” showcases Morrison’s deep connection to his faith and spirituality, and has become a fan favorite among his many classic songs. Its timeless message of finding transcendence and meaning in the natural world continues to resonate with listeners today.
3. Brown Eyed Girl
“Brown Eyed Girl” is a classic rock song written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1967. The song is known for its upbeat melody, catchy chorus, and playful lyrics. It has become one of Morrison’s most popular and enduring songs, and has been covered by countless artists over the years. The song’s cheerful tone and sing-along quality have made it a staple of radio playlists, movie soundtracks, and wedding receptions. Its enduring popularity and widespread appeal have cemented “Brown Eyed Girl” as a true classic of the rock genre.
4. Someone Like You
“Someone Like You” is a song by British singer-songwriter Adele, featured on her second album “21”. The song is a powerful ballad about heartbreak and the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship. Adele’s soulful vocals are accompanied by a simple piano melody that gradually builds in intensity throughout the song, culminating in a soaring chorus that is both cathartic and emotionally charged. “Someone Like You” is widely regarded as one of Adele’s greatest achievements, showcasing her ability to convey raw emotion through her music and establish herself as one of the most talented singers of her generation.
5. Have I Told You Lately
“Have I Told You Lately” is a song written by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison and first released in 1989 on his album “Avalon Sunset”. The song is a gentle ballad, with a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics expressing gratitude and affection towards a loved one. The song’s warm and tender tone, combined with Morrison’s soulful vocals, has made it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Rod Stewart, who had a hit with his version in 1993. “Have I Told You Lately” remains a timeless classic that continues to evoke feelings of love and appreciation.
6. And It Stoned Me
“And It Stoned Me” is a song written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1970. The song’s lyrics describe a magical, transformative experience in which the narrator is “stoned” by a rain shower and experiences a sense of euphoria and wonder. The song features Morrison’s signature soulful vocals and melodic guitar work, and is notable for its blend of folk, blues, and jazz influences. “And It Stoned Me” is regarded as one of Morrison’s most beautiful and evocative songs, and has become a fan favorite over the years. Its timeless message of joy and wonder in the face of nature’s beauty continues to resonate with listeners today.
7. Crazy Love
“Crazy Love” is a song by the Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, featured on his album “Moondance”. The song is a romantic ballad about the overwhelming power of love, featuring Morrison’s signature soulful vocals and a gentle, acoustic instrumental arrangement. The song’s chorus features a simple, sing-along melody that is both infectious and emotionally resonant. “Crazy Love” has become one of Morrison’s most enduring and beloved songs, and is often regarded as a classic of the romantic ballad genre. The song’s timeless quality has ensured its popularity, and it continues to be a beloved staple of Morrison’s live performances to this day.
8. Tupelo Honey
“Tupelo Honey” is a song written and performed by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1971 as part of his album of the same name. The song is a soulful love ballad, with Morrison’s smooth and emotive vocals complementing the song’s gentle melody. The lyrics are filled with romantic imagery and naturalistic metaphors, evoking a sense of warmth and tenderness. The song has become one of Morrison’s most beloved and enduring works, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. “Tupelo Honey” continues to be celebrated as a timeless classic that captures the beauty and power of love.
9. Days Like This
“Days Like This” is a song written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1995. The song’s lyrics express gratitude for life’s simple pleasures and the joy of being alive. Its upbeat melody, jazzy instrumentation, and Morrison’s soulful vocals create a celebratory and optimistic tone. “Days Like This” has become one of Morrison’s most beloved and popular songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its message of positivity and appreciation for life’s blessings has resonated with audiences of all ages, and the song remains a timeless classic in Morrison’s discography.
10. Into The Mystic
“Into The Mystic” is a classic rock song written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1970. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of transcendence and spiritual longing, with references to sailing, mysticism, and the beauty of nature. The song’s haunting melody, soulful vocals, and poetic lyrics have made it one of Morrison’s most enduring and beloved songs. Its timeless message of seeking spiritual enlightenment and finding peace in the natural world continues to resonate with listeners today. “Into The Mystic” is widely regarded as one of Morrison’s greatest works and a true classic of the rock genre.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
