Van Morrison is a legendary musician from Northern Ireland who has been active in the music industry for over six decades. He is known for his unique blend of folk, blues, and soul, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his time.
Throughout his career, Morrison has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and hit songs, making it difficult to narrow down his top ten tracks. However, there are certain songs that stand out above the rest and have become fan favorites.
In this list, we will explore the 10 best Van Morrison songs of all time, from his early hits to his more recent work. These songs represent the best of Morrison’s soulful and poetic style and showcase his incredible talent as a songwriter and musician.
1. Brown Eyed Girl
“Brown Eyed Girl” is a timeless classic from Van Morrison’s extensive catalog of hits. Released in 1967, the song features a catchy melody and upbeat instrumentation, making it a popular choice for radio airplay and movie soundtracks alike. The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy and innocence of young love, with Morrison singing about a “brown-eyed girl” who brings him happiness and nostalgia. The song’s lively instrumentation, featuring horns, guitars, and a driving rhythm section, perfectly complements Morrison’s soulful vocals.
2. Into the Mystic
“Into the Mystic” is a hauntingly beautiful song from Van Morrison’s 1970 album “Moondance”. The song features a gentle, lilting melody that perfectly captures the song’s mystical, introspective mood. Morrison’s soulful vocals, combined with the song’s rich instrumentation, create a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere that transports the listener to a place of wonder and contemplation. The lyrics are steeped in imagery and symbolism, with Morrison singing about a journey towards transcendence and connection with the divine.
3. Moondance
“Moondance” is the title track of Van Morrison’s 1970 album of the same name. The song is a smooth, jazzy number that showcases Morrison’s incredible vocal range and his ability to blend different musical genres. The song’s infectious rhythm, punctuated by a punchy horn section and soulful backup singers, evokes a sense of joy and celebration. The lyrics are playful and romantic, with Morrison singing about a magical night of dancing under the stars with his lover. The song’s use of wordless vocals and scat singing add to its joyous, carefree vibe.
4. Astral Weeks
“Astral Weeks” is the title track of Van Morrison’s 1968 album, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs in rock history. The song is an epic, introspective journey that showcases Morrison’s poetic lyrics and unique vocal style. The song’s lush instrumentation, which includes acoustic guitar, strings, flute, and gentle percussion, creates a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s mystical lyrics. Morrison’s voice soars over the instrumentation, delivering lines that are at once cryptic and deeply emotional. The song’s structure is complex, with several distinct sections that flow seamlessly into one another.
5. Tupelo Honey
“Tupelo Honey” is a classic Van Morrison song that features his signature blend of soulful R&B, folk, and rock influences. The song was released in 1971 and has become one of his most beloved works, known for its smooth groove, tender lyrics, and emotive vocal performance. The song’s gentle instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, strings, and subtle percussion, perfectly complements Morrison’s heartfelt lyrics about love, devotion, and the simple pleasures of life. The chorus, which features Morrison’s distinctive falsetto, is particularly memorable and has become one of the most iconic in his entire discography.
6. Domino
“Domino” is a song by Van Morrison that was released in 1970 as a single from his album “His Band and the Street Choir.” The song features a catchy R&B groove with horn arrangements and a chorus that encourages listeners to “roll with the punches” and not to worry too much about the ups and downs of life. The lyrics describe a night out on the town with friends, dancing and having a good time. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat rhythm make it a popular choice for dance parties and sing-alongs.
7. Wild Night
“Wild Night” is a lively and upbeat track from Van Morrison’s 1971 album “Tupelo Honey”. The song features a prominent horn section and backing vocals from the all-female group Venetta Fields, Clydie King, and Shirley Matthews. The lyrics speak of a wild and carefree night of love and dancing, with Morrison’s distinctive voice delivering lines like “All the girls walk by, dressed up for each other, and the boys do the boogie-woogie on the corner of the street”.
8. And It Stoned Me
“And It Stoned Me” is a track from Van Morrison’s 1970 album “Moondance”. The song is a blend of folk, rock, and soul, with a touch of country music. It features Morrison’s signature vocal style, with his smooth and emotive voice taking center stage. The lyrics speak of a childhood memory of Morrison’s, where he was taken fishing by his father and experienced a moment of pure bliss while watching a waterfall. The song’s serene melody and gentle instrumentation perfectly capture the nostalgic, dreamy mood of the lyrics, and the uplifting chorus will have you singing along in no time. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt song that showcases Morrison’s talent for crafting timeless classics.
9. Sweet Thing
“Sweet Thing” is a soulful and romantic song by Van Morrison, released in 1968 as part of his album “Astral Weeks”. The song is known for its dreamy and mesmerizing melody that creates an ethereal atmosphere. The lyrics of the song express a sense of longing and a yearning for love, with Morrison’s rich and soulful vocals painting a picture of a perfect love that is yet to be found. The song features a distinctive acoustic guitar riff, a jazzy flute melody, and a gentle percussion section, creating a laid-back and soothing musical arrangement.
10. Caravan
“Caravan” by Van Morrison is a soulful and upbeat tune that incorporates elements of blues and jazz. The song features prominent horn sections and a catchy guitar riff, along with Morrison’s smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery, painting a picture of a lively and colorful carnival atmosphere. The chorus of “Turn it up, turn it up, little bit higher, radio” is an infectious and memorable hook that adds to the song’s overall energy and appeal.
Simon Robinson 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.
