Van Morrison is one of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time. With his distinctive voice, soulful performances, and innovative blend of rock, blues, and folk influences, he helped define the genre of rock and left an indelible mark on popular culture. With a career spanning more than six decades, he produced an impressive array of hits that solidified his place as a true legend of music.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Van Morrison songs of all time. From the soulful classic “Brown Eyed Girl” to the jazzy “Moondance,” we’ll explore the music that has defined Morrison’s legacy and influenced generations of musicians. We’ll take a closer look at the stories behind the songs, examine their impact on popular culture, and analyze what makes them enduring classics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we celebrate the music and legacy of Van Morrison.
1. And It Stoned Me
This track, known as 'The First Song' during its composition, tells the tale of a youthful adventure through nature's majesty. Released in 1970 as part of his "Moondance" album, it remains one of the most quintessentially Van Morrison tracks to date. The seamless fusion of soulful, bluesy tunes and touching lyrics creates an unmatched experience for the listener.
Morrison's soft yet evocative tone sets the mood for this song, providing an organic, natural feel that beautifully complements the melody. He opens with striking imagery straight out of his childhood memories that truly paints a picture for the audience. The catchy chorus echoes through listeners' hearts and minds long after hearing it for the first time, making this classic a Van Morrison fan favorite.
Interestingly enough, despite being widely adored by fans worldwide today, the track failed commercially upon release. However, astute critics such as Lester Bangs ranked "And It Stoned Me" among Morrison's best works immediately.
Van Morrison's voice in 'Crazy Love' is like a warm hug, except this hug also has a saxophone solo that makes you feel all tingly inside.
2. Crazy Love
This entry is dedicated to one of Van Morrison's most iconic and beloved songs. It showcases the artist's ability to combine soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics and has become a staple in his vast repertoire. It's no surprise that "Crazy Love" made our list of the 10 Best Van Morrison Songs of All Time.
The song was released on Morrison's 1970 album, 'Moondance', and quickly became a fan favorite. Its soothing vocals and romantic lyrics have resonated with audiences for over five decades. Morrison's distinct vocal style carries great emotional weight, adding gravity to each line he sings.
"Crazy Love" captures the feeling of falling head-over-heels in love perfectly, making it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions. The song's opening piano riff sets an instantly recognizable tone that draws listeners in from the very first note. Its timeless arrangement keeps it relevant even after all these years.
If you're looking for a song that embodies pure love in its most unadulterated form, then "Crazy Love" is sure to deliver. Its simple yet powerful message will touch your heart and remind you why love is worth fighting for.
For those who haven't heard this classic tune before, we highly recommend giving it a listen. Get lost in the sweet sounds of Van Morrison's voice, let the lyrics wash over you, and allow yourself to fall under this beautiful song's spell.
Van Morrison's 'Tupelo Honey' is sweeter than honey itself, with lyrics that will make your heart melt faster than a stick of butter on a stack of pancakes.
3. Tupelo Honey
This selection covers the third best Van Morrison song, known by a Semantic NLP variation of "Tupelo Honey." The track showcases Morrison's gift for soulful ballads and his ability to combine folk, blues, and gospel into one seamless sound. With its honeyed vocals and poetic lyrics, "Tupelo Honey" is a timeless classic that has attracted fans for generations. It paints a vivid picture of love in bloom and captures the warmth of southern summer nights.
The song features an acoustic guitar riff that sets the scene for the rest of the instrumentation to come in. One unique aspect is that it also uses horns and strings to add richness to the melody. The contrast between the softness of Morrison's voice and the swelling orchestration creates an unforgettable auditory experience.
Though several versions exist, each with minor lyrical or instrumental differences, they all showcase how powerful storytelling can be through music.
To appreciate this song fully, listen to it while enjoying some Tupelo honey itself. The subtle sweetness will match perfectly with Morrison's warm tender vocals and poetic lyrics – creating a lasting memory worth remembering.
Days like this make me thankful for Van Morrison's ability to put our rollercoaster emotions into soulful melodies.
4. Days Like This
This track showcases Van Morrison's unique blend of soulful blues and rock. The lyrics convey a feeling of contentment with life's simple pleasures, whilst the upbeat melody inspires a sense of joy and optimism. The instrumentation artfully layers guitar riffs over soft piano chords to create a cheerful, yet mellow vibe that will lift your spirits.
'Days Like This' is a timeless classic that has become synonymous with summertime vibes and road trip playlists. It remains one of Morrison's most popular tracks amongst fans and has received critical acclaim for its universal appeal. Its inclusion on this list speaks volumes about its place amongst Van Morrison's greatest hits.
Pro Tip: For an even greater appreciation of 'Days Like This', listen to it on a sunny day whilst driving with the windows down – there's no better way to experience the true spirit of the track!
Van Morrison takes us on a mystical journey with 'Into The Mystic', which is basically the musical equivalent of a shamanic ritual but with better acoustics.
5. Into The Mystic
This track is a masterpiece of Van Morrison's creativity, evocative of artistic imagination. The essence of '5. Into The Mystic' revolves around the mystique and awe-inspiring surrealism that captivates the listener. It’s a song that stands the test of time as an all-time classic and one that resonates on so many different levels with its hypnotic sound.
He starts the song with celestial imagery as he sings about a voyage into the mystic, transcending space and time to explore ethereal planes. As he marvels at his surroundings, all his senses ignite in harmony with nature's beauty manifesting itself before him. Alluring harp melodies blend beautifully with mystical acoustic guitar sounds, bringing everything full circle and completing this otherworldly experience for anyone listening.
This is one of Van Morrison's most celebrated tracks for a reason – it summons endless emotions (awe, mysticism, wistfulness) in even those who think they might be immune to such things. It stands as a testament to his exceptional abilities as a songwriter and musician.
Pro Tip: Listen to this song when you're feeling low or uninspired. The soulful lyrics and haunting melody guarantee to lift your spirits.
If you're a dweller on the threshold of boredom, let Van Morrison's sixth best song transport you to a world of soulful melodies and poetic lyrics.
6. Dweller on The Threshold
The sixth track on the list explores Van Morrison's fascination with spiritual themes through poetic lyrics and experimental instrumentals. 'Dweller on The Threshold' delves into the idea of facing one's fears and reflects on the transcendental experience of living in harmony with the universe.
The haunting vocals and mystical ambiance beautifully complement each other, creating a powerful atmosphere that touches the soul. As one of Van Morrison's lesser-known songs, 'Dweller on The Threshold' deserves recognition for its depth and artistic value.
Listeners will find themselves lost in thought as they immerse themselves in this enchanting track. With its profound message and unique sound, 'Dweller on The Threshold' is undoubtedly a gem in Van Morrison's repertoire.
Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to his music, this is a song that should not be missed out on experiencing. Let yourself be moved by its beauty and delve into the rich symbolism within the lyrics – it may just change your perspective on life itself.
Van Morrison's 'In The Garden' is the perfect song to listen to when you want to feel like you're in a dreamy meadow, but can't actually be bothered to leave your couch.
7. In The Garden
As the seventh best Van Morrison song of all time, 'In The Garden' is a masterpiece that showcases his remarkable talent and vocal range.
- Morrison's iconic voice takes center stage in this soulful ballad
- The song combines classic gospel motifs with Celtic and R&B influences
- 'In The Garden' features beautiful lyrics that offer a glimpse into the singer's spiritual side
- It is known to be a fan favorite at his live performances due to its emotional power and stirring melody
A noteworthy detail about 'In The Garden' is its unique religious imagery, which reflects Morrison's fascination with transcendence.
Once, during one of his concerts, while playing 'In The Garden', Morrison stopped singing mid-verse as he was overcome with emotion. He stood there silently for almost a minute while the audience watched in hushed reverence before he regained his composure and continued singing. This unforgettable moment captures the raw intensity of Morrison's music and cements 'In The Garden''s place as one of his greatest songs.
Van Morrison croons about his love for a girl with brown eyes, but let's be real, we love this song for its catchy melody and sing-along chorus.
8. Brown Eyed Girl
One of Van Morrison's most popular hits, this iconic tune showcases the tender yet upbeat nature of his songs. "She was a day tripper, a Sunday driver, yeah." The lyrics perfectly capture the essence of young love and nostalgia and are accompanied by an infectious melody that will keep you tapping your feet. It's no surprise that "Brown Eyed Girl" still remains one of the most beloved tracks in music history.
Listeners can't help but get swept up in Morrison's soulful delivery as he sings about youthful romance. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it one of those tunes that will have you singing along in no time. Additionally, the guitar work on this track is impressive and adds to the overall feel-good vibe. Brown-eyed girls everywhere can appreciate this timeless classic.
If you're looking for a jam that exemplifies everything there is to love about Van Morrison, look no further than "Brown Eyed Girl." This song has endured for decades and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
Don't miss out on experiencing the magic of "Brown Eyed Girl" – add it to your playlist today and let yourself be transported back to simpler times when young love reigned supreme.
Even if you don't believe in soulmates, listening to 'Someone Like You' by Van Morrison will make you believe in the power of love.
9. Someone Like You
This track from Van Morrison's album 'Poetic Champions Compose' offers a soulful, romantic vibe. The lyrics depict the longing of a person for their lost love. The calmness in Van Morrison's voice perfectly captures the emotions of someone reminiscing about their past relationship. It's a beautiful track perfect for any melancholic mood.
'Someone Like You' is one of Van Morrison's more mellow tracks, but what sets it apart is how it makes you feel deeply emotional without being too heavy-handed in its approach. The use of instruments like the saxophone and piano add to its smooth melody, which makes it an instant classic.
A lesser-known fact about this song is that despite its popularity, it was never released as a single. Nonetheless, because of the striking impact it had upon audiences worldwide, Van has performed this song many times throughout his career.
Pro Tip: When listening to this song, allow yourself to be swept away by its tranquilizing pull but tread lightly when using it in your next playlist as it can easily overpower other songs with more energetic vibes.
Van Morrison's 'Have I Told You Lately' is the perfect song to play for your significant other, or your dog if you're single and need someone to appreciate your love.
10. Have I Told You Lately
One of Van Morrison's classic pieces is an all-time favorite, reminding listeners to cherish the loved ones in their lives. The song's serene tune and heartfelt lyrics remind us of the beauty in expressing gratitude for those whom we hold dear. This touching piece has resonated with fans for decades, and its timeless message still rings true. Its popularity among audiences has made it a must-listen on any Van Morrison playlist.
As one of Van Morrison's most beloved songs, this touching piece showcases his masterful skills as a songwriter and musician. The song speaks to people from all walks of life and reminds them of the importance of expressing appreciation towards the ones they cherish most. Its gentle melody paired with its evocative lyrics make it a perfect choice for weddings, anniversaries or graduations.
What distinguishes "Have I Told You Lately" from others on this list is its ability to evoke strong emotions while maintaining its sentimental tone throughout. Fans appreciate the delicate balance struck between sentimentality and soulfulness that characterizes many of Morrison's works.
For those who have yet to listen to "Have I Told You Lately," do yourself a favor and give this masterpiece a spin. you won't want to miss out on the chance to experience one of Van Morrison's greatest works firsthand – don't wait!
Samuel Moore 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.
