Few artists have captured the soul of music quite like Van Morrison. With a voice that swings between raw passion and delicate tenderness, Morrison has spent decades crafting songs that transcend time, genre, and generation. From the poetic mysticism of Into the Mystic to the youthful joy of Brown Eyed Girl, his catalog is a rich tapestry of spiritual searching, romantic longing, and rhythmic brilliance. Whether he’s channeling jazz, folk, blues, or soul, Morrison’s music always feels deeply personal—yet universally resonant. His ability to blend storytelling with melody has earned him a place among the songwriting greats, influencing countless artists across the musical spectrum.
In this article, we dive into the Top 10 Most Popular Van Morrison Songs of All Time—a curated list celebrating the tracks that have defined his legacy and captured the hearts of fans around the world. These are the songs that have filled dance floors, soundtracked first loves, and echoed through the decades with undiminished power. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or just discovering the magic of Van the Man, this list is your gateway to the songs that made him a legend. Turn up the volume and take the journey—you’re in for something extraordinary.
1. “Brown Eyed Girl” (1967)
Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is a sunshine-soaked staple of classic rock radio—a song that instantly conjures memories of first loves, backyard barbecues, and dancing barefoot on hot summer nights. Released in 1967 on his debut solo album Blowin’ Your Mind!, it marked Morrison’s breakout moment after leaving the band Them. From the first jangly guitar riff, “Brown Eyed Girl” hooks you with its upbeat charm and catchy chorus that generations of fans can’t help but sing along to. Morrison’s voice—rough around the edges but bursting with soul—brings a warmth and honesty to the tale of innocent romance and youthful freedom. Yet behind the carefree melody lies a deeper story: the original lyrics, which included the title “Brown-Skinned Girl,” were changed, reportedly for commercial appeal. Despite behind-the-scenes struggles with record label disputes, the song endured and evolved into an enduring cultural touchstone. It’s been played at weddings, in movie soundtracks, and on countless car stereos, a true testament to its universal appeal. More than just a feel-good hit, “Brown Eyed Girl” captures a wistful longing for simpler times—and in doing so, it became one of the most beloved tracks of the 20th century.
2. “Moondance” (1970)
“Moondance” is one of Van Morrison’s most elegant and effortlessly cool creations—a song that glides between genres with charm and sophistication. Released as the title track of his 1970 album, it signaled a major artistic evolution. Gone was the psychedelic experimentation of earlier work; in its place came a fusion of jazz, soul, and pop wrapped in a romantic nocturne. The song opens with a walking bassline and swinging piano that set a smooth, smoky mood, while the sultry saxophone solo adds an air of after-hours intimacy. Morrison’s vocals are confident and smooth, capturing the quiet excitement of a moonlit rendezvous. His lyrics paint a vivid picture of autumn nights and dancing under the stars, and every phrase feels like a line from a jazz-era love poem. Though it wasn’t released as a single until years later, “Moondance” gained momentum through live performances and radio play, eventually becoming one of his most iconic songs. Its charm lies in its balance—sensual but not overdone, musically rich yet easy to digest. It’s the kind of song that feels timeless, equally at home in a smoky lounge or a candlelit living room.
3. “Into the Mystic” (1970)
“Into the Mystic” is pure musical soul food—a serene, spiritual journey wrapped in gentle melodies and poetic imagery. Released on Moondance in 1970, it stands out as one of Van Morrison’s most transcendent and beloved songs. It opens with a soft acoustic strum and the subtle swell of horns, immediately inviting listeners into a meditative soundscape. Morrison’s voice is rich with emotion, and his lyrics seem to exist between the physical and metaphysical worlds: “We were born before the wind, also younger than the sun.” The song isn’t just about a voyage across the sea—it’s about returning to something eternal, something deeply human and sacred. Its themes of surrender, peace, and spiritual awakening have made it a go-to for weddings, memorials, and quiet reflection. Over the decades, it’s taken on almost mythic status among Morrison fans, capturing his rare ability to merge mysticism with emotional intimacy. There’s nothing flashy about “Into the Mystic”—no big choruses or soaring solos—just a gentle tide that carries you inward. More than 50 years after its release, it still feels like a timeless whisper from the soul, one that asks us to listen closely and let go.
4. “Domino” (1970)
“Domino” is Van Morrison at his most exuberant and infectious—a brassy, soul-drenched celebration that leaps out of the speakers with uncontainable energy. Released in 1970 on the album His Band and the Street Choir, the song became his highest-charting single in the U.S., peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Fats Domino, one of Morrison’s musical heroes, and it pulses with the spirit of classic New Orleans R&B. From the opening horn blasts to the joyous gospel-style backing vocals, “Domino” is a groove-heavy party, driven by a tight rhythm section and Morrison’s playful, punchy delivery. The lyrics are loose and spirited, capturing the feel of a jam session more than a structured pop song—which is part of its charm. It’s an anthem of spontaneity and good vibes, a reminder that sometimes the most powerful music is the kind that simply makes you move. Whether you’re dancing alone in your kitchen or watching Morrison tear it up live, “Domino” is impossible to resist. It’s proof that beneath Morrison’s often introspective and mystical leanings lies a deep and joyous love for rhythm and blues.
5. “And It Stoned Me” (1970)
With “And It Stoned Me,” Van Morrison captures a kind of magic that’s hard to explain but instantly felt—a spiritual high born not from substance, but from the purity of experience. Opening his landmark 1970 album Moondance, the song feels like a warm recollection of a perfect day from Morrison’s childhood in Northern Ireland. He weaves a story of a fishing trip, a rainstorm, and a glass of water offered by a kind stranger, yet the song feels anything but mundane. “It stoned me just like jelly roll,” he sings, describing the rush of wonder that such small moments can spark. The phrase “stoned” here refers to being overcome with awe, lifted by the simple pleasures of youth and nature. Musically, it’s rich with acoustic textures, mellow horns, and a rolling rhythm that carries you along like the stream he sings about. Morrison’s voice is full of fondness and quiet reverence, turning a personal memory into something universal. It’s a reminder that beauty is often hiding in the everyday—and if you’re open to it, the world can leave you breathless in the best way.
6. “Tupelo Honey” (1971)
“Tupelo Honey” is Van Morrison’s tender ode to enduring love—a sweet, golden-toned ballad that has become one of his most cherished recordings. Released in 1971 as the title track of his sixth studio album, the song blends elements of country, soul, and folk to create a cozy, romantic atmosphere. The phrase itself—Tupelo honey—is a nod to one of nature’s rarest and most prized honeys, a metaphor for a love that’s pure, rare, and deeply nourishing. Morrison sings, “She’s as sweet as Tupelo honey, she’s an angel of the first degree,” with a sincerity that never feels overdone. His vocal is soft but full of conviction, and the band plays with a loose, organic grace—piano, organ, and guitar all gently circling around the vocal like a warm embrace. Though the album leans heavily into Americana textures, this song transcends genre. It’s been a favorite for weddings and slow dances for decades, but it also stands as one of Morrison’s most heartfelt tributes to romantic devotion. “Tupelo Honey” doesn’t just describe love—it radiates it, gently reminding us of the quiet power of loyalty, sweetness, and emotional steadiness.
7. “Wild Night” (1971)
“Wild Night” is Van Morrison’s electrifying invitation to shake off your inhibitions and dive headfirst into the pulse of the city after dark. Released in 1971 as the opening track on Tupelo Honey, it bursts open with a driving bassline and upbeat horn section that immediately signal a shift from the album’s otherwise mellow tone. It’s a song built for movement—restless, funky, and brimming with youthful urgency. Morrison’s vocal is loose and jubilant, full of swagger as he paints a scene of nightlife in full swing: neon lights, music in the air, and the excitement of not knowing where the night will take you. It’s a celebration of spontaneity and sensory thrill, an ode to letting go and embracing the unknown. The track gained renewed popularity in the ’90s thanks to a soulful cover by John Mellencamp and Meshell Ndegeocello, but the original remains a masterpiece of feel-good rock and roll energy. “Wild Night” is Morrison at his most playful and kinetic—a joyful detour that shows just how dynamic and versatile he could be.
8. “Caravan” (1970)
There’s something almost mystical about “Caravan,” a track that captures Van Morrison’s belief in music as a communal, almost spiritual force. Featured on Moondance (1970), the song is driven by a hypnotic groove, swirling horns, and Morrison’s fervent vocal performance. It’s a celebration of the power of music to connect people, no matter where they are: “Turn up your radio and let me hear the song,” he urges, inviting listeners into an imagined caravan of souls brought together by the airwaves. The song builds with a sense of momentum and euphoria, anchored by its dynamic rhythm and Morrison’s impassioned delivery. But it truly became legendary thanks to his fiery performance in The Last Waltz—the iconic 1978 concert film by The Band—where Morrison, in a purple jumpsuit, delivered a version so intense it nearly stole the entire show. “Caravan” isn’t just a song, it’s an experience—a traveling sermon on the gospel of rock and soul. It reminds us that music isn’t just background noise; it’s a shared ritual, a form of connection that transcends distance, language, and time.
9. “Crazy Love” (1970)
“Crazy Love” is Van Morrison stripped down to his emotional essence—a quiet, soulful expression of devotion that speaks volumes with its simplicity. Released on Moondance in 1970, the song forgoes big production in favor of a gentle, acoustic arrangement that allows every lyric to shine. “She gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love,” Morrison sings with quiet conviction, as if the sentiment is too sacred to shout. Backed by soft guitar, subtle piano, and sweet female harmonies, the track feels like a private confession whispered in the safety of a shared embrace. It’s not a song that demands attention—it earns it through vulnerability. There’s a timelessness here, a universal emotional truth that has made “Crazy Love” a fixture at weddings and intimate moments for decades. But it’s not just romantic; it’s comforting, soothing, and deeply human. Morrison’s delivery is raw yet tender, conveying both the fragility and power of unconditional love. In a catalog filled with mystical journeys and genre-bending epics, “Crazy Love” stands as a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the quietest moments are the most profound.
10. “Gloria” (1964 – with Them)
Before he became known for his poetic mysticism and genre fusion, Van Morrison lit the fuse on one of rock’s rawest anthems with “Gloria,” released in 1964 during his time fronting the Belfast band Them. A primal garage-rock classic, “Gloria” is built on just three chords and a rebellious swagger that helped shape the future of punk and alternative rock. The song’s iconic call-and-response chorus—“G-L-O-R-I-A”—is burned into the DNA of rock and roll, a shout-along rallying cry that has powered generations of garage bands. Morrison wrote the track as a teenager, and it shows—in the best way possible. There’s a youthful urgency, a smoldering lust, and an unpolished grit that give it an authenticity few songs can match. Although it started as the B-side to “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” “Gloria” quickly overshadowed its A-side, becoming a staple of rock playlists and a favorite for live covers. Everyone from The Doors to Patti Smith took a crack at it, but Morrison’s original remains untouchable. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest songs are the most powerful, especially when they’re delivered with heart, sweat, and a little bit of attitude.
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.
