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Van Morrison is one of the most prolific and influential singer-songwriters of the 20th century, known for his distinctive blend of rock, folk, blues, R&B, and soul. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1945, Morrison rose to fame as the lead singer of the band Them in the 1960s before embarking on a successful solo career. With a career spanning over five decades, Morrison has released over 40 albums and earned numerous awards and accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In this article, we will explore the top 11 best Van Morrison songs that you are sure to love. From his early hits like “Gloria” and “Brown Eyed Girl” to his soulful ballads like “Into the Mystic” and “Crazy Love,” Morrison’s music has touched the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list will showcase some of his most iconic and beloved tracks, highlighting his talent as a songwriter, vocalist, and performer. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the best of Van Morrison.
1. Into the Mystic
“Into the Mystic” is a song by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, originally released in 1970 on his album “Moondance.” The song has since become one of Morrison’s most beloved tracks, known for its dreamy, mystical atmosphere and uplifting lyrics. The song’s melody is built around a simple acoustic guitar riff, while Morrison’s soulful vocals soar over lush strings, woodwinds, and a gentle groove. The lyrics evoke a sense of spiritual longing and a connection to nature, as Morrison sings about “being born again” and “heading into the mystic.” The song’s timeless quality has made it a favorite among fans and critics alike, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
2. Brown Eyed Girl
“Brown Eyed Girl” is a classic rock song by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1967. The song features Morrison’s signature blend of folk, rock, and soul, with a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and sing-along chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a young man’s memories of a summer romance with a “brown-eyed girl,” and the nostalgic tone of the song has made it a timeless classic. The song’s breezy, feel-good vibe has made it a favorite at parties and weddings, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years. Despite its popularity, “Brown Eyed Girl” has also been controversial due to its lyrics, which some have criticized as sexist or objectifying towards women.
3. Days Like This
“Days Like This” is a soulful track by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1995 on his album of the same name. The song features Morrison’s distinctive blend of R&B, blues, and jazz, with a warm, uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics about finding joy and hope even in the midst of life’s challenges. The song’s message is one of resilience and optimism, with Morrison singing, “When you don’t need to worry, there’ll be days like this.” The song has since become a fan favorite and a staple of Morrison’s live shows, showcasing his enduring talent for crafting timeless, heartfelt music.
4. Bright Side of the Road
“Bright Side of the Road” is a classic track by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1979 on his album “Into the Music.” The song features Morrison’s trademark blend of R&B, soul, and folk, with a joyful, upbeat melody and optimistic lyrics about the power of music to lift the spirits and bring people together. The song’s infectious groove, buoyant horns, and soulful vocals have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Morrison’s live shows. The song has also been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its place as one of Morrison’s most beloved and enduring tracks.
5. Gloria
“Gloria” is a rock classic by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1964 when he was still the lead singer of the band Them. The song features a catchy, driving rhythm and Morrison’s distinctive growling vocals, with lyrics about a woman named Gloria who “shakes her hips and walks” and drives the singer wild. The song’s rebellious spirit and raw energy made it an instant hit and a favorite of fans and critics alike. It has since become a rock and roll standard, covered by countless artists over the years and remaining a staple of classic rock radio.
6. Crazy Love
“Crazy Love” is a soulful ballad by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1970 on his album “Moondance.” The song features Morrison’s signature blend of folk, rock, and soul, with a gentle melody, lush string arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics about the power of love. The song’s romantic, tender tone has made it a popular choice for weddings and slow dances, while Morrison’s soulful vocals have made it a favorite among his fans. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its place as one of Morrison’s most beloved and enduring tracks.
7. Moondance
“Moondance” is a jazz-infused classic by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1970 on his album of the same name. The song features Morrison’s signature blend of folk, rock, and soul, with a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and romantic lyrics about dancing in the moonlight with a lover. The song’s lush horns, jazzy flute, and Morrison’s soulful vocals create a dreamy, magical atmosphere, capturing the essence of the title’s lunar theme. The song has since become a fan favorite and a staple of Morrison’s live shows, cementing its place as one of his most iconic and beloved tracks.
8. And It Stoned Me
“And It Stoned Me” is a poignant ballad by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1970 on his album “Moondance.” The song features Morrison’s signature blend of folk, rock, and soul, with a gentle, introspective melody and nostalgic lyrics about a childhood memory of being caught in a rainstorm and finding shelter in a friend’s home. The song’s bittersweet tone and Morrison’s emotive vocals capture the wistful longing of the lyrics, while the song’s gospel-inspired backing vocals add a sense of transcendence and hope. The song has since become a fan favorite and a testament to Morrison’s enduring talent as a songwriter and performer.
9. Sweet Thing
“Sweet Thing” is a romantic ballad by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1968 on his album “Astral Weeks.” The song features Morrison’s signature blend of folk, jazz, and soul, with a slow, dreamy melody and poetic lyrics about a lover who is both beautiful and enigmatic. The song’s gentle instrumentation, including acoustic guitar and flute, creates a sense of intimacy and tenderness, while Morrison’s emotive vocals convey the passion and longing of the lyrics. “Sweet Thing” is a testament to Morrison’s ability to capture the complexities of human relationships with sensitivity and depth, making it a beloved classic among his fans and one of the most enduring tracks from his legendary career.
10. Why Must I Always Explain?
“Why Must I Always Explain?” is a soulful track by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1991 on his album “Hymns to the Silence.” The song features Morrison’s distinctive blend of R&B, blues, and gospel, with a slow, contemplative melody and lyrics about the frustration of feeling misunderstood in a relationship. The song’s emotive vocals and gentle instrumentation create a sense of vulnerability and introspection, capturing the raw emotion of the lyrics. The song showcases Morrison’s talent for crafting deeply personal, soulful music that speaks to the human experience, cementing his place as one of the most influential and enduring artists of his generation.
11. Wild Night
“Wild Night” is a lively rock and roll track by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1971 on his album “Tupelo Honey.” The song features Morrison’s signature blend of rock, R&B, and soul, with a driving rhythm and catchy, upbeat melody that exudes energy and excitement. The lyrics celebrate the joy and abandon of a night spent with a lover, with Morrison’s trademark raspy vocals delivering the message with a sense of fun and playfulness. “Wild Night” is a perfect example of Morrison’s ability to infuse his music with a sense of infectious enthusiasm and pure joy, making it one of his most beloved and enduring tracks.
