Van Morrison – Moondance

Moondance, released in 1970, is Van Morrison’s third solo album and a luminous pivot toward a jazz-inflected, soulful pop sound. The record combines rhythmic subtlety with melodic warmth, integrating horns, piano, and subtle percussion to support Morrison’s expressive voice and poetic lyrics. Songs like “And It Stoned Me,” “Caravan,” and “Into the Mystic” weave images of nature, spiritual yearning, and romantic mystery, while his phrasing shifts between intimacy and confident swing. The album feels both grounded and expansive: accessible enough for radio, yet rich in layers for repeated listening. Moondance stands as a defining moment in Morrison’s evolution—less austere than Astral Weeks but more focused in delivery. It balances commercial ambition with artistic depth. Over the decades, it’s been celebrated as a classic of its era, often cited in “best of” lists and frequently sampled, covered, and referenced. Its grooves and lyrical moods remain influential, securing its place as one of Van Morrison’s most enduring and beloved works.

Reviews

“Moondance remains a peerless blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, and poetry” – Pitchfork

“Musikalisch weniger freigeistig als ‘Astral Weeks’, war ‘Moondance’ eine Rückbesinnung auf Morrisons Wurzeln im Rhythm & Blues” – Rolling Stone