Van Morrison Classics

‘Wild Night’, Tupelo Honey

Thanks to an incessant rhythm and great lyrics, this manages to take what ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ does – evoke the spirit and energy of 60s Belfast – and do it better. Well, that’s what my parents say and they should know. They were there.

‘Moondance’, Moondance

One of his best-loved tracks, and his big break into the mainstream, thanks to its infectious tune, emotive lyrics and perfectly-judged tone. ‘Moondance’ is undoubtedly a song that warrants, and utterly deserves, the title “classic”.

‘Carrying a Torch’, Hymns to the Silence

A lesser known track from an early nineties album, this is less jazzy and more melodic than early Van, but the mellow tune is underpinned by shining lyrics and a sweeping chorus.

‘Tupelo Honey’, Tupelo Honey

Perfectly capturing the spirit of a particular time, this showcases one of Van’s strongest vocal performances, convincing us with every note of the depth of his feelings. Add in a brilliant melody and some talented musicians and you get one of the most memorable songs of my childhood.

‘The Way Young Lovers Do’, Astral Weeks

This is one of my all-time favourite Van Morrison songs. I can’t quite put my finger on why: maybe it’s the unusual jazz rhythm; maybe it’s the heady lyrics depicting young love; or maybe it’s all the saxophones. Whatever it is, I can’t stop listening to it.

‘And It Stoned Me’, Moondance

Based on a real childhood experience while fishing with a friend, the nostalgic opening track of one of Van the Man’s best albums lets you know from the off that you are in the presence of greatness.

‘Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile)’, Saint Dominic's Preview

It’s just such so happy. Listen to it, and you will instantly find yourself smiling. Go on, do it.

‘Have I Told You Lately?’, Avalon Sunset

Of all the love songs Van Morrison has written, this is the best, effectively and beautifully conveying both the enduring and everyday nature of real love. Undoubtedly my favourite version is Morrison’s collaboration with legendary Irish folkies The Chieftains on their album Long Black Veil.

‘Caravan’, Moondance

This tribute to the power of the radio is classic example of some of Van’s best work from this period: jazzy, evocative, sax-heavy and joyous. The ascending note section in the middle is so simple, and yet I stop to relish it every time I listen to this song.

‘Sweet Thing’, Astral Weeks

Quite simply one of his best songs from one of his best albums, combining all the elements that make his earliest work so brilliant to create a slice of jazzy, 60s perfection that can be listened to over and over again.

‘Gloria’, The Angry Young Them

Though this was originally recorded as part of Them, Van used this for years to close his live sets. And you can see why: it’s a rousing bit of 60s pop, with an incessant guitar riff and instantly memorable chorus.

‘Orangefield’, Avalon Sunset

“On a throne of Ulster day” is probably one of my favourite song lyrics ever. The real Orangefield is an industrial area of east Belfast, but this song transforms it into a beautiful and magical backdrop for falling in love. Such is the all-encompassing power of Van Morrison.

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