Van Morrison. The man. The myth. The guy who can turn a basic “la-la-la” into something spiritual.
With a career that spans genres like a kid running wild in a candy store, Van has given us hits that range from romantic ballads to introspective anthems.
From his garage rock roots with Them to the soul-searching solo artist we know today, here’s our (highly debatable but obviously correct) list of 12 Van Morrison songs that continue to mess with our emotions.
1. “Brown Eyed Girl”
Let’s just get it out of the way. Yeah, we know “Brown Eyed Girl” is the one everyone knows. Even Van is probably sick of it.
Originally called “Brown Skinned Girl” (but hey, marketing), this 1967 hit is the most popular Van Morrison song that refuses to fade away, even if it gets just a bit overplayed on every radio station known to humankind.
Fun fact: Van didn’t perform this song for years because he considered it a “throwaway.” Sorry, Van, the world had other plans.
This Grammy Hall of Fame inductee remains Morrison’s most streamed track on Spotify and is still one of the most requested tunes on classic rock radio.
2. “Moondance”
Van Morrison, meet jazz. “Moondance,” from the 1970 album of the same name, is that smooth, late-night track that makes you want to sip wine by candlelight, even if you’re really just microwaving pizza at 2 AM.
It takes takes a departure from his blues roots and embraces a jazzier sound.
Driven by those irresistible saxophones and John Klingberg’s walking bass lines, this one sneaks into the best songs of the 1970s and somehow makes us all feel classier than we actually are.
Morrison envisioned this track as something that would fit seamlessly into a Frank Sinatra set list, and its eventual release as a single seven years after the album’s debut only further cemented its status as a classic.
3. “Into the Mystic”
Next up is the enchanting and ethereal “Into the Mystic” from Morrison’s 1970 album, “Moondance.”
Here’s where Van turns spiritual, but in a totally approachable way.
“Into the Mystic” is what happens when you mix poetry with soul and then throw in a foghorn for good measure.
It’s a fan favourite, an obvious choice for wedding playlists, and honestly, who doesn’t want to “rock their gypsy soul”? (Even if you’re not sure what that means.)
This top Van Morrison song feels like floating into a dream you don’t want to wake up from.
The track underwent some changes before its final form, with two sets of lyrics and an alternate title, “Into the Misty.”
Ultimately, “Into the Mystic” became an instant classic and is widely regarded as one of Morrison’s most beautiful and profound songs.
4. “Domino”
Van’s tribute to Fats Domino is nothing short of joy in musical form.
“Domino” from Morrison’s 1970 album, “His Band and the Street Choir,” brings a swagger to the table that you don’t quite expect from a song that’s more than 50 years old.
It hit number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Morrison’s highest-charting singles—basically the track that made people realize, “Oh, this guy can do more than just make us cry.”
Van was mixing genres like cocktails before it was cool.
5. “Gloria”
G-L-O-R-I-A—need we say more? “Gloria” was one of Van’s early masterpieces with Them in 1964, a dirty, gritty anthem that still gets played in smoky bars everywhere (or at least in our imaginations).
It’s also been covered by pretty much everyone who’s ever picked up a guitar—from The Doors to Patti Smith—so it’s safe to say that Morrison’s garage rock legacy is forever secure.
The song became a hit in the UK and a cult classic in the US, where it was covered by numerous artists, such as The Doors, Patti Smith, and Bruce Springsteen.
“Gloria” is widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time and a precursor to punk rock.
The Evolution of Van Morrison: He Does What He Wants
Van Morrison has never played by the rules (or liked them, for that matter).
Starting off with Them, he moved through genres like a restless traveler.
One minute he’s belting out rock anthems, the next he’s dipping into spiritual ballads and jazz.
The man’s career is a mash-up of R&B, folk, jazz, and whatever else was lying around that day.
It’s why his music never gets old—there’s always something different waiting around the corner.
6. “Have I Told You Lately”
Oh, romantic ballads. “Have I Told You Lately” is that one you know, even if you don’t want to admit it.
It’s played at weddings, on MTV Unplugged (thanks, Rod Stewart), and at every other event where love is supposed to be in the air.
But surprise—it was originally written as a spiritual song. Who knew?
It just happens to work for those heart-shaped confetti moments too.
“Have I Told You Lately” is from Morrison’s 1989 album, “Avalon Sunset.”
The song was inspired by Morrison’s relationship with his then-wife, Michelle Rocca, and his spiritual awakening.
Over the years, “Have I Told You Lately” has been covered by artists such as Rod Stewart, who won a Grammy Award for his version, and Michael Bublé, who performed it at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“Have I Told You Lately” remains one of Morrison’s most beloved and successful songs, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart.
7. “Crazy Love”
Need a little love in your life? Cue up “Crazy Love” from the 1970 Moondance album.
This track is all about the warm fuzzies and has been covered by everyone from Ray Charles to Michael Bublé.
It’s soft, smooth, and sounds like a warm hug—which is a good thing because sometimes we all need a break from Van’s introspective side.
Plus, it’s one of the best Van Morrison songs to slow dance to (even if you’re dancing solo).
The song features a duet with his then-wife, Janet Planet, and a gospel-inspired chorus sung by the Sweet Inspirations.
Over the years, “Crazy Love” has been covered by artists such as Robbie Robertson, Aaron Neville, and Brian Kennedy, further cementing its status as a beloved classic.
Van’s Influence on Other Artists: The Musician’s Musician
You know you’ve made it when other musicians can’t stop covering your songs.
Van Morrison is the go-to guy for musicians who want to sprinkle a little soul into their set.
Rod Stewart pretty much owes his career to covering “Have I Told You Lately.”
The Doors made “Gloria” theirs, and don’t even get us started on how many wedding bands are playing “Crazy Love” at this very moment.
Van’s influence runs deep, and his music is still shaping artists today.
8. “Bright Side of the Road”
If “Bright Side of the Road” doesn’t make you tap your feet, check your pulse.
This 1979 track from Morrison’s 1979 album, “Into the Music” is one of his more upbeat tunes, perfect for those days when you need a little positivity but can’t stomach a motivational poster.
It’s breezy, it’s fun, and it’s got that Van Morrison charm that makes you forget it was released over four decades ago. Definitely a feel-good song in Van’s repertoire.
The song features a horn section, a piano solo, and a backing vocal by Katie Kissoon.
“Bright Side of the Road” became one of Morrison’s most popular and enduring songs, reaching number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 27 on the UK Singles Chart.
9. “Tupelo Honey”
“Tupelo Honey” the title track from Morrison’s 1971 album is the sound of love—no, really.
Van wrote this sweet, soulful track for his then-wife, Janet Planet (and yes, that was her name).
Comparing her to the rare and delicious honey produced by bees in Tupelo, Mississippi.
The 1971 song is a mix of folk, R&B, and that distinct Van flavour of simplicity that feels anything but simple.
It’s been covered by artists like Dusty Springfield and Cassandra Wilson, and it’s still one of Van Morrison’s most beautiful songs. Romance may fade, but “Tupelo Honey” is forever.
The song features a slide guitar, a string section, and a backing vocal by Ellen Schroer.
10. “Days Like This”
Not everything in Van’s catalog is deep and spiritual—sometimes he just wants to celebrate the good days.
“Days Like This” is the perfect song for when everything’s actually going right (a rare occurrence).
This track from 1995 even became the anthem for the Northern Ireland peace process.
Turns out, Van’s sunny optimism has some serious political power. Go figure.
The song features a saxophone solo by Pee Wee Ellis and a backing vocal by Brian Kennedy.
“Days Like This” became one of Morrison’s most successful and beloved songs, reaching number 32 on the UK Singles Chart and number five on the US Adult Contemporary Chart.
Van Morrison’s Cultural Impact: More Than Just Music
Van Morrison has never been one to shout about his influence, but it’s there.
His songs have been used everywhere from wedding ceremonies to Northern Ireland’s peace talks. His voice? Instantly recognisable. His music? Timeless.
Whether you’re lost in the fog of “Into the Mystic” or rolling along with “Domino,” there’s no denying Van’s music taps into something deeper.
Maybe that’s why it’s been relevant for over 50 years. Or maybe it’s just because “Brown Eyed Girl” is way too catchy.
11. “Baby Please Don’t Go”
Before Them gave us “Gloria,” they served up “Baby Please Don’t Go,” a cover of Big Joe Williams’ blues classic.
With its raw energy and Morrison’s gritty delivery, this track secured Van’s place in the rock pantheon.
Plus, it’s one of those songs that never stops feeling fresh, no matter how many times you hear it.
Fun fact: a then-unknown Jimmy Page played on this track. So yeah, rock history all over the place.
The song became a hit in the UK and a cult classic in the US, where it was covered by numerous artists, such as The Doors, Patti Smith, and Bruce Springsteen.
“Baby Please Don’t Go” is widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time and a precursor to punk rock.
12. “Caravan”
Rounding out the list is the infectious “Caravan,” a song that mixes joy, energy, and just a little bit of swagger.
Whether you’re listening to the studio version or watching Morrison tear it up with The Band in The Last Waltz, “Caravan” is one of those tracks that never fails to get you moving.
With its irresistible rhythm and memorable hooks, “Caravan” became one of Morrison’s highest-charting singles, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.
And don’t forget the iconic “turn up your radio” line—it’s an invitation to crank the volume and let loose. Because why not?
There you have it—the 12 best Van Morrison songs (in our totally unbiased opinion).
From the spiritual “Into the Mystic” to the raucous “Gloria,” there’s a song for every mood, every moment, and every existential crisis.
So go ahead, dive into the discography, and let Van’s music take you somewhere unexpected. Just don’t ask him to play “Brown Eyed Girl” live—he’s probably over it.
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