Van Morrison is a legendary Irish musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer who has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. From his early days with the band Them to his prolific solo career, Morrison has delivered a plethora of timeless songs that resonate with audiences to this day. In this article, we will delve into the top 12 Van Morrison songs that showcase his unparalleled talent and musical genius.
1. “Brown Eyed Girl”
We start our list with the iconic “Brown Eyed Girl,” one of the most popular and enduring songs of all time. Originally titled “Brown Skinned Girl,” this beloved track captures the essence of youthful romance and nostalgia. With its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, “Brown Eyed Girl” has become a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. It’s no wonder that this Grammy Hall of Fame inductee remains Morrison’s signature song and his most streamed track on Spotify.
2. “Moondance”
The title track from Morrison’s acclaimed 1970 album, “Moondance,” takes a departure from his blues roots and embraces a jazzier sound. Driven by John Klingberg’s walking bass lines and featuring saxophone, flute, and piano, “Moondance” evokes a sense of sophistication and romance. 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. “Moondance” is widely regarded as one of Morrison’s greatest compositions and one of the best songs of the 1970s.
3. “Into the Mystic”
Next up is the enchanting and ethereal “Into the Mystic” from Morrison’s 1970 album, “Moondance.” This song takes listeners on a spiritual journey, with Morrison’s soulful vocals and poetic lyrics creating a sense of wonder and introspection. 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”
Another gem from Morrison’s 1970 album, “His Band and the Street Choir,” is the infectious and upbeat “Domino.” Paying tribute to one of the greats, Fats Domino, Morrison crafted a song that exudes pure joy and energy. With its irresistible rhythm and memorable hooks, “Domino” became one of Morrison’s highest-charting singles, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart4. “Domino” also solidified Morrison’s status as a musical force to be reckoned with and a master of blending different genres.
5. “Gloria”
One of the earliest and most influential songs by Morrison is “Gloria,” which he wrote and recorded with his band Them in 1964. This garage rock anthem features a simple but catchy three-chord riff and a chorus that consists of Morrison spelling out the name of his muse. 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.
6. “Have I Told You Lately”
“Have I Told You Lately” is a soulful ballad from Morrison’s 1989 album, “Avalon Sunset.” With its tender lyrics and heartfelt delivery, this track has become a staple in the realm of romantic songs. 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”
Another romantic ballad from Morrison’s 1970 album, “Moondance,” is “Crazy Love.” With its smooth and soothing vocals, this track expresses Morrison’s happiness and gratitude for finding true love. 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.
8. “Bright Side of the Road”
“Bright Side of the Road” is a cheerful and optimistic song from Morrison’s 1979 album, “Into the Music.” With its uplifting lyrics and lively melody, this track celebrates the joy of life and the power of positivity. 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” is the title track from Morrison’s 1971 album, which he dedicated to his then-wife Janet Planet. The song is a sweet and soulful ode to his love, comparing her to the rare and delicious honey produced by bees in Tupelo, Mississippi. The song features a slide guitar, a string section, and a backing vocal by Ellen Schroer. “Tupelo Honey” is widely regarded as one of Morrison’s most romantic and beautiful songs and has been covered by artists such as Dusty Springfield, Cassandra Wilson, and Bob Dylan.
10. “Days Like This”
We end our list with the sunny and upbeat “Days Like This” from Morrison’s 1995 album of the same name. This song captures the simple pleasures of life and the gratitude for the good days. With its catchy chorus and positive message, this track has become a feel-good anthem that inspires and uplifts listeners. 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. The song was also used as the theme song for the Northern Ireland peace talks in 1998.
11. “Baby Please Don’t Go”
One of the earliest and most influential songs by Morrison is “Baby Please Don’t Go,” which he wrote and recorded with his band Them in 1964. This garage rock anthem features a simple but catchy three-chord riff and a chorus that consists of Morrison spelling out the name of his muse. 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”
Another gem from Morrison’s 1970 album, “Moondance,” is the infectious and upbeat “Caravan.” Paying tribute to one of the greats, Fats Domino, Morrison crafted a song that exudes pure joy and energy. 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. “Caravan” also solidified Morrison’s status as a musical force to be reckoned with and a master of blending different genres. The song’s inclusion in the Band’s Last Waltz concert film, where Morrison performed alongside Robbie Robertson’s crew, further solidified its place in musical history.
In conclusion, Van Morrison’s discography is filled with countless memorable songs that have stood the test of time. The top 12 songs highlighted in this article represent just a fraction of his musical genius and serve as a testament to his unparalleled talent and creativity. Whether you find yourself captivated by the mystical allure of “Into the Mystic” or singing along to the infectious melodies of “Brown Eyed Girl,” there’s no denying the lasting impact of Van Morrison’s music. So, sit back, press play, and let the magic of his songs transport you to another world.
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