Van Morrison’s songs move from the sharp R&B of Them to romantic ballads, swinging jazz, and long, reflective performances. These 20 choices offer several ways into his catalogue, whether you are starting with “Brown Eyed Girl” or looking for something to play next.
1. “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison
A gentle acoustic opening leaves room for Morrison’s voice to build, with the horns giving the song its warm lift. The sailing imagery makes it feel like a journey toward someone or somewhere deeply familiar. Start here if you prefer his reflective, soulful side to a fast singalong.
2. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Bright guitar lines and an easy rhythm make this an inviting first stop in Morrison’s catalogue. Underneath that cheerful surface, he looks back on young love and shared memories. It is a natural choice for a relaxed party playlist, especially when you want a chorus people can join.
3. “Moondance” by Van Morrison
The swinging rhythm of “Moondance” gives its romantic invitation a playful confidence. Piano, bass, and wind instruments keep the arrangement moving without crowding the vocal. Try this one when you want to hear the jazz influence in Morrison’s songwriting rather than another straight-ahead rock performance.
4. “Astral Weeks” by Van Morrison
The title track of Astral Weeks takes its time, letting acoustic guitar, bass, and flute move around the vocal. Its images suggest transformation and longing without spelling everything out. Give it an uninterrupted listen: the interest is in the shifting phrases and atmosphere as much as any repeated hook.
5. “Wild Night” by Van Morrison
“Wild Night” is all movement, from its clipped guitar figures to the brisk rhythm underneath Morrison’s singing. The song turns getting ready and stepping out into the promise of an exciting evening. It is a good next choice if “Brown Eyed Girl” has left you wanting something more energetic.
6. “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison
Morrison softens his delivery for this intimate love song from Moondance. The gentle accompaniment keeps the focus on affection and reassurance, giving it a very different mood from the album’s title track. Put it on a quiet evening playlist when a big, dramatic ballad would feel too much.
7. “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison
The slow build of “Tupelo Honey” gives Morrison room to stretch out his declaration of love. Its sweetness comes with a sturdy band arrangement, so it never feels fragile. Choose this one for a longer, unhurried listen that brings together the warmth of soul and the ease of country.
8. “Sweet Thing” by Van Morrison
“Sweet Thing” captures the hopeful rush of imagining a future with someone. The phrases keep reaching forward, giving the song a restless energy even within its gentle setting. It is a useful bridge between Morrison’s familiar love songs and the more open-ended writing found on Astral Weeks.
9. “Domino” by Van Morrison
A sharp horn arrangement and an insistent rhythm give “Domino” its punch. Morrison’s vocal treats the beat as something to bounce against, with short phrases that keep the momentum up. The live performance here makes an enjoyable contrast with the softer songs on this list and brings the band into focus.
10. “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison
This ballad expresses gratitude for the comfort and happiness another person brings. Morrison leaves space around the words, letting the melody carry the feeling without a crowded arrangement. If you know the song through another singer, his own recording is worth hearing for its calm, understated delivery.
11. “Caravan” by Van Morrison
“Caravan” turns the sound of the radio into part of its sense of freedom and escape. The band keeps the groove rolling while Morrison shifts between gentle phrases and more forceful calls. Listen to how the arrangement builds: the excitement comes from repetition, changing intensity, and the pull of the rhythm.
12. “Days Like This” by Van Morrison
The relaxed groove of “Days Like This” suits a song about appreciating the moments when life feels right. Its appeal is in that modest scale, with everyday contentment taking the place of a huge declaration. Try it for a morning playlist or a gentle lift after one of Morrison’s moodier tracks.
13. “Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)” by Van Morrison
Morrison packs a burst of romantic excitement into this lively tribute to the spirit of soul music. The vocal sounds eager to get ahead of itself, while the horns help keep everything buoyant. It is a strong choice when you want a short, cheerful track that shows how much fun his music can be.
14. “Bright Side of the Road” by Van Morrison
“Bright Side of the Road” pairs a springy rhythm with a direct appeal for companionship and better times. It is easy to enjoy on the first listen, yet Morrison’s phrasing gives the familiar sentiments character. Place it beside “Days Like This” for two different takes on his optimistic side.
15. “And It Stoned Me” by Van Morrison
A day outdoors becomes something absorbing and almost dreamlike in “And It Stoned Me.” Water, weather, and small encounters provide the images, while the music lets the recollection unfold at an easy pace. It is one to try if you enjoy songs that find wonder in ordinary experiences.
16. “Gloria” by Them
Morrison’s work with Them belongs in any introduction to his singing, and “Gloria” supplies the rougher edge. A repeating guitar pattern and a shouted, spelled-out refrain make it direct and forceful. Hear it after a polished solo ballad to appreciate how differently he could use that unmistakable voice.
17. “Here Comes the Night” by Them
Another Them recording, “Here Comes the Night” gives Morrison a jealous, heartsick story to tell. The music’s catchy lift sits against the narrator’s discomfort as he sees someone he loves with another person. That tension makes it an interesting early companion to his later songs about longing.
18. “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison
The patient pace of “Someone Like You” fits its feeling of finally finding a person after a long search. The arrangement stays gentle, allowing Morrison’s voice to carry the sense of relief. Choose it for the romantic end of a playlist, where its warmth can settle rather than compete with louder songs.
19. “Real Real Gone” by Van Morrison
“Real Real Gone” picks up the pace with a bright, driving soul sound. Morrison moves through his phrases with an exuberance that makes the song feel ready for a full band onstage. It works especially well after several ballads when you want to bring some bounce back to the listening session.
20. “Enlightenment” by Van Morrison
The title of “Enlightenment” sounds certain, but the song keeps questioning what understanding really amounts to. Morrison delivers those thoughts over a relaxed setting that leaves them room to linger. It is a thoughtful closing choice, and a reminder to explore beyond the biggest radio favourites.
Final Thoughts
For an easy starting run, play “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance,” and “Into the Mystic” together. Then follow the mood that interests you: Them for a rawer sound, Astral Weeks for a longer drift, or the ballads for a quieter evening.
Featured Image Credits (Top): Bengt Oberger, CC BY-SA 4.0
Featured Image Credits (Bottom): Chief Bulldeer, CC BY 2.0
