Moondance

by Van Morrison

Moondance cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: January聽27,聽1970
  • Label: Warner Bros., Warner Bros. - Seven Arts
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Length: 38:50
  • Community rating: 4.62/5 from 11 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Departing from the abstract folk-jazz of its predecessor, 'Moondance' presented a more commercially accessible collection of formally structured songs that blended R&B, soul, pop, and Irish folk traditions. Self-produced by Morrison, the album is defined by its lively, horn-driven arrangements and spontaneous studio feel, with his expressive vocals exploring worldly themes of spiritual renewal, nature, and romantic love. This optimistic and artfully crafted approach on tracks like the title song and "Into the Mystic" secured major critical and commercial success, establishing the album as a cornerstone of 1970s radio and a defining work in Morrison's career.

Genres

Descriptors: rhythmic, lounge, acoustic, soulful, party, folk, storytelling, melodic, piano

Tracklist

  1. And It Stoned Me (04:32)
  2. Moondance (04:34)
  3. Crazy Love (02:35)
  4. Caravan (05:00)
  5. Into the Mystic (03:25)
  6. Come Running (02:31)
  7. These Dreams of You (03:51)
  8. Brand New Day (05:10)
  9. Everyone (03:32)
  10. Glad Tidings (03:40)

Credits

  • Van Morrison - vocals, rhythm guitar, tambourine, writer, producer
  • Judy Clay - backing vocals
  • Emily Houston - backing vocals
  • Jackie Verdell - backing vocals
  • John Platania - lead guitar, rhythm guitar
  • Jef Labes - piano, organ, clavinet
  • John Klingberg - bass guitar
  • Gary Mallaber - drums, percussion, vibraphone
  • Guy Masson - conga drums, congas
  • Jack Schroer - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
  • Collin Tilton - tenor saxophone, flute
  • Lewis Merenstein - executive-producer
  • Shelly Yakus - engineer
  • Elliot Scheirer - engineer
  • Neil Schwartz - engineer
  • Steve Friedberg - engineer
  • Tony May - engineer
  • Bob Cato - design
  • Elliott Landy - photography

More from Van Morrison: full discography