11 Underrated Van Morrison Songs:11 Rare Gems

Hey there, fellow music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, your go-to DJ and die-hard music fan. Today, I’m super excited to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: the underrated gems of Van Morrison.

Now, we all know Van Morrison for his iconic hits, but there’s so much more to his music than what’s typically in the spotlight. I’ve always been captivated by the depth and soulfulness of his lesser-known tracks, and I think it’s high time they get the recognition they deserve.

So, I’ve curated a list of 11 underrated Van Morrison songs that are absolute must-listens. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting into his music, these tracks are guaranteed to strike a chord.

Let’s embark on this musical journey together and uncover the hidden treasures of Van Morrison’s extensive and diverse catalog!

Here are the underrated Van Morrison songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Van Morrison Songs

Underrated Van Morrison songs in a list format:

1. “Tupelo Honey” – Tupelo Honey (1971, Warner Bros. Records)

“Tupelo Honey” is a testament to Van Morrison’s ability to blend soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics. This title track from the 1971 album released under Warner Bros. Records is a warm, comforting tune that wraps around you like a blanket of sweet melody. The song, featuring Morrison’s tender and expressive voice, is a love ballad extraordinaire. The reason it makes this list is its raw emotional depth, often overshadowed by his more popular hits. The blend of Morrison’s voice with the backing instruments creates a timeless sound that’s as fresh today as it was in the ’70s.

2. “Saint Dominic’s Preview” – Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972, Warner Bros. Records)

The title track from the 1972 album, “Saint Dominic’s Preview” stands out for its lyrical richness and musical complexity. This song showcases Morrison’s eclectic style, blending elements of jazz, R&B, and folk. The song’s narrative takes you on a journey, with each verse painting a vivid picture. What’s fascinating is the way Morrison weaves in and out of different musical styles throughout the song. It’s a hidden gem for its storytelling and musical experimentation, and it highlights Morrison’s prowess as a versatile artist.

3. “And It Stoned Me” – Moondance (1970, Warner Bros. Records)

From the iconic album “Moondance,” “And It Stoned Me” is a song that captures the spirit of childhood and the magic of simple moments. Released in 1970, this track is a seamless blend of folk and soul, a testament to Morrison’s ability to evoke nostalgia in his listeners. The reason for choosing this song is its subtle yet profound impact, often overshadowed by the more prominent tracks of the album. The song’s narrative, coupled with Morrison’s emotive delivery, creates a sense of intimacy that’s hard to come by.

4. “Almost Independence Day” – Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972, Warner Bros. Records)

This track from “Saint Dominic’s Preview” is an epic ten-minute musical journey. “Almost Independence Day” is notable for its atmospheric sound, created through a blend of folk, rock, and a hint of psychedelia. The song is a meditative piece, reflecting on themes of freedom and introspection. What makes this song stand out is its ambitious composition and the hauntingly beautiful Moog synthesizer, adding a unique texture to Morrison’s soulful vocals. It’s a masterpiece that deserves more spotlight for its innovative sound.

5. “Sweet Thing” – Astral Weeks (1968, Warner Bros. Records)

“Sweet Thing,” from the critically acclaimed “Astral Weeks” album, is a song that epitomizes the transcendent quality of Morrison’s music. Released in 1968, this track is a blend of folk, jazz, and classical influences, creating a sound that’s both ethereal and grounded. The song’s poetic lyrics and Morrison’s passionate vocals make it a standout track. Its inclusion in this list is due to its lyrical beauty and the seamless fusion of different musical styles, showcasing Morrison’s genius in a new light.

6. “Listen to the Lion” – Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972, Warner Bros. Records)

In “Listen to the Lion,” from the 1972 album “Saint Dominic’s Preview,” Morrison delves into a deep, soul-searching territory. This song stands out for its emotive power and the raw intensity of Morrison’s vocals. The track is an 11-minute odyssey into the heart of Morrison’s artistic vision, with a repetitive yet captivating melody that builds up to a powerful climax. It’s a mesmerizing piece that demonstrates Morrison’s ability to create a deeply personal and spiritually uplifting experience through music.

7. “Cul de Sac” – Veedon Fleece (1974, Warner Bros. Records)

From the lesser-known album “Veedon Fleece,” “Cul de Sac” is a beautifully crafted song that combines Morrison’s poetic lyricism with a rich, acoustic sound. Released in 1974, this track is a quiet, introspective piece that showcases Morrison’s skill as a storyteller. The song’s gentle melody and reflective lyrics create a serene atmosphere, making it a hidden treasure in Morrison’s discography. Its inclusion is due to its understated beauty and the emotional depth that Morrison brings to this contemplative track.

8. “Fair Play” – Veedon Fleece (1974, Warner Bros. Records)

“Fair Play” is a song that captures the essence of Van Morrison’s Irish roots. Featured on the “Veedon Fleece” album, this track is a tribute to Morrison’s homeland, with lyrical references to Irish culture and landscapes. The song’s folk-inspired melody and Morrison’s heartfelt vocals create a nostalgic and soulful atmosphere. It’s a gem for its cultural richness and the way it seamlessly blends personal narrative with a broader cultural context.

9. “The Philosopher’s Stone” – Back on Top (1999, Point Blank/Virgin)

Featured on the 1999 album “Back on Top,” “The Philosopher’s Stone” is a song that showcases Morrison’s reflective and philosophical side. This track is a blend of blues and folk, with Morrison’s voice taking center stage against a backdrop of simple yet effective instrumentation. The song’s introspective lyrics and the soulful melody make it a standout track, reflecting Morrison’s enduring ability to connect with his listeners on a deeper level.

10. “In the Garden” – No Guru, No Method, No Teacher (1986, Mercury Records)

From the 1986 album “No Guru, No Method, No Teacher,” “In the Garden” is a serene and meditative track. This song is a beautiful fusion of spiritual and poetic elements, with Morrison’s voice conveying a sense of peace and transcendence. The reason for its inclusion is the way it encapsulates Morrison’s spiritual journey through music, offering a contemplative and uplifting experience.

11. “Beside You” – Astral Weeks (1968, Warner Bros. Records)

Lastly, “Beside You” from the “Astral Weeks” album is a hauntingly beautiful song that combines Morrison’s poetic lyrics with a complex, yet captivating melody. Released in 1968, this track is a raw and intimate portrayal of love and connection. The song’s intricate acoustic arrangement and Morrison’s passionate delivery make it a timeless piece. Its inclusion is due to its emotional depth and the exemplary way it showcases Morrison’s talents as both a lyricist and a musician.

Fun Facts: Underrated Van Morrison Songs

“Tupelo Honey” – Tupelo Honey (1971)

• Inspiration from Nature: The title and theme of “Tupelo Honey” are inspired by the exceptionally sweet and rare honey produced from the Tupelo tree flowers in the Southern United States. This natural sweetness metaphorically represents the song’s lyrical theme of pure and enduring love.
• Critical Acclaim: Despite being less commercially successful than some of Morrison’s other hits, “Tupelo Honey” has been critically acclaimed for its poetic lyrics and has been covered by various artists, highlighting its enduring appeal.

“Saint Dominic’s Preview” – Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972)

• Lyrical Collage: The song “Saint Dominic’s Preview” is known for its collage of images and scenes, ranging from personal reflections to broader social commentary. This lyrical approach reflects Morrison’s diverse influences and his ability to intertwine personal narratives with universal themes.
• Versatility in Style: The song showcases Morrison’s versatility, blending elements of jazz, R&B, and folk. This stylistic fusion is a hallmark of Morrison’s music and is particularly evident in this track.

“And It Stoned Me” – Moondance (1970)

• Childhood Memories: “And It Stoned Me” is said to be inspired by a childhood memory of Morrison. The song recounts a simple, yet profound experience of getting caught in the rain and finding joy and wonder in this natural phenomenon, reflecting Morrison’s ability to find depth in everyday experiences.
• The Title’s Meaning: The title phrase “And It Stoned Me” is open to interpretation, with some suggesting it reflects a sense of awe and amazement, rather than any literal meaning related to being stoned.

“Almost Independence Day” – Saint Dominic’s Preview (1972)

• Innovative Use of the Moog Synthesizer: This song is notable for its early and innovative use of the Moog synthesizer, which adds a unique atmospheric sound. The Moog was a relatively new instrument at the time, and Morrison’s use of it was ahead of its time in popular music.

“Sweet Thing” – Astral Weeks (1968)

• Astral Weeks’ Standout Track: “Sweet Thing” is often highlighted as one of the standout tracks on the “Astral Weeks” album. The album itself is considered groundbreaking, and “Sweet Thing” contributes significantly to its status with its poetic lyrics and unique blend of folk, jazz, and classical influences.

“Fair Play” – Veedon Fleece (1974)

• Irish Roots and Imagery: “Fair Play” is infused with references to Irish culture and landscapes, reflecting Morrison’s deep connection to his Irish roots. The song is a lyrical journey through various Irish locales, showcasing Morrison’s love for his homeland.

“Beside You” – Astral Weeks (1968)

• Complex Musical Structure: “Beside You” is known for its complex musical structure, which differs from the more straightforward compositions in much of popular music. This complexity adds to the song’s depth and makes it a standout track in Morrison’s discography.
• A Fan Favorite: Although not a commercial hit, “Beside You” has become a favorite among Morrison’s fans for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, often cited as one of the best tracks on the “Astral Weeks” album.

And there you have it, folks – a journey through the less-traveled roads of Van Morrison’s musical landscape. These 11 songs offer a deeper look into the soulful artistry of a legendary musician. Remember, sometimes the greatest treasures are the ones hidden away, waiting to be discovered. Until next time, keep exploring the depths of music with me, TBone!

Thanks for reading.

TBone