Will Fenton
Van Morrison has been an iconic figure in the music industry for decades, and his mastery of soulful folk-rock has earned him a place in the pantheon of legends.
His discography is vast, filled with timeless classics that have made their mark on generations of fans.
It’s impossible to pick just a few favorites from such an impressive body of work, but here are fifteen of the best Van Morrison songs ever recorded.
These tracks represent some of the most significant moments in his career and highlight just how influential he was as an artist.
Here is a list of the 14 best Van Morrison songs ever recorded.
1. “Brown Eyed Girl”
“Brown Eyed Girl” is an absolute classic and a must-have addition to any greatest hits compilation.
It’s lighthearted, upbeat, and utterly infectious, making it one of the most beloved tracks in Van Morrison’s discography.
The lyrics are simple yet effective and instantly memorable.
It’s easy to understand why “Brown Eyed Girl” remains a timeless favorite of fans across generations.
2. “Why Must I Always Explain?”
Van Morrison’s “Why Must I Always Explain?” is a classic in the singer-songwriter’s catalog, and it encapsulates the best of his emotional and lyrical genius.
At its core, the song is about facing feelings of guilt, longing, and existential confusion.
The instrumentation blends a soulful blues base with a touch of jazz that adds to the song’s melancholic atmosphere.
Morrison’s voice conveys an array of emotions from sorrow to resignation as he croons through heartache-laden lyrics.
This powerful combination makes it one of his most memorable tracks; it’s no wonder why this song has become an essential part of his greatest hits collection.
All things considered, “Why Must I Always Explain?” is an outstanding track that deserves its place among the best Van Morrison songs ever recorded.
3. “Irish Heartbeat”
Van Morrison’s “Irish Heartbeat” is an absolute classic, capturing the joy and energy of the Irish spirit.
It’s the boisterous refrain and the soulful melody will have you singing along in no time.
An anthem for the Emerald Isle, this song is guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your heart pounding.
The lyrics are nothing short of brilliant, making it a must-have in any music collection.
Whether you’re looking for something to dance to or just something to evoke nostalgia, “Irish Heartbeat” is sure to satisfy you.
4. “Wavelength”
Moving on from the traditional Irish sound of Van Morrison’s “Irish Heartbeat”, we come to the next classic, “Wavelength”.
This song is a perfect example of Morrison’s unique blend of soulful blues and funky rhythms.
The infectious groove of the rhythm section, combined with the catchy chorus and Morrison’s signature growl, make this one of the most captivating songs in his vast discography.
It’s easy to see why it remains an audience favorite at his live shows, as it can get any crowd dancing along with its irresistible energy.
Whether you’re listening for the first time or are already a fan, “Wavelength” is sure to send shivers down your spine and leave you wanting more.
5. “Caravan”
Van Morrison’s “Caravan” is an absolute classic and one of his greatest hits.
The song is a soulful, bluesy journey through the power of music, featuring some of Morrison’s most evocative lyrics and a soulful vocal performance that showcases his remarkable range.
The track features some stunning guitar work and an infectious groove that gets your feet tapping and your head bobbing.
The song builds to an emotional climax with a soaring chorus that will stay stuck in your head for days on end.
It’s no wonder why “Caravan” has become such a beloved Van Morrison favorite over the years – it simply doesn’t get any better than this.
6. “Listen To The Lion”
Transitioning from the timeless beauty of “Caravan” to the emotional depth of “Listen To The Lion”, Van Morrison’s songwriting prowess is on full display.
A powerful track, “Listen To The Lion” dives deep into a world of spiritual exploration, creating a unique atmosphere that only Morrison could capture.
His strong vocals and poetic lyrics paint a vivid picture of his personal journey, taking listeners along for the ride.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with its infectious melody and captivating harmony.
Whether you’re looking for an uplifting anthem or something more introspective, “Listen To The Lion” has something for everyone.
7. “Someone Like You”
Van Morrison’s classic hit “Someone Like You” is a timeless song that speaks to the soul.
With its poignant lyrics and masterful arrangement, this track stands out as one of Morrison’s best works.
The use of horns and strings creates a lush backdrop for the singer’s soulful vocals, which express the yearning for a special kind of love.
His vocal delivery is both powerful and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and hope that resonates with listeners across generations.
Overall, “Someone Like You” is an emotionally stirring song that will surely remain a fan favorite for years to come.
8. “Here Comes The Night”
A classic from the early days of Van Morrison’s career, “Here Comes The Night” is a soulful journey through the depths of emotion and experience.
With its deep grooves and emotive lyrics, it’s easy to see why this song has become one of his most popular hits.
A stunning mix of blues and jazz influences, with an uplifting chorus that could bring even the most jaded listener to their feet.
This track remains an undeniable highlight of Van Morrison’s impressive catalog.
Filled with raw passion and heart-wrenching emotion, “Here Comes The Night” is a true testament to Van Morrison’s power as a songwriter and performer.
9. “Stranded”
Van Morrison’s song “Stranded” is a musical masterpiece that deserves its place in the pantheon of greatest hits.
Its haunting, evocative lyrics and soulful melodies create a captivating atmosphere that transports the listener to a world of longing and regret.
The subtle percussion and organ accompaniment provide an extra layer of emotion, adding to the overall feeling of isolation and despair.
The track perfectly captures the depths of human emotion, touching listeners on an intimate level with its raw expression.
This is one song from Van Morrison’s formidable catalog that will remain timeless for years to come.
10. “Days Like This”
It’s hard to talk about Van Morrison without touching upon his iconic song “Days Like This”.
A gentle, uplifting ballad, it speaks of the joys of spending a day in nature, far from the hassles of modern life.
Lyrically, Morrison captures the beauty of simpler times and encourages listeners to take solace in that beauty.
It’s no wonder “Days Like This” is one of the most beloved songs in his discography; with its simple but powerful message.
It resonates with anyone who needs a reminder that life can be beautiful.
11. “Wild Night”
“Wild Night” is the epitome of Van Morrison’s iconic sound.
With a driving rhythm and soulful vocals, this song encapsulates the essence of the musician in a way that no other can.
The lyrics are captivating, as they explore themes of love, loss, and longing.
The combination of traditional blues influences and modern rock riffs creates an unforgettable track that has stood the test of time.
Without a doubt, “Wild Night” is one of the best Van Morrison songs ever written and is sure to remain a classic for generations to come.
12. “T.B. Sheets”
“T.B. Sheets” is one of the most iconic Van Morrison songs ever created, and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a timeless tale of longing for something better despite the pain, and it has long resonated with fans all over the world.
There’s no doubt that “T.B. Sheets” will stand among Van Morrison’s best work for years to come.
13. “Gloria”
“Gloria” is an absolute classic of Van Morrison’s greatest hits.
Its passionate and soulful lyrics, paired with its rousing chorus, make it a song that no music fan can resist singing along to.
With its catchy, blues-inspired melody and iconic guitar riff, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most beloved songs in the rock canon.
Few artists have ever been able to capture emotion so succinctly in their music as Morrison does here, making “Gloria” a timeless tune that will continue to move audiences for generations to come.
14. “Into The Mystic”
“Into The Mystic” is widely regarded as one of Van Morrison’s greatest and most beloved songs, and for good reason.
Its hauntingly beautiful melody, combined with its soulful lyrics, creates an atmosphere that is both melancholy and uplifting at the same time.
Its combination of folk, blues, and gospel influences gives it a unique sound that has been embraced by many generations since its release in 1970.
The song speaks of a spiritual longing for something greater than oneself, something that can only be found in moments of reflection and introspection.
It’s a perfect example of Morrison’s ability to capture the essence of life’s deepest mysteries in his music.
A classic from an artist whose music continues to inspire and move listeners around the world.
Best Van Morrison Songs – Final Thoughts
I could go on and on about Van Morrison’s amazing music, but these fourteen songs really capture the essence of his artistry.
His soulful voice and poetic lyrics have provided us with timeless classics that will continue to be appreciated and enjoyed for generations to come.
His ability to capture life’s joys and sorrows in song is truly remarkable, making him one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Van Morrison has produced an incredible body of work that will remain relevant forever.
