Tracks
- And It Stoned Me
- Moondance
- Crazy Love
- Caravan
- Into the Mystic
- Come Running
- These Dreams of You
- Brand New Day
- Everyone
- Glad Tidings
Moondance is a gentle album. The music varies from R&B to jazz to country to folk. And it works! Van Morrison makes it work. His voice is plastic and fits any style naturally. His backing musicians make it work too. The rhythm section is fluid and lively. The saxes and flute do a good job in support.
I really liked this album. Van Morrison makes interesting music and he tells stories in his lyrics that are enjoyable and sensible—a rare treat. I do think this album is worth listening to, but I don't think it necessarily belongs on the 1001 Albums list. Van Morrison's range is impressive, but there's nothing new on this album, either.
All of the songs are quite good. The stand outs are: And It Stoned Me, Moondance, Caravan, Into the Mystic, These Dreams of You and Glad Tidings.
★★★★★★★★★☆
Tracks
- Wearin' That Loved On Look
- Only the Strong Survive
- I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)
- Long Black Limousine
- It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'
- I'm Movin' On
- Power of My Love
- Gentle on My Mind
- After Loving You
- True Love Travels on a Gravel Road
- Any Day Now
- In the Ghetto
From Elvis in Memphis is an anachronistic album. Almost, that is. Much of the music has an early rock and roll/rockabilly sound. Or maybe it doesn't. Perhaps Elvis is the anachronism and will forever only exist in 1956. However, that doesn't explain Elvis is Back!.
Despite being a decade-and-a-half out of sync, this is a great-sounding album. I suppose that money was no object during most Elvis Presley recording sessions, so it should sound great. No matter, Elvis has never sounded better himself. His singing on this album and Elvis is Back! is very expressive and what was lacking on his debut album.
One blemish to this album is In the Ghetto. Apparently, it was the biggest hit on this album, but I just think it's so out of character for Elvis. He never included (overtly) social or political commentary in his music, as far as I know. He should have sung a gospel song instead.
I don't necessarily think this needs to be on the 1001 Albums list. I don't think Elvis was breaking new ground, instead he was digging up relics of the past. Of course, it could be argued that this album deserves to be on the list because this album resurrected his flagging career. Anyway, it's worth listening to.
The stand out songs on this album are: Wearin' That Loved on Look, Only the Strong Survive, I'm Movin' On, Power of Love, Gentle on My Mind, After Loving You, True Love Travels on a Gravel Road and Any Day Now.
★★★★★★★★☆☆
