Moondance
(49/100 Greatest Albums Ever)

Not quite as celebrated as its predecessor Astral Weeks, Moondance has gone on to achieve classic status regardless.
A greater commercial success than the album it followed, it showcases the lighter, more melodic side to Morrison’s songwriting talent. Moondance may lack Astral Weeks’ intensity, which might also explain why it doesn’t attract quite the same level of fan worship, but it is still brimming with moments of brilliance. The title track has an easy, graceful shuffle that few can match, proving that the old curmudgeon always possessed a romantic side.
Opener ‘And It Stoned Me’ is another breathtaking number – an exultant brass blast, with a wonderfully infectious chorus refrain. It may only be second best in the Morrison catalogue, but that could scarcely be employed as a criticism, given the competition.