Van Morrison
Avalon Sunset - Polydor 1989 Comments:The “Avalon Sunset” album was one of Morrison's biggest commercial successes. The two big single hits with "Whenever God Shines His Light" and "Have I Told You Lately that I Love You" have obviously had an impact on the album's success, but Morrison generally appears very inspired on this album, on which he his lyrics shows the religious side of himself.
The album opens with the very catchy "Whenever God Shines His Light", on which Morrison sings in an exciting duet with Cliff Richard. The track has a very rhythmic and inciting beat; new gospel.
"Contacting my Angel" is a quiet song that may well lead the mind to a subdued Jimi Hendrix.
"I'd Love to Write another Song" is a jazzy blues; slightly written as Morrison has done it plenty of times before. Nice horn arrangement.
"Have I Told You Lately that I Love You" is not the old Ricky Nelson song, but a new Morrison original composition. It is a very beautiful ballad that became a big hit for both Morrison himself and Rod Stewart.
"Coney Island" is a short track that was actually also released as a single. With spoken vocals, Morrison talks about Coney Island, not the American one, but that of Morrison's native Ireland. Very atmospheric.
"I'm Tired Joey Boy", is also a short quiet and atmospheric number, with strings and narrative vocals.
"When Will I Ever Learn to Live in God" is one of the most clearly religious songs; great melody - new gospel.
“Orange Field” was the third single from the album, and although the track did not achieve great success, the track was quite well received in some countries; here again, a lot of gospel atmosphere.
"Daring Night" is a rhythmically upbeat number, with a well-placed Morrison vocal. Although the track is the album's longest, it in no way feels long. A highlight.
"These are the Days" is a great finale to a great album. A slow, sensitive and melodic track with beautiful acoustic guitar and strings.
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