Released in 1972, Jackie Wilson Said is what many Morrison fans consider to be his signature song. It brings together his life and music in ways that feel totally heartbreaking. The mic drop at the end is *chef's kiss. The title track on Morrison's sophomore solo effort, Astral Weeks is his greatest success to date. But true Van fans love this one for its horn section: a callback to the work of Pee Wee Ellis on James Brown records. The theme song for An American Werewolf in London, this Morrison classic also charted #226 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs. Bright Side of the Road. Songs Used in Movies. Madam George is a dreamlike evocation of Belfast that brings his hometown, his childhood, his streets, games and friends, back to life in one of the most visionary songs ever made. James Rothernal's high, lyrical recorder soars over "God's green land" like a passing cloud, while the strings come in like a morning drizzle. It's like having two of your favorite sports players join teams. Well, what are you waiting for? Title is Van Morrison At The Movies: The Soundtrack Hits). To call it an out-of-body experience is an understatement; it's an out-of-body, out-of-this-world masterpiece.
Arguably the most recognizable song written by Morrison, Wild Night was a huge hit in 1971. The essential Van Morrison playlist. It's a party every time it comes on. It's hard to think of a better live performance in the history of live performances: Morrison brings the house down with karate kicks and GIF-worthy moves. Recorded in 1967, Gloria is one of Morrison's most innovative tunes, fusing together jazz, punk and pop. Have you ever listened to Summertime in England in the summertime in England? Fans of The Last Waltz know this one by heart.
Originally written for Lulu and recorded by Them in 1965, Here Comes the Night brings together two of rock's greatest icons: Morrison on vocals, Jimmy Paige on guitar. Those sniffles in between verses aren't an act; that's really Morrison crying in the studio. Anytime I need a pick-me-up, I can always turn on Tupelo Honey and my mood shifts from down to up, overcast to 80-degree summer. Here Comes the Night. You can heat it in French Kiss, American Sniper and Bridget Jones Diary. And for good reason: it's always a wonderful night for a Moondance. In 1974, Morrison proved he could still write music that sounded like his early stuff with Streets of Arklow, a folk tale that features seven instruments. Appearing on his first solo record, TB Sheets is really the best of Morrison. Speaking of crossover appeal, most know this 1995 single for its placement in the Oscar-winning film As Good as it Gets. Note that a CD collection of some of the Van Morrison songs used in movies is to be released in February 2007.
These are the best of the bunch from the bright and elusive chameleon. Pretty much every song on 1979's Into the Music makes you want to dance, and Bright Side of the Road is no exception. Those movie names highlighted below are links to the Internet Movie Database entry for that movie. Van Morrison is one of the most diverse musicians of all time.
Even if you don't know Morrison, you know Brown Eyed Girl. Not only does he have radio hits, but he also has folk records and avant-garde singles as well. Either way, it's a balm. It's right up there with Roma and Sugar Mountain as one of the great recollections of youth. As Morrison sobs for his friend, trapped in a small room and dying of tuberculosis, you can feel his pain.
Yes, I said punk AND pop. Links in the Soundtrack album column take you to the entry for that album. Sweet Thing is one of Morrison's best: a hike through misty gardens, empty fields and open skies that washes over you like a breeze. With its catchy beat and bouncy trumpet, it remains a staple in pubs from Dublin to Dubai, New York to New Guinea. Another Astral Weeks single. Give Morrison five minutes, and he'll give you a lifetime of therapy. From Moondance to Common One, Morrison has done it all. This one, about the time he and his friend were offered spiked-water, is a trip you won't soon forget.
Summertime in England. Maybe that's because he's singing with his wife, Janet Rigsbee, or maybe that's because he knew we'd be listening 50-years later. It's one of the most popular/ covered/riffed on songs of all time.