Van Morrison Remembers Now review: Icon reminds us why he’s still the man

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Anticipating a new Van Morrison album can be thrilling, yet over the last few years, it hasn’t always lived up to expectations. Despite his reputation for being gruff and reserved, particularly when performing live, he is exceptionally productive in music and has released numerous albums. In fact, with Remembering Now, recently unveiled, this decade marks his seventh album and the 47th studio album of his career in total.

As one would expect, there might be a noticeable decline in the caliber and influence of his later-years albums, considering he’ll turn 80 this August. While his recent studio releases, an instrumental and a skiffle set, have been enjoyable, they haven’t quite captured that magical spark that the old Van Morrison used to deliver.

I was keeping a close watch on my anticipation for his latest project, pondering if he might put in half-hearted efforts as he occasionally does during live performances.

Currently playing is an album titled “Remembering Now“, which is a delightful listen indeed. It boasts numerous peaks and only a handful of valleys. I would describe it as music by Morrison that echoes his more outstanding work from the 1980s and 1990s. This isn’t an unfair assessment, and I believe Morrison himself might appreciate it. Fans of his will likely be content with the album too, as the singer seems to be back in form, revisiting familiar territory through the songs, reminiscing past memories.

Remembering Now – A new Van Morrison classic? 

On “Remembering Now”, you’ll find fourteen powerful Morrison tracks, filled with rich sounds and melodious vocals that envelop you. It has a jazzy, soulful, bluesy, and folky vibe in parts. His songwriting skills are evidently back in full swing, hinting at his state of mind through one song titled “Writing Love Songs Again.” This album truly showcases his talent and creativity.

Title aside, the song offers a slightly poppier sound than usual from Morrison, but it works well. 

This collection of songs seems to unfold new layers with each listen, making it feel like it’s growing on you. A few tracks might take a second or third spin to fully appreciate, but its charm definitely encourages repeated listens.

The album starts off with “Down To Joy,” a track that appeared in the 2021 Kenneth Branagh film Belfast and was also released individually. Morrison contributed to the film’s soundtrack by adding this fresh original number. It has a comforting, familiar feel with harmonious backing vocals and intermittent horns accompanying Morrisons’ voice, creating an enjoyable sound.

Initially, the album takes on a softer, more relaxed vibe featuring mellower tracks. However, “If It Wasn’t For Ray” introduces a touch of upbeat energy, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Ray Charles with hints of piano interwoven. Yet, the calm melodies continue to dominate, guiding us through a series of songs that evoke the atmosphere of leisurely and dreamy days, creating an effortless sense of familiarity.

His second single, titled “Cutting Corners,” is an excellent demonstration, reminiscent of a timeless tune that could easily be mistaken for a track from a Morrison album decades past.

Van is still the man based on Remembering Now

In the second part, the album takes a bolder turn, offering new dimensions in the tracks. “Stomping Ground” serves as another powerful throwback, mirroring the old style and reminiscing about various Belfast spots and moments from his life. Later on, “When The Rains Came” presents a captivating atmosphere, featuring rich instrumentation but less overlapping, allowing each element to stand out distinctly alongside his voice.

Instead, let me rephrase that for you: The final track on the album is “Remembering Now,” a well-crafted R&B tune with lyrics that seem to express a personal message. Morrison repeats “This is who I am” assertively throughout the song, making it quite impactful. However, the album doesn’t stop there; “Remembering Now” was merely the last song performed during the concert, followed by an extraordinary encore.

The closing track, “Stretching Out,” undeniably marks Jim’s return with a definitive seal. Running for nearly nine minutes, it’s an impressive blend of diverse moods and sounds. While the entire album echoes his iconic works from the 80s and 90s, this particular piece veers slightly, incorporating hints of his Veedon Fleece and Astral Weeks periods. Undoubtedly, it serves as a powerful finale to an exceptional album.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t predict how many more musical journeys Van Morrison has in store, but one thing’s for sure – he doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down anytime soon! This latest album radiates fresh energy, and it’s exciting to know that there’s an upcoming tour where we can hear some of these new tunes live. It’s going to make those concerts all the more electrifying! For now, I’ll savor this new release and revel in the fact that Van is still the master of his craft.

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2025-06-20 15:00