Moondance
Released: 1970

Moondance

by Van Morrison

The 136th greatest album of all time

Moondance, released in 1970, blends folk rock, blue-eyed soul, and jazz into a warm, groove-oriented sound that emphasizes melodic songwriting and rhythmic swing. The arrangements lean on piano, saxophone, brushed drums, and acoustic guitar, providing a relaxed yet tightly played backdrop for Morrison's soulful phrasing and poetic lyrics. Several tracks pair romantic, imagery-rich writing with jazz-inflected rhythms and horn lines, giving the album a more structured and accessible feel compared with some of his earlier, more freeform work. The record is often noted for its effective fusion of genres and strong songwriting.