Celebrating A Brand New Van Morrison Album

A shining moment from a legend

Appreciation Review: Van Morrison’s “Remembering Now”

Van Morrison’s new album, Remembering Now, is a brilliant return to form, reaffirming his place as one of music’s most vital and enduring voices. Released on June 13, 2025, this marks Morrison’s 47th studio album and his first collection of original songs since 2022.

A Masterful Blend of Genres and Timeless Themes

From the very first notes of the radiant opener “Down to Joy”—a track that previously earned an Oscar nomination for its appearance in Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast—Morrison’s signature blend of soul, jazz, blues, folk, and country is on full display. The album is rich with the hallmarks of classic Van: evocative melodies, spiritual yearning, and a deep sense of place, with references to his Belfast roots woven throughout tracks like “Stomping Ground” and the title song. I can’t get many of the songs off of the album out of my head, and “Remembering Now” leads the way for me. It’s stirring, infectious and fitting for an artist who has been the soundtrack of our lives for decades.

A Voice and Spirit Undimmed by Time

At eighty, Morrison’s voice carries a weathered, expressive power that transforms the passage of years into a source of emotional depth and authenticity. Rather than masking the marks of time, he embraces them, delivering performances that are both vulnerable and commanding. His vocal intensity is matched by a band of longtime collaborators, whose organic interplay creates a warm, immersive soundscape.

Highlights and Standout Moments

• “Down to Joy” bursts forth with uplifting brass and gospel energy, setting a tone of spiritual renewal and gratitude.

• “Once in a Lifetime Feelings” and “The Only Love I Ever Need Is Yours” revisit themes of love and self-reflection, echoing the emotional candor of Morrison’s best ballads.

• “Stomping Ground” and “When the Rains Came” find Morrison revisiting the landscapes of his youth, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking optimism.

• The epic closer, “Stretching Out,” is a nine-minute meditation that showcases Morrison’s gift for transcendent, improvisational journeys—ending the album on a note of spiritual ecstasy.

Critical and Fan Reception

Remembering Now has been widely hailed as Morrison’s strongest work in decades, with critics drawing favorable comparisons to his classic albums from the late ’70s and ’80s, such as Poetic Champions Compose, Veedon Fleece, and Hymns to the Silence. The Times and Mojo both awarded it four stars, calling it a rejuvenated and inspired effort that finds Morrison “back to his best”. Fans and reviewers alike have praised the album’s emotional engagement, compositional coherence, and the sense of spiritual presence that permeates every track.

A Spiritual and Emotional Journey

What truly sets Remembering Now apart is its ability to evoke both memory and presence. Morrison doesn’t simply reminisce; he uses the past as a springboard to illuminate the beauty and wonder of the present moment. The album is a call to mindfulness—a spiritual manifesto that invites listeners to “remember now” and embrace life with renewed gratitude and awareness.

Final Thoughts

Remembering Now is more than a late-career gem; it’s a testament to Van Morrison’s undiminished artistry and his enduring capacity to move, console, and inspire. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his music, this album is a deeply rewarding listen—one that reminds us why Van Morrison remains a singular force in popular music.

In a world that often looks backward with longing, Morrison’s message is clear: the days of wonder are not lost—they are here, in the music, in the moment, in the now.