Van's Best Album as a whole

Something about Van Morrison's voice strikes me deep in my soul whether he is singing blues, rock, country, or ballads. What makes Tupelo Honey special to me is that it offers all of the above. Don't get me wrong - I love "Moondance" and "His Band and Street Choir" (which were both recorded only 1 year prior), but those albums have some dull moments. This is the only one that I listen to stright through smiling the whole time. Perhaps it's because all of these songs have a happy feel to them. From the familiar opening of "Wild Night" to the fun-filled finale of "Moonshine Whiskey", this album is a necessity to all Van fans. Don't waste time buying his Greatest Hits compilation. It doesn't do him justice. Buy this, the above mentioned albums, and "TB Sheets" and that will get you started on a journey with one of the most important musicians of our century.

Not On The Same Level As Moondance

Don't get me wrong. This is a good record. However, Van's style does not add anything new that is not on Moondance. Wild Night is a great tune. Very bouncy with loads of grooves. Definitely one of my all time favorite songs by the man. Tupelo Honey is a pretty song most elevated by the instrumental embellishments. It is a little long after almost seven minutes of the same chord progressions but none the less it is filled with beauty. Moonshine Whiskey is another standout track with its changes in rhythms and strong singing. And I love the country styled guitar playing on When That Evening Sun Goes Down.

In general, there is not a bad track in this nine song batch. And I really like that Wild Night number. However, this batch just is not as memorable as the ten from Moondance which is a classic in its own right. I guess the songs have slightly less hooks which makes them less memorable.However, Van is one talented man and fans of this man should get this release. 3 1/2 stars sounds right to me.

A Charmer

I didn't fall in love with Tupelo Honey as immediately and fully as I did with Van's masterpiece, Moondance, but it's impossible to not be charmed and seduced by the kindhearted sweetness of the record. That title track alone is one of the most tender songs he's ever recorded, an imagistically evocative love song that never feels slight or unearned. The record around it may not have a revelation quite to that level, but it does have a steady stream of songs that coax smiles from all directions - from the hopeful fun of "Wild Night" to the "mmm bubbles" conclusion in "Moonshine Whiskey."