Van Morrison's "Magic Time" album, released in 2005, is a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the Irish singer-songwriter's soul. Known for his soulful voice and poetic lyrics, Morrison takes listeners on a musical odyssey that blends elements of blues, jazz, folk, and Celtic music. The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful title track, "Magic Time," which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Morrison's soulful vocals transport listeners to a place of introspection and reflection. The lyrics of the song speak of the magic and mystery of the moment, capturing the essence of the album's overall theme. As the album progresses, Morrison delves into various musical styles and themes.

A friend for years

Review by John Halverson

Van Morrison has been my friend for years. I've sung in the car with him. I've introduced him to others.
When I've been happy, he's helped me celebrate. When I've been down, his deep soulful Irish melancholy has given me hope.
But, Magic Time , his latest CD, is not much more than a copy of things he's done better before. It sounds a lot like Down the Road a somewhat better album from 2002. In both, we have a song about Indian summer. He's continuing his "I got screwed by the record industry" theme. He may now be the only artist ever to have recorded two songs about lions. And, as he has done for the last three albums, he's thrown in jazz standards.
Van has always been uneven. But in the past his failures or indulgent masterpieces have been because he was trying too hard. The sad part about Magic Time is that he doesn't seem like he's trying at all.
There are two solid efforts, the driving "Evening Train" and the album's title song, which is another indulgence in one of Van's favorite dalliances, his fascination with nostalgia and innocence. It's a lot like the cover art, schmaltzy but artful enough to work.
"Stranded," with Van on the sax recalls the underrated "Poetic Champions Compose." On "Carry On Regardless" Van actually sounds like he's enjoying himself even going as far as to yodel.
As for the jazz covers, it seems that Van thinks he's being a grown-up if he evolves into Mose Allison, but the most he'll ever be is an imitation of someone else.
What's wrong with being Van? Few others can dig down so deeply or match his searing voice and heartfelt lyrics. I'd go back to It's Too Late to Stop Now , or A Night in San Francisco , two of the best live albums ever. For pop hooks, I'm partial to Wavelength or Into the Music Others like Astral Weeks or Moondance .
Sad thing is, all were done before 1994.
We can hope for a comeback, but based on his recent efforts it might be better to live in the past.

Magic Time

Van Morrison is often at his best when he takes time to stretch out and let the music come to him. It’s no better exemplified than on the meditative “Just Like Greta” and the expansive “Celtic New Year,” where he refines his endless longing for that perfect time and place locked in his mind. His bizarre sense of humor bleeds through “Carry on Regardless,” making Magic Time a well-rounded look into Van’s singular genius.

May 16, 2005 13 Songs, 59 minutes ℗ 2005 Exile Productions, Ltd. under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment

As the album progresses, Morrison delves into various musical styles and themes. "Keep Mediocrity at Bay" is an uplifting and energetic track that encourages listeners to strive for greatness and not settle for mediocrity. In contrast, "Gypsy in My Soul" is a bluesy ballad that showcases Morrison's versatility as a vocalist.

More By Van Morrison

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Stranded," a deeply personal song where Morrison reminisces about the past and reflects on the uncertainties of life. The lyrics are poignant and introspective, and the music perfectly complements the melancholic mood of the song. Another highlight of the album is "Celtic New Year," a joyful celebration of Morrison's Irish heritage. With its infectious melody and lively instrumentation, the song captures the spirit of Celtic music and invites listeners to dance and rejoice. Throughout the album, Morrison's lyrics touch on universal themes such as love, spirituality, and the passage of time. His observations on life are profound yet relatable, making "Magic Time" an album that resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level. In addition to his thought-provoking lyrics, Morrison's soulful and expressive voice shines on every track. His vocals are rich with emotion, and he effortlessly navigates between different genres and musical styles. Overall, "Magic Time" is an exceptional album that showcases Van Morrison's exceptional talent as a singer-songwriter. With its introspective lyrics, captivating melodies, and virtuosic performances, the album is a testament to Morrison's artistic genius and enduring appeal. Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering Morrison's music for the first time, "Magic Time" is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire..

Reviews for "Rediscovering Van Morrison's "Magic Time" Album: A Timeless Classic"

1. John Smith - 2 stars

I was really disappointed with Van Morrison's "Magic Time" album. It just didn't live up to the hype for me. The songs felt repetitive and uninspired, lacking the depth and emotion that I usually associate with Morrison's music. Overall, it was a forgettable listening experience and I wouldn't recommend it to others.

2. Emily Johnson - 1 star

I found "Magic Time" to be incredibly underwhelming. The album lacked cohesiveness and the songs felt disjointed. It seemed like Morrison was trying to experiment with different styles, but it didn't work for me. The lyrics were also weak and didn't resonate with me like his previous work. I was really hoping for more from Morrison, but unfortunately, this album fell flat.

3. David Thompson - 2 stars

I have been a long-time fan of Van Morrison's music, but "Magic Time" left me feeling disappointed. The songs on this album lacked the energy and passion that I've come to expect from Morrison. It seemed like he was just going through the motions, without really pushing himself artistically. Overall, "Magic Time" just didn't live up to my expectations and I found it to be a forgettable addition to Morrison's discography.

4. Samantha Wilson - 1 star

I was really excited to listen to "Magic Time" as I've always enjoyed Van Morrison's music, but this album left a lot to be desired. The songs felt repetitive and there was a lack of variety in the instrumentation. It felt like Morrison was stuck in a creative rut, with nothing new or innovative to offer. I found myself skipping through most of the tracks, as they failed to capture my attention. Overall, "Magic Time" was a disappointing release from an artist I once admired.

Unlocking the Message Behind Van Morrison's "Magic Time" Album