Tupelo Honey - VAN MORRISON***

Wild Night/(Straight To Your Heart) Like A Cannonball)/Old Old Woodstock/Starting A New Life/You're My Woman/Tupelo Honey/I Wanna Roo You/When The Evening Sun Goes Down/Moonshine Whiskey

Tupelo Honey from the legendary Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison is considered to be his most country music influenced release. The songs celebrate rural and family life. (US:27)

“For all of Van's inconsistencies, when he really pulls it together, he's capable of making some great music. This album, while not on par with his best, has enough of this greatness to at least place it in the higher end of his second tier of albums.”

“Tupelo Honey is his most upbeat, least moody, most radiant, rolling and rocking record. Wild Night runs circles around any cover versions, Starting A New Life is the perfect soundtrack for moving, You're My Woman and the title track are seriously sensual, and the last three tracks turn into blissful country. The record is shockingly underrated and overlooked.”

“Tupelo Honey should appeal to anyone who likes Van Morrison on any level. Not only are the songs more accessible than much of his later work, the fact that he was still in love at the time shines through in the music. The tone from start to finish is uplifting, joyful, and romantic.”

“Van goes more roots-rock on this, with nice country undertones more reminiscent of The Band. The songwriting isn't a let down either, Wild Night is awesome, You're My Woman is pretty lovely too and there's the magic title track plus an epic closer. A fine album with a laid-back flow, even if there are few obvious highlights.”

“Fans of country-rock will rejoice if they are otherwise unfamiliar with this artist's work. The warm, sunny feeling makes it perfect for drives in the country. On the longer pieces, Van sings with such restraint and everything unfolds so slowly. Utter joy, they are all highlights.”

“Tupelo Honey is an album which finds Morrison in good spirits reflected in his songs. The album doesn't sound like any previous release, and it hints at a fullfledged country effort. This set of songs is upbeat with catchy melodies. The title track is the crowning achievement, and perhaps the best love song he composed.”

“I've read that Tupelo Honey is Morrison's ‘country release’. While he pays some tribute to the culture and music of the US, he still stays true to his Celtic roots.”