Wavelength – VAN MORRISON***

Kingdom Hall/Checkin’ It Out/Natalia/Venice USA/Lifetimes/Wavelength/Santa Fe-Beautiful Obsession/Hungry For Your Love/Take It Where You Find It

Wavelength is considered to be one of singer-songwriter Van Morrison’s weaker albums. Fans were not impressed by the introduction of the then fashionable synths, or the quality of the female backing vocals. (US:28 UK:27)

“The cover shows we are approaching the 80s and the sounds on this are in line with that fact: more synths, less grit than any of his previous albums. It goes down pretty well, but it's mostly average bar-rock, although the last song is really nice.”

“A lot of what is contained here is simply very dull. He had the ability to write memorable songs and during the eighties, some superb arrangements. However, I found him pretty hit and miss and I'm afraid that, for me, this is mostly ‘miss’.”

“My problem with Wavelength as an album lies with the first side, which plays things a little too much by the book. There is something uninspiring or drab about the product, despite decent tracks like Kingdom Hall.”

“Wavelength is an album of melodic rock and soul that ranks amongst Van Morrison best albums. Kingdom Hall is a full bodied rock song with a great hook and rousing vocals. Checkin' It Out is a lilting mid-tempo ballad with baroque instrumental passages, Natalia is a meandering love song and Venice USA has a bouncy reggae rhythm, lovely organ and an addictive sing-along chorus.”

“Not one of Van’s best I’m afraid. Basically the problem with Wavelength is it’s over reliance on synths and cloying female vocalists to carry the melodies. However Kingdom Hall and Checking It Out are lovely material, and the record closes strongly with a trio of great songs.”

“This isn't one of his best albums, but it's still fairly enjoyable. The title track is easily the best thing here; it was a minor hit single and still gets plenty of FM airplay. The opener, Kingdom Hall is a rollicking cut, and Van's singing is absolutely euphoric. The sleepers, though, are two low-key but excellent adult love songs: Checkin' It Out and Hungry For Your Love.”