God figures heavilly on "Into the Music," but even us great unwashed can enjoy the truly heavenly results. Were all church music this good, scalpers would sell tickets to the pews. Particularly good are the songs "Stepping Out Queen," "And the Healing Has Begun," and "You Know What They're Writing About." When not singing in his gravelly voice, Morrison yelps and growls in a way that has to be heard to be believed. Far and away, this is Mosrrison's best post-"Moondance" recording.

I bought Into the Music on vinyl when it was first issued and it is this recording that sealed the deal for me as far as Van Morrison's music is concerned. Oh, I like Moondance, Street Choir, Tupelo Honey and Veedon Fleece very much, but Morrison had also managed to put out a few substandard records in the interim so I was a little leery when I first put this on. But then from the first note of Into the Music, I could see how everything had changed for the better.
There is not a single unlistenable song on this CD. Van's life somehow had gotten an infusion of joy, and it comes through both lyrically and in the spirited play of his band. The horns and the strings are tremendous and the vocals are as good as anything he did before or has done since. My favorites are: the jaunty and joyous Bright Side of the Road; the spiritually inspirational Full Force Gale; Troubadours, so evocative of another age; the uplifting powerhouse You Make Me Feel So Free; the forward-looking And the Healing Has Begun; and finally a soulful, romantic cover of It's All In the Game.
I own a recording of nearly everything Van Morrison has done and in my opinion, Into the Music is one of his five best albums. If you somehow missed this, it behooves you to add it to your collection soon. Once you hear it, it will be hard not to keep it in permanent rotation. Get it and hear what I mean!

This is probably not the best album ever, maybe not the best Van album either. But one thing is for sure - it's the most complete. After repeated listenings you'll become convinced the artist opens not merely his own soul, but also the soul of universe, the soul of some spiritual and incredibly evolved being...people, it goes beyond words..All the songs are in their right "place" - you get a feeling they couldn't have been constructed or placed in another way. Not ONE song on the record is bad, not ONE is even mediocre. It combines irish folk music with pure soul and mellow love songs. Van's voice is remarkable...Otherworldly.. packed with ten powerful songs - ten poetic statements.. Just feel the power of "Steppin' out queen", "Full force gale" and the other eight tracks.

...is pretty rare these days in a professionally-recorded album. Oh, I've heard lost of bands say that "they're trying to capture the atmosphere of a live concert" in their record, but I haven't heard any live up to that promise. However, "Into the Music" has the ferocity, passion, and energy of a Van concert coupled with the polish and sound quality of an official release. I certainly agree that this is Van's best release since Moondance (although Veedon Fleece puts up a strong fight). Most interestingly, I have heard many live recordings of the songs on this album, and still feel that the recorded versions are better, which surprises even myself, because I love live recordings. Regardless, the rich melodies and lively atmosphere of the first half of this album are splendid, especially "Troubadors," a shimmering beauty of a well-written and creative song. The second half of the album is an incredible barrage of emotional, romantic, and evocative songs, including the heart-wrenching crescendos of "Angeliou" and the soft conclusion of the album. Impossible to listen to casually, "Into the Music" demands -- and deserves -- attention, respect, and awe.

This is the best Van Morrison album out there, no doubt. For instance, while I love "Astral Weeks," I understand that some would find it's sound unapproachable. Same goes for "Veedon Fleece," another Van classic, but maybe a bit deep for some. And that's okay, so why not turn to "Moondance"? Well for starters, I don't like it that much. Sure, it has it's winners, like "And It Stoned Me," "Into The Mystic," and one or two others, but it lacks in depth. So turn to "Into the Music," a deep and approachable. It has quite the lush sound to accompany it's memorable lyrics and beat. I will discuss songs individually below:
"Bright Side Of The Road"-Great, upbeat number with outstanding vocals. Makes you feel so good.
"Full Force Gale"-See above.
"Stepping Out Queen"-I hate to leave the same remarks for three straight songs, but this is another irrisistible track that makes you want to sway to the happiness.
"Troubadors"-One of my all-time favorites, VERY lush instrumentally, and amazing vocals. Just listen to the lyrics, very interesting. Not upbeat at all, but more mid-tempo, and reflectional.
"Rolling Hills"-Rough, jagged, Irish; great song. Short, but if it went much longer it would get obnoxious. Just the right length, just under 3 minutes, and it leaves you craving more.
"You Make Me Feel So Free"-Upbeat, with entertaining lyrics. Is fit for a sunny afternoon while looking over the still river before you.

"Angeliou"-Emotional, very emotional. Very deep too, but again, quite approachable. Van also does the "yeah" effect a lot here, and everytime I hear it I want to say "yeah" myself.
"And The Healing Has Begun"-Down in tempo, high in spirits. Van sways his voice through the poetic lines in this song like a night hawk, and it's an effect that I replay and replay time and time again. Again, one of my very favorite songs.
"It's All In The Game"-Down in tempo, down in spirits. Every album has to have one I believe, and this is a successful one. Some bash songs like these because they depress people, or make them EVEN more depressed. I believe that this song speaks to the depressed, "hey, you're not alone." Great song.
"You Know What They're Writing About"-Perhaps not the greatest album-closer ever for Van, I would reserve that award for "Memories" on the "Enlightenment" album. Very moody, but still good, song.

That's it. Top-notch album, easily in my top 5 albums list. BIG ***** rating. BUY THIS NOW!