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.

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.

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.

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

The music world had pretty much written Van off by the time he released this masterpiece. People thought he was "behind the times".

Good thing Van didn't listen to them! This CD practically busts at the seems with joy. It feels like warm sunshine hitting your face. Songs like Bright Side of the Road, Full Force Gale, You Make Me Feel So Free, and well the whole album is amazing. If your feeling down nothing beats this album for therapy!

After the lackluster Period of Transition and Wavelength, Van reached back to deliver what only he is capable of producing. The last four songs are as strong as any sequence he has recorded - especially When The Healing Has Begun. You can't listen to this while reading, and anyone who uses this as background music should be .... To truly appreciate the power of this record, shut the door, turn out the lights, and let Van do his thing.