This is a classic and very popular effort by a young Van Morrison at the apex of his earlier phase in the late sixties and early seventies. There are a number of timeless songs here, including the title cut of "Tupelo Honey", the original version of "Wild Night", later covered quite well by John Cougar Mellencamp, and also "Like A Cannonball". My own personal favorites include both "I Want To Roo You", a lovely traditional Irish love song, and "Old Woodstock", referring to his time spent living in the small and now very touristy Woodstock, Vermont, while he lived here in the states for a number of years. It is an elegiac, evocative, and haunting recollection of life lived on the outskirts of conventional life, a man flirting with a countercultural lifestyle, and lovingly extolling the virtues of a simple life well lived. For all his fabled success and uncounted millions, Morrison has never forgotten his humble origins or the ordinary life most people live. This is a terrific album, and one that is most representative of his early work and unforgettable voice and musicianship. Enjoy this one

Many people are familiar with "Wild Night" the hit single from "Tupelo Honey" that was inexplicably covered by John Mellencamp a few years ago. Be forewarned, from there Morrison spends much of the rest of the album evoking the sounds of rural America, climaxing with "Moonshine Whiskey," which extolls the virtues of "southern love...deep in the heart of Texas." There are some great songs here, none sweeter that the title track, which has recently been used in several films. Overall, a solid effort from a master artist.

Purchased on a friend's recommendation, I was somewhat skeptical on how this album can be different from other Van Morrison albums, but I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Not only am I shocked that the song Tupelo Honey has not found its way onto any "greatest hits" compilation albums, it perhaps ranks up there with "Into the Mystic" in terms of a classic soul and song. This album has a country flavor to it, but not overbearing. Songs such as When That Evening Sun Goes Down and I Wanna Roo You have the country bent to it. You're My Woman is a great love song that ranks up there with Crazy Love off of "Moondance."

I bought Tupelo Honey on vinyl back when it was first issued and got years of enjoyment listening to it. Then as time passed, other music became more immediate, and Tupelo Honey languished in my record cabinet. But then in the last couple of years, Van Morrison or his record company decided to remaster and reissue some of his back catalogue, so I jumped at the chance to get this on CD at a very good price.
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 this was issued shines through in the music. The tone from start to finish is uplifting, joyful, and romantic.
Those who listened to Top 40 in the early 70s will immediately recognize Wild Night. While good, it is far from the best song on the album. I like the entire recording, but my favorites are the jaunty (Straight to Your Heart) Like A Cannon Ball, Starting A New Life, the loving You're My Woman, and the anticipatory romance of When That Evening Sun Goes Down.
Of all Van Morrison's albums, Tupelo Honey is about as close to Southern music as he gets. It finds Van at the peak of the second period of his solo career. If you like a little romance and a lot of soul, then you should own this if you don't already.

Brilliant, breathtaking and continuously amazing masterpiece of an album. Never wears on you. Required Van purchase since the title song isn't on "best of" compilations and it is probably his finest song. It's "twang" also makes it a great album for folk, roots-rock, and country fans to get acquainted with Van. If you like Neil, Dylan, Prine, Lucinda, Tom Petty, and/or Mellencamp, you'll love this album.