This album was not commercially successful at the time, however it has been critically praised since Van Morrison entered the popular consciousness and I believe had Morrison already had a following this record would have been a huge commercial hit as well. After so many listens it is still improving on me, and I've started hearing the indie pop and rock songs of the last five years in Morrison's vocal - a sign of the far reaching influence of Morrison's style. He straddles a few genres with his melodies and expressions/ articulations, giving us a hint of folk here and pop there and blues, rock and more, sometimes within one phrase. The opening lyric "If I ventured in the slipstream/ of the viaducts of your dream" let's you know you're in for an experience. Something a little more abstract could have turned me away but the line was a great hook, just enough there to make you want more.
The album is full of beautiful, heavily folk influenced songs - medium tempos and dynamics for the most part. The 9 minute 45 second "Madame George" (a very long song for popular culture 1968) does not for a moment like you're waiting for it to end. It is gorgeous and although I'm reluctant to pick any highlight, I'd recommend this album for that song. The record is definitely one to listen to all the way through though. Go buy this album.
