Top 25 Van Songs: Numbers 25 and 24

#25. "Across the Bridge Where Angels Dwell"
Album: Beautiful Vision (1982)

The ninth song on the enchanting Beautiful Vision, "Across the Bridge Where Angels Dwell" is among the nicest sounding Van songs. The title bares resemblence to a lullaby, and the song itself does not abandon this illusion. The lyrics are not deep, but the surface of the words is dreamy, whistful, and beautiful. Van could be singing about a dream, although he could also be singing about heaven. Maybe he's singing about both. The music boasts all the same pleasant qualities as the lyrics; indeed, this is a very graceful song to listen to. It's quiet, airy, and slow, and thus makes for perfect tranquility listening, such as a backdrop to reading, or a bedtime companion. The synthesizers, guitar, and flute that are featured in the song are very representative of Van's early 80's musical experimentation.

In summary, what's not to love about a song that lulls its listener to "close your eyes in fields of wonder/close your eyes and dream"? This tune could appeal from anyone to an infant child to an elderly audience. It's not a song that people will ever immediately think of when asked to recall the music of Van Morrison; instead, it's a hidden treasure that one would be remiss to pass over. This is Van at his dreamy, ethereal best.

#24. "Summertime in England"
Album: Common One (1980)

The tapping, rasping snare drums that open "Summertime in England" are a fitting foreshadowing forwhat is to follow: a completely laid-back piece, but one that jumps from mood-to-mood in a manic fashion. The songwriting emphasizes repition, and Van's vocal performance hints that he may be in a far-off place in his mind. Whatever far-off place he's psychologically visiting, however, must be a warm and inviting locale, because his singing on "Summertime" is among the most rapturous and buoyant he's ever done. The musical accompaniment is appropriately and delicately subdued, and the overall feeling of the song exudes a bright, warm summer afternoon.

At fifteen minutes, one would expect "Summertime in England" to become tiring and monotonous, especially after repeated listenings. With the changing tempos, though, Van keeps things fresh, and his various vocal devices (such as plain speak, whispering, and shouting) literally keep the listener guessing at what Van could possibly try next. The images that he culls, such as ether, churchs, and lightheadedness, add a mystical nature to the song. Furthermore, by dropping dozens of names, such as Wordsworth, Blake, and Eliot, essentially make this a history lesson in English literature.

While it is not one of Van's most accessible songs, "Summertime in England" provides for compelling, enjoyable listening. The singing is passionate, and the instrumentation is crisp. This is one of the few songs in music history that lasts more than fifteen minutes, and actually proves to be continually captivating.