Enlightenment (Expanded Edition)

After spending most of the '80s delving deep into Celtic imagery, Van Morrison made ENLIGHTENMENT, using the early rock 'n' roll and R&B of his youth for inspiration. "Real Real Gone" quotes lines from songs by James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Solomon Burke to reflect getting squarely hit by Cupid's arrow, while "In The Days Before Rock 'N' Roll" is where Morrison gets truly nostalgic about the music of his youth. As usual, the imagery used by the Belfast Cowboy is sharp and buttressed by gorgeous string arrangements. more...

Morrison's ruminations on love and life traipse some of the same dark corners as Frank Sinatra's more melancholy '50s work. The near-whispered vocals and low rumble of harmonica on "See Me Through" are soaked with a spiritual restlessness that contrasts the sweetness of "She's My Baby" and the upbeat spirit of "Youth Of 1,000 Summers" (a song ripe to be used as a comeback by any number of '60s soul vets).

Q (1/91)
- Included in Q's list of the 50 Best Albums of 1990.

Rolling Stone (11/15/90)
- 4 Stars - Excellent - "...Morrison's spiritual resurrection, and he comes out stomping....`Real Real Gone' is his most engaging R&B raveup since the days of `Domino'..."

Spin (2/91)
- "...Van Morrison's latest record...is no exception for him....he continues to pay homage to those who have inspired him..."

New York Times (1/6/91)
- "...with its mix of earthy, horn-driven soul and warm, pastoral ballads, ENLIGHTENMENT is his loosest, friendliest work in years..."

NME - "...a strong and consistent album....his most accessible and mainstream offering since WAVELENGTH in 1978..."

Audio Magazine (2/91)
- Sound B+ / Performance A- "...his funkiest in ages yet it is filled with introspection and serenity..."