Into the Music

iTunes Review

The follow-up to Van’s 1978 commercial success Wavelength, 1979’s Into the Music strikes a successful balance between Morrison’s spiritual concerns, his innate use of musical dynamics and his love for straightforward jazz, country and R&B. The first side of the album (tracks one through six) are short, pointed jabs, and among the most joyous music Morrison has created. “Bright Side of the Road,” “Full Force Gale” and “Rolling Hills” extort Morrison’s then current interest in Christianity and are buoyed by a festive rhythm section, horns (arranged by Pee Wee Ellis and Mark Isham) and strings. Side two (tracks seven through ten) forms a dramatic suite. “Angeliou” begins things in low gear, building in intensity as Morrison repeats key phrases until the song resolves into “And the Healing Has Begun,” one of Morrison’s keynote compositions. It’s here that Morrison’s idiosyncratic genius pulls forth. Using spoken word, moments of hesitation and imagery from earlier songs, for eight minutes Morrison follows a rhythmic pulse as inevitable as a flowing river. He caps himself with the final medley, “It’s All in the Game” and “You Know What They’re Writing About,” that seamlessly segues and eventually dissolves into intimate whispers. Essential.