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**Van Morrison - Wavelength**
★★★★☆

Van Morrison has always been a restless spirit, a Celtic soul wanderer who refuses to be pinned down by genre conventions or commercial expectations. While many consider "Astral Weeks" or "Moondance" to be his crowning achievements, there's something deeply compelling about 1978's "Wavelength" that deserves serious reconsideration. This album finds Van the Man at a fascinating crossroads, emerging from a period of creative uncertainty to deliver one of his most cohesive and spiritually charged statements.

By the mid-1970s, Morrison had already established himself as one of rock's most enigmatic figures. Following his explosive debut with Them and the mystical breakthrough of "Astral Weeks," he'd spent the early '70s crafting a series of increasingly introspective albums that showcased his unique ability to blend soul, jazz, folk, and Celtic mysticism into something entirely his own. However, the period leading up to "Wavelength" was marked by creative restlessness and personal turmoil. His marriage was dissolving, his relationship with his record label was strained, and critics were beginning to question whether he could recapture the magic of his earlier work.

"Wavelength" emerged as Morrison's answer to these doubts, representing both a return to form and a bold step forward. Musically, the album finds him embracing a more streamlined approach while maintaining his characteristic spiritual intensity. The sound is warmer and more accessible than some of his more experimental work, featuring lush arrangements that incorporate elements of R&B, gospel, and his beloved Celtic folk traditions. It's Morrison at his most radio-friendly, yet he never compromises his artistic vision for commercial appeal.

The album's centerpiece is undoubtedly the title track, a hypnotic seven-minute journey that builds from a simple guitar riff into a transcendent meditation on connection and communication. "Wavelength" showcases Morrison's remarkable ability to transform seemingly mundane concepts – in this case, radio waves – into profound spiritual metaphors. His vocal performance is nothing short of extraordinary, moving from whispered intimacy to gospel-powered ecstasy as the song unfolds. It's the kind of track that reminds you why Morrison is considered one of the greatest vocalists in rock history.

"Kingdom Hall" stands as another highlight, a deeply personal exploration of faith and belonging that finds Morrison grappling with his Jehovah's Witness upbringing. The song's gentle acoustic guitar and subtle string arrangements provide the perfect backdrop for one of his most vulnerable vocal performances. Meanwhile, "Checkin' It Out" brings a welcome dose of humor and playfulness to the proceedings, featuring a bouncing rhythm and Morrison's most lighthearted vocal in years.

The album's production, handled by Morrison himself, strikes an ideal balance between polish and rawness. The arrangements are sophisticated without being overwrought, allowing space for Morrison's voice to soar while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that makes his best work so compelling. The backing musicians, including guitarist Herbie Armstrong and saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, provide sympathetic support throughout, understanding that their role is to serve Morrison's vision rather than compete with it.

"Wavelength" also benefits from Morrison's renewed focus on songcraft. While his previous few albums had occasionally meandered into self-indulgent territory, every track here feels essential and purposeful. Songs like "Santa Fe" and "Beautiful Vision" showcase his ability to paint vivid lyrical pictures while maintaining strong melodic hooks. Even the album's weaker moments, such as the somewhat overwrought "Hungry for Your Love," possess a sincerity that's hard to resist.

In the context of Morrison's broader career, "Wavelength" represents a crucial pivot point. It proved that he could evolve his sound without abandoning his core identity, paving the way for later triumphs like "Into the Music" and "Common One." The album's commercial success – it reached the top 30 in both the US and UK – also demonstrated that there was still a substantial audience for Morrison's unique brand of spiritual soul music.

Today, "Wavelength" stands as a testament to Morrison's enduring ability to surprise and inspire. While it may not possess the raw power of "Astral Weeks" or the immediate appeal of "Moondance," it offers something equally valuable: proof that great artists can reinvent themselves without losing their essential magic. In an era of manufactured pop and disposable hits, Morrison's commitment to authentic expression feels more relevant than ever.