The Prophet Speaks Explained

The Prophet Speaks
Type:studio
Artist:Van Morrison
Cover:Van Morrison The Prophet Speaks.jpg
Released:7 December 2018
Recorded:2018
Studio:Studio D, Sausalito, California
Genre:Jazz
Length:68:49
Producer:Van Morrison, Joey DeFrancesco
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The Prophet Speaks is the 40th studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, and the second to feature jazz organist and trumpeter Joey DeFrancesco. Released on 7 December 2018 by Exile Productions and Caroline Records, it was his fourth album "of new material in just fifteen months".[1] [2] [3]

Critical reception

The Prophet Speaks received generally positive reviews, with Metacritic giving it 73 / 100, based on 11 reviews. It delivered "excellent songs, expertly rendered", leading The Observer to conclude that "Van Morrison’s current prolificacy clearly hasn’t compromised the quality of his output at all – this is another thoroughly enjoyable mix of vocal jazz and bluesy R&B." Rolling Stone heralded it as "further proof that he’s still one of the most moving, unrivaled singers of his generation", suggesting that Morrison wants to convey "that he’s able to write old-time originals that are mostly indistinguishable" from the classics he covers. Its review finds it "moving to hear Morrison revert back to his primordial roots", but finds that the album "feels like another headstrong gesture of self-determination".[4] The Irish Times deemed it a "pleasure and a privilege to luxuriate" in the "exemplary" musicianship, concluding that "[at] his imperial best, Van the Man can still be mystical and magical after all these years.[5]

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mongredien . Phil . 9 December 2019 . Van Morrison: The Prophet Speaks review – the creativity keeps coming . 10 November 2022 . The Observer.
  2. Web site: The Prophet Speaks by Van Morrison on Apple Music . . 2019-10-17.
  3. Althea Legaspi . Van Morrison Details New Album 'The Prophet Speaks' . . 2018-10-02 . 2019-10-17.
  4. Bernstein . Jonathan . 7 December 2018 . Review: Van Morrison's 'The Prophet Speaks' Mixes Standards and Fresh Originals . 10 November 2022 . Rolling Stone.
  5. News: Sweeney . Eamon . 7 December 2018 . Van Morrison: The Prophet Speaks review – A master in his comfort zone . 10 November 2022 . The Irish Times.