Is Duets: Re-working the Catalogue a good place to start with Van Morrison?

Yes, Duets: Re-working the Catalogue is recommended as a starting point for new Van Morrison listeners. A rich tapestry of reimagined classics, blending jazz, rock, and Celtic influences through lush instrumentation and Morrison's soulful voice. Released in 2015, 'Duets: Re-working the Catalogue' marks a significant phase in Van Morrison's career as it revisits his expansive catalog through collaborative performances. This album follows his 2012 release 'Born to Sing: No Plan B', showcasing Morrison's continued relevance and artistry well into his later years. The project features notable artists, reflecting his enduring influence across genres.

Who is Duets: Re-working the Catalogue for?

Duets: Re-working the Catalogue works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, heartfelt vocals for introspection and dynamic flow for deep listening.

How many songs are on Duets: Re-working the Catalogue?

Duets: Re-working the Catalogue has 16 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

Duets: Re-working the Catalogue

Van Morrison · 2015

76 min · 16 tracks · jazz fusion

A rich tapestry of reimagined classics, blending jazz, rock, and Celtic influences through lush instrumentation and Morrison's soulful voice.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Some Piece of Mind Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Irish Heartbeat — The duet version brings an emotional depth that layers Morrison's lyrical nostalgia with the haunting vocals of Brian Kennedy, creating a poignant tribute to Irish heritage.
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Wild Honey — This track shines with its playful arrangement and warm harmonies, showcasing how Morrison’s original charm is enhanced by the modern reinterpretation alongside Joss Stone.
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Higher Than the World — Featuring a stunning vocal interplay with Mavis Staples, this track elevates the song's reflective themes, demonstrating Morrison's ability to adapt and grow musically.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases varied collaborations and instrumentation but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that highlight the jazz fusion elements, allowing for improvisation and exploration.
The sequencing alternates between more upbeat tracks and slower ballads, maintaining listener engagement through dynamic shifts.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with peaks
heartfelt vocals for introspection
dynamic flow for deep listening
lush arrangements for soothing moments
two-halves experience for reflection

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revisits classics with collaborations, showcasing Morrison's continued relevance and vitality.
Themes: Irish musical heritage· collaborative warmth· nostalgic reflection
Career context: Released in 2015, 'Duets: Re-working the Catalogue' marks a significant phase in Van Morrison's career as it revisits his expansive catalog through collaborative performances. This album follows his 2012 release 'Born to Sing: No Plan B', showcasing Morrison's continued relevance and artistry well into his later years. The project features notable artists, reflecting his enduring influence across genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan· John Hiatt