Hymns to the Silence cover

Hymns to the Silence

Van Morrison · 1991

95 min · 21 tracks · jazz fusion

A meditative blend of jazz, rock, and Celtic influences that invites introspection and emotional exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Professional Jealousy Start here — This track opens the album with a blend of soulful melodies and reflective lyrics, setting the tone for Morrison's introspective journey throughout.
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    Hymns to the Silence — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, combining rich instrumentation with profound lyrical exploration of peace and inner reflection.
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    Ordinary Life — This song contrasts everyday experiences with deeper emotional currents, highlighting Morrison's skill in weaving relatable narratives with a touch of melancholy.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • reflective lyrics for soulful moments
  • long-form listening for deep connection
  • emotional depth in quiet introspection
  • cathartic release through heartfelt melodies

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, immediate gratification
  • dislike reflective, slower tempos

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic phase with introspective themes and diverse influences.
Themes
Celtic spirituality· everyday struggles· reflective journey
Career context
By the time of 'Hymns to the Silence', Van Morrison was in a phase of artistic reinvention following a string of critically acclaimed albums such as 'No Guru, No Method, No Teacher' released in 1986. This album marked his return to a more personal and reflective songwriting style after exploring various genre influences in the late 1980s.
Stylistic neighbors
Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan· John Hiatt
New to Van Morrison? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Professional Jealousy Start here 3:46
  • 2 I'm Not Feeling It Anymore 6:36
  • 3 Ordinary Life 3:34
  • 4 Some Peace of Mind 6:27
  • 5 So Complicated 3:22
  • 6 I Can't Stop Loving You 3:58
  • 7 Why Must I Always Explain? 3:53
  • 8 Village Idiot 3:16
  • 9 See Me Through, Part II (Just a Closer Walk With Thee) 3:13
  • 10 Take Me Back 9:09

Disc 2

  • 1 By His Grace 2:37
  • 2 All Saints Day 2:32
  • 3 Hymns to the Silence 9:43
  • 4 On Hyndford Street 5:21
  • 5 Be Thou My Vision 3:51
  • 6 Carrying a Torch 4:28
  • 7 Green Mansions 3:42
  • 8 Pagan Streams 3:40
  • 9 Quality Street 3:59
  • 10 It Must Be You 4:11
  • 11 I Need Your Kind of Loving 4:30

What to play next

Too Long in Exile
Listen next

Too Long in Exile

1993

Continues the introspective exploration with a mix of jazz and rock influences.
Enlightenment
Go back to

Enlightenment

1990

Sets the stage with similar themes of personal reflection and emotional depth.
Full Van Morrison discography Where to start with Van Morrison Artists like Van Morrison
Celtic music blue-eyed soul jazz fusion

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata