Inarticulate Speech of the Heart
Van Morrison · 1983
47 min · 11 tracks · jazz fusion
A soulful exploration of Celtic themes and introspective musings, blending jazz, rock, and folk influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Higher Than the World Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Celtic Swing — This track epitomizes the album's fusion of jazz and Celtic influences, showcasing Morrison's lyrical dexterity and rhythmic innovation.
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Irish Heartbeat — As a poignant tribute to Irish heritage, this song encapsulates the emotional depth and cultural reflections that permeate the album.
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River of Time — This track serves as an introspective meditation on life's transience, highlighting Morrison's signature poetic style and heartfelt delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends jazz and Celtic themes with strong instrumental focus, creating a distinctive sound that rewards multiple listens.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Celtic Swing' incorporate traditional Celtic motifs layered over jazz rhythms, creating a unique fusion sound.
- The sequencing includes two interludes titled 'Inarticulate Speech of the Heart No. 1' and 'No. 2', which serve as transitions between more structured pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- evocative soundscapes for introspection
- soulful melodies for quiet evenings
- celtic-inflected warmth and nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Morrison's catalog, showcasing his genre blending but not widely recognized.
- Themes
- Irish cultural identity· Celtic melodies· jazz-inflected rhythms
- Career context
- By the time 'Inarticulate Speech of the Heart' was released in 1983, Van Morrison was firmly established as a respected artist following his commercial success with 'Beautiful Vision' in 1982. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into Celtic sounds while also reflecting a personal and artistic maturation during the early 1980s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan· John Hiatt
Tracklist
- 1 Higher Than the World Start here 3:44
- 2 Connswater 4:10
- 3 River of Time 3:03
- 4 Celtic Swing 5:04
- 5 Rave On, John Donne 5:19
- 6 Inarticulate Speech of the Heart No. 1 4:55
- 7 Irish Heartbeat 4:41
- 8 The Street Only Knew Your Name 3:37
- 9 Cry for Home 3:45
- 10 Inarticulate Speech of the Heart No. 2 3:55
- 11 September Night 5:17
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
This Is the Sea
The Waterboys
Shares a blend of Celtic influences with rich instrumentation and emotional depth.
The Book of Secrets
Loreena McKennitt
Merges Celtic melodies with lush arrangements, evoking a similar atmospheric intimacy.
Expando
Timothy B. Schmit
Combines soulful vocals and jazz-inflected rhythms with introspective lyrical themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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