What's It Gonna Take?
Van Morrison · 2022
79 min · 15 tracks · jazz fusion
A reflective blend of jazz-infused rock and soul, layered with poignant lyrics and Morrison's signature vocal warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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What’s It Gonna Take? Start here — This title track encapsulates the album's central question about change and progress, driven by a catchy melody that contrasts its serious theme.
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Fighting Back Is the New Normal — This song stands out for its urgent message wrapped in an upbeat tempo, reflecting Morrison’s response to contemporary challenges.
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I Ain’t No Celebrity — Offering a candid look at fame and personal identity, this track highlights Morrison's refusal to conform to public expectations, resonating with his long-standing artistic ethos.
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Damage and Recovery — This track delves into themes of healing and resilience, showcasing Morrison's lyrical depth through a soulful arrangement that invites reflection.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- dynamic exploration of themes
- soulful ballads for introspection
- thought-provoking lyrics to ponder
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and introspection in Morrison's extensive discography.
- Themes
- contemporary social critique· celebrity disillusionment· personal longing
- Career context
- Released in May 2022, What's It Gonna Take? is Van Morrison's 42nd studio album, following his previous work, Latest Record Project: Volume 1. The album arrives during a prolific period for Morrison, showcasing his continued exploration of personal and societal themes through music, remaining active well into his seventies.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan· John Hiatt
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Fodder for the Masses
The narrative shifts from personal introspection to broader societal commentary, addressing the disconnection felt in modern life.
By expanding the focus beyond himself, Morrison critiques collective experiences while maintaining his intimate storytelling style.
Tracklist
- 1 Dangerous 7:40
- 2 What’s It Gonna Take? Start here 3:22
- 3 Fighting Back Is the New Normal 3:35
- 4 Fodder for the Masses 4:44
- 5 Can’t Go On This Way 6:41
- 6 Sometimes It’s Just Blah Blah Blah 3:36
- 7 Money From America 7:35
- 8 Not Seeking Approval 6:30
- 9 Damage and Recovery 4:04
- 10 Nervous Breakdown 5:09
- 11 Absolutely Positively the Most 5:19
- 12 I Ain’t No Celebrity 4:41
- 13 Stage Name 4:28
- 14 Fear and Self‐Loathing in Las Vegas 5:03
- 15 Pretending 6:47
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Explores personal and societal themes with a reflective, jazz-infused sound and poignant lyrics.
The Eclipse sessions
John Hiatt
Combines soulful balladry with introspective storytelling that mirrors personal longing and social critique.
All Rise
Gregory Porter
Merges jazz elements with heartfelt lyrics addressing contemporary issues, echoing Morrison's reflective style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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