Monday 30th March, 2015
“Van Morrison is one of the most revered singers and songwriters of the postwar pop music era.”
Rolling Stone
“Van Morrison unearths lost classics with all-star friends from Mavis Staples to Steve Winwood…(his duet partners) rise to the Van challenge, helping him to rescue songs that only die-hards know. Bobby Womack on a searing ‘Some Peace of Mind.’…Staples sounds raw and weathered on ‘Lord, If I Ever Needed Someone’….Knopfler’s voice and guitar seem right at home on ‘Irish Heartbeat,’ just as George Benson’s smooth jazz touch lifts ‘Higher Than the World.’ But the surreal highlight comes when Van teams with Mick Hucknall…who torches up the poetic Celtic ramble ‘Streets of Arklow’ from the unjustly forgotton ‘Veedon Fleece.’ It’s a gem that only could be imagined by a crank of Morrison’s brilliance.” – (3 ½ stars)
USA Today
“Most songs (on Duets)…come from '80s and '90s albums, an era when Morrison…continued to make superb, sometimes breathtaking, music. Duets is designed to please Morrison first and his hardcore fan base second. But with Don Was and Bob Rock producing with him, Duets will prove accessible to listeners who aren't as familiar with his idiosyncratic genius. And if Morrison's reworking of his catalog gets people to listen anew to overlooked gems, all the better.” (3 out of 4 stars)
Associated Press
“Van Morrison is one of the most revered singers and songwriters of the postwar pop music era.”
Los Angeles Times
“The Northern Irishman’s voice is as rich as ever.”
New York Post
“His genius as a singer comes in his ability to communicate both an uncommonly rich inner life and an extraordinary connection to the spiritual world….the song arrangements (on Duets) differ from the original takes. Most increase the beat and broaden the melodies. ‘Some Peace of Mind’ featuring the late Bobby Womack, sounds like a lost Spinners hit. ‘Real Real Gone’ fattens the sound to create a more satisfying rendition….It’s exciting to hear Steve Winwood’s voice against Morrison’s on ‘Fire In The Belly.’”
Daily News
“Van’s duet partners seem chosen for collaborative potential rather than marquee appeal. What you get on Duets is exactly what the title promises: a reimagining of Van’s extensive catalogue with a little help from his friends...The album closes with a six-and-a-half minute version of ‘How Can A Poor Boy?’ with Taj Mahal. Van is 69, Taj is 72; they sound like two rough gods together – passionate, vital, doubly singular, surveying their empires, all the verdant fields and wildflowers they’ve planted over the years, which will keep blooming forever.”
Mojo
“Duets serves as a triumphant summation of a stellar career now spanning over half a century. Allowing others to join the celebration simply makes it all the more enjoyable, and a treat for those fans to both Morrison and his duet partners.”
