April 17, 2025 — Music & Culture Desk
Van Morrison, once hailed as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, continues to stir conversation in the 21st—but not always for the right reasons. With the release of his latest album, critics and fans alike are grappling with a familiar question: is Morrison once again diving into political controversy, or has he simply lost his creative spark?
The new record, Born to Question, follows in the footsteps of his recent work that veers sharply away from lyrical introspection toward political skepticism and pandemic-era outrage. But this time, the fire seems dimmer. Where earlier tracks provoked fierce debate for their conspiracy-tinged lyrics, the new material feels, according to some reviewers, more resigned and repetitive than rebellious.
“The new measure of a Van Morrison record,” writes The Guardian, “is whether it’s politically problematic, or just plain dull. This one may be both.” The review laments the lack of lyrical depth and musical innovation, describing many of the songs as “rambling diatribes set to uninspired blues backings.”
Morrison, 79, has faced criticism over the past few years for his vocal opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns and his embrace of controversial themes. While his defenders see him as a truth-teller standing against mainstream narratives, others argue he has drifted too far into self-parody.
Social media reaction has been mixed. Some long-time fans praised his defiant spirit, calling the album a “voice of the forgotten,” while others admitted they struggled to finish it. “I miss the magic,” wrote one disappointed listener on X. “This isn’t Astral Weeks. It’s just week after week of the same weary tune.”
Despite the controversy, Morrison remains a commercial force. The album debuted at number three in the UK charts, bolstered by curiosity and loyal fans. Whether that support endures remains to be seen.
For now, Morrison seems unfazed by the criticism. In a recent interview, he said simply: “I write what I feel. If people don’t like it, that’s not my problem.”
But for many listeners, it just might be.
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