Review by LarryG
3 stars out of 4
Morrison is really a wonder. More than 3 decades into his career, he's
come up with one of the best records of the year. Back on Top is accurate. It's
certainly one of his best works in two decades. The songs have a classic feel.
Morrison projects a cool confidence but never seems complacent. The millions who bought
Morrison's greatest
hits CD but ignore his recent work should know that he's making music on a par with his
classics from the 70's. Philosopher's Stone, Precious Time and the title track would
easily sit beside his most famous songs. Morrison makes it clear that we're in for a good
time from the start of Back on Top. Goin' Down Geneva, with Geraint Watkins' great
rollicking piano, has a great classic blues feel as Morrison easily evokes the life of a
blues man "living on the exile plan" doing gigs throughout Europe.Everything
Morrison does seems so right. Part of the reason for Morrison's success is that he's still
searching for meaning in music and life. While his contemporaries are gone or living
on their oldies, Morrison still wants to challenge himself, trying to turn "lead into
gold." The Philosopher's Stone is a touching song about how Morrison is still
searching for meaning. The music is relaxed and beautiful and the vocals have real
poignancy. There's also a kind of arrogance there, that he knows he's doing something
pretty amazing, but he can get away with it because he's right. Back on Top, which is also
a justifiable celebration of the current strength of his work, is an excellent upbeat,
comfortable jazzy song with Fianchra Trench's nice, easy piano. Precious Time has a fun,
light feel with Pee Wee Ellis's smooth sax. Morrison is consistently able to create
vivid lyrical images and enjoyable musical settings, singing of "listening to Chet
Baker on the beach" and inviting his love to "follow him down" when the
rain comes, in When the Leaves Come Falling Down. The record finishes well with Morrison
singing on Golden Autumn Day of "taking in the indian summer." Back On Top is
always solid and is often remarkable. At age 53, Morrison added another masterpiece to his catalog.
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