Latest Record Project, Vol. 1
by Van Morrison
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: May 7, 2021
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
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  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 6, 2021
    60
    The infuriating thing is that there is a great album lurking here, one that a disciplined editor and more sonically adventurous producer might have uncorked.
  2. Pitchfork
    May 7, 2021
    54
    For 28 tracks Van discusses hidden cabals of dangerous media types so frequently that it verges on a convoluted concept record.
  3. AllMusic
    May 7, 2021
    50
    As always, his saving grace is his expert control of his voice and good musical taste, qualities that prevent Latest Record Project, Vol. 1 from being as sour as its creator.
  5. Mojo
    May 6, 2021
    40
    The song titles alone tell the story: The Long Con; Stop Bitching, Do Something; Big Lie; What Are You On Facebook? Plus 24 (24!) more tracks that take a swipe at a modern world controlled by conspiratorial forces. ... Even the music is largely route-one. [Jun 2021, p.87]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    May 6, 2021
    40
    On the vast majority of Latest Record Project, he’s resorted to presenting off-the-cuff emotional reactions (and similarly tossed-off arrangements) as though they’re finished products. The result is a sometimes amusing, sometimes frustrating, sparsely thrilling, and largely unlistenable collection of rants and riffs.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    May 6, 2021
    40
    Latest Record Project Volume 1 might be a grievance-heavy sprawl, but if you’re a Morrison die-hard it’ll be a worthy, timely addition to his catalogue.

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
3.1

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 12 out of 17
  1. imthenoob
    May 8, 2021
    0
    I love Van as an artist and own the majority of his work but please don't bother with this. It's 28 tracks of pure nonsense. Musically, It'sI love Van as an artist and own the majority of his work but please don't bother with this. It's 28 tracks of pure nonsense. Musically, It's very formulaic and lyrically, he is incredibly repetitive and basic. It is a very uninspired album the worst he has put out since his Duets album.… Full Review »
  2. ChrisElliott
    May 8, 2021
    0
    What a disappointing and ridiculous effort (if you can even call it that) by Van. You can really tell he's calling it in at this point andWhat a disappointing and ridiculous effort (if you can even call it that) by Van. You can really tell he's calling it in at this point and has no passion to make music anymore. The only desire is to drop horrible releases like this to us unsuspecting fans for purely financial gain. I would say this marks the end of Van completely. Horrible.… Full Review »
  3. NingMan1878
    May 8, 2021
    2
    I don't really care about any of the so-called political crap anyone sings about. The point should always be the music. In this case, and thisI don't really care about any of the so-called political crap anyone sings about. The point should always be the music. In this case, and this is coming from a huge Van the man fan, the music is pretty lethargic and uninspired. Maybe he bit off more than he could chew? Maybe his emotional enthusiasm wasn't up to his normal abilities? Maybe he just doesn't have the chops anymore? I dunno and I don't really care. I quite liked some of his recent stuff, the work he did on You're Driving Me Crazy was magnificent. But while this record spins I feel like I get the point of the song, then think to myself "Ok, this is it, then?" wait another 3-5 minutes for the song to end, only to have the next song be equally or more boring. Whatever trick Van the Man is trying to pull here, I don't think it's working. Whatever, YMMV, give it a spin and check it out for yourself, what do I know? As for me, I'll be playing his sublime Common One album after I submit this. It'll be a reminder of a simpler time.… Full Review »
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