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. American Songwriter
    May 6, 2021
    90
    Some 42 albums on, Morrison remains as emphatic as ever. This Latest might not be his greatest, but in many ways it clearly comes close.
  2. Uncut
    May 6, 2021
    80
    His most visceral album in years. [Jun 2021, p.28]
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  3. Glide Magazine
    May 7, 2021
    70
    Devoted fans who found pleasure in recent records like Keep Me Singing should discover this one will hit home as well, whereas more objective music lovers may probably miss the natural spontaneity and unusual good cheer that arose from The Belfast Cowboy’s 2018 collaborations with jazz keyboardist/bandleader Joey DeFrancesco, You’re Driving Me Crazy and (to an only slightly lesser extent) The Prophet Speaks.
  5. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 6, 2021
    70
    If him being grumpy over excellent R&B riffs isn't too much of a shock for the listener, then this is an enjoyable album. [Jun 2021, p.78]

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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