Van Morrison – A Sense of Wonder (1985)

Released in 1985 on Mercury Records, A Sense of Wonder captures Van Morrison at a deeply spiritual and introspective peak. Often called "the Belfast Cowboy," Morrison weaves together rock, folk, soul, and Celtic mysticism into a sound that feels both earthy and transcendent. This album stands as one of his most contemplative works — a meditation on faith, nature, and the quiet moments of awe that punctuate everyday life.

About the Artist

Van Morrison's career spans more than five decades, from his early days with Them through legendary solo albums like Astral Weeks and Moondance. By the mid-1980s, Morrison had settled into a period of rich, spiritually grounded songwriting. His voice — that unmistakable blend of gritty soul and Celtic longing — remains one of the most distinctive in popular music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.

Album Highlights

A Sense of Wonder opens with the driving, literary-inspired "Tore Down à la Rimbaud," a nod to the French poet that sets the album's tone of artistic searching. The title track is a gentle, hymn-like piece that builds into a sweeping meditation on the sacred in the ordinary. Morrison also pays tribute to his jazz influences and delivers moments of quiet beauty alongside more uptempo, soulful passages. The album rewards repeated listening — each spin reveals new layers in the arrangements and Morrison's phrasing.

Condition & Care

• Vinyl: Carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean system and placed in a fresh plastic inner sleeve. Minor scuffs are visible but the record played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Only minor pops and crackles were noticed during playback — consistent with a well-loved but well-cared-for record.
• Jacket: VG condition with very little sign of wear, as shown in the photos. Corners and edges remain intact with only light handling marks.
• Catalog: SRM-1-4098
• Matrix (Side A): SRM.1-4095A ➋ SNB 230 EL CR

A wonderful addition for any Van Morrison collector or fan of spiritually-infused 1980s rock. This copy has been handled with care and is ready to spin.