Released in August 1979, Into the Music is Van Morrison’s 11th studio album, recorded at the Record Plant in Sausalito. It features “Bright Side of the Road,” which charted in the UK, alongside songs that highlight themes of love, celebration, and the healing power of music. With contributions from Pee Wee Ellis, Ry Cooder, and other musicians, the album marked a creative return to a more spiritual and meditative sound. Here are five facts about the album’s making and legacy.
1. Recording in California
The album was tracked in early 1979 at the Record Plant in Sausalito, with Mick Glossop as engineer. Trumpeter Mark Isham introduced Morrison to Pee Wee Ellis, who became central to the horn arrangements and stayed on to shape the full record’s sound.
2. Ry Cooder’s Cameo
Guitarist Ry Cooder appears on “Full Force Gale,” adding slide guitar to Morrison’s gospel-inspired declaration. His guest spot gave the track a rootsy edge, blending Morrison’s Celtic soul with Cooder’s American blues touch.
3. Songs Born in Epwell
Morrison wrote many of the tracks while staying in Epwell, a Cotswold village. He often walked through the fields with his guitar, working out lyrics and melodies in the countryside setting that informed the music’s reflective tone.
4. Themes of Joy and Healing
The album celebrates love and life, with tracks like “Troubadours” and “You Make Me Feel So Free.” “And the Healing Has Begun” introduced the idea of music as a restorative force, a theme Morrison returned to frequently afterward.
5. A Pop Classic Revisited
Morrison wove a gentle version of the 1950s hit “It’s All in the Game” into the album. The interpolation sat alongside his originals, linking his personal storytelling to a wider tradition of popular song.
Into the Music endures as a pivotal work in Morrison’s catalogue. Its blend of joyful rhythms, spiritual reflection, and heartfelt songwriting showcased his ability to channel personal inspiration into timeless performances. The record remains a touchstone for the themes and style that continued to shape his music in the years ahead.