Three Chords & the Truth

Released in 2019, Three Chords & the Truth represents a significant high point in Van Morrison's 21st-century output. Unlike his frequent covers-heavy projects of the era, this album consists entirely of original material (with the exception of one co-write with Don Black). The record is notable for its return to the 'Celtic Soul' sound that defined his peak years, featuring a stellar backing band that includes guitarist Jay Berliner, who played on the legendary Astral Weeks. The recording process was reportedly fast and intuitive, capturing the improvisational spark of a live performance within a studio setting. Critically, it was lauded as his most cohesive and inspired work in years, with many noting that his vocal performance had regained a sense of urgency and grit. The album peaked at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, proving that Morrison's brand of timeless, R&B-inflected rock still resonates with a global audience. It stands as a testament to his enduring ability to find new truth within the basic building blocks of popular music.