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After spending most of the '80s delving deep into Celtic imagery, Van Morrison made ENLIGHTENMENT, using the early rock 'n' roll and R&B of his youth for inspiration. "Real Real Gone" quotes lines from songs by James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Solomon Burke to reflect getting squarely hit by Cupid's arrow, while "In The Days Before Rock 'N' Roll" is where Morrison gets truly nostalgic about the music of his youth. As usual, the imagery used by the Belfast Cowboy is sharp and buttressed by gorgeous string arrangements.
Morrison's ruminations on love and life traipse some of the same dark corners as Frank Sinatra's more melancholy '50s work. The near-whispered vocals and low rumble of harmonica on "See Me Through" are soaked with a spiritual restlessness that contrasts the sweetness of "She's My Baby" and the upbeat spirit of "Youth Of 1,000 Summers" (a song ripe to be used as a comeback by any number of '60s soul vets).
Recorded at Wool Hall Studios, Real World Studio, Box Studio and Pavillion Studio, London, England; The Kirk, Somerset, England.
Personnel includes: Van Morrison (vocals); Paul Durcan (spoken vocals); Bernie Holland (guitar); Steve Gregory, Dave Bishop (saxophone); Henry Lowther (trumpet); Steve Waterman (flugelhorn); Malcolm Griffiths (trombone); Michael O'Suilleabhain (piano); Georgie Fame (electric piano, organ, background vocals); Neil Drinkwater, Alex Gifford (keyboards); Frank Ricotti (vibraphone); Steve Pearce, Brian Odgers (bass); Dave Early, Steve Sanger (drums); The Ambrosian Singers (background vocals).
Rolling Stone (11/15/90) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...Morrison's spiritual resurrection, and he comes out stomping....`Real Real Gone' is his most engaging R&B raveup since the days of `Domino'..."
Spin (2/91) - "...Van Morrison's latest record...is no exception for him....he continues to pay homage to those who have inspired him..."
Q (1/91) - Included in Q's list of the 50 Best Albums of 1990.
Audio Magazine (2/91) - Sound B+ / Performance A- "...his funkiest in ages yet it is filled with introspection and serenity..."
New York Times (Publisher) (1/6/91) - "...with its mix of earthy, horn-driven soul and warm, pastoral ballads, ENLIGHTENMENT is his loosest, friendliest work in years..."
NME (Magazine) - "...a strong and consistent album....his most accessible and mainstream offering since WAVELENGTH in 1978..."
Enlightenment Music Review
Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)    Fanfabulous!
One of my dearest albums by Van the Man. It's easily one of his best and his ode to "wireless knobs" is absolutely mindblowing.
Submitted by Brana (Blgrade, Serbia, EU)
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An fine follow-up to "Avalon Sunset"
Though not quiet as good as "Avalon Sunset", "Enlightenment" neverless includes some great songs such as the title track, "Real Real Gone", "In The Days Before Rock 'n' Roll" and "So Quiet In Here". With just a few more great songs, I would have rated this album to 4 stars.
Submitted by a reviewer (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  my favorit morrison yet.
This is unique and refreshing.
You will enjoy this CD. I play it often. Thanks. Roxy
Submitted by horsewhisper4u (Clarkdale arizona) 
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This review is for a different format.
Great album but SHOULD NOT be anyone's favorite
The previous reviewer cannot have listened to many Van Morrison albums to arrive at such a sterile conclusion; yes this is a wonderful album...but to judge it as a favorite??? HELLO...? there remains an entire body of work yet to be explored, please...
Submitted by faust8577 (Lorraine, Que., Canada)
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