The essential Van Morrison playlist

Arguably the most recognizable song written by Morrison, Wild Night was a huge hit in 1971. Since then, it's been labeled one of the best pop songs of all time, and helped establish Morrison's cool, jazzy vibe. 

Recorded in 1967, Gloria is one of Morrison's most innovative tunes, fusing together jazz, punk and pop. Yes, I said punk AND pop. 

Appearing on his first solo record, TB Sheets is really the best of Morrison. It brings together his life and music in ways that feel totally heartbreaking. As Morrison sobs for his friend, trapped in a small room and dying of tuberculosis, you can feel his pain. Those sniffles in between verses aren't an act; that's really Morrison crying in the studio. 

Morrison didn't have the kind of commercial success with Astral Weeks as he'd seen with previous records, but that doesn't mean the album doesn't have some great tunes. Sweet Thing is one of Morrison's best: a hike through misty gardens, empty fields and open skies that washes over you like a breeze. 

Another Astral Weeks single. Madam George is a dreamlike evocation of Belfast that brings his hometown, his childhood, his streets, games and friends, back to life in one of the most visionary songs ever made. It's right up there with Roma and Sugar Mountain as one of the great recollections of youth. 

Released in 1972, Jackie Wilson Said is what many Morrison fans consider to be his signature song. With its catchy beat and bouncy trumpet, it remains a staple in pubs from Dublin to Dubai, New York to New Guinea. 

Fans of The Last Waltz know this one by heart. It's hard to think of a better live performance in the history of live performances: Morrison brings the house down with karate kicks and GIF-worthy moves. The mic drop at the end is *chef's kiss. 

Pretty much every song on 1979's Into the Music makes you want to dance, and Bright Side of the Road is no exception. It's a party every time it comes on. 

In 1974, Morrison proved he could still write music that sounded like his early stuff with Streets of Arklow, a folk tale that features seven instruments. James Rothernal's high, lyrical recorder soars over "God's green land" like a passing cloud, while the strings come in like a morning drizzle. Not since Astral Weeks had Morrison been this atmospheric. 

Morrison scored a crossover hit with Someone Like You, which charted on the Top 100 and was featured in multiple movies. You can heat it in French Kiss, American Sniper and Bridget Jones Diary. 

Speaking of crossover appeal, most know this 1995 single for its placement in the Oscar-winning film As Good as it Gets. But true Van fans love this one for its horn section: a callback to the work of Pee Wee Ellis on James Brown records. 

Have you ever listened to Summertime in England in the summertime in England? No? Well, what are you waiting for? This 15-minute adventure makes any trip to Brighton or Suffolk that much better. 

Morrison keeps the good vibes coming with another song about adventure. This one, about the time he and his friend were offered spiked-water, is a trip you won't soon forget. 

Originally written for Lulu and recorded by Them in 1965, Here Comes the Night brings together two of rock's greatest icons: Morrison on vocals, Jimmy Paige on guitar. It's like having two of your favorite sports players join teams.  

The title track on Morrison's sophomore solo effort, Astral Weeks is his greatest success to date. The song whisks you away to another time, another place, where birds chirp from the heavens and everything moves like a dream. To call it an out-of-body experience is an understatement; it's an out-of-body, out-of-this-world masterpiece.  

The theme song for An American Werewolf in London, this Morrison classic also charted #226 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs. And for good reason: it's always a wonderful night for a Moondance. 

You can practically hear Morrison smiling as he sings Crazy Love. Maybe that's because he's singing with his wife, Janet Rigsbee, or maybe that's because he knew we'd be listening 50-years later. Either way, it's a balm. 

Even if you don't know Morrison, you know Brown Eyed Girl. It's one of the most popular/ covered/riffed on songs of all time. 

Tupelo Honey reminds me of the old Prince quote, "music is healing, music holds things together." Anytime I need a pick-me-up, I can always turn on Tupelo Honey and my mood shifts from down to up, overcast to 80-degree summer. Give Morrison five minutes, and he'll give you a lifetime of therapy.