A Period of Transition
| Van Morrison
A Period of Transition
A Period of Transition is the ninth studio album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1977 (see 1977 in music). It was his first album in two-and-a-half years, largely forgotten or overlooked by most casual fans. At the time of its release it was received with some disappointment by critics and fans: "Most were hoping for a work of primeval vocal aggression that would challenge the emerging lite of Morrison pretenders, whose ranks included Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Phil Lynott, Graham Parker and Elvis Costello." However, the album is still notable for several major compositions, including "Heavy Connection", "Flamingos Fly", "The Eternal Kansas City" and "Cold Wind in August".-Wikipedia
Critic Reviews
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Rolling Stone
1977- There is a lot of neo-R&B huffing and puffing on A Period of Transition (from what to what?), but Morrison’s performances rarely find a focus, almost never hit a groove. The grand gestures of Morrison’s style at its most rhetorical (“We are Them, take it or leave it,” he snarled during his 1964 sessions) fade in the air.
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All Music
He emerges from a cocoon here, leaving behind the lushly dark introspection of Veedon Fleece for a mellow, good-natured R&B-flavored singer/songwriter sound that may turn introspective but never feels dark -- it's warm, welcoming, infused with spirituality and humor. Still, like any period of transition, this is somewhat tentative and uneven, with its best moments being, at best, minor masterpieces.
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Sunshine Coast Van Fans
2013- Four decades on, A Period of Transition sounded positively inspired. Maybe it was the fuller sound afforded by a combination of CD and iPod as compared with a wafer-thin slab of vinyl on a cheap record player, but here, in all its uncelebrated glory, is Van’s Stax album.
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Kamer Tunes Blog
2011- It’s without a doubt Van’s most joyous-sounding album, featuring a great combination of gospel, jazz, New Orleans funk, and outstanding songwriting.
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Kamer Tunes Blog
2017- A Period Of Transition may not be among his most essential albums but it’s a tight collection of excellent tunes that’s been undervalued for a long time. Hopefully one day it will get the reappraisal it deserves.
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Adrian's Album Reviews
1977- The title of this album suggests that Van was indeed in transition, and a mere 34 minutes of new music makes it easy for critics to dismiss this work. Yet, there is some earthy Van soul music on display here. It's a good little album without containing any real Van Morrison classics.
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Robert Cristgau
"It Fills You Up" and "Heavy Connection" work on chant power alone, but even they go on a little too long, and in general this is an unexciting record--but not definitively. It's full of the surprising touches.
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The Irish Times
2015- His last album, A Period of Transition was disappointing, especially as it was something of a comeback for him.
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Hot Press
2001-Vocally Morrison is as haunting as ever and as brilliant. The most prominent part of the stunning arrangements.
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