Van Morrison has shared his latest single ‘Cutting Corners’, offering another glimpse into his forthcoming studio album Remembering Now, set for release on 13 June.
The track debuted this morning on BBC Radio 2 with Mark Goodier, who’s currently covering Scott Mills’ show, and follows the release of ‘Down To Joy’, which arrived last month alongside news of the new record.
Remembering Now marks Morrison’s return to original songwriting for the first time since 2022, following two acclaimed detours through the world of covers with Moving On Skiffle and Accentuate The Positive. This new chapter sees the Belfast icon re-entering familiar, if unpredictable, territory—melding soul, blues, folk, country and jazz with a freedom that’s long been his trademark.
There’s a looseness and confidence across Remembering Now that echoes some of Morrison’s most beloved work. Tracks like ‘Once In A Lifetime Feelings’ channel the romantic optimism of ‘Someone Like You’, while ‘The Only Love I Ever Need Is Yours’ leans into self-deprecating honesty. He weaves in references to his youth and hometown throughout—particularly in the title track and ‘Stomping Ground’. ‘When the Rains Came’, meanwhile, nods back to the lyrical DNA of ‘Brown Eyed Girl’, offering a reflective glance at the past without becoming stuck in it.
Morrison’s unmistakable voice, guitar playing, and saxophone are front and centre, backed by a core group of long-standing collaborators—Richard Dunn on Hammond organ, Stuart McIlroy on piano, Pete Hurley on bass, and Colin Griffin on drums. It’s the same ensemble that’s been with him since 2019’s Three Chords and the Truth, and their chemistry is audible throughout.
Adding further texture are string arrangements from Fiachra Trench, who last worked with Morrison on 1989’s Avalon Sunset, performed by the Fews Ensemble under Joanne Quigley. Guest appearances also include spiritual teacher Michael Beckwith, veteran lyricist Don Black (whose credits include Ennio Morricone and Quincy Jones), and Mercury-nominated folk artist Seth Lakeman.
The album is available to pre-order now, and will arrive on black and orange double-vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital platforms.
With Remembering Now, Morrison seems to be doing what he’s always done best—looking back just long enough to move forward on his own terms.
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