Van Morrison Shares “Cutting Corners,” Second Preview Single from ‘Remembering Now’

Van Morrison has released “Cutting Corners,” the second preview single from his upcoming album Remembering Now. Set to arrive on June 13, Remembering Now is Morrison’s 46th studio album and first collection of original music since 2022’s What’s It Gonna Take?; its 14 tracks showcases a rich blend of the many sonic traditions that he’s advanced in his 60-year run, driven home with wit and wisdom befitting his status as one of rock’s elder statesmen.

Remembering Now runs swirls folk, blues, R&B, jazz, country and more into a fluid and alluringly iconoclastic expression of Morrison’s thoroughly honed artistic perspective. “Cutting Corners” is another striking example of his unique vision of roots music, recombining splashes of instruments as disparate as a spirited fiddle and bluesy saxophone into a warmhearted and steady folk-rocker. The artist’s well-traveled vocals fly over a blend of whirring organs and gospel harmonies as he imparts a moving and nuanced take on lost love.

“Cutting Corners” follows the high-spirited album opener “Down To Joy,” which first appeared in the soundtrack for Kenneth Branagh’s massively acclaimed 2021 film Belfast. Morrison is joined throughout Remembering Now by his trusty quartet of Hammond organist Richard Dunn, pianist Stuart Mcllroy, bassist Pete Hurley and percussionist Colin Griffin, all of whom have supported the singer-songwriter since 2019’s Three Chords and the Truth. Additional backing comes with strings arranged by Fiachra Trench–who has worked with Morrison since 1989’s Avalon Sunset–and performed by the Fews Ensemble, led by Joanne Quigley.

Remembering Now is available for pre-order now. Listen to “Cutting Corners” below, and read on for the album’s full tracklist.