This, is one of the best albums Ive ever heard; a favorite of mine. Poetic Champions is up there w favs like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John) & Bella Donna (Stevie Nicks). I was 19 years old, shopping in a dingy used record store in my college town, when this album played overhead. Van's voice and music stopped me in my tracks! I stood there for 20 min and just listened. I didn't know much of Van's music then. I bought the album in 1987 and is still a regular in my playlists. I know some wont agree w me but I think this is the best Van Morrison album. Perfection!