THERE is nothing surprising as such about Van Morrison’s 36th studio album. Those who love George Ivan Morrison know what to expect: his own Belfast take on jazzy blues delivered with impeccable good taste and top-notch musicians.

Now while it is undeniable that the truly great albums came out in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, Van has kept at it; sometimes to slightly diminished effect, but mostly in that curious mood: the joyousness of a grumpy man (or a man with a reputation for grouchiness: just watch him live when he’s not happy with a member of his band).

At 70, he has lost little if any of his musical vision, and he remains in good voice: unlike many croaking older singers, Van hasn’t lost it at all and has, if anything, a more attractive voice now than in his harsher youth.

There are 12 new songs here, plus a cover of the blues standard Share Your Love With Me. Highlights include the opener Let It Rhyme, which announces itself as a Van track within a classy bar or two, and the lovely title song in which Van asks himself why he is still at it, and concludes that singing is pretty much all he knows.

Best of all is the swing and sway of Look Behind The Hill. Lucky track number 13, Caledonia Swing, sees Van having instrumental fun on piano and saxophone.

All in all, this Van is still carrying a good and fruitful load, and this reviewer is glad he has kept himself singing.

Review by Spencer Taylor

Van Morrison plays Sheffield City Hall on November 8.