Back on Top

Album: Back on Top (1999)
Charted: 69
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the title track of Northern Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison's, album which was released in 1999. The optimistic lyrics are about being successful both in one's personal relationships and also in one's professional life.
  • The session musician Geraint Watkins played Hammond organ on this track. He told the The Observer Music Monthly June 2009 that recording with Morrison is "really good, because it's all live. He records everything from the minute you start; there's plenty of bloody pressure with Van! Sometimes he just sits with a guitar and starts singing. We'll start playing along and when he finishes that's it - that's the take. I wish it could always be like that. It really is a buzz, because there's no hiding place."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.