Recorded in France in 1980, Common One represents a change in consciousness and approach that guided Van Morrison’s output for the next decade. The lengthy pieces—“Summertime in England”, “When Heart Is Open”— take up half an hour, collectively, and explore Morrison’s improvisatory talents, as he twists phrasings and bends words until they nearly break. Elements of Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way and New Age ambience emit from Mark Isham’s trumpet and flugelhorn, with Pee Wee Ellis’ saxophone flavouring the upbeat “Satisfied” and “Spirit”.