The Rare Recording Of “Queen Of The Slipstream” With Spoken-Word Verses

April 2, 2025

In a small, dimly lit recording studio tucked away in the heart of Dublin, an unforgettable moment was about to unfold. It was the late 1980s, and the Irish musician Van Morrison was experimenting with new sounds and styles. He had recently penned a song called “Queen of the Slipstream,” a piece that resonated with his love for jazz, folk, and soul. But this time, he was on the brink of something different. He decided to take a bold step by adding spoken-word verses to the song, something few artists dared to do. With his rich voice and poetic lines, Van was determined to craft a piece that would ripple through the music world.

As the recording session began, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Van’s bandmates looked on, curiously waiting to hear how the magic would unfold. Van stood in front of the microphone, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. The beats began, and as he spoke the verses, weaving together thoughts of love and wanderlust, the room was filled with a palpable energy. The spoken-word sections were raw and honest, exposing parts of his soul that he had never shared before. In that moment, Van transformed the song into an experience, inviting listeners into his world—a journey through time, memory, and emotion.

But the road to that session was not easy. Van had faced struggles throughout his career, battling self-doubt and the pressures of the music industry. There were times when he questioned whether his voice could truly resonate with others. However, his passion for music had always guided him back, illuminating a path forward. He poured his heart into every note he sang, every word he spoke. And that day in the studio, as he poured his heart into “Queen of the Slipstream,” he felt a renewed sense of purpose. It was a reminder that creating art was not just about success or fame; it was about expressing one’s truth and connecting with others.

When the recording of “Queen of the Slipstream” was finally released, it became a defining moment in his career. The song struck a chord with fans and critics alike, praised for its innovative blend of genres and Van’s heartfelt delivery. The spoken-word verses added a lyrical depth that captivated listeners, making them feel as if they were part of something unique and beautiful. It was a testament to Van’s resilience and his courage to step outside the norm, inspiring countless artists to explore their own creativity beyond conventional boundaries.

Years later, Van Morrison would look back on that day in the studio with a sense of pride. It was a pivotal moment that shaped his journey as an artist. The song not only solidified his place in music history but also served as a reminder of the power of vulnerability and authenticity. In each performance of “Queen of the Slipstream,” the audience could hear the echoes of his struggles and triumphs. Van had not just created a song; he had crafted a legacy of passion, encouraging others to follow their dreams, no matter how daunting the path might seem.

As the last notes of the song faded into silence, Van felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. He realized that through music, he had found a way to connect with people, to share pieces of himself in a way that words alone could never capture. In that recording studio in Dublin, he had not only discovered a new artistic direction but had also embraced the boundless possibilities that music could offer. And in doing so, he had become the true Queen of the Slipstream—an artist unafraid to explore the depths of his soul and inspire others to do the same.