Inarticulate Speech Of The Heart  by Van Morrison

The Inarticulate Speech Of The Heart, released in March 1983, marks the fourteenth milestone in Van Morrison's discography and one of his most introspective, almost metaphysical moments. It is a transitional album, as it was his last work for Warner Bros. Records before changing record labels. The title is borrowed from a saying by George Bernard Shaw, reflecting Morrison's desire to communicate emotions beyond words.

The recordings took place in various studios, such as The Town House in London, the Record Plant in Sausalito, California, and Lombard Studios in Dublin. The album "flirts" heavily with the ambient and early New Age aesthetic, while maintaining deep roots in Celtic tradition and spiritual jazz. In an unusual move for Van Morrison, Inarticulate Speech Of The Heart includes four instrumental tracks. Morrison explained that he often hums the melodies as he composes them and wanted to capture this vibration without the intervention of lyrics. Van Morrison himself signs on production, composition, and direction, while also playing piano, guitar, and saxophone.

In the United Kingdom, it reached No. 24, while in the United States it occupied one of his lowest chart positions until then (No. 116), despite good reviews. On the other hand, songs like Irish Heartbeat (which he later re-recorded with the Chieftains) and Cry For Home remain favorites among his fans for their emotional intensity.