The peculiar fact that 1989’s Avalon Sunset yielded one of Van’s biggest hits in “Have I Told You Lately” remains surprising in light of the album’s highly spiritual tone, as represented by the opening homily “Whenever God Shines His Light”. But dig deeper and this is a record of profound religious reckoning and fearful doubting, one that asks hard questions and isn’t necessarily contented with the answers. Again and again Van looks to the spirits of previous ages to find unnerving assurance, and comes back with only cold comfort. From early century country-blues to the hard rain reckonings of 1970’s Bob Dylan, rock and roll has looked to consecrate its accommodation with religion. Surely we’ve never been closer than this.