Van "The Man" Morrison returns in his 35th solo studio album, his first since 2008's Keep it Simple. The album was produced by Morrison and all the songs on the album were written by him. Morrison plays the alto saxophone, electric guitar, and piano on various tracks for the album alongside his singing duties. He certainly shows no signs of slowing down, despite turning 67 years old this past August. His latest venture with Born to Sing is largely one of his jazziest albums since Moondance.
The album opens with the track "Open the Door (To Your Heart)". Morrison quickly establishes that he still has it with his signature voice and wonderful lyrics. The opening track also touches upon what is one of the main themes of Born to Sing, greed. Morrison sings "Money doesn't make you fulfilled/Money's just to pay the bills/It's need not greed/Open the door to your heart."
The second track "Going Down to Monte Carlo" is not only the jazziest track on the album but clocks in as the longest at 8 minutes and 12 seconds. The track has a few solos to go along with it as Morrison expresses his disapproval of "some kind of phony pseudo jazz".
The third track of the album "Born to Sing" shows why it earns the recognition of the title track for the album. "End of the Rainbow" finds Morrison returning to the themes of greed and capitalism. Morrison certainly doesn't hold back how he feels with lyrics like "No social ladder to climb around here" and "So much for capitalism, so much for materialism".
"Close Enough for Jazz" is catchy but adds up to be one of the more weaker tracks on the album. While the track clocks in at 3 minutes and 45 seconds, Morrison's singing only kicks in after two minutes in. Although the instrument playing is still solid. "Mystic of the East" and "Retreat and View" are more classic Morrison in terms of the lyrics and style.
"In Money We Trust" is sure to be the most controversial track from Born to Sing. Especially with lyrics such as "When God is dead/And money's not enough/In what do you trust/When it's not enough?" "Pagan Heart" is one of my favorite tracks on the albums and it's also the most bluesy track. Morrison's voice mixes perfect with the guitar and melody for the track.
"Educating Archie" is the final track on the album and finishes the underlying theme of the album about greed. Morrison pulls no punches as he rails against "the capitalism system" and the media to end the album.
Born to Sing: No Plan B as an album has more hits than misses. Fans of Van Morrison will likely find themselves enjoying this album and should consider it a pickup. Much of the album's punch depends on what the listener thinks of Morrison's lyrics about greed and materialism. Some will likely find them to be ham-fisted and therefore will not enjoy the album. I personally found myself enjoying this album for the most part and thought it was Morrison's best album since 2002's Down the Road.
I would give Born to Sing: No Plan B four (4) out of five (5) stars.
Born to Sing: No Plan B is currently available on Amazon.
A live version of "Open the Door (To Your Heart)" by Morrison is currently available on Youtube.
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