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Editorial Reviews
The subtitle of Van Morrison s new album, Born To Sing: No Plan B, indicates the
power that music still holds for this living legend. No Plan B means this is not a
rehearsal, says Morrison. That s the main thing it s not a hobby, it s real, happening
now, in real time. This sense of absolute conviction, which has defined Morrison s
revolutionary work for almost fifty years, runs throughout the new record, his thirtyfifth
studio album as a solo artist. The ten original songs on Born To Sing, his first
new album in four years (the longest he has ever gone between recordings), reveal
an artist continuing to test his creative parameters.
As Morrison notes, perhaps the most striking thing on the new album is hearing him
weigh in on the global financial and economic meltdown on several songs. His sense
of outrage at the materialism and greed that have poisoned society first appears in the
opening track, the breezy soul strut Open the Door (To Your Heart), when he sings
Money doesn t make you fulfilled/Money s just to pay the bills.
Born To Sing, recorded live in the studio with a core six-piece band (plus Morrison
on piano, guitar, and alto saxophone), extends these musical roots into a signature
blend that s impossible to imitate or to categorize. Despite the album s title, Morrison
says that he didn t immediately know that he was born to sing. I didn t know it was
going to be a job until I was maybe fifteen or sixteen and started working in bands,
he says. I was just a kid trying to make my way in life. There was no revelation it
doesn t work that way.
Ever since then, though, Van Morrison has offered non-stop revelation to fans around
the world. With Born To Sing, he responds to a time of crisis with solace and insight,
vision and wonder, and incomparable soul that shows what happens when you really
do create from the heart, with no Plan B.
power that music still holds for this living legend. No Plan B means this is not a
rehearsal, says Morrison. That s the main thing it s not a hobby, it s real, happening
now, in real time. This sense of absolute conviction, which has defined Morrison s
revolutionary work for almost fifty years, runs throughout the new record, his thirtyfifth
studio album as a solo artist. The ten original songs on Born To Sing, his first
new album in four years (the longest he has ever gone between recordings), reveal
an artist continuing to test his creative parameters.
As Morrison notes, perhaps the most striking thing on the new album is hearing him
weigh in on the global financial and economic meltdown on several songs. His sense
of outrage at the materialism and greed that have poisoned society first appears in the
opening track, the breezy soul strut Open the Door (To Your Heart), when he sings
Money doesn t make you fulfilled/Money s just to pay the bills.
Born To Sing, recorded live in the studio with a core six-piece band (plus Morrison
on piano, guitar, and alto saxophone), extends these musical roots into a signature
blend that s impossible to imitate or to categorize. Despite the album s title, Morrison
says that he didn t immediately know that he was born to sing. I didn t know it was
going to be a job until I was maybe fifteen or sixteen and started working in bands,
he says. I was just a kid trying to make my way in life. There was no revelation it
doesn t work that way.
Ever since then, though, Van Morrison has offered non-stop revelation to fans around
the world. With Born To Sing, he responds to a time of crisis with solace and insight,
vision and wonder, and incomparable soul that shows what happens when you really
do create from the heart, with no Plan B.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
114 of 124 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It's been a few decades since I was transfixed by Van the Man doing Caravan in The Last Waltz. I did relaxing exercises through my first pregnancy with Common One as the soundtrack. I was thrilled to discover The Healing Game a decade after its release. I saw Van perform in the Astral Weeks tour a few years ago. I have puzzled over Keep It Simple, finally determining that it's OK to just basically hate a Van Morrison album.
What is clear: Van Morrison is not accessible to his fans. He doesn't do a lot of interviews (probably a good thing since he is a terrible interview). But he is a great singer and songwriter and a talented musician. And if he is all about the music, then all we really need to do is listen.
Born to Sing is a really wonderful album. Morrison has always surrounded himself with the best musicians. This record often has the feel of a bunch of guys just sitting around playing music on a Sunday afternoon. It doesn't try too hard. The lyrics reveal some angst ("I'm trying to get away from people, that are trying to drive me mad") but the music just flows. Morrison is famous for covering lots of genres. Born to Sing is mostly jazz with a soupcon of blues. It's easy to listen to (not at all the same as Easy Listening). Morrison on sax has never sounded better.
This record is never bombastic. At 67, Van Morrison has settled down a bit. However, the lyrics reveal his concern about the dim economic picture in Ireland and elsewhere, particularly on If in Money We Trust and End of the Rainbow. The final song Educating Archie is a scathing indictment of how the media shapes people's minds. To my mind, the lyrics on this album are collectively some of Van's best ever. He has not let go of the mystical connection (My Pagan Heart) but sometimes finds it hard to reconcile with reality (Mystic of the East). Although he is not physically accessible, this music is a tremendous window into what's on Van's mind at the moment.
I did approach this album with some trepidation after my negative experience with Keep It Simple. Born to Sing is a keeper. It adds a lot to my understanding of Van Morrison as a musician and as a human being. Highly recommended.
What is clear: Van Morrison is not accessible to his fans. He doesn't do a lot of interviews (probably a good thing since he is a terrible interview). But he is a great singer and songwriter and a talented musician. And if he is all about the music, then all we really need to do is listen.
Born to Sing is a really wonderful album. Morrison has always surrounded himself with the best musicians. This record often has the feel of a bunch of guys just sitting around playing music on a Sunday afternoon. It doesn't try too hard. The lyrics reveal some angst ("I'm trying to get away from people, that are trying to drive me mad") but the music just flows. Morrison is famous for covering lots of genres. Born to Sing is mostly jazz with a soupcon of blues. It's easy to listen to (not at all the same as Easy Listening). Morrison on sax has never sounded better.
This record is never bombastic. At 67, Van Morrison has settled down a bit. However, the lyrics reveal his concern about the dim economic picture in Ireland and elsewhere, particularly on If in Money We Trust and End of the Rainbow. The final song Educating Archie is a scathing indictment of how the media shapes people's minds. To my mind, the lyrics on this album are collectively some of Van's best ever. He has not let go of the mystical connection (My Pagan Heart) but sometimes finds it hard to reconcile with reality (Mystic of the East). Although he is not physically accessible, this music is a tremendous window into what's on Van's mind at the moment.
I did approach this album with some trepidation after my negative experience with Keep It Simple. Born to Sing is a keeper. It adds a lot to my understanding of Van Morrison as a musician and as a human being. Highly recommended.
39 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I listened to this recording several times while driving through New England recently. It immediately caught my attention for several reasons. First, I did not hear any synthesizers. Second, the CD contains real liner notes, prepared by respected writers. Third, the musicians, including Morrison on saxophone and piano, perform very well as a unit. Indeed, when Morrison sings, he supports the band; not the opposite, which often is the case for vocalists who somehow dominate the instruments with their voices. Finally, and this is a basic comment, the music just sounds real good. It is enjoyable and well presented. In short, this is, in my view, Morrison's best recording since "The Healing Game."
Three tracks stand out for different reasons. While I highlight these tracks, this CD includes a collection of superior recordings.
The best recording on the CD is "Goin' Down to Monte Carlo." It starts with rythmns that sound like pre-reggae Caribbean music. The lyrics portray an intrigue with life in Southern France -- Nice and Monaco. The messages reminded me of recent trips to this part of the world and the peace one can experience in this region at the right time of year. Morrison sounds like he really enjoyed singing this song. When he stops singing, this band leader lets the band take over. Much like a live performance, this studio recording departs from recent musical structures -- the musicians, with the support of their leader, individually display their talents. Relieved of the threat of the synthesizer and the pressure of time limitations, these musicans show their craft with abandon -- they truly jam. Their sound is sweet and cohesive, and it is wildly moving to hear the sound of a trombone in a modern jazz, R&B or pop recording. As a ranking member of the global music community, Morrison, because of his status with the record label, made a wise election to dedicate over eight minutes to this track. The sound is, in totality, masterful.
The first track is "Open the Door." This is a spirited song. It was a good decision to make this the first track. Simply put, it is a happy song about the writer's wish that someone open the door to her heart and soul. When I heard it, I thought about similar pleas made by Morrison in his lyrical masterpiece "Wild Honey," where he romantically proclaimed that his heart "beats just for you." In short, "Open the Door" is a light love song. Unlike most love songs, it will not support a slow dance. Its messages mirror Smokey Robinson's with a more upbeat tempo than those that characterize this Motown artist. It is not a slow jam.
"If in Money We Trust" is a great musical arrangement. It starts with a nice, delicate bass line. The piano follows, and we then hear -- we enjoy -- the trombone sound again. Morrison gives his band many opportunties to show their talents. Like any leader, he steps aside and lets his team members show their talents. This track features masterful brief saxophone, trombone and piano solos. As noted above, the vocals accent the core music; the musicicans do not support the vocalist here.
"If in Money We Trust" will generate some controversy. I suspect many religious groups and some individuals will complain about lyrics that repeatedly ask, "Where's God?" (They would proclaim that God is everywhere.) These folks also may complain that the statement -- "When God is dead" -- is not conceivable and never will occur. Nevertheless, while the lyrics are distracting and may generate some controversy, the music -- the sound -- is tremendous. Like track two -- "Goin' Down to Monte Carlo" -- this track runs over eight minutes. While listening to it, I visualize Morrison actually stepping aside yielding to and genuinely appreciating the members of his band.
"Close Enough for Jazz" basically is an instrumental arrangement. It includes some lyrics that present like an afterthought. This really is an arrangement that features the musicians. Nice sounds.
In closing, it has been years since I heard a vocal recording that genuinely featured the acoustic musicians. As I reflect on this recording and the length of some of the tracks, I am reminded of the artistry of Isaac Hayes. This musical legend often produced long tracks that featured the band and included his vocals only to reinforce the instrumental musicians. I am delighted that this recording resurrected in my mind memories of great musicians like Robinson and Hayes. Morrison ranks as a bona fide member of this class of distinguished musicians.
Three tracks stand out for different reasons. While I highlight these tracks, this CD includes a collection of superior recordings.
The best recording on the CD is "Goin' Down to Monte Carlo." It starts with rythmns that sound like pre-reggae Caribbean music. The lyrics portray an intrigue with life in Southern France -- Nice and Monaco. The messages reminded me of recent trips to this part of the world and the peace one can experience in this region at the right time of year. Morrison sounds like he really enjoyed singing this song. When he stops singing, this band leader lets the band take over. Much like a live performance, this studio recording departs from recent musical structures -- the musicians, with the support of their leader, individually display their talents. Relieved of the threat of the synthesizer and the pressure of time limitations, these musicans show their craft with abandon -- they truly jam. Their sound is sweet and cohesive, and it is wildly moving to hear the sound of a trombone in a modern jazz, R&B or pop recording. As a ranking member of the global music community, Morrison, because of his status with the record label, made a wise election to dedicate over eight minutes to this track. The sound is, in totality, masterful.
The first track is "Open the Door." This is a spirited song. It was a good decision to make this the first track. Simply put, it is a happy song about the writer's wish that someone open the door to her heart and soul. When I heard it, I thought about similar pleas made by Morrison in his lyrical masterpiece "Wild Honey," where he romantically proclaimed that his heart "beats just for you." In short, "Open the Door" is a light love song. Unlike most love songs, it will not support a slow dance. Its messages mirror Smokey Robinson's with a more upbeat tempo than those that characterize this Motown artist. It is not a slow jam.
"If in Money We Trust" is a great musical arrangement. It starts with a nice, delicate bass line. The piano follows, and we then hear -- we enjoy -- the trombone sound again. Morrison gives his band many opportunties to show their talents. Like any leader, he steps aside and lets his team members show their talents. This track features masterful brief saxophone, trombone and piano solos. As noted above, the vocals accent the core music; the musicicans do not support the vocalist here.
"If in Money We Trust" will generate some controversy. I suspect many religious groups and some individuals will complain about lyrics that repeatedly ask, "Where's God?" (They would proclaim that God is everywhere.) These folks also may complain that the statement -- "When God is dead" -- is not conceivable and never will occur. Nevertheless, while the lyrics are distracting and may generate some controversy, the music -- the sound -- is tremendous. Like track two -- "Goin' Down to Monte Carlo" -- this track runs over eight minutes. While listening to it, I visualize Morrison actually stepping aside yielding to and genuinely appreciating the members of his band.
"Close Enough for Jazz" basically is an instrumental arrangement. It includes some lyrics that present like an afterthought. This really is an arrangement that features the musicians. Nice sounds.
In closing, it has been years since I heard a vocal recording that genuinely featured the acoustic musicians. As I reflect on this recording and the length of some of the tracks, I am reminded of the artistry of Isaac Hayes. This musical legend often produced long tracks that featured the band and included his vocals only to reinforce the instrumental musicians. I am delighted that this recording resurrected in my mind memories of great musicians like Robinson and Hayes. Morrison ranks as a bona fide member of this class of distinguished musicians.
45 of 52 people found the following review helpful
By Jim Z
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD
Van Morrison has been producing stellar music for over 4 decades now. On this , his 35th studio recording , Van again proves why we eagerly anticipate each new release , and why they are so relevant.
On this disc Van is with the band. Who else would release a disc in 2012 that has stand-up bass , trombone and trumpet solos that all work cohesively together loke a fine oiled machine.
The notes indicate that this was all recording "live in the studio" , and if so , it makes it all that much more amazing.
Van's writing and singing are in top form , and the band rocks (or should I say swings !)
If most any artist had at least one of this level of quality album in their canon , it would be a blessing. Van has had over 25 such records and is truly one of our greatest treasures.
On this disc Van is with the band. Who else would release a disc in 2012 that has stand-up bass , trombone and trumpet solos that all work cohesively together loke a fine oiled machine.
The notes indicate that this was all recording "live in the studio" , and if so , it makes it all that much more amazing.
Van's writing and singing are in top form , and the band rocks (or should I say swings !)
If most any artist had at least one of this level of quality album in their canon , it would be a blessing. Van has had over 25 such records and is truly one of our greatest treasures.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Van Morrison DVD
My husband thought it was a great DVD. He has been a fan of van Morrison for many many years.
Published 5 days ago by Cathy Tordsen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Born to Sing: No Plan B
I love Van Morrison and the title conveys it completly because this man was born to sing. His music feeds my musical soul!!
Published 5 days ago by Peggy Jenkins
4.0 out of 5 stars
Born To Sing - You bet
If you follow Van this is another of his " well done" albums. As with most recordings his lyrics and voice is thoughtful and strong. Legend>
Published 7 days ago by Tim Attridge
5.0 out of 5 stars
Van Morrison is still the best singer in my lifetime
I've been an intensely passionate fan of Van Morrison's music for more than 40 years. I first discovered Van when he was fronting Them back in the late 60s and I was singing in a... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Jeff Wignall
5.0 out of 5 stars
van the man
i'm a r&b fan and it might sound politically incorrect but van's my favorite white guy of all time. buy it.
Published 22 days ago by john dunn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good but not great Van M
There are two strands to Van the Man: Celtic musing and soulful blues. Born to Sing is in the soulful blues category. Tight arrangements (with nice horns) and Van in good voice. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Golden Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars
Probably the best since "Hymns to the Silence"
There is not much, if any, of Van Morrison's music that I do not have. Simple put this will become A Classic. It is Grammy material. Read more
Published 1 month ago by vincent i ciaramitaro
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another masterwork
Van's arrangements, both vocal & instrumental, are amazing... His vocal style is unique & truly soulful, bringing up memories of earlier & more celebrated blues & jazz artists... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Debbie Clark
5.0 out of 5 stars
Van is the Man!
Have been listening to Van Morrison since the 60s. He gets better with time! this is an excellent, moving CD! Top notch!
Published 1 month ago by Gary Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars
the sax is back
This is truly a work of art. If you like the saxophone this CD is for you. Van Is back with a vengeance! Not just one song but the whole disc. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Big Lace
