Released 14 years ago this October
Born to Sing: No Plan B
Van Morrison · 2012
59 min · 10 tracks · jazz fusion
A soulful blend of jazz, rock, and Celtic influences, showcasing Morrison's timeless vocal prowess and lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Open the Door (to Your Heart) Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its inviting melody and heartfelt lyrics about connection and openness, encapsulating Morrison's warm musical approach.
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Born to Sing — The title track serves as an anthem of authenticity and purpose, with Morrison reflecting on his lifelong dedication to music and artistry.
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End of the Rainbow — This song combines rich instrumentation with reflective lyrics about searching for meaning and fulfillment, showcasing Morrison's knack for blending personal narrative with universal themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and varied vocal styles but maintains a familiar sound within Morrison's catalog.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of jazz instrumentation, with brass and woodwinds prominent in several tracks.
- Morrison's vocal delivery varies between smooth crooning and more forceful expressions, particularly in the chorus sections.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, creating a conversational tone.
- The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- reflective moments for introspective listening
- for late-night contemplation
- wave-like pacing that ebbs smoothly
- sophisticated melodies for relaxed settings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Morrison's continued relevance and vitality in his later career.
- Themes
- artistic authenticity· Celtic spiritual journey· social commentary on wealth
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Born to Sing: No Plan B is Van Morrison's thirty-fifth studio album, arriving after a prolific period that included the critically acclaimed album Keep It Simple in 2008. At this stage in his career, Morrison continued to explore themes of love, spirituality, and introspection, reaffirming his status as a musical innovator well into his later years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan· John Hiatt
Tracklist
- 1 Open the Door (to Your Heart) Start here 5:20
- 2 Goin' Down to Monte Carlo 8:12
- 3 Born to Sing 4:39
- 4 End of the Rainbow 4:35
- 5 Close Enough for Jazz 3:45
- 6 Mystic of the East 4:56
- 7 Retreat and View 6:50
- 8 If in Money We Trust 8:02
- 9 Pagan Heart 7:52
- 10 Educating Archie 5:43
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Old Ideas
Leonard Cohen
Both share deep introspection and spiritual themes, with rich lyrical storytelling and a jazzy sound.
Born to Die
Lana Del Rey
Features reflective lyrics and a cinematic atmosphere, blending soulful melodies with social commentary.
Solid Air
John Martyn
Combines jazz influences with folk sensibilities, exploring themes of love and existential reflection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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