Born to Sing: No Plan B

Born to Sing: No Plan B marks Van Morrison's 34th studio album and a significant return to the Blue Note label. Produced by Morrison himself, the record is a departure from the more country-inflected sounds of his mid-2000s work, leaning heavily into a sophisticated jazz-soul hybrid. The recording feels remarkably live and spontaneous, featuring long track lengths that allow for extensive instrumental breathing room, particularly on the eight-minute 'Goin' Down to Monte Carlo.' Critically, the album was praised for its organic production and Morrison's vocal command, which remains potent despite the years. It stands as a late-career highlight that synthesizes his lifelong obsession with the 'mystic' and the 'blues,' positioning the act of singing as a survival mechanism rather than just a profession. The album peaked in the top 20 of both the UK and US charts, proving his enduring relevance to a dedicated global audience.