Review MICHAEL SWEET “The Master Plan”

Michael Sweet is best known as the frontman and singer of Stryper. With “The Master Plan”, Sweet launches a new solo album that is not rooted in metal. Instead, “The Master Plan” is a rock album that mainly features acoustic moments. It is a spiritual and personal album that Sweet has wanted to make for years, and he has finally realised his dream.

The record starts soulfully with the title track. If you think it’s brave to start an album with a touching ballad, you’re certainly right. However, the song is the perfect ambassador for the entire album, and although tracks like the pulsating “You Lead, I’ll Follow” add variety to the mix, there isn’t much excitement resonating through these songs.

There’s no doubt that Michael Sweet has a great voice, and “The Master Plan” is a warm and heartfelt album that feels very authentic. At the same time, Sweet delivers rock music that is average at best, with neither the adrenaline rush nor the touching moments that remain. There are well-crafted harmonies, and the general spirit of “The Master Plan” is positive, spreading hope wherever darkness lurks. If this is the master plan, the album delivers, but it also includes some lengthy moments and feels like water running through an endless river. Overall, it’s more of the same, and what you get to listen to is more of a calm stream than a raging river. If that’s what you’re looking for, then “The Master Plan” is an album you shouldn’t miss. For everyone else, there are more exciting releases in record stores these days.