Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Londoner Alan Charles pulls together a collection of songs that are strong on message and testimony. Clearly you're going to go away with the sure knowledge that it's Jesus who is the man with 'Da Plan' and Alan Charles has been deeply saved. Words delivered in cool style to a variety of soulful reggae beats and styles with vocal support from a number of guest artists. Creative verbally and working within a fixed budget, Charles delivers a good steady album with some flashes of brilliance. Standouts include the title track with its poetic Biblical overview pointing to the undisputed prominence of Jesus. Then there's the soul sounds of Brother's Keeper which features vocal support from 2 True and a lyric that finds Charles in honest soul searching reflection as a brother goes off the rails. Interpolated into proceedings are some live performances including the radical and humorous "Mr Lover Man". Occasionally the production values let this down and it's noticeable on some songs like "God Is Not Dead" but even in the midst of the sound of the purse strings crying out in pain, you cannot fault the creativity and ministry of Alan Charles.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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