MICHAEL SWEET
"The Master Plan"
(Frontiers New Recording; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Michael Sweet has one of the most unique voices in rock'n'roll. It's a smooth, melodic voice, with lots of power behind it. It's always been my favorite part of Stryper, and it's an important part of the other bands he's taken part in (i.e., Sweet & Lynch, Sunbomb, etc.) And, in my opinion, Sweet's voice works better in the louder stuff. I guess it's the juxtaposition of his smooth vocals and the hard rock sounds.
This latest solo album, "The Master Plan," is far more of an AOR album than a hard rock record. And that's okay. There are a lot of songs here that sound like ballads but, rather than getting hard and heavier at times, "The Master Plan" gets funkier. Track 2, "Lord," is bouncier than other tracks, for example. And "You'll Lead and I'll Follow" almost has a Chicago vibe while "Believer" has a Rolling Stones guitar roll to it. And the album closes with "Worship You," a track that can't really decide what it wants to be, but that features some of Sweet's best work on the album.
Bottom line here is that, if you're a fan of AOR or of Michael Sweet's vocals, there's something about "The Master Plan" for you. If you're looking for the harder stuff, pick up an old Stryper or Sweet & Lynch album instead.
For more information visit https://michaelsweet.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
