The Plan is the third and final studio album from American Christian pop group Raze. It was released on November 7, 2000, via ForeFront Records. It was produced by Michael-Anthony Taylor, Tedd T. and Peter Kipley and is Raze's first record produced fully in the United States; it marks a shift away from the europop influence featured on the group's previous releases, focusing instead on a slower sound with stronger hip-hop and R&B elements.
The Plan was supported with the release of two preceding singles, "The Plan" and the number 1 Christian contemporary radio hit "More Than a Dream".
Contents
Critical reception
Upon release The Plan received a somewhat mediocre critical response with the album being considered a less high-energy output in contrast to Power. Jesus Freak Hideout's John DiBiase noted the album's stylistic shift "The Plan doesn't seem to carry quite the 'power' that their debut album possessed. With a little more emphasis on beats and a little heavier hip-hop influence", concluding that the album is "a decent follow-up to Power, but nothing really extraordinary." AllMusic's Steve Losey also gave The Plan a mixed rating but commended the group's performance, "This unit shifts gears flawlessly, interchanging rhythms and styles on par with bands like Backstreet Boys, En Vogue, and Destiny's Child." Cross Rhythms offered The Plan the most praise, naming Raze, "America's premier pop dance team" and describing the album's production as, "a splendiferous selection of strong, radio friendly hooks, techno-tinged beats and lots of edgy R&B-styled harmonies".
Accolades
The Plan received the award for Rap/Hip-hop/Dance Album of the Year at the 32nd GMA Dove Awards on April 5, 2001.
Production and personnel
Alan Umstead – strings
Alvin Speights – mixing
Bernie Grundman – mastering
Bob Horn – assistant
Bob Mason – cello
Brian Gardner – mastering
Carl Gorodetzky – strings
Chad Brown – assistant
Christopher Heille – arrangement preparation, engineer, guitar, programming
Damon Riley – arrangement preparation, assistant, engineer, programming
David Bach – executive producer
Dennis "D.T." Thomas – composer
Grant Green – assistant
JaMarc Davis – guitar
Jamie Davis – drums
Jamie Rowe – background vocals
Jill Greenberg – photography
John Catchings – violin
Julian Kindred – mixing
Marcelo Pennell – engineer
Micah Wilshire – guitar
Michael-Anthony Taylor – producer
Mooki – drum programming, keyboards, vocals