The Plan (CD - 2000)

Additional personnel includes: Toby McKeehan (vocals); Christopher Heile, Barry Blair (guitar).

Producers: Michael-Anthony Taylor, Todd Tjornhom, Peter Kipley.

Engineers: Damon Riley, Marcello Pennell, Todd Tjornhom.

Recorded at Groovewerks Studios, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Personnel: Mooki (vocals, keyboards, drum programming); Christopher Heille (guitar, programming); JaMarc Davis, Micah Wilshire (guitar); John Catchings (violin); Bob Mason (cello); Pam Sisten, Carl Gorodetzky, Alan Umstead (strings); Jamie Davis (drums); Ted Tjornhom, Damon Riley (programming); Jamie Rowe, Tiffany Palmer (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: J.R. McNeely; Julian Kindred; Alvin Speights.

Recording information: Antenna Studios, Franklin, TN; Groovewerks, Minnepolis, MN; Love Shack; ORU Audio; Sound Kitchen.

Photographer: Jill Greenberg.

The third release from Raze is titled The Plan. This is a disc brimming with solid grooves and a more slick, mature sound. The title track could easily be a smash hit for any of the late-'90s "boy" bands. The cut is extremely well-produced by Grammy winner Tedd T. Guitarist Micah Wilshire pumps an electrifying lead into the tune. The chorus is sung with conviction, and the vocal and electronic nuances throughout are outstanding. In the same vein, the cut "Amazing" is hip-hop splendor. Individually, vocalist Donnnie exudes hip-hop, while, as a band, Raze displays harmonies that are unequaled. This unit shifts gears flawlessly, interchanging rhythms and styles on par with bands like Backstreet Boys, En Vogue, and Destiny's Child. "More Then a Dream" is a cut that could have been a hit for Ace of Base. The song's tone is refreshing as the band delivers an exuberant performance. "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble" was written by Martin Smith of Delirious. This is a tune with potent, spiritual lyrics, and Raze delivers the message with a soulful, funky beat. The Plan is a testimony of four musicians who seem to earnestly enjoy serving God, while putting forth a joy ride of spirited grooves. ~ Steven Losey minimize