Robert Plant’s 21st-Century Rebirth

A Shift from Hard Rock to Roots Music

Robert Plant’s transformation in the 21st century has set him apart from many of his 1970s rock contemporaries, who often appear desperate to recapture the spark of their earlier successes. The journey began with the landmark 2007 album, Raising Sand, a Grammy-winning collaboration with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss. This marked a significant departure from the hard-rock sound that had defined Plant’s youth as the legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin, leading him to explore diverse roots music from around the globe.

Continued Exploration of Musical Genres

For nearly twenty years, Plant has dedicated himself to this exploration, traversing genres such as Americana with Band of Joy in 2010, world music in Lullaby and … the Ceaseless Roar in 2014, and folk with Carry Fire in 2017. His previous album, Raise the Roof, released in 2021, was a reunion with Krauss. Each album represents a unique musical journey, showcasing Plant’s relentless creativity and refusal to rest on his laurels.

Introducing Saving Grace

His latest project, named after his new band, Saving Grace, features a lineup that includes singer Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown. Plant has been collaborating with this West Midlands quintet since just before the pandemic, and their sound merges Americana with a distinct European vibe, reminiscent of his previous work with the Band of Joy, which included singer Patty Griffin and guitarist Buddy Miller.

Album Highlights and Interpretations

Saving Grace is characterized by its collection of interpretations, featuring a mix of traditional songs and covers from various influential artists. The album includes renditions of tracks by Moby Grape (“It’s a Beautiful Day Today”), Blind Willie Johnson (“Soul of a Man”), and the indie band Low. The latter’s song, “Everybody’s Song,” emerges as a haunting highlight, where Plant delves into themes of mortality, making its poignant lyrics resonate even more after the passing of Low’s drummer, Mimi Parker, in 2022.

Standout Tracks

Among the standout tracks on Saving Grace are:

• “As I Roved Out”: A slow-burn interpretation of a traditional piece, reimagined in a modern Americana context.
• “Gospel Plough”: A sullen field gospel track, enriched with the sounds of chirping birds.
• “Chevrolet”: The album opener, which creatively reworks Donovan’s 1965 B-side “Hey Gyp (Dig the Slowness),” drawing upon a rich musical heritage.

The album serves as a testament to Plant’s ability to pull tradition forward, featuring his harmonica on Martha Scanlan’s “Higher Rock” and his democratic approach to sharing vocal duties across various tracks.

Conclusion

With Saving Grace, Robert Plant continues to forge a path that intertwines the past with the present, further securing his legacy as one of the few artists from his era who remains innovative and relevant. His willingness to embrace new musical directions while honoring tradition sets him apart, making each release a significant chapter in his ongoing narrative.

FAQs

What is Robert Plant’s latest album about?

Robert Plant’s latest album, Saving Grace, explores roots music blending various genres while paying homage to traditional songs and influential artists.

Who are the members of Plant’s new band, Saving Grace?

Saving Grace includes singer Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown.

What themes are present in the songs on Saving Grace?

The songs on Saving Grace delve into themes of mortality, tradition, and the evolution of music, showcasing Plant’s introspective lyrical style.

How does Saving Grace compare to Plant’s previous works?

Saving Grace continues Plant’s exploration of diverse musical styles, similar to his earlier albums like Raising Sand and Band of Joy, while introducing a fresh European aesthetic to Americana roots music.