The voice of one of rock's most iconic bands, Robert Plant also has a legendary solo career
In addition to his incredible work with Led Zeppelin , vocalist Robert Plant has enjoyed an unparalleled journey during his solo career.
The legendary group disbanded in 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham, and since then Plant has created unforgettable songs, although sometimes overshadowed by Led Zeppelin.
With that in mind, we explored his influences, ranging from blues and folk to other sounds from far away, such as African and Celtic music, and selected the singer's eleven best tracks. See the full list below.
11. “In The Mood” from the album
The Principle of Moments (1983) Shortly after the end of Led Zeppelin, Plant was ready to venture into new sounds and experiment with his career, and this track is a great example of that. His vocals perfectly match the mesmerizing melody that served as the opening for his shows at the beginning of his solo career.
10. “Song to the Siren” from the album
Dreamland (2002) Despite being a classic Tim Buckley cover, the track perfectly demonstrates Plant's vocal control as well as his subtlety and lightness.
9. “Tie Dye on the Highway” from the album
Manic Nirvana (1990) Throughout his career, Plant has always navigated smoothly and seamlessly between being a rock god and being part of the hippie community. In this track, we see a mix of the singer's two personas, even referencing the Woodstock Festival in the lyrics.
8. “Calling To You” from the album
Fate of Nations (1993) The choice of this track is explained as soon as you press play. With so many experimental and psychedelic classics, here Plant explores the basic elements of rock and roll, from the composition of the lyrics and melody to the production of the music video.
7. “Embrace Another Fall” from the album
Lullaby…and the Ceaseless Roar (2014) One of Plant's most epic tracks on the 2014 album, “Embrace Another Fall” carries African elements with a touch of Celtic music, without neglecting the weight of rock and roll. In the track, Welsh singer Julie Murphy recites a 14th-century poem, showing, once again, Plant's love for experimentation.
6. “Come Into My Life” from the album
Fate of Nations (1993) Alongside guitarist Richard Thompson, Plant once again brings folk rock to this track. With influences from diverse backgrounds, the song is one of the strongest and most memorable experiments on the album Fate Of Nations (1993).
5. “Sea Of Love” from the album
The Honeydrippers: Volume One (1984) Four years after the end of Led Zeppelin, Plant reunited with his former bandmate, Jimmy Page, to release an EP. With his vocals perfectly complementing Page's work, the track is a great example of the magic the duo carries, even outside the band.
4. “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down” from the album
Band of Joy (2010) A serene voice, a banjo, and a tambourine. This combination is almost infallible in Plant's hands. Full of tension, the track features the group Band of Joy and all their folk rock.
3. “Rich Woman” from the album
Raising Sand (2007) The opening track of Raising Sand features Alison Krauss's beautiful vocals dancing in perfect harmony with Plant's, and although it was originally composed by Dorothy LaBostrie and McKinley “Li'l” Millet in 1955, the song sounds like theirs.
2. “Shine It All Around” from the album
Mighty ReArranger (2005) After Led Zeppelin, his work with the Sensational Space Shifters is perhaps the most noteworthy. The album Mighty ReArranger, his second with the group, features great songs, and choosing just one to represent it is a difficult task, but “Shine It All Around” brings together all the best elements of Plant's characteristic sound.
1. “The May Queen” from the album
Carry Fire (2017) Another album full of incredible songs, many of which could easily be included on this list, is Carry Fire, Plant's latest release. With a transcendent melody, this song brings the psychedelic folk sound of Led Zeppelin III while still remaining current.
Listen below to our special playlist with more songs by Robert Plant.
