Robert Plant's musical journey is a testament to his artistic evolution and his desire to break free from the confines of his iconic past. The 2007 album, which he described as 'beyond belief' and 'like a fairytale', marks a pivotal moment in his career. This album, a collaboration with Alison Krauss and the Band of Joy, showcased Plant's ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his roots. It was a return to his acoustic foundations, a departure from the electronic experimentation of the 1980s, and a reunion with his musical partner, Jimmy Page.
Plant's fear of being typecast as a one-trick pony led him to explore various musical styles. His collaboration with Page, Page and Plant, was a strategic move to remind fans of their legendary partnership while also trying to shed the shadow of Led Zeppelin. However, this collaboration, despite its high profile, didn't resonate with fans as much as he hoped.
The 1980s saw Plant experimenting with new wave and electronic music, a style that didn't sit well with his fan base. This period was a learning curve, as he tried to find his place in a rapidly changing music industry. His collaboration with Krauss and the Band of Joy, on the other hand, was a return to his acoustic roots, a style that he had initially embraced with The Band of Joy and The Honeydrippers. This new collaboration brought him back to the days of performing with The Band of Joy, and he found inspiration in the 'old royalty' of the music industry.
Plant's voice, while not reaching the same high notes as in his Zeppelin days, found a new softness and delicacy. This new approach suited him well, and he embraced the challenge of learning restraint and singing in a more delicate idiom. The collaboration with Krauss and the Band of Joy was a turning point, as it allowed him to explore a different side of his voice and musical style.
In 2007, Plant reformed Zeppelin for a one-off show, and while he took cues from his new band, he also showed his fans the legacy he had built. His performances of songs like 'Gone Gone Gone' and 'Gallows Pole' were a testament to his evolution as an artist. This show marked a new chapter in his career, as he continued to explore different musical styles and collaborate with diverse artists.
Plant's musical journey is a fascinating exploration of artistic growth and reinvention. His fear of being typecast led him to take risks, and his collaborations with Krauss and the Band of Joy, as well as Page and Plant, were strategic moves to remind fans of his versatility and talent. His 2007 album, a fairytale-like collaboration, was a testament to his ability to create something new while staying true to his roots.
