It almost feels silly to try and critique the work of Robert Plant as a rock ‘n’ roll fan today (cue Wayne’s World—“We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!”). In an age where Led Zeppelin still hovers over any new music in the rock genre (the live recording of their one and only reunion show in 2012 won the Grammy for Best Rock Album), Plant still manages to create his own unique work and make a name for himself in contemporary music that’s not one of a washed out rock star clutching onto his thirty-year-old Billboard hits, but one of a truly talented musician continuously remaining relevant.
Lullaby And... The Ceaseless Roar is Plant’s tenth solo album, which gives it an overall retrospective feel backed by almost a half of a century making music. Plant looks back to the music that preluded him with his own version of country-western folk classic “Little Maggie” infused with modern beats and synthesizers that create a gorgeous combination of traditionalism and modernism. His upbeat, Americana twist on Leadbelly’s classic, “Poor Howard” is actually my favorite song on the album because it’s just a smiling Robert Plant boogying with a bunch of string instruments and a snare drum.
“Rainbow,” the June 2014 single off the album, is an African-infused ballad that beautifully showcases Plant’s vocal range complemented by a heavy rhythm section and sneaky guitar riffs. “Pocketful of Golden” has a Middle-Eastern feel to it—one of the songs that nods towards the raw and diverse talent of Plant’s backing band, the Sensational Space Shifters.
The stand out rock song of the album, “Turn it Up” has shredding guitars and unique, sharp, rhythmic drums cut by harsh but cool lyrics. It’s a swift flip of the bird to anyone claiming Plant is getting old or that “rock ‘n’ roll is dead.” On the other hand, “A Stolen Kiss” and “Embrace Another Fall” are sadder, slower, beautiful tales of loneliness and heartbreak in a long life full of experiences and relationships; they expose a vulnerable side of the godly rock star.
The African, Indian and Celtic roots which Plant has always used for inspiration are strongly emphasized throughout Lullaby And... The Ceaseless Roar. Furthermore, these influences mold Plant’s music into what has made him so relevant and continuously interesting throughout the years. He stated his reverence for worldly musical styles earlier this week in an interview with the New York Times saying “I’ve been very lucky to be attached and in love with so many different genres.” He added, “It only seems fair game to me to pilfer and be seduced by these different forms and bring them together.” Really though, anything is fair game when you’re Robert Plant.
Rating: A-
