Robert Plant is a British rock singer, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist for the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. Born on August 20, 1948, in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, Plant has had a significant impact on the rock music landscape with his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and poetic lyrics.
Led Zeppelin, formed in 1968, quickly rose to fame with their blend of blues, hard rock, and folk influences. Plant’s powerful and versatile vocals played a crucial role in defining the band’s sound. Led Zeppelin became one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, producing timeless classics such as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Immigrant Song.”
After Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham, Robert Plant pursued a successful solo career. His solo work explored a variety of musical styles, including rock, folk, blues, and world music. Plant collaborated with diverse artists and released acclaimed albums like “Pictures at Eleven,” “The Principle of Moments,” and “Raising Sand” (a collaboration with Alison Krauss), which won multiple Grammy Awards.
Robert Plant’s influence extends beyond his music, as he continues to be recognized as a rock music icon. His contributions to the genre, both with Led Zeppelin and as a solo artist, have left an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll.
1. Stairway to Heaven (with Led Zeppelin)
“Stairway to Heaven” is one of the most iconic and widely recognized songs in the history of rock music. It was written by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, and performed by their legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin. The song was released in 1971 as part of the untitled fourth studio album commonly known as “Led Zeppelin IV.”
“Stairway to Heaven” is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Clocking in at over eight minutes, the song is known for its dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, starting as a folk acoustic ballad and gradually building to a powerful rock climax. Jimmy Page’s intricate guitar work, Robert Plant’s soulful vocals, John Paul Jones’s melodic keyboard, John Bonham’s drumming, and the memorable lyrics all contribute to the song’s enduring appeal.
The lyrics of “Stairway to Heaven” are often subject to interpretation, featuring mystical and allegorical elements. The song has been dissected and analyzed for decades, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
“Stairway to Heaven” has remained a staple on classic rock radio and is frequently covered by musicians worldwide. Despite its massive popularity, Led Zeppelin rarely performed the song live in later years, adding to its mystique. The track stands as a testament to Led Zeppelin’s musical prowess and continues to captivate audiences across generations.
2. Kashmir (with Led Zeppelin)
“Kashmir” is another iconic song by Led Zeppelin, written by the band’s guitarist Jimmy Page, lead singer Robert Plant, and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones. It was released on the 1975 album “Physical Graffiti.” “Kashmir” is known for its distinctive Eastern-influenced sound and epic, cinematic quality.
The song features a hypnotic guitar riff played by Jimmy Page, complemented by John Bonham’s powerful drumming and John Paul Jones’s orchestral arrangements, including the use of a mellotron and strings. Robert Plant’s vocals contribute to the grandiose and mysterious atmosphere of the song. The lyrics are often interpreted as a reflection on Plant and Page’s travels and experiences in Morocco.
“Kashmir” is celebrated for its unique fusion of rock and Eastern musical elements, creating a sound that sets it apart in Led Zeppelin’s catalog. The song’s grand scale and dramatic structure make it a standout track, and it has been praised by fans and critics alike for its innovative and timeless qualities.
“Kashmir” remains a classic in Led Zeppelin’s repertoire, and its influence can be heard in various genres of music. The song’s enduring popularity has solidified its place as one of the band’s most celebrated compositions.
3. Whole Lotta Love (with Led Zeppelin)
“Whole Lotta Love” is not a song by Stevie Wonder; it’s a classic rock anthem originally performed by Led Zeppelin. Released in 1969 on their second studio album, “Led Zeppelin II,” the song is known for its iconic guitar riff, powerful vocals by Robert Plant, and dynamic instrumentation. Led Zeppelin, consisting of Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham, created a groundbreaking sound that blended blues, rock, and psychedelia.
The song features a distinctive guitar riff, played by Jimmy Page, which has become one of the most recognizable in rock history. Robert Plant’s vocals, characterized by their soaring intensity, contribute to the song’s explosive energy. “Whole Lotta Love” became a major hit and a staple of classic rock radio, influencing countless rock bands and musicians over the years.
While Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin are both legendary in their own right, they belong to different musical genres. Wonder is renowned for his contributions to soul, R&B, and pop music, whereas Led Zeppelin is celebrated for their impact on hard rock and heavy metal. Each artist has left an indelible mark on the history of music in their respective genres.
4. Immigrant Song (with Led Zeppelin)
“Immigrant Song” is another classic rock anthem by Led Zeppelin, not a composition by Stevie Wonder. This powerful track was released in 1970 on the band’s third studio album, “Led Zeppelin III.” Led Zeppelin, known for their pioneering contributions to hard rock and heavy metal, crafted “Immigrant Song” with a distinctive Viking-inspired theme.
The song features Robert Plant’s wailing vocals, Jimmy Page’s iconic guitar riffs, and John Bonham’s thunderous drumming. The lyrics draw inspiration from Norse mythology and exploration, with Plant’s vocals and the instrumental arrangement contributing to the song’s dynamic and exhilarating atmosphere.
“Immigrant Song” has become one of Led Zeppelin’s signature tracks, known for its energetic and intense delivery. The combination of Plant’s primal screams and Page’s powerful guitar work has made the song a favorite among fans and a staple of the band’s live performances.
While Stevie Wonder and Led Zeppelin are both influential figures in the music industry, their styles and genres differ significantly. Wonder is celebrated for his contributions to soul, R&B, and pop, while Led Zeppelin is renowned for their impact on hard rock and heavy metal. Each artist has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape in their own distinct way.
5. Black Dog (with Led Zeppelin)
“Black Dog” is a classic rock song by Led Zeppelin, written by the band’s guitarist Jimmy Page, lead singer Robert Plant, and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones. It’s one of the tracks from their untitled fourth studio album, commonly known as “Led Zeppelin IV,” released in 1971.
“Black Dog” is characterized by its powerful and catchy guitar riff, performed by Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant’s energetic and distinctive vocal delivery. The song’s title doesn’t have a specific connection to its lyrics; it was named after a stray black dog that wandered into the studio during the recording sessions.
Known for its intricate time signatures and dynamic shifts, “Black Dog” showcases Led Zeppelin’s musical prowess. The song’s lyrics are somewhat cryptic, featuring a mix of metaphors and imagery. The energetic and bluesy rock sound, combined with Plant’s charismatic vocals, contributed to the track’s widespread popularity.
“Black Dog” has become a staple on classic rock radio and is often cited as one of Led Zeppelin’s signature songs. Its enduring appeal lies in its musical complexity, memorable guitar riff, and the band’s ability to seamlessly blend various elements of rock, blues, and folk into a cohesive and engaging composition.
6. Big Log
“Big Log” is a song by Robert Plant, the former lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin, from his solo album “The Principle of Moments,” released in 1983. The track showcases a departure from the hard rock sound of Led Zeppelin and features a more melodic and atmospheric style, blending elements of rock, new wave, and synth-pop.
“Big Log” is known for its smooth and emotive vocals by Robert Plant, accompanied by a lush musical arrangement. The song’s lyrics are often interpreted as metaphorical, with Plant’s distinctive voice delivering lines that evoke a sense of reflection and introspection.
The music video for “Big Log” gained popularity for its artistic and surreal visuals, contributing to the overall mystique of the song. While it may not be as well-known as some of Plant’s earlier works with Led Zeppelin, “Big Log” remains a notable and well-regarded piece in his solo discography, showcasing his versatility as an artist beyond the realm of hard rock.
7. In the Mood
“In the Mood” is a jazz standard that gained immense popularity during the swing era. The song was composed by Joe Garland, with lyrics written by Andy Razaf. However, it was most famously performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The instrumental version of “In the Mood” became one of the best-selling records of all time.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra recorded “In the Mood” in 1939, and it quickly became their signature tune. The infectious swing rhythm and memorable saxophone riff contributed to its widespread appeal. The song captures the lively and upbeat spirit of the big band and swing music of the era.
“In the Mood” is often associated with the swing dance craze of the 1930s and 1940s, and its popularity has endured over the years. It remains a classic and is frequently included in compilations of swing and big band music. The energetic and timeless quality of “In the Mood” continues to make it a favorite for fans of vintage jazz and swing.
8. Tall Cool One
“Tall Cool One” is a song by Robert Plant, released in 1988 as part of his solo album “Now and Zen.” This track represents Plant’s venture into a more contemporary sound, incorporating elements of rock, synth-pop, and electronic music.
“Tall Cool One” features a prominent use of samples, including snippets of Led Zeppelin songs, which adds a nostalgic touch to the track. The song’s lyrics, sung with Plant’s distinctive voice, delve into themes of love, desire, and the impact of technology on relationships.
The title “Tall Cool One” is a reference to a slang term for a refreshing, cold beverage, often used to describe an attractive and cool person. The track became a commercial success and received attention for its innovative use of sampling and its radio-friendly sound.
While Robert Plant’s solo career has explored various musical directions, “Tall Cool One” remains a noteworthy example of his ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes and experiment with new sounds and production techniques. The song reflects the artistic evolution of a rock legend beyond his iconic work with Led Zeppelin.
9. Hurting Kind (I’ve Got My Eyes on You)
“Hurting Kind (I’ve Got My Eyes on You)” is a song by Robert Plant, released in 1990 as a single from his fourth solo studio album, “Manic Nirvana.” The album marked a return to a more straightforward rock sound for Plant after some experimental phases in his solo career.
“Hurting Kind” is a rock track with a catchy and upbeat vibe. Robert Plant’s signature vocals are complemented by a bluesy guitar riff, creating a sound that combines elements of classic rock with a contemporary feel. The lyrics of the song touch on themes of love, desire, and the complexities of relationships.
While “Manic Nirvana” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Plant’s earlier solo works, “Hurting Kind” received positive reviews for its energetic and radio-friendly sound. The song showcases Plant’s ability to evolve musically while retaining his distinctive voice and style.
10. Calling to You
“Calling to You” is a song by Robert Plant from his sixth solo studio album, “Fate of Nations,” released in 1993. This album marked a period where Plant continued to explore a diverse range of musical styles, blending rock, folk, and world music influences.
“Calling to You” is notable for its atmospheric and ethereal sound, featuring lush instrumentation and Plant’s characteristic vocals. The song has a mystical quality, with lyrics that evoke a sense of longing and introspection. The musical arrangement incorporates elements of world music, including Middle Eastern and North African influences, contributing to the song’s exotic and evocative atmosphere.
As with many of Plant’s solo works, “Calling to You” showcases his willingness to experiment with different sounds and genres outside the realm of Led Zeppelin. The track received positive reviews for its musical exploration and remains a notable piece in Robert Plant’s solo discography. It reflects his ongoing artistic evolution and his ability to create music that is both introspective and sonically adventurous.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
