Robert Plant is an English singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. Born on August 20, 1948, in West Bromwich, England, Plant has had a profound influence on the development of rock music and is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of the genre.
Plant rose to fame as the frontman of Led Zeppelin, one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. Led Zeppelin, formed in 1968, consisted of Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. The band achieved immense commercial success and critical acclaim, producing classic albums such as “Led Zeppelin” (1969), “Led Zeppelin II” (1969), “Led Zeppelin IV” (1971), and “Physical Graffiti” (1975). Led Zeppelin’s sound encompassed various styles, including blues, rock, folk, and heavy metal, and they are known for their innovative songwriting, epic compositions, and electrifying live performances.
After Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 following the death of John Bonham, Plant embarked on a successful solo career. He has released numerous solo albums, exploring a wide range of musical styles, including rock, blues, folk, and world music. Some of his notable solo albums include “Pictures at Eleven” (1982), “The Principle of Moments” (1983), “Now and Zen” (1988), and “Carry Fire” (2017). Plant’s solo work has earned him critical acclaim and commercial success, further solidifying his status as a rock music icon.
In addition to his solo career, Plant has collaborated with various artists and bands, exploring different musical genres and styles. He has also been involved in numerous side projects and occasional reunions with his former bandmates from Led Zeppelin.
Throughout his career, Robert Plant has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Led Zeppelin in 1995. He continues to perform and record music, showcasing his remarkable vocal talents and innovative spirit to audiences worldwide.
1. Big Log
“Big Log” is a song by Robert Plant, released as a single from his second solo album, “The Principle of Moments,” in 1983. The song was written by Plant and features a distinctive synthesizer riff, atmospheric production, and Plant’s trademark emotive vocals.
“Big Log” is known for its dreamy and introspective lyrics, which evoke a sense of longing and introspection. The song’s title and chorus, “My love is in league with the freeway / It’s passion will ride as the cities fly by,” suggest themes of travel, freedom, and the passage of time.
The music video for “Big Log” features surreal imagery and captures the song’s ethereal atmosphere. The song received critical acclaim upon its release and became one of Plant’s most successful solo singles, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
“Big Log” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Robert Plant’s live performances. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and atmospheric production continue to captivate audiences, making it one of the standout tracks in Plant’s solo discography.
2. In the Mood
“In the Mood” is a song by Robert Plant, the former lead singer of Led Zeppelin. It was released as a single from his second solo album, “The Principle of Moments,” in 1983.
The song “In the Mood” features Plant’s signature vocal style, blending rock and roll with elements of blues and folk. The track is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy guitar riffs, and driving rhythm section, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
Lyrically, “In the Mood” explores themes of desire, passion, and romantic longing. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and excitement, as Plant expresses his longing to be with someone and his willingness to surrender to the moment.
While “In the Mood” was not as commercially successful as some of Plant’s other solo efforts, it remains a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances. With its infectious groove and dynamic vocals, “In the Mood” captures the essence of Plant’s solo work and continues to be appreciated by fans of classic rock music.
3. Ship of Fools
“Ship of Fools” is a song by Robert Plant from his fourth solo album, “Now and Zen,” released in 1988. The song was written by Plant along with Phil Johnstone and Anthony Moore.
“Ship of Fools” features a blend of rock and electronic elements, characteristic of Plant’s experimentation with different musical styles during this period. The track is driven by a pulsating rhythm section, layers of synthesizers, and Plant’s distinctive vocals.
Lyrically, “Ship of Fools” explores themes of disillusionment, confusion, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a society adrift, with people blindly following false prophets and leaders without questioning their motives or actions.
Despite not being released as a single, “Ship of Fools” received positive reviews from critics and remains a standout track on the “Now and Zen” album. Its atmospheric sound and thought-provoking lyrics showcase Plant’s evolution as a solo artist and his willingness to push musical boundaries.
“Ship of Fools” continues to be appreciated by fans of Robert Plant’s solo work for its introspective lyrics, innovative musical arrangement, and emotional depth.
4. 29 Palms
“29 Palms” is a song by Robert Plant, released as a single from his album “Fate of Nations” in 1993. The song was written by Plant and Charlie Jones.
“29 Palms” is characterized by its laid-back, bluesy groove and reflective lyrics. The title refers to Twenty-nine Palms, a city in California known for its desert landscape and military presence.
Lyrically, “29 Palms” explores themes of longing, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics depict a journey through the desert landscape, with Plant reminiscing about lost love and searching for meaning in the vast expanse of the desert.
The song received positive reviews from critics and became one of Robert Plant’s most successful solo singles, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Its catchy melody, soulful vocals, and evocative lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Plant’s live performances.
“29 Palms” showcases Plant’s ability to blend rock, blues, and folk influences into a cohesive and memorable song. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as one of the standout tracks in Plant’s solo discography.
5. Tall Cool One
“Tall Cool One” is a song by Robert Plant, released as a single from his fourth solo album, “Now and Zen,” in 1988. The song was written by Plant along with keyboardist Phil Johnstone and features a blend of rock, pop, and electronic elements.
“Tall Cool One” is characterized by its driving beat, catchy guitar riff, and electronic sampling, including snippets of classic rock songs such as “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin, “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin, and “All Right Now” by Free. The song’s lyrics are filled with imagery and wordplay, reflecting Plant’s distinctive lyrical style.
The music video for “Tall Cool One” features innovative visual effects, including computer-generated imagery and animation, which were cutting-edge for the time. The video received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel the song to commercial success.
“Tall Cool One” was a hit single for Robert Plant, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in the United States and receiving widespread airplay on radio stations and music video channels. The song remains a fan favorite and a popular choice for live performances in Plant’s solo repertoire.
6. Heaven Knows
“Heaven Knows” is a rock song performed by Robert Plant, featuring American singer-songwriter Patty Griffin. It was released in 1988 as a single from Plant’s album “Now and Zen.”
“Heaven Knows” is characterized by its energetic rock instrumentation, including powerful guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section, and Plant’s distinctive vocals. The song also features Griffin’s soulful vocals, adding depth and texture to the track.
Lyrically, “Heaven Knows” explores themes of desire, longing, and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and passion as Plant expresses his longing for connection and understanding.
“Heaven Knows” received positive reviews from critics and became one of Robert Plant’s most successful solo singles, reaching the top 10 on various rock charts. Its infectious energy and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Plant’s live performances.
The song’s music video, directed by Michael Blakey, features Plant and Griffin performing the song against a backdrop of colorful and surreal imagery, adding to the song’s mystical and otherworldly atmosphere.
“Heaven Knows” remains a standout track in Robert Plant’s solo discography, showcasing his ability to blend rock, blues, and folk influences into a powerful and memorable song.
7. Burning Down One Side
“Burning Down One Side” is a song by Robert Plant, released as the lead single from his debut solo album, “Pictures at Eleven,” in 1982. The song was written by Plant along with guitarist Robbie Blunt.
“Burning Down One Side” features a driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Plant’s powerful vocals. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of urgency and restlessness, with themes of desire, passion, and longing.
The song’s music video features performance footage of Plant and his band interspersed with abstract imagery and visual effects. “Burning Down One Side” received positive reviews from critics and became a moderate hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in the United States.
The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of Robert Plant’s live performances. Its energetic instrumentation and memorable melody continue to resonate with audiences, making it one of the standout tracks from Plant’s solo career.
8. Calling to You
“Calling to You” is a song by Robert Plant from his album “Fate of Nations,” released in 1993. The song was written by Robert Plant and Chris Blackwell.
“Calling to You” features a blend of rock, folk, and world music influences, characteristic of Plant’s solo work during this period. The song is driven by a rhythmic acoustic guitar riff and atmospheric instrumentation, creating a hypnotic and ethereal sound.
Lyrically, “Calling to You” explores themes of longing, spirituality, and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and introspection as Plant reflects on his inner journey and the desire to connect with something greater than himself.
“Calling to You” received positive reviews from critics and became a fan favorite, known for its evocative atmosphere and Plant’s emotive vocals. The song showcases Plant’s ability to blend diverse musical elements into a cohesive and compelling sonic experience.
With its mystical vibe and introspective lyrics, “Calling to You” remains a standout track on “Fate of Nations” and a highlight of Robert Plant’s solo discography.
9. Other Arms
“Other Arms” is a song by Robert Plant, released as a single from his second solo album, “The Principle of Moments,” in 1983. The song was written by Plant and features a blend of rock, pop, and new wave influences.
“Other Arms” is characterized by its infectious melody, driving rhythm, and emotive vocals by Plant. The lyrics of the song explore themes of longing, desire, and emotional connection.
The song’s music video features performance footage of Plant and his band, as well as abstract imagery and visual effects. “Other Arms” received positive reviews from critics and became a moderate hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in the United States.
Despite its commercial success, “Other Arms” remains somewhat overshadowed by other singles from “The Principle of Moments” album, such as “Big Log” and “In the Mood.” However, it remains a fan favorite and a notable track from Robert Plant’s solo career, showcasing his distinctive vocal style and songwriting talent.
10. Little by Little
“Little by Little” is a song by Robert Plant, released on his 1985 album “Shaken ‘n’ Stirred.” The song was written by Robert Plant and guitarist Robbie Blunt.
“Little by Little” features a driving rock rhythm with synthesizer elements, characteristic of Plant’s experimentation with electronic and new wave sounds during this period. The song’s arrangement includes catchy guitar riffs and a pulsating beat, creating an energetic and danceable groove.
Lyrically, “Little by Little” explores themes of desire, temptation, and the allure of the unknown. The lyrics depict a narrative of longing and obsession, with Plant’s vocals conveying a sense of urgency and intensity.
“Little by Little” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release but has since become a fan favorite and a staple of Plant’s live performances. Its infectious melody and dynamic instrumentation showcase Plant’s versatility as a vocalist and his willingness to explore new musical territory.
Overall, “Little by Little” remains a standout track on “Shaken ‘n’ Stirred” and a testament to Robert Plant’s ability to evolve and adapt his sound while retaining his distinctive style.
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.
