Robert Plant is a legendary British musician, best known as the lead singer and lyricist for the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. Since the band’s disbandment in 1980, Plant has continued to create music as a solo artist, exploring a variety of genres, including rock, blues, folk, and world music. With his distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence, Plant has remained a celebrated and influential figure in the music industry for over five decades.
Throughout his solo career, Plant has released numerous albums and singles, many of which have become beloved classics. From the hard-hitting rock of his early work to the more experimental and introspective sounds of his later albums, Plant has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music, cementing his status as one of the greatest voices in rock history.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Plant’s solo career and highlight the top 10 best Robert Plant songs of all time. From well-known hits to lesser-known gems, we will explore the range and depth of Plant’s musical talent, showcasing why he continues to be a major force in the world of rock and roll. Whether you are a die-hard Plant fan or simply curious about his music, this list is sure to be a compelling journey through one of rock’s most iconic voices.
1. “Going to California”
This track showcases Robert Plant's ability with sensitive acoustic-style songs. "Going to California" embodies a nostalgic theme while also exploring complex emotions of love and loss, ultimately resulting in a melancholic tone surrounded by intricate harmonies and mandolin riffs. This iconic song from Led Zeppelin's fourth album is often recognized as one of the band's most beautiful tracks.
The impressive lyrics written by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page capture elements of California lifestyle and scenic beauty while dealing with themes of heartbreak and longing in a way that only they could. The interpretation of live acoustic renditions further add to the song’s soulful vibe and demonstrate Plant’s undeniable vocal range.
Throughout the track, John Paul Jones’ mandolin riff accompanies Plant's mesmerizing voice, layering harmony upon melody until they merge seamlessly into one another. The ending verse concludes with an emotional yet poised performance: "To find a queen without a king, They say she plays guitar and cries, And sings".
Fun Fact – "Going to California" was inspired by Joni Mitchell's "I Had A King", which talks about love between two people who find themselves on opposite sides of society, just like Robert Plant did when he wrote his version.
Plant's screams in 'Whole Lotta Love' could wake the dead, but they'd probably demand an encore.
2. “Whole Lotta Love”
This iconic track is among the most recognizable works of Robert Plant. The song “Whole Lotta Love” exudes a sensual vibe with its electrifying guitar solos, sultry vocals and thumping rhythm section. It showcases the magnetic energy of Plant's swaggering, impressive vocal range that overlaps with Jimmy Page's tasteful blues licks. The complex layering of sounds, the psychedelic effects and funky breaks make this Led Zeppelin classic one of the greatest rock songs ever produced.
What sets “Whole Lotta Love” apart from other tracks is the memorable opening riff which has been sampled numerous times in pop culture. The fractured structure of the song, where it pauses randomly before abruptly jumping back into full gear, keeps listeners on their toes and adds to its dynamic nature. In addition to being a staple for rock bands to cover, this track’s popularity endures as it continues to be a significant influence for future generations.
The effortless chemistry between Plant and Page when performing this song created an electric atmosphere that translated through their on-stage presence. It wasn't enough for them just to perform it; they had to live it. Therefore, their larger-than-life performances ensured that every note struck a chord with audiences around the globe.
Any music fan must pay their dues by listening to “Whole Lotta Love”. Experience pure rock heaven through the innovative use of distortion and layering drum tracks along with captivating vocals that bore an entire generation toward musical excellence.
Robert Plant's voice leads us to the right track, even if his lyrics suggest otherwise.
3. “You Lead Me To The Wrong”
Robert Plant's "One More Cup of Coffee" is a soulful musical composition that explores the theme of being led astray. The song features resonating vocals, haunting instrumentals and thought-provoking lyrics. Plant's characteristic high-pitched delivery complements the track's mood brilliantly, making it one of his most memorable works.
In this ballad, Plant talks about following someone who turns out to be treacherous and leads him to "the wrong." He questions the motives behind their actions as he reflects on how he was misled. With powerful imagery and metaphors, Plant captures the feelings of betrayal and vulnerability.
Despite being one of his lesser-known tracks, "One More Cup of Coffee" represents an important turning point in Robert Plant's career. It showcases his talent not just as a rock singer but as a genre-spanning artist capable of evoking deep emotions through his music.
Pro Tip: Listen to "One More Cup of Coffee" with headphones for an immersive experience. The intricate instrumentation and lyrical depth are best appreciated in this way.
"D'yer Mak'er" might get lost in translation, but it sure won't get lost in your head after listening to this groovy tune.
4. “D’yer Mak’er”
This hit song from Robert Plant's 'Houses of the Holy' album is a fusion of reggae and rock genres. The title, “D’yer Mak’er” is a play on words for "did you make her". The unique sound captured Plant's unique vocals and the band's musicianship perfectly, showcasing their versatility.
Plant explained that he was inspired by his time in Jamaica, where he heard reggae music frequently. The distinctive style of the song made it quite popular, and despite its unusual title, it had an appeal to fans worldwide.
Interestingly, Led Zeppelin never played this song live during their concert tours due to its complex drum beat arrangement that drummer John Bonham found difficult to play.
Source: ultimateclassicrock.com
“Even after all these years, Robert Plant still can’t let go of his knack for creating timeless rock anthems.”
5. “Can’t Let Go”
This song by Robert Plant, with its captivating melody, is a journey of passionate love. The lyrics are loaded with emotions and have a unique ability to touch one's soul. With an uplifting rhythm, Can't Let Go is an incredibly powerful anthem of undying love that stays etched in the listener's memory long after the music ends.
The song starts with a delicate electric guitar introduction and gradually builds up to become more impactful as it progresses. The chorus is one of the highlights of this song – catchy, soulful and incredibly emotional. It delivers an intensely charged message about the unyielding power and pull of love.
Can't Let Go stands out among Robert Plant's extensive catalogue of hits as one of his most emotional and moving songs. It showcases his extraordinary gift for conveying raw emotions through music that transcends boundaries and moves people globally.
Ultimately, listening to Can't Let Go gives you a sense of what it means to truly live with passion and dedication. Missing out on hearing this exceptional track is not something anyone should risk experiencing.
Plant's voice soars over the hills and far away in this classic, making it feel like we're all on a magical journey to rock and roll heaven.
6. “Over The Hills And Far Away”
This classic hit from Robert Plant is a soul-stirring masterpiece that captures the essence of his vocal genius. Its powerful and upbeat rhythm combined with Plant's emotive voice creates an unforgettable experience for the listener. The lyrics of this song are reflective of the singer's free spirit, love for adventure, and pursuit of joy. The fascinating arrangement of instruments, including the mandolin and guitar solos, amplifies its charm even further.
The playful verses narrate a tale of a protagonist who ventures out on a journey looking for happiness, leaving behind all his worries. The chorus then takes us on a melodious ride with powerful vocals that urge us to join in and sing along with the artist. This song is one of Plant's most popular works and remains an enduring classic to this day!
Notably, “Over The Hills And Far Away” was the lead single from Led Zeppelin's fifth studio album “Houses of the Holy” released in 1973.
Sorry to disappoint, but I couldn't resist the urge to mention the one song you won't find on this list.
7. “Stairway to Heaven”
This Robert Plant masterpiece, known for its epic guitar solo, needs no introduction. The "Stairway to Heaven" track is one of the top classic rock songs that will always be remembered. Lyrics that make people think and feel, a melody that builds-up beautifully, and Plant's captivating voice – all contribute to the song's timeless appeal. It has been played on radio stations worldwide since its release in 1971 and has never lost its charm.
What makes this song unique is the fact that it was never released as a single but still managed to gain immense popularity. The song takes listeners on an emotional journey, starting with soft acoustic guitar strumming and slowly building up towards a powerful climax. The lyrics are filled with cryptic references and metaphors inspired by mythology and folklore, making it quite mysterious. Plant once explained during an interview that he wrote the song while sitting by a fire after returning from touring. He wanted to create something that would stand out from the usual rock songs of his time.
The "Stairway to Heaven" track is so popular it has even been covered countless times by various artists over the years. Some argue that their interpretation might even have surpassed the original version, but there will always be only one true rendition of this iconic song.
In one unforgettable moment at Live Aid in 1985, Plant joined Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones on stage once again to perform this legendary track with Phil Collins on drums – creating history once again with just one song.
Plant and Krauss' sultry duet begs the question – did he finally find someone to read his emails for him?
8. “Please Read The Letter”
This Robert Plant classic, featuring the incredible Alison Krauss on harmony, is a little different from Plant's usual work. "Please Read the Letter" is a heartfelt ballad exploring themes of loss and separation. The stripped-back acoustic sound allows Plant's emotive vocals to take center stage and showcase his range. It's certainly a departure from his Led Zeppelin days, but it proves that as an artist he still has plenty to say.
In the song, Plant pleads with his lover to read the letter he has written. Despite their past pain, he wants to give their love another chance; "Won't you please read the letter that I wrote…You kept saying that you've got something for me…Something you call love, but confess." The lyrics are poetic and powerful, capturing the complexities of relationships and emotion.
What makes this track stand out from other Plant hits is its collaboration with renowned bluegrass singer Alison Krauss on vocals and violin. The pair's voices complement each other beautifully and create an ethereal atmosphere that adds depth to the song's meaning.
If you're looking for a change of pace from Plant's harder rock sound or want to explore more of his emotional ballads, "Please Read the Letter" should definitely be on your playlist. Its haunting melody and vulnerable lyrics will leave a lasting impression on any listener.
Don't be fooled by the sweet title, 'All My Love' is Robert Plant's bittersweet farewell to his late son and it'll break your heart in the best way possible.
9. “All My Love”
This song, one of Robert Plant's most famous ballads, showcases his powerful vocals and emotive lyricism. With its poignant lyrics and stirring melody, “All My Love” speaks to the universal feeling of heartbreak and loss. The song was written by Plant in honor of his son Karac, who passed away at a young age.
The emotional weight behind the lyrics is palpable, making this track a standout among Plant's extensive discography.
The ethereal guitar riffs and soaring harmonies create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of lost love. Lyrically, “All My Love” touches on themes of grief, longing, and regret. Despite its melancholy tone, the song is a testament to Plant's raw musical talent and ability to evoke deep emotions in his listeners.
One little-known fact about this track is that it features drumming from Phil Collins of Genesis fame. Collins was brought in to record on the album during a difficult period for Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. This collaboration resulted in some truly magical moments, including “All My Love.”
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate the emotional depth of this song, try listening to it on a good quality pair of headphones or speakers with no distractions. Allow yourself to be moved by Plant's beautiful vocals and the stunning musical arrangements throughout the track.
When Robert Plant sings about a levee breaking, you know it's not just about a little flooding.
10. “When the Levee Breaks”
This track showcases Robert Plant at his best, utilizing his signature wailing vocals over Led Zeppelin's thundering rhythms. The song pays tribute to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and features a distinctive harmonica riff that sets the tone. With its haunting instrumental breaks and Plant's emotive delivery, "When the Levee Breaks" stands as one of Led Zeppelin's most impressive compositions. It remains an enduring testament to their impact on classic rock and Roll history.
Building upon this offering is Plant's ability to capture powerful emotions through his lyrics and vocal presentation, creating a lasting impression on music fans worldwide. His poetic writing style ensured that his songs had both depth and resonance with listeners, making them stand out as epic works of art.
Furthermore, this track demonstrates not only Plant's extensive range but also the band's unique sound engineering capabilities in incorporating ambient sounds into their music production. The eerie howling wind noise in "When the Levee Breaks" adds an essential dimension to the song's atmosphere, creating a more immersive listening experience for audiences.
Samuel Moore 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.
