Band of Joy - Robert Plant
Band of Joy Image
  • Summary: The title of Plant's new album revives the name of his pre-Zeppelin psychedelic band from the '60s and combines folksy rock with his own solo work.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. It's marked by the fresh excitement of mapping out new territory rather than the more craven pleasure of wallowing in nostalgia: an object lesson in the value of not giving people what they want.
  2. Robert Plant sounds vocally reenergized on this covers-heavy follow-up to his Grammy-winning Alison Krauss collaboration, Raising Sand.
  3. Band Of Joy is an essential purchase... if your dad is having a birthday this month.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Extending the vibe of his last recording with Alison Krauss on "Raising Sand", Band of Joy is a fluid, if unusual, synthesis of rock and bluegrass. Accompanied by an especially talented group of musicians including Buddy Miller, Darrell Scott and Patty Griffin this effort has all the hallmarks of Plant's previous solo recordings but still sounds fresh and new. Even at 62, Plant isn't afraid to explore new horizons. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. Fresh and exciting return to form, and eclipses Raising Sand in the breadth of its influences. Plenty of old school rock n roll is drawn on, as well as bluegrass, blues, and Plant's own background. He still sounds fresh and excited by the opportunities music affords him, and that vigour draws the backing musicians along with him, effortlessly. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Robert´s Plant new collection of songs, gives a recognition to his early influences and shows us how diverse and powerful his voice is. He recruited people from Los Lobos and long experienced musicians that contribute as a solid base for the living legend voice, their spectrum goes from country to R&R and into soul, and although he´s not singing those high notes from decades ago he stills projects and provokes a reaction of joy to the listener . A non-pretentious enjoyable album Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

Related Articles

  1. September's Best New Music

    September's Best New Music Image
    Published: September 30, 2010
    Our look at the best-reviewed albums from the past month includes new LPs from Deerhunter, Robert Plant, and Nick Cave's Grinderman project, plus the first releases in many years from Superchunk and Swans. Get the full list inside.
  1. Loveless [Reissue] - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 96
  2. Ram [Deluxe Edition] - Paul & Linda McCartney
    Metascore: 93
  3. L.A. Woman - The Doors
    Metascore: 93
  4. On the Impossible Past - The Menzingers
    Metascore: 93
  5. Biokinetics [Reissue] - Porter Ricks
    Metascore: 93
  6. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 91
  7. Reform Club - Claro Intelecto
    Metascore: 89
  8. Be Good - Gregory Porter
    Metascore: 89
  9. Crown and Treaty - Sweet Billy Pilgrim
    Metascore: 88
  10. 1992-2012 - Underworld
    Metascore: 88
  11. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
  12. Accelerando - Vijay Iyer Trio
    Metascore: 87
  13. R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike
    Metascore: 87
  14. Voices from the Lake - Voices from the Lake
    Metascore: 87
  15. The Earn - Yu
    Metascore: 86
  16. Europe - Allo Darlin'
    Metascore: 86
  17. Young Man In America - Anais Mitchell
    Metascore: 86
  18. Vee Vee [Remastered] - Archers of Loaf
    Metascore: 86
  19. Metascore: 86
  20. Locked Down - Dr. John
    Metascore: 86