Band of Joy - Robert Plant
Band of Joy Image
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

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  • 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.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. The Guardian
    100
    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. Spin
    80
    "Satan, your kingdom must come down," Plant croons on the penultimate track. Take that, Jimmy Page.
  3. Country Weekly
    Jan 10, 2011
    80
    While touching upon Led Zep's more pastoral moments and Raising Sand's rootsy variety, Robert avoids rehashing his former glories.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Band Of Joy is an essential purchase... if your dad is having a birthday this month.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. pseudocynic
    9
    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
  2. Zingari
    8
    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
  3. MikeColina
    6
    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

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