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Band of Joy Image
Metascore
80

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

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

  • 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.
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Top Track

Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down
Satan, your kingdom must come down Satan, your kingdom must come down I heard the voice of Jesus say Satan, your kingdom must come down Gonna pray... See the rest of the song lyrics
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. Where its predecessor found Plant operating in a finely-tuned genre, Band Of Joy gives him an opportunity to explore his influences, and to colour a few choice odds and ends from the rock 'n' roll canon with his indelible mark.
  3. The suspicion lingers that Band Of Joy will be remembered more fondly than its wonderful predecessor.
  4. Co-produced by Plant and critically revered singer-songwriter-guitarist Buddy Miller, Joy is a mostly covers grab bag stitched together by Plant's sweetly urgent croon and finely crafted layers of sepia-toned instrumentation and vocals.
  5. Mojo
    80
    It all adds up to more willful magic from Plant. [Oct. 2010, p. 94]
  6. Uncut
    80
    It's the sound of a man confronting his own inevitable end with humour and dignity. Let's hope he doesn't move on any time soon. As band OF Joy proves, this particular wellspring is far from dry. [Oct 2010, p.82]
  7. Jan 3, 2011
    40
    Without co-star Alison Krauss or marquee Texan producer T Bone Burnett, Robert Plant's latest solo outing suffers the expected sequel slump.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Sep 26, 2010
    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 andExtending 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. Nov 6, 2010
    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,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. Dec 9, 2010
    6
    Robert´s Plant new collection of songs, gives a recognition to his early influences and shows us how diverse and powerful hisRobert´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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