Raising Sand - Robert Plant And Alison Krauss
Raising Sand Image
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 73 Ratings

  • Summary: The Led Zeppelin singer pairs up with Bluegrass singer Alison Krauss.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. 100
    The most remarkable collaboration since Norah Jones and the Foo Fighters is also one of the best albums of the year. [Nov 2007, p.92]
  2. What seems to be an unlikely pairing in the duo of former -- and future apparently--Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant and bluegrass superstar Alison Krauss is actually one of the most effortless-sounding pairings in modern popular music.
  3. 80
    Even more surprising is how dynamic the duo sounds, as their voices both blend together and draw each other into fresh territory.
  4. So even though Burnett has assembled a crack acoustic support unit to play the choice material he's selected from Gene Clark, Townes Van Zandt and the Everly Brothers, without that magical X factor you've got nothing but two good vocalists trying to stay out of each other's way.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 37
  2. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. JonM.
    10
    Beautiful...fresh...earthy...ethereal...the best "new" sound I've heard in years.
  2. VW.
    8
    Raising Sand is unexpected and curious, it touches every genre of music and doesn't commit to any. There was a few highlights like "Polly come home" and Alison Krauss is as always haunting and beautiful. Expand
  3. Rev.Rikard
    6
    A pleasant surprise. Plant once ripped open our chest to infuse a "Whole Lotta Love" into the heart; therefore, it was difficult to imagine him softly pleading for an invitation to touch us with heart-felt depth. Even with "Stairway to Heaven" his voice maintained a hard edge that made the song a unique rock classic. Raising Sand reveals a "softer, gentler Plant" that is actually engaging. Fairness demands that we consider the impact of Krauss upon Plant's stylings. There has never been a sweeter/ potent combination in a single voice like Krauss's. That angelic voice almost demands that we listen. The mellow sound of an old metal war horse wed to one of bluegrass's most peaceful vocalist works. Songs like Killing the Blues and Gone, Gone, Gone invite us to play them often. However, most of the other tracks are disappointing. Again, the duet works, but the material is lacking; the songs do not provide an adequate vehicle for this surprising sound. I hope they give it another go, and utilize greater judgment in song selection. Expand
  4. SpencerD.
    4
    Am I missing something here? Made me feel like driving over the cliff. Very depressing and on par with a visit to the dentist.

See all 37 User Reviews