The Greatest Songs From Robert Plant’s Solo Career
via @Jirkis _ / YouTube
What happens when a voice that helped define rock history decides to take a different path? For Robert Plant, the journey didn’t end with Led Zeppelin—it evolved. After the loss of John Bonham, Plant faced a crossroads, one that led him to carve out a solo career that was as adventurous as it was unexpected.
Rather than chasing past glories, he pushed forward, experimenting with new sounds, genres, and collaborations. His solo work never felt like an attempt to recreate Zeppelin but instead served as a testament to his restless creativity. From blues and folk to world music and Americana, Plant proved that reinvention could be just as powerful as nostalgia.
Through the decades, his solo career has been filled with moments of brilliance—songs that showcase his unmistakable voice, his fearless artistry, and his unwavering passion for music. Here are some of the greatest songs from his remarkable journey.
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10. “Tall Cool One”, Now and Zen (1988)
Robert Plant’s “Tall Cool One” from his 1988 album Now and Zen was a bold statement of his independence from Led Zeppelin. The song featured a hard-hitting mix of rock and electronic elements, giving it a modern, almost hauntingly hypnotic feel. It was one of his most commercially successful solo tracks, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
One of the most striking aspects of “Tall Cool One” was its clever use of Led Zeppelin samples, including snippets from classics like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Black Dog.” These self-referential nods showed Plant embracing his past while forging a new musical identity. The track was produced by Phil Johnstone, who played a crucial role in shaping Plant’s late-‘80s sound.
Adding to its mystique was Jimmy Page’s guitar work, which gave the song an electrifying energy. The synergy between Page and Plant created an undeniable magic, making “Tall Cool One” both a nostalgic and forward-thinking piece of rock history. The song’s music video, featuring a futuristic, neon-lit aesthetic, further cemented its place as one of Plant’s defining solo works.
9. “Burning Down One Side”, Pictures at Eleven (1982)
Released in 1982 as the opening track on his debut solo album Pictures at Eleven, “Burning Down One Side” announced Robert Plant’s post-Zeppelin career with undeniable force. The song’s sharp guitar riffs and pulsating rhythm immediately grabbed listeners’ attention, proving that Plant could thrive outside the shadow of his legendary band.
With Phil Collins on drums, the song had a powerful, dynamic groove that gave it a sense of urgency. The interplay between the driving beat and Plant’s soaring vocals made for an exhilarating listening experience. Though it didn’t crack the Billboard Hot 100, it became a rock radio favorite and remains a fan favorite today.
Lyrically, “Burning Down One Side” carries a restless energy, reflecting themes of escape and emotional conflict. It was clear that Plant was setting his own path, crafting a sound that was still rooted in rock but infused with fresh influences. This track set the stage for the eclectic and adventurous career he would go on to build.
8. “Angel Dance”, Band of Joy (2010)
By the time Plant released “Angel Dance” on his 2010 album Band of Joy, he had fully embraced his love for folk, Americana, and roots music. This song, a cover of Los Lobos’ original, showcased his ability to reinterpret music with depth and soul. His version maintained the uplifting, rhythmic energy of the original but infused it with his own signature vocal warmth.
The song’s instrumentation reflected his deep respect for folk traditions, with mandolins and acoustic guitars driving the arrangement. The layered production gave it a rich, earthy texture, a testament to Plant’s skill in blending rock with roots-based sounds. At this stage in his career, he wasn’t chasing rock stardom—he was simply making music that felt authentic.
“Angel Dance” was a highlight of Band of Joy, an album that reaffirmed Plant’s evolution into a seasoned, genre-blending artist. He proved that he didn’t need to rely on his Zeppelin-era bombast; his voice alone carried enough magic to captivate listeners. With this track, he demonstrated that musical growth and reinvention are lifelong pursuits.
7. “In The Mood”, The Principle of Moments (1983)
One of Plant’s most mesmerizing solo tracks, “In The Mood”, came from his 1983 album The Principle of Moments. The song leaned heavily on a dreamy, atmospheric groove, far removed from his hard rock roots. It stood as a testament to his willingness to experiment and push boundaries.
A key ingredient to its hypnotic feel was the presence of Phil Collins on drums, whose crisp, echo-laden beats perfectly complemented the track’s shimmering guitars. The song’s minimalist, synth-driven arrangement gave it a sophisticated yet ethereal quality, setting it apart from traditional rock ballads.
Lyrically, “In The Mood” is an understated meditation on longing and emotion. It was one of Plant’s biggest solo hits, reaching No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of his live performances. Its success cemented Plant’s ability to craft compelling music outside the Zeppelin framework.
6. “Pocketful Of Golden”, lullaby and…The Ceaseless Roar (2014)
From his 2014 album Lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar, “Pocketful of Golden” showcased Plant at his most mystical. The song blended folk, blues, and world music elements, creating a lush sonic landscape. It was a reminder that Plant, even in his later years, was still a musical innovator.
The track’s lyrics seemed to carry an almost mythical quality, drawing from Plant’s love for poetic storytelling. Lines like “And if the sun refused to shine…” subtly echoed Zeppelin’s past while embracing his evolved artistic identity. His vocals, seasoned with time and experience, added a haunting depth to the song.
The instrumentation featured exotic rhythms, layered guitars, and a cinematic arrangement, making “Pocketful of Golden” one of Plant’s most compelling solo works. It wasn’t just a song—it was an experience, proving that Plant’s golden touch had never faded. Even decades into his career, he continued to reign as a true rock deity.
5. “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)”, Raising Sand (2007)
Released in 2007 on the Raising Sand album, “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)” showcased the stunning vocal chemistry between Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Originally a song by the Everly Brothers, their version transformed it into an electrifying blend of rockabilly and Americana. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2009.
Plant and Krauss’s harmonies on this track were effortless, with his raw, bluesy edge complementing her smooth, angelic tone. Producer T Bone Burnett crafted a warm, vintage-inspired sound that emphasized the duo’s musical synergy. The result was a modern revival of classic roots music, proving that Plant’s voice could seamlessly adapt to new styles.
Lyrically, “Gone Gone Gone” tells the story of heartbreak and moving on, delivered with an upbeat and rhythmic groove. The song became a fan favorite and a highlight of their live performances, demonstrating that Plant’s artistic evolution was far from over. Their collaboration breathed new life into old songs, making them feel both nostalgic and fresh.
4. “The May Queen”, Carry Fire (2017)
From his 2017 album Carry Fire, “The May Queen” is one of Robert Plant’s most enchanting solo pieces. The title is an obvious nod to “Stairway to Heaven”, which famously referenced a May Queen, but the song itself stands as a unique, standalone work. It’s a warm, meditative folk-rock track that embodies Plant’s love for mystical storytelling.
Musically, the song carries a gentle yet driving energy, featuring delicate acoustic guitars, subtle percussion, and dreamy melodies. Plant’s vocals sound both intimate and timeless, as if he’s whispering an ancient tale straight to the listener. His band, The Sensational Space Shifters, added rich textures that elevated the track’s ethereal quality.
Lyrically, “The May Queen” is filled with poetic imagery, touching on themes of renewal, hope, and nature’s cycles. It’s a song that feels like a warm embrace, proving that Plant’s ability to craft deeply evocative music hasn’t waned. Even decades after Zeppelin, he continues to weave spellbinding melodies.
3. “Rich Woman”, Raising Sand (2007)
Another standout from 2007’s Raising Sand, “Rich Woman” is a swampy, blues-infused number that makes you want to move. Originally written in the 1950s by Dorothy LaBostrie and McKinley Millet, Plant and Alison Krauss gave it a fresh, sultry vibe. Their version turned it into a hypnotic duet, dripping with cool confidence.
The song’s rhythm is irresistible, carried by deep, thumping bass and reverb-soaked guitar lines. Krauss’s harmonies float over Plant’s lead vocal, adding a haunting yet playful dynamic to the track. The production by T Bone Burnett ensures that every note feels both vintage and modern, keeping the spirit of classic blues alive.
Lyrically, “Rich Woman” tells the tale of a woman who has everything she wants—except love. The way Plant and Krauss trade lines adds a flirtatious charm, making the song feel like an intimate conversation. It’s a track that proves sometimes, simplicity and groove are all you need to create magic.
2. “Rainbow”, lullaby and…The Ceaseless Roar (2014)
Featured on Plant’s 2014 album Lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar, “Rainbow” is a shimmering, atmospheric piece that proves his creative fire is still burning strong. The song blends folk, blues, and world music, demonstrating the depth of his musical explorations. It’s one of his most emotionally resonant solo works.
The track opens with hypnotic percussion and lush guitar textures, setting the stage for Plant’s ethereal vocal delivery. His voice sounds just as powerful as ever, full of warmth and subtle emotion. The melody builds gradually, wrapping the listener in a mesmerizing sonic landscape.
Lyrically, “Rainbow” is deeply poetic, touching on themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. It feels like a reflection on life’s fleeting beauty, delivered with wisdom and grace. With this song, Plant reaffirms that he still “definitely got it”—not just as a rock legend but as a continually evolving artist.
1. “Shine It All Around”, Mighty ReArranger (2005)
From the 2005 album Mighty ReArranger, “Shine It All Around” is one of Robert Plant’s most powerful solo tracks. The song fuses classic rock energy with world music influences, creating a sound that’s both grand and deeply soulful. Even without Led Zeppelin, this track proves he can still deliver anthemic brilliance.
Built on thundering drums, swirling guitar riffs, and an electrifying vocal performance, the song radiates an almost spiritual intensity. Plant’s lyrics evoke imagery of light and transformation, as if he’s summoning something cosmic. His voice soars effortlessly, commanding attention with every note.
“Shine It All Around” was a critical and fan favorite, showing that Plant had no interest in simply reliving his past. Instead, he was pushing forward, creating music that felt urgent and alive. The track remains one of his best solo works—proof that his creative spark never faded, only evolved.
