Legendary rock vocalist Robert Plant continues on his musical journey with the release of his eleventh solo album “Carry Fire.” The record once again features the world class lineup of The Sensational Space Shifters band as Plant immerses himself with a plethora of styles and sounds. Much like his 2014 album “lullaby and…The Ceaseless Roar,” “Carry Fire” is an amalgam of lush sounds and extrinsic rhythms
featuring everything from folk and bluegrass to Celtic influences and the blues.
Opening the album is “The May Queen,” a reflective piece as Plant approaches his later years contemplating the “dimming of my light.” The feel of the song is a bit ethereal as if you might float away and sets the introspective mood for the entire record. Vocally, Plant is in a league of his own. His voice at times is barely a whisper yet smooth as silk as he effortlessly sings of life and love on “Season’s Song” and “Dance With You Tonight.” Throwing in a bit of a political statement with “Carving Up The World,” Plant changes the vibe with the lively, rockabilly guitar number before melding into the exotic Middle Eastern tempo of the title track. One of my favorite songs is the poignant “A Way With Words” featuring exquisite piano work with Robert’s breathy vocals. It’s just a song that can be enjoyed for its pure beauty. “Bones of Saints” is a terrific blues tune and is definitely the most Zeppelinesque song on the record and the electronic vibe of “Keep It Hid” makes for a nice, danceable tune. Closing out the album is a moving cover of rockabilly legend Ersel Hickey’s “Bluebirds Over the Mountain” featuring Chrissie Hynde as a guest vocalist before coming full circle with the plaintive emotions of “Heaven Sent.”
True lovers of music will want to experience the intimate musical voyage that is “Carry Fire” as Robert once again shares his poetic talent and passion for music with the world.
