Carry Fire cover

Released 9 years ago this October

Carry Fire

Robert Plant · 2017

49 min · 11 tracks · folk rock

A rich tapestry of folk melodies and bluesy grooves, layered with Plant's evocative vocals and reflective lyricism.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The May Queen — Opening the album with a hauntingly beautiful melody, this track encapsulates the themes of transformation and nostalgia prevalent throughout Carry Fire.
  • →
    Carry Fire — The title track serves as a centerpiece, blending mystical imagery with a driving rhythm that highlights Plant’s vocal prowess and lyrical introspection.
  • →
    Season’s Song — This track stands out for its poignant reflection on change and continuity, featuring lush instrumentation that complements Plant's heartfelt delivery.
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    Bones of Saints — With its darker undertones and complex arrangements, this song showcases Plant's ability to merge storytelling with emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with varied tempos and textures throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while the fourth introduces a more upbeat rhythm, creating a dynamic shift.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation that builds gradually, particularly evident in 'Carry Fire' and 'Bones of Saints'.
  • The album closes with a ballad that contrasts the preceding tracks, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow with gradual builds
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • rich instrumentation for detail hunting
  • suitable for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2017, Carry Fire is Robert Plant's eleventh solo studio album, following his critically acclaimed 2014 release, lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar. At this point in his career, Plant continued to explore diverse musical influences while maintaining a strong connection to his roots in rock and folk.
Stylistic neighbors
Jimmy Page· David Coverdale· Chris Robinson

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The May Queen 4:14
  • 2 New World… 3:29
  • 3 Season’s Song 4:19
  • 4 Dance With You Tonight 4:48
  • 5 Carving Up the World Again… a Wall and Not a Fence 3:55
  • 6 A Way With Words 5:18
  • 7 Carry Fire 5:25
  • 8 Bones of Saints 3:46
  • 9 Keep It Hid 4:07
  • 10 Bluebirds Over the Mountain 4:58
  • 11 Heaven Sent 4:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata