Raising Sand cover

Released 19 years ago this October

Raising Sand

Robert Plant · 2007

57 min · 13 tracks · folk rock

A haunting blend of blues and folk, with Robert Plant's voice weaving through rich acoustic textures and soulful melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) — This track stands out for its upbeat rhythm and playful interplay between Plant and Krauss, showcasing their vocal chemistry while maintaining a classic sound.
  • →
    Please Read the Letter — The emotional depth of this track is highlighted by its reflective lyrics and haunting melody, marking one of the album's most poignant moments.
  • →
    Killing the Blues — Plant's interpretation brings a raw vulnerability to this classic song, blending elements of folk and blues that resonates deeply throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Raising Sand blends folk and blues with strong vocal harmonies, showcasing Plant's shift from rock to Americana.

What we noticed

  • Plant and Krauss share vocal duties, often harmonizing in a way that emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative evening reflections

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, Raising Sand marked Robert Plant's first collaboration with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, showcasing a significant shift from his hard rock roots. This album came after years of solo work following the disbandment of Led Zeppelin, positioning him at a creative crossroads as he explored new musical territories.
Stylistic neighbors
Jimmy Page· David Coverdale· Chris Robinson

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Rich Woman 4:05
  • 2 Killing the Blues 4:17
  • 3 Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us 3:25
  • 4 Polly Come Home 5:39
  • 5 Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) 3:34
  • 6 Through the Morning, Through the Night 4:03
  • 7 Please Read the Letter 5:55
  • 8 Trampled Rose 5:34
  • 9 Fortune Teller 4:32
  • 10 Stick With Me Baby 2:51
  • 11 Nothin’ 5:35
  • 12 Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson 4:02
  • 13 Your Long Journey 3:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata