Album Information Section

Album Title: Raising Sand

Artist: Robert Plant | Alison Krauss

Original Release Date: 2007-10-23

Label: Unknown Label

Genres: Americana, Folk, Country, Blues

Track Listing

• 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)

Recording Information

Raising Sand was recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville, Tennessee, a studio renowned for its warm, vintage sound that complements acoustic and roots music. The recording sessions took place in 2007, leading up to the album’s release in October of that year. Produced by T Bone Burnett, a highly respected figure in the music industry, the album features recordings that blend both traditional and contemporary elements. Burnett’s approach to production often emphasizes live takes and organic instrumentation, which is evident in the raw yet polished sound of Raising Sand.

Engineer Mike Piersante worked alongside Burnett to capture the album’s distinct sonic character. Notably, the recording employed vintage microphones and analog tape, which helped to achieve a rich, textured sound that resonates throughout the album. A significant story from the production process includes the serendipitous collaboration between Plant and Krauss, who had previously not worked together but found an unexpected chemistry during the sessions.

Band Context

At the time of Raising Sand’s release, Robert Plant was widely recognized as the legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin, while Alison Krauss was already an established artist in the bluegrass and country scenes. Plant’s career had evolved post-Zeppelin, with a focus on various musical explorations including world music and roots rock. Conversely, Krauss was enjoying a successful solo career and was known for her angelic voice and mastery of the fiddle, as well as her work with Union Station.

The album emerged during a period of resurgence for both artists. For Plant, it represented a departure from the hard rock legacy of Led Zeppelin, while for Krauss, it was an opportunity to collaborate with a rock icon, expanding her audience. The unexpected collaboration generated considerable anticipation, given the starkly different backgrounds of the two artists, ultimately resulting in a fresh sound that appealed to a diverse listener base.

Track Commentary

Raising Sand features a collection of songs that fuse various musical styles, including Americana, folk, and blues, showcasing the unique vocal harmonies of Plant and Krauss. The opening track, “Rich Woman,” sets the tone with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, while “Killing the Blues” takes a more somber approach, highlighting the emotional weight of the lyrics.

One of the standout tracks, “Please Read the Letter,” is a haunting ballad that features intricate instrumentation and showcases the duo’s vocal interplay. This particular song, originally written by Plant, had previously appeared on his collaboration with Jimmy Page, but the rendition on Raising Sand brings a new depth and poignancy. “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)” stands out as a spirited track that captures the essence of the album’s blending of traditional and contemporary sounds.

The critical reception to Raising Sand was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the seamless integration of Plant and Krauss’s distinct styles. The album won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, solidifying its legacy in the music world. Tracks like “Your Long Journey” and “Trampled Rose” have been highlighted for their emotional resonance and have contributed to the album’s lasting impact.

Overall, Raising Sand is not only a testament to the individual talents of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss but also a landmark collaboration that brought together two disparate musical worlds, creating an enduring work that continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.