Ranking the Studio Albums: Robert Plant solo (w/Martin Popoff)

[@derekclacton]

Robert Plant isn’t just a ‘singer’, he’s a vocalist - his voice is like an instrument and he’s not afraid to take musical risks ... the first two albums are the best ones for me too :)

[@smashpoundx8643]

I got Principle of Moments when it first came out. I really like it. It was very different from Led Zep. After that it's a great song here and there.

[@marcelob4132]

Well said! 100%

[@marlamacmichael2009]

Hello… thank you for the great compliment on my brother, Kevin Scott Macmichael… sadly, he passed away Dec 31, 2002… however I try to keep his music alive!!! He lived his dream and toured the world.

[@wadeharten6600]

Robbie Blunt was in a great band called Silverhead with Michael Des Barres. Did 2 albums in the early 70's. Sixteen and Savaged was a great album. Dirty sleazy Rock n Roll!

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Thanks for the info.

[@jonesy2111]

👍

[@spaghetti.lee-69]

His work with Allison Krauss is Fantastic " Americana"...

[@sspbrazil]

Some of his best work.

[@jprph1]

Saw this tour ... Loved it!!!

[@patriottex4813]

I do admire Plant sailing out in different musical directions. I didn't like all of his choices, but he did his own thing. He didn't get stuck in the Zaeppelin mold and just do watered down Zeppelin tunes. He is a rock pioneer and has my utmost respect.

[@1970borntorun]

Thank you !! lol SO many Zep fans are stuck in their Led Zeppelin, 1970s Time Warp and whine and cry because Robert doesn't play old Zep tunes on Stage EXACTLY the way the record was recorded. The very thing that MAKES Robert so interesting and compelling as an Artist, is the fact that he DOES try new sounds and music avenues to not be stuck in the past and move forward Artistically.

[@geruto17760]

Rock Pioneer... I like that. Very appropriate

[@Twotontessie]

I've said to anyone who will listen - he's up there with the Beatles as the only rock legend to not resort to "do overs" and endless wallowing in the past. No one else left it where it should have been left. The Police maybe...but not quite and to me they're not in the same league (great band and all).

[@robertsoderberg9510]

Word!

[@fredlaroche6969]

I love when you put out videos on my favourite bands like Overkill or the one about thrash metal... but I really adore the ones where you touch on bands I either didn't pay enough attention, or artist I just don't have the background to have fully appreciated on my own. You've given me so much ground to cover while backtracking on what I have missed. This is one of them, will watch religiously and explore. Thanks Pete.

[@anthonyrivers1619]

The Principle of Moments...get on it~!

[@anthonyrivers1619]

* I am a big Overkill fan - seen them many times!

[@iluvj50]

Some of Plant's solo albums are rockin'. The others are Moroccan.

[@turefromfinland3264]

Records are boring, like Zeppelin.

[@JasonJamesHatch]

Nice

[@dadadruma]

That was a Funny Punny!

[@treff9226]

Hilarious comment, my friend! Made my night! Hee Haw!

[@kevinturchin]

I came to Robert Plant’s solo catalog later in life. I love the back half of catalog. I saw him live in the fall of 2019 and he was great.

[@timothyorie7021]

I know we’re talking album’s but “Ship of Fool’s” what a performance!

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Get's me every time!

[@stevenhanson1454]

Oh...I forgot about that one album....Ship of Fools was great...as was other songs on that...now you got me going back. Okay ....there was one Robert Plant album.....I kinda.....every Now & Zen....I have to Listen to Zat. Robert Za-Be Zt.

[@Antman-cy8ch]

I`m one Zeppelin fan who loves most of what Plant has done with his solo work.

[@geruto17760]

Yes, defo! He keeps developing, which is GREAT.

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Agreed....he gets crazy talent on board....

[@benedictdonald4338]

Me, too.

[@bonesjackson81]

I'm in the big fan of Shaken N Stirred album group. Little By Little is just amazing. Everything from Pictures to Manic are must haves for me. I applaud his output and still having a good voice after all these years.

[@davdenm]

Agreed 100%

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Wow!! Thank you guys soooo much for your Ranking and opinions of Robert Plant!! Robert Plant is one of my favorite rock singers/vocalist of all time!! I love how Robert Plant sings covers and originals!! Robert puts his personality and own style in covers!! That’s what makes legendary musicians so outstanding!! Some of the best covers are better than the originals or have personality and their own style, in the song!! Robert Plant is so much older than me but is an inspiration to a lot of musicians, including me!! I love Led Zeppelin, too!! I own all of Led Zeppelin and Robert Plant releases. My picks are: 1. Now & Zen 2. Fate of Nations 3. The Principle of Moments 4. Pictures at Eleven 5.Manic Nirvana 6. Lullaby and...The Ceaseless Road 7. Mighty ReArranger 8. Dreamland 9. Carry Fire 10. Shaken ‘ N Stirred 11. Raising Sand 12. Digging Deep: Subterranen 13. Band of Joy 14. Sixty Six To Timbuktu 🎼🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@DropAnchor1978]

I agree with Martin, Principle Of Moments is my fave of the Plant Catalogue. It was so fresh in 1983 and sort of defined that summer in my mind. I got to see Robert at MSG that tour.

[@headovmetal]

Those first two LPs saved my life in middle school. Slow Dancer, Wreckless Love... Robbie Blunt was incredible.

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Wreckless Love! awesome!

[@dadadruma]

Slow Dancer is Kashmirs second cousin by marriage ;)

[@lonegroover]

Pictures at Eleven - I was really impressed when it came out, especially with that sparkling clean guitar sound. And it still stands up.

[@GuitarHack66]

Great show guys. Leads up nicely to Zeppelin show on Wednesday. Cheers

[@brucybabyy7355]

funny, I love " shaken and stirred " what i love about these vids is, it get me listening to these lp,s. that i haven't played in years.

[@1970borntorun]

Right. Music is so subjective anyway, what Pete and Martin hate you might love. With that said, I don't LOVE Shaken & Stirred, but respect Robert for ALWAYS ( much like Ronnie Montrose amongst many others... ) doing exactly what he wants and following his Muse.

[@JoeChewBaca]

Right! Exactly why Martin doesn't like it is why I like it. That album is so weird, but at least Plant was taking chances.

[@sonicretreatownerceocircut5274]

Yea, and the Shaken n Stirred was in bargain bin, Bric o Brac can never be Robert Plant. Why does fans call him by his middle name, I mean really? One of the best if not the best Vocalist should be called Robert or Mister Plant not Percy, but hey !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!;;;;!!;;;;;;;!!!!

[@sonicretreatownerceocircut5274]

Also in 2003, Sunday Morning with Charles 🌅🌄 That is a great person and entertainer of the Ages 🏡 !! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jprph1]

Thank you to Martin Popoff and yourself for a wonderful show! I’m listening for a second time as I write. It inspired me to go to Robert Plant page and listen to Principle Of Moments and the 1983 concert (I believe it is The second album tour) he has posted. Ronnie Blunt is great live! I liked the Manic Nirvana, Now and Zen, and Fate of Nations... ... and that was more getting familiar with the material before going to the concert. Robert Plant is SO Robert Plant live in whatever he does.(compliment !) The collaboration with Alison Kraus was amazing as well. I got Carrie Fire but only listened to it once... although I enjoyed it. I’ll definitely fill in my gaps in the catalogue now that I know what you both think of each one. Cheers guys.

[@freebird3520]

There’s a song by Robert Plant that’s not on any of his albums but is (as far as I know) only on an EP that was released around the time pictures at eleven was released. The song is called “Far Post” and if you haven’t heard it you need to look this one up. It is by far my favorite Plant solo song!

[@seandeal1469]

Touché. I love that song

[@OutOnTheTiles]

What a great topic. I live Robert. I’ve been lucky enough to see him all 13 times he’s played Toronto. My favourite vocalist hands down and so many great solo records. ✌️❤️🇨🇦🎸

[@mikemikemike701]

This was awesome, thank you!!! Saw him in 91 for Manic Nirvana. Black Crowes opened!!!!

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Hey nice!

[@sspbrazil]

“Now and Zen” is a great album.

[@michaelsocash3407]

Ick... first album w/o Robbie Blunt.... RP seeded the album with LZ nods & samples, which I deemed a sellout

[@sspbrazil]

@@michaelsocash3407 nah, it’s a great album.

[@justinwhite9689]

Coke commercials with now and zen but I like now and zen too

[@phillipanderson7398]

Yes, I listen to Now and Zen now and then.

[@npg5150]

You were pumping iron whereas I was pumping irony.

[@zeppearl]

I would of loved to have been a part of this episode. I for one love everything he has done. Really enjoyed your ranking and views Pete, I had a lot I disagreed with a lot of what Martin thoughts and list but still enjoyed hearing what he had to offer. Thanks for doing this.

[@marcelob4132]

1 Pictures At Eleven 2 Principle Of Moments 3 Manic Nirvana 4 Now & Zen 5 Fate Of Nations

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

100% agree with you...Saw him 3 times live & also Zeppelin

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

Also" mighty. Rearrange "was good too

[@marcelob4132]

@@rick6582CNCMedicalParts Haven't heard it yet, but I'll check it out now

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

@@marcelob4132 "another tribe " shine it all around..great songs..

[@jeffhadland3705]

1.Pictures at Eleven 2.Shaken & Stirred 3.Principle of Moments 4.Now and Zen 5. Manic Nirvana

[@philjm3103]

To me, Pictures at Eleven is a complete classic. I saw him live on this tour in Newcastle on Tyne (England) in 1982 and I still rate it as one of my favourite ever gigs. On "Pictures" Cozy's drumming is awesome, as is Phil Collins'. Love it.....one of my top 10 ever albums.

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Nice! Great stuff there!

[@mattyboywalker9094]

Cozy powell played with Robert plant ?

[@grahamallen9393]

Great video , such an electic catalogue , and special mention love the way Pete sits back and really listens to his guests. Rather rare these days.

[@Danimal77]

Martin, I'm so glad you mentioned the CRIMINALLY underrated band "The Tea Party"!! They are the Rival Sons of Canada but have been around since 1990!!! I've seen them live so many times being a Canadian myself and have met the boys on several occasions. I wish you would rank their albums! The world needs to be exposed to this insanely amazing power trio from Windsor, Ontario, Canada (just North of Detroit, Michigan).

[@stephanea5364]

Way better than Rival Sons and way more complex.

[@sspbrazil]

Great band.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Tea Party is awesome

[@billydow9798]

Windsor is actually south of Detroit

[@sspbrazil]

@@billydow9798 Windsor is over the border from Detroit River just across from Detroit, not south of it, it’s in Canada, I used to go there all the time growing up in the Detroit area.

[@a.markhawkins593]

I was present at the Principle of Moments tour with Phil on drums at the Houston Summit, the very same indoor arena that I witnessed the mighty Zeppelin band six years earlier on their last North American tour. And I was able to acquire much better seats, during that incredible album and tour for Robert and company! I am astonished that Principle was selected as his all time favorite albums at one time. I like your comment about the Zeppelin fans ending up this one! Looking forward to some more obscure metal like say maybe , All them Witches. Thank You!

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Respect!

[@catfishkempster]

Great subject and great show - thanks guys! Now, please (please, please, please!), do an episode on the amazing post Zeppelin music of John Paul Jones. I've always thought that Plant or Page would have been better served doing a collaboration with Jones than each other.

[@sunsin1592]

The videos for "Tall Cool One" and "Heaven Knows" are what really pushed Now & Zen.

[@ejc636]

Fantastic show as usual guys. Many thanks.

[@krissymarklewis1793]

I met Plant once, he's a lovely guy.

[@stephaneherringtoniowritin9180]

Saw Robert in the pub after John Peels funeral

[@ustuppy]

“In the Mood” is sublime.

[@geruto17760]

What an epic song. Robert played it still in 2007 during the Raising Sand tour.

[@edc1967]

I love everything that Robert Plant has come out with post Zep!

[@jasonpovey]

Is used to be salty for Robert never doing a true Zeppelin reunion, but have now come to appreciate his stance. He’s put out some great solo stuff. He’s adamant about not reliving the past or trying to recreate the same stuff from 50 years ago. While a Zeppelin reunion would be fantastic to watch just think of all the bands who’ve continued on far too long essentially becoming a greatest hits reunion tour over and over again.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Technically, he did acquiesce to a Zep reunion, in 2008. It was only for one show but it's on DVD and you can watch it anytime you want.

[@geruto17760]

@@AbbeyRoadkill1 well put!

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Popoff and Pardo on Plant. Entertaining show, gents, with a great discussion of what does and does not hold with you from the solo catalogue. My last listen was to Band of Joy but will say that your show at least fired up enough enthusiasm for me to listen to Carry Fire and lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar. Strong preference for the first two as each of you ranked them but strong props to Robert Plant for keeping his inner artist alive and well with hopes that listeners can enjoy the ride. Thanks again, gents. Looking forward to your ranking of The T(y)ubes.

[@zeppearl]

The song "Far Post" was a non-album track first released on the B-side of the UK 12" single for "Burning Down One Side" then it was also a B-side on the single for "Big Log" . It was not on a "album" until the soundtrack for the film White Nights.

[@Danimal77]

Manic Nirvana is the last album where Robert still sounded like his old self (at least the In Through the Out Door era old self). Starting with Fate of Nations his voice had deepened even more and the overall music sounded more mature/classy.

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

Great video review..Saw Plant & Zeppelin both 3x times each ..Agree with your album picks....Thanks...

[@supermantra3437]

Great show guys . Great I spoke to Robert Plant in JUne 2018 about the parallel of side on of His debut lp and Side one of the debut Led Zeppelin and also about how he stayed true to finding his muse for 3 years respecting the Zeppelin notice that they would not go on without John. We also spoke about fave lps from the 60s Once i had him going the lp names flew. Cheers

[@georgegsroomofrock9868]

Principal of Moments is an amazing album!

[@user-io3th6lo9t]

I love that album too some of the moments on there are very obtuse and flipped out as well.

[@ricklabonte6790]

I have seen every tour of Robert Plant from 1988 and on including Page/Plant...Yes There are albums stronger than others. Here is my ranking: (1) Picture At Eleven (2) Fate Of Nations (3) Principle Of Moments (4) Now And Zen (5) The Mighty Re-arranger (6) Manic Nirvana (7) Lullaby and Ceaseless Roar (8) Shaken N Stirred (9) Carry Fire (10) Band Of Joy (11) Dreamland Thanks for doing this show. It was nice to see Martin plugged in about The Tea Party (they are my friends and Canadians too) I am impressed that you gave Robert Plant discography some love. Another great show!!

[@shaunsmith3538]

Great show Pete, thanks for doing this one, been asking for it for a while. 11. Shaken n Stirred 10. Band of Joy 09. Carry Fire 08. Lullaby... 07. Dreamland 06. The Principle... 05. Mighty ReArranger 04. Now and Zen 03. Fate of Nations 02. Pictures at Eleven 01. Manic Nirvana 👍

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Manic Nirvana has some GREAT tunes on it!

[@shaunsmith3538]

I agree Anthony, some of his best work 👍

[@user-io3th6lo9t]

The song Ship of Fools from the Now and Zen album has got to be one of his loveliest most well written tunes.

[@bryanbyrde8338]

I’ve been looking forward to this feature for some time. For me, Robert Plant’s career in music has been second to none. What I admire most is how he has incorporated so many diverse influences into his solo career, whilst consciously avoiding the temptation to rehash his previous work with Led Zeppelin. In my view, he has only released one poor album and the other 10 are all in the good to excellent range. Even his Raising Sand collaboration with Alison Krauss, whilst not my favourite style of music, is still a fabulous recording. My preferences are currently: 1. Fate of Nations 2. Mighty Rearranger 3. Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar 4. The Principle of Moments 5. Dreamland 6. Carry Fire 7. Pictures at Eleven 8. Now and Zen 9. Manic Nirvana 10. Band of Joy 11. Shaken ‘N’ Stirred

[@strangeways75]

Great episode....here's my list....love Plant solo.... 1. Now & Zen (1988) 2. The Principle of Moments (1983) 3. Pictures at Eleven (1982) 4. Manic Nirvana (1990) 5. Fate of Nations (1993) 6. Shaken and Stirred (1985) 7. Mighty Rearranger (2005) 8. Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar 9. Carry Fire (2017) 10. Dreamland (2002) 11. Band of Joy (2010)

[@GrahamS67]

I agree with most of what you guys say, however for me "Lullaby and the ceaseless roar" is my absolute favourite. It just gets better and better with every listen. Just an absolute masterpiece.

[@sspbrazil]

It’s a good one

[@iancunningham5576]

I consider Robert's work with the Sensational Space Shifters his most fulfilling projects. A fantastic LIVE band. But I have been listening to Robert since the beginning. I love his career post-Zep. He is a seeker of the unheard.

[@alancumming6407]

I've enjoyed pretty much all of Robert Plant's solo career. Dreamland is superb and seeing him at Glasgow Barrowland with Strange Sensation was a real high. The excitement on the night was palpable. He has always moved forward but with the occasional nod to the fabulous catalogue of LZ! Consumate vocalist and interpreter of music. Good on him.

[@davidhill5242]

Fate of Nations is Robert Plant’s best album for me and comfortably so too.

[@19genesis70]

Don‘t forget sixes and sevens on Shakin...wonderul drums , awsome vocals, Perfect atmosphere.....especialllyy in the End of the Song...

[@davdenm]

Absolutely!

[@Twotontessie]

Fantastic song and production. Right up there with the best of the first two records.

[@JasonJamesHatch]

I’m surprised that Manic Nirvana doesn’t get more love. I absolutely love that album! But we’ll get to that later.

[@patriotpizzaman]

12) Shaken and Stirred 11) Carry Fire 10) Band Of Joy 09) Raising Sand 08) Manic Nirvana 07) Now and Zen 06) Fate Of Nations 05) Lullaby & the Ceaseless Roar 04) Dreamland 03) The Principle Of Moments 02) Pictures At Eleven 01) Mighty Rearranger

[@mattstroudmetallica5507]

Great video mate

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

1) Pictures at Eleven 2) Principle of Moments ... these are two very good albums that I have owned since their release but I haven't been enthused enough to purchase any of his other albums. Robbie Blunt wrote and played really great guitar on these first two albums and the drumming of Cozy Powell and Phil Collins is also superb on Pictures at Eleven. I have always felt that Robbie never received the plaudits that he fully deserved .

[@hanksta34]

totally agree on all counts. What happened to "Robbie Blunt?" Did he smoke blunts? LOL

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@@hanksta34 His time playing with Plant was his time in the limelight but after this he continued to play and make his mark on other artist's recordings. He appears on Jeff Healey's debut album and also played with Clannad on record ('Sirius' for one). I am sure that Robbie has played on many more recordings. Robbie wrote the bulk of the music when he was in Plant's band but I think that Plant should have talked about Robbie more and much more enthusiastically at the time.

[@michaelsocash3407]

@@TheHumbuckerboy i am pretty sure Robbie Blunt was asked to bolster guitars on Edie Brickell & New Bohemians... you can hear him in there

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@@michaelsocash3407 Yes, Robbie played for Edie .

[@Cr8Tron]

Lullaby and the Ceaseless Roar intrigued me to become more familiar with Plant's post-Zeppelin work, right after being gifted with a copy of that album and personal blessings from Plantie himself. (My stepfather and him are friends.) I immediately thought it sounded impressively hip and fresh. About a year later, after being invited to see him live and actually meet him face to face, I thought I should probably respectfully listen through his discography beforehand. As a longtime Genesis fan, I recall liking the first two records with Phil Collins in particular. After those two records, the '80s vibe started getting a bit strong for a few albums... But once he finally got through that phase, I found that his world/traditional-folk-influenced work really begins to resonate with me. Very glad to have had the chance to connect with the guy! Such a down-to-earth genius!

[@dhartnup2]

Really great video and has inspired me to dig out the Nine Lives box and listen again. The first two albums were always my favourite but I thought Carry Fire was a gorgeous and hypnotic listen throughout, and is probably my number three. Fascinating insights, thank you.

[@jordanfarquharson5345]

I wish I had that set. It's OOP. So, I have his stuff on Spotify.

[@dhartnup2]

@@jordanfarquharson5345 yes I was lucky to get it, actually while on vacation in the States and the last one in the store. Great to read and stare at while you listen 🙂

[@marcelaoferreira2566]

Keep on the great work guys!!

[@paulburrows7908]

Saw Plant live 2 years ago, amazing musicians, extraordinary show! "Principle of Moments" is my favorite album.

[@damiankarras]

Martin, I’d be curious to know if Pete is familiar with the tea party being an American. The tea party did well in Germany and Australia and a couple other places but they didn’t really break in America in any way. And Pete if you’re not familiar with the tea party, you should really listen to the edges of twilight and the inter-zone mantras Albums. So incredible. Transmission is quite good as well. Canada’s second best power trio. 4 multi platinum albums in Canada. Headlines festivals in Canada over Foo Fighters and Green Day. That’s how big they were here throughout the 90’s. Guitarist Jeff Martin is friends with Jimmy Page apparently and has even worked on music with him. Sort of modern Zeppelin with a lot of Celtic and middle eastern instrumentation and influence. The Edges of Twilight is a masterpiece.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

I've heard an album or two based on folks telling me how great they are...didn't do a lot for me to be honest.

[@stephaneherringtoniowritin9180]

@@seaoftranquilityprog Agree mate. His distancing of his Zeppelin legacy is baffling. Page is the best guitarist he will ever play with, fact! Hope you had a great Christmas,TC S

[@damiankarras]

@@seaoftranquilityprog That kind of surprises me. I have no right to ask you to give The Edges Of Twilight another chance. I know it’s one of Martin’s best albums of the 90s. But everybody likes what they like. Just still surprised though. It seems to check all of the boxes.

[@b2tall239]

A few months ago I went back and revisited Plant's early catalog. Unlike a lot of music from the '80s, his early stuff has held up quite well over time IMO. Good vid. Thanks, Pete (and Martin).

[@MyMusicCorner]

I had recently done Robert's catalogue and I've really came to love and respect his discography. For me: 1. Pictures at Eleven 2. Principle of Moments 3. Dreamland (I guess I'm not as familiar with Morning Dew as much but I dug his spin on the covers) 4. Carry Fire 5. Fate of Nations 6. Mighty Re-Arranger 7. Lullaby and the Ceaseless Roar 8. Band of Joy 9. Manic Nirvana 10. Now And Zen 11. Shaken N Stirred

[@user-io3th6lo9t]

I like the fact that on his first two solo albums that despite the idea that they are his albums and that he is the star of the show he lets the instrumentalists that accompany him to stretch out, it is not only gracious of him but makes for a great listening experience as well.

[@TebiCr]

Havent heard any of his solo albums, so thanks for this 👌🏻

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Oh no! Get on it!....amazing music!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

First time listener. Just a polite suggestion: Martin might wish to wear a headset microphone: Whenever he is not speaking directly into the mic/camera his voice trails off like he’s swallowing his words and he becomes unintelligible, which I’m sure it not what he wants. Your comment about Zeppelin fans not running out to buy Robert’s later works is no doubt true. However, I was 22 when Zeppelin I was released in The States. I was not a huge Zep-head at the time. However, I’ve been rediscovering them during the past year through these KZbin reaction channels and become a HUGE fan. But I have also delved into Robert’s solo career....and yes, some I like and some I don’t so much. But I love Lullaby and the Ceaseless Roar...no doubt because of it’s rather melancholy Celtic feel which speaks to my heart. It comes from a life fully lived, with periods of joy and times of great tragedy and sadness, and it’s all there in his emotive voice. He has always been on a quest to learn about all forms of music....from North Africa to Appalachia with an unquenchable curiosity and a restless soul. I respect his choice to always try new things and to take chances and to live his life for himself and not for his Zeppelin fans who wanted him to be a jukebox and fulfill their expectations. Too many have tried that and ended up dead. So yeah....he started all over again after being THE rock god, made it back to multi-platinum status....didn’t chase it but changed direction to keep himself interested and creative. His son’s death and that of Bonzo really made him think about life and he came out of it with almost an obsessive need to always move forward and chase the new. Lullaby was his final acceptance of aging..returning home to live once again to England and the Welsh borders where his Celtic heart was calling him. These are not my thoughts but are all things that he has said in interviews the past couple of decades. Robert Plant has my upmost respect and I wish him nothing but the best.

[@Twotontessie]

Wow. I really do like Principle of Moments - a great album. His best. But never heard anyone say it was their favorite album of all time AND better than most of the Zeppelin albums. I bet Plant would love to hear that. :)

[@anthonyrivers1619]

Like I've never been gone (Pictures at Eleven) - Put that sucker on repeat folks!

[@paddy3622]

I appreciate Plant doing what he wants to do. He's earned that right. It would be nice if other artist followed their muse. We never know what we're gonna get with Plant. Let's just enjoy whatever he puts out.

[@AndrewCarterBaker]

I used to know a guy who loved James Bond films but didn't like Sean Connery. Liking 'The Principle of Moments' more than Led Zeppelin reminds me of that guy.

[@mutant_blues]

Robert Plant has been going through a remarkable solo carrer for the last 15 years, much more interesting than the corrosive '80s. "Raising Sand" with Alison Krauss is also amazing.

[@lezcobrandon6790]

I love Raising Sand. I listen to it on my analogue set up

[@sunsin1592]

Raising Sand is utter trash. By far the worst thing he ever did. Lame, "Brother Where Out Thou" hillbilly music. Alison Kraus turns everything she does to garbage. And his more recent stuff is pretty much banal cafe world music. Not terrible, but not particularly interesting or original.

[@docdeens4030]

Growing up, I loved Robbie Blunt's playing. One of my biggest inspirations learning guitar as a young kid. I had no idea who he was til much later. One of the most unsung, tasteful players of that decade.

[@Bonddm2002]

I reckon it’s a pity Plant and Page didn’t hook back up a couple of years earlier. The best elements of Fate of Nations and Coverdale /Page combined could’ve made for a monster album, IMO

[@stackystackpole8826]

Agree wwith top two. Don't rate Big Log as high though, great song ruined by the electronic hand claps. Stupid idea.

[@jonesy2111]

Indeed

[@lonegroover]

Outrider .. until Martin mentioned it I'd forgotten that it existed! Bought that record when it came out, I suppose it must be with the rest of the vinyl in the loft.

[@geruto17760]

Fantastic production, great sound. I'd play it any time. Hit the loft!

[@bmboldt]

Shaken and Stirred has actually gotten better in my mind over the years. It is a strange album though. Neither of you mentioned Sixes and Sevens. That may be the best song on the album. Far Post was also the b side of Big Log but I think recorded for Pictures at Eleven.

[@davdenm]

Agreed 100%

[@johnfoster5295]

I'm glad you guys ranked Pictures At Eleven high. A lot of people shit on that album, but it is my favorite. Maybe because it has sentimental value for me, but the songs on it are great. I did a track by track battle between PAE and Principle Of Moments, track 1 vs. track 1, track 2 vs. track 2, etc., and Principle only got 2 (In The Mood and Big Log). Pictures At Eleven is my favorite Plant album.

[@anthonyrivers1619]

I saw the Now and Zen tour in 1988 - Charlotte, NC. - Cheap Trick opened...what a show!

[@MBF78]

So how come you didn't include Raising Sand?

[@geruto17760]

Yes, absolute masterpiece!!

[@PhilBaird1]

It is a great album. Should've been included - just to see Martin trash it !

[@liquidvizionsmadferit]

Martin is so awesome when he's cranky 😁😁😁 "I hate Morning Dew, I don't ever want anybody to cover it again" And just lol @ when he went in on U2! I love it! "My brain is telling me I need to love this stuff and take it more seriously but I just never get around to it" 😁😁😁

[@torsigvaldjohansen1338]

"Sixes and Sevens" is an underrated gem from "Shaken 'n' Stirred". I think it is even better than "Little by Little".

[@rettevcram2056]

Fantastic drumming , Great Song!

[@treff9226]

Beautiful, haunting song - love it!

[@tapeduk]

I love his first 4 solo albums: Pictures at Eleven (1982), The Principle of Moments (1983), Shaken 'n' Stirred (1985), and Now and Zen (1988)............after that ....I don't know

[@anthonyrivers1619]

M.P. have a Now and Zen tour shirt on? Looks like the one I bought in 1988!

[@denniscook9032]

Far Post was released on the soundtrack to White Nights.

[@jamescorbett5729]

I wondered about that final point today. Does the classic rock fan keep listening to the same old albums or buy solo, spin-off albums. Or maybe go into jazz/blues/world/classical?

[@shaneorr7293]

great list pete i was wondering what you thought about raising sand. i know its a duet with alisson Krause but it did do good bussiness and won several grammys not normally my cup of tea but i love the vocals from both of them. i would put it in the top three or four of his solo albums

[@KowankoMusic]

Upon revisiting "Little By Little", it now occurs to me that the song sounds like nothing so much as Robert Plant backed by SAGA. Very cool track.

[@tomfisher2103]

Saw Robert Plant in 1988, opener was Stevie Ray Vaughn, he did 4 Led Zeppelin songs. Great show!

[@ontherun8]

I liked a lot 'Now and Zen' when it was released about 35 yrs ago and I still like it.

[@lening9]

1) Walking Into Clarksdale (Jimmy Page-Robert Plant LP) 2) The Principle of Moments 3) Pictures at Eleven 4) Now and Zen 5) Fate of Nations 6) Mighty ReArranger (RP and the Strange Sensation LP) 7) Manic Nirvana 8) Shaken ‘n’ Stirred 9) Dreamland 10) Lullaby and… The Ceaseless Roar 11) Raising Sand (Robert Plant - Alison Krauss LP) 12) Band of Joy

[@FireMoon42]

Saw Plant in 85 at Warwick University and it was the loudest and best sounding gig I've been to. Like listening to playback on huge studio monitors. His material sounded much better live than in the studio for me in the eighties.

[@geruto17760]

Shaken 'n' Stirred was just VERY experimental and unique at the time it came out. It was so OUTLANDISH and Robert was into Laurie Anderson at the time, so what do you expect... High up on my list for being unique.

[@Ianmackable]

An entertaining instalment on an interesting if erratic solo career. But I have a technical note: whenever Martin isn't directly facing the screen--and that's quite often--his voice tends to cut out. It's very frustrating.

[@rosemarymills1671]

i noticed that too!

[@gwts1171]

All of these have some saving points. It was a tough list to put together, though I knew what my number one would be. 11) Mighty ReArranger (I don't know this one real well. Kinda missed out on it, for some reason.) 10) Dreamland 9) Band of Joy 8) Carry Fire 7) Shaken 'n' Stirred 6) Manic Nirvana (This & Now & Zen almost seem like the same album to me., but I like the production a bit more on this one. Less '80s... stuff.) 5) Now and Zen 4) Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar 3) Pictures at Eleven 2) The Principle of Moments 1) Fate of Nations I need to mention that I really like the record with Alison Krauss (his best "Americana" work, IMO) and the Honeydrippers album, too. Thanks, guys!

[@sabfan729]

Now and Zen, Manic Nirvana and Fate of Nations are three brilliant albums. Nothing better before or since.

[@peteygemini60]

Band of Joy he was in previously early in his career and he resurrected it.

[@mikekrause3671]

yeah Band of Joy was like a group he was in in the late 60s i believe

[@theDML2112]

"Far Post" was on the White Nights soundtrack.

[@richgrillo5457]

Thats my favorite plany song

[@theDML2112]

@@richgrillo5457 My favorite is "Little By Little"

[@sspbrazil]

It was released as a single too.

[@MrROTD]

I like some of his stuff solo mostly the early ones, Priciple of Moments and Now and Zen,.

[@kaij.8100]

Martin, you mentioned the cool album cover of Pictures at Eleven. Motiv is probably inspired (or stolen?) from Roger Chapman’s debut album „Chappo“ from 1979. Nevertheless great album anyway. This was a highly informative and entertaining show. Thanks to both of you!

[@domielakrabi3276]

Great show guys - thank you! I always enjoy watching! I'm a huge RP and LZ fan. There are no bad albums just less good ones to my mind. Martin surprised me putting "The Principle of Moments" above all LZ albums except Physical Graffiti (my favorite LZ too)?!? I really have to listen to it again. Talking about covers - to be honest lot of the (early) LZ hits were basically covers. What made them great was what LZ did out of them! My top 5 RP albums: Lullaby and ... the Ceaseless Roar Mighty ReArranger Manic Nirvana Now and Zen Dreamland -> don't understand the criticism guys. Some great originals and Hey Joe is pretty good, done in a haunting mood Fate of Nations is the one I listen to least. A suggestion for Ranking the Albums show: from the fusion direction - Billy Cobham and Weather Report and from the prog-rock - Peter Hammill (You did a show on Van der Graaf Generator half a year ago or so, but Peter is at least as interesting as Van der Graaf)

[@mutant_blues]

Hammill has released 35(!!!) solo albums, I find it difficult for a ranking episode. But I agree that many of his albums are as solid as VDGG's. I especially like "Over", "Fireships", and his collaboration album with Gary Lucas!!!

[@Millerktsd]

Loved this show! The only thing is now I listen to “Principal” and I hear Knopfler!

[@metalslather]

No mention of The Honeydrippers. I'm a little surprised. There was some covers, but I loved Sea of Love. Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. That was pretty happening. Would have loved to have had more from them. They were on SNL by the way.

[@geruto17760]

Good one too! But there's only the EP, right?

[@metalslather]

@Martin Popoff I know his rule on EP’s. I just thought there might be a passing comment.

[@tylerpatterson4787]

Rockin at midnight with Jeff Beck is amazing cover

[@stuartraybould6433]

Seems to me that classic rock/basic fans like the early stuff, more progressive fans like the later stuff. People talk about him moving away from the Zeppelin stuff but think about it, LZ 3 was very acoustic/world sounding and LZ 4 had it's fare share of acoustic stuff, then In Through the Out Door stuff has appeared on a few of his mid period albums. So I personally don't think so, Zeppelin probably would have gone in a similar direction had they continued.