Search - Robert Plant :: Manic Nirvana

Robert Plant Continues Where Zeppelin Might Have

The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 05/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With MANIC NIRVANA, Robert Plant goes beyond reaching back to his Led Zeppelin roots and covers old R&B songs such as "Your Ma Says You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night." In other words, Plant digs REALLY deep here, while continuing to move forward by returning to aggressive hard rock following two highly psychodramatic albums. Overall, MANIC NIRVANA continues to where Led Zeppelin might have gone had drummer John Bonham not died in an alcohol-related choking incident in 1980."

Manic Nirvana "Remastered" reminds one of Plant's vocal powe

Leo Navarr | Donner Pass, California | 10/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Plant's solo run, which should be noted is not far from a thirty year milestone, is again celebrated with another remastered album, and with this one fans get a refreshed listen to 1990's "Manic Nirvana" album. To put it quite simply, this one rocks with high energy guitars and that ever so familiar crooning of Plant. This album seems to re-capture some of the vocal energy that was found on the first Led Zeppelin album, which featured a much younger Plant with hits like "Communication Breakdown". The vocals here are of course; more seasoned with the passing of time, but it perhaps is one of the best when showcasing not only his range, but his passion for the songs he is singing. Plant seems more like a man possessed, while at the same time having a lot of fun.



Manic Nirvana does not waste any time jumping into the ring, starting out with a solid, heavy rocker called "Hurting Kind (I've got my eyes on you)", which has a start up riff that has eagerly garnered a listener's attention. The song was a radio hit and rightfully so, the accessible riff and high screech that hangs for a time until the drums crash along to another chorus is quite addicting. The song "Big Love" is also tight, with a slow tempo and heavy drums that have a lot of groove before Plant (with backing vocals) wail on. The third song (S S S & Q) gets right back on that rocking path. By this time a Robert Plant fan has to be smiling and tapping their toe, perhaps even pumping a fist in the air if no one is looking! Songs like "I cried", "Your ma cried..." and "Anniversary" tone things way down with ethereal, soft sounds that showcase sometimes a darker, mystical appeal that remind one more of some of the hits from the Zeppelin years. Want some acoustic bliss? Then, look no more than to the song "Liars Dance".



Seventh song is superb, because "Tie Dye on the highway" seems to mix all the elements and energy into one. Rocking beats mixed with serenading like vocals that stretch out with some "ah-ahh" during the chorus makes one want to hit "Replay" over and over again. As a fan, I can never get enough of this song, or any other on the album for that matter.



The remastered album does include the bonus tracks "Oompa, One Love and Don't Look Back", yet even if they were not here, the first eleven tracks alone are worth the price of admission, with the exception that you may not ever want to leave. Manic Nirvana is melodic, rocking and full of energy and showcases the magic of Plant's vocals for all to enjoy.

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Yes, I actually DO think this is a 5-Star Album!

Rich Latta | Albuquerque, NM - Land of Entitlement | 12/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very solid effort from Robert Plant. Many of the songs here totally rock out while at the same time maintaining their own individuality. No two songs sound the same - a great quality to be sure.



My least favorite track is the opener "Hurting Kind (I've Got My Eyes On You)." It's pretty much a straight-up rocker, which is fine, but not so interesting. If you love "Tall Cool One" or, say, "Radar Love" then you'll love this one. The next two are more interesting. "Big Love" has a swinging swagger and "S S S & Q" rocks hard with attitude and pleading sexuality. You might not want to play either in front of your girlfriend if she's a die-hard feminist, know what I mean?



From there we hear the beautiful, mostly acoustic "I Cried" which also bursts into full-on rocking out at one point. "She Said," "Nirvana" and "Tie Dye on the Highway" are all excellent, sophisticated rockers. "Your Ma Said You Cried in Your Sleep Last Night" sounds like it might be a slight nod to Elvis, another singer with plenty of attitude and swagger. "Anniversary" is a slower, synth-propelled song that soon builds with a drum march and guitar solo - it's very compelling. The acoustic "Liars Dance" is one of the best on the album and recalls Led Zeppelin more than anything else on MANIC NIRVANA. The last song, "Watching You," is quite intense with heavy synth, guitars, Middle Eastern influences and a forboding, steady drum pattern.



Plant's singing is awesome throughout and his trademark solo sounds (righteous guitars, synths and female background vocals) are in full effect. Excellent production, with not one misplaced note. May in fact be one of his best despite being one of his least popular releases.

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