Search - Robert Plant :: Now & Zen

Robert Plant unledded

Clare Alison Durina | Detroit MI USA | 04/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, if you buy a Robert Plant recording and expect it to sound like Led Zepplin, you will be seriously disappointed. Of course, that is exactly the point. Robert Plant wanted to be Robert Plant and not an imitation of his former band. After all, Led Zepplin consists of the creative energy of four individuals, not just one (even if he is the voice)! That having been said you may not know what to expect, that may be good or bad for you.



As for me, I particularly like Robert Plant's solo career. It is different. First of there are synthesizers, not overly domineering like on "Carouselambra" but definetely prominent. Second, the guitar playing is well more subdued and "lite" if you will, but at the same time extremely original, beautiful, and tasteful.



Now and Zen combines these two major elements to make a pleasent record. If you liked "Tall Cool One" don't be misled, the rest of the record does not sound like this song. Many of the songs are pretty atmospheric, with washes of melodic and haunting synths, and marked with tasteful licks of guitar throughout. On this cd are to be found beautiful laments (i.e. "Ship of Fools"), haunting dreamscapes, and even a few upbeat numbers. Yet, the songs on this record are consistently melodic and they pull you in with beautiful melodies.



If you are in the mood for some melodic music, yet not to hard, then you may enjoy this record. I am definitely biased and would like you to take a chance on it, yet what you hear may suprise you."

A consistently good disc

sauerkraut | 05/16/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Now and Zen, Robert Plant's fourth solo album, is an entertaining and cohesive piece of music. The material is appealing and catchy throughout. This disc was released in 1988 and contains ten songs altogether--one of these, "Walking Towards Paradise," is a bonus track. Every tune has something to offer. Overall, the musicianship is skillful, the songwriting is worthy, and the sound quality is nicely polished and crisp. The music is in a pop rock musical vein. When it comes to how the guitar and keyboards are utilized, there's a well-balanced synthesis of both instruments. Plant's former Led Zeppelin bandmate Jimmy Page guests on this album and contributes guitar solos on two compositions--"Heaven Knows" and the lively, free-spirited "Tall Cool One." Plant does a nice job with the vocals. Female background vocals are included on most of the songs. "Heaven Knows," "Dance on My Own," "Ship of Fools," and "Walking Towards Paradise" are examples of cuts that I like. The album's opening song, the exotic-flavored "Heaven Knows," is majestic in mood and features ethereal-sounding background vocals. The sunny, sleek "Dance on My Own" is a cool one that displays good guitar playing from Doug Boyle and infectious background vocals. The sole ballad of Now and Zen, the enjoyable "Ship of Fools," sports delicate, attractive, and dexterous guitar work from Boyle; undoubtedly, "Ship of Fools" is a nice showcase for his guitar skills. The sprightly "Walking Towards Paradise" is the CD's closing track--it contains an upbeat, engaging chorus. Surprisingly, the CD booklet only contains the song lyrics to five tunes--these being "Heaven Knows," "Tall Cool One," "The Way I Feel," "Ship of Fools," and "White, Clean and Neat." Phil Johnstone does well with the keyboards, and Chris Blackwell's drumming is noticeable and tight. The album cover is also cool. Something that I notice about Now and Zen is that it emanates an element of professional sophistication and feel. This album is just over 47 minutes in length. Now and Zen is worthwhile and solid."

The anti-Zeppelin album

Sal Nudo | Champaign, Illinois | 06/20/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album was made in 1988, and you can't help but notice how polished it sounds. Still, Robert Plant's vocals are great, and his breezy attitude comes across nicely on many songs. There's sort of a lightweight, airy sound to this album, and that's not meant in a negative way. Whereas Led Zeppelin had the ever-chugging, in-your-face riffs, everything much denser, "Now and Zen" is unabashedly pop; the only real rocker is the commercialized "Tall Cool One," and even that song is pristine-sounding compared to most of Zeppelin's output. "Dance on My Own" is a top-notch tune, with Plant declaring his independent mindset to the world. Other standouts are the reflective "Way I Feel" and the truly majestic ballad, "Ship of Fools," which used to get frequent and deserved radio airplay. The mystic and quiet ending of that song is one of the better moments on this album. "White, Clean and Neat" is also worth mentioning; between the chugging riff and well-sung backing vocals, playful keyboards sneak in, along with voices that give the song a unique feel. "Now and Zen" is properly closed out by the good "Walking Towards Paradise," a "bonus" track made for CD.



All in all, "Now and Zen" lacks raging guitars, pounding drums and contains a fair amount of vocal restraint from Robert Plant, something he's not always known for. Whatever you think about Led Zepp and Robert Plant, these songs have the potential to grab you. It's a catchy, well-produced, likable album, with songs that display Plant's ability to move on and astutely grow with dignity. This album surely doesn't match up to the mightier Plant album from 1990, Manic Nirvana, but it is still a good buy."