DREAMLAND

Given what I know of 21st Century Robert Plant, his unsurprising folk excursions, more-so in recent years (just five years after this) most memorably collaborating with Alison Krauss, I've been not so drawn to it. It wasn't until I saw the ratings for this album that my ears pricked up (or were ready to do so). His first album in 9 years, this was apparently the start of the reinvigoration of his career, here at nearly 54 years old.

From the get-go, "Funny in My Mind" sounds like what I'd expect from the above expectations and classic Plant. Very bluesy, a bit experimental. "Morning Dew" was overall just as interesting, with little glimmers of something for you to latch onto. I guess I'm still waiting with optimistic anticipation...

"Last Time I Saw Her", he's soundin' great and fresh. Reminds me a bit of Queens of the Stone Age, perhaps. Cool riffs, and featuring weird spurts of synth.

"Darkness, Darkness" is that classic, blues-sadness melancholy that we've known since Led Zeppelin I. So far, a sure highlight (in comparison). I think, though, ultimately, I'm just asking for a little bit more.

We're back into the rock with "Red Dress". Blues-slide guitar rings out. Like I said, it rocks harder than most all so far, but... I guess I'm asking for too much? haha. Then it's onto "Hey Joe", the oft covered rock standard, this seemingly more-so traditional than, say, Hendrix's famous version. This is low and slow, minimal and introspective. After minute 2, it picks up and it is dark! A riveting, heavy guitar solo starts around minute 4. The underlying accompaniment is actually very light and minimal still: somewhat hypnotizing.

From the start, "Skip's Song", I would think, should appeal to fans of Led Zeppelin (perhaps Led Zeppelin III?). Rolling drums and an emotive, introspective Robert Plant, who has a very good vocal performance here. Some of the composition feels very psychedelic even! I'm happy with it.

And finally, "Dirt in a Hole" definitely melodically has a lot to offer, including lovely female backing vocals. The main riff was familiar, but I couldn't place it.

I think, as I'm not too surprised by my feelings, I'll observe tracks that people are most excited about for his discography here on out. It's just not what I tend to look for, Prog or not. I like Robert Plant, but I guess my expectations are a tad too specific to what he did in his youth. The album fortunately did, to me, only get better and better.