Robert Plant/Alison Krauss

Robert Plant should be commended for his commitment to artistry. Here’s a guy who could’ve retired on September 25, 1980 and never looked ahead. Instead, he’s spent the better part of twenty-seven years not looking back. After all, his former band is a pretty good source of both income and infamy. But instead of dropping anchor, Robert decided to sail new waters of creativity. Raising Sand is another new piece of sonic landscape for him to explore. But Robert isn’t the only ingredient here. Together with Alison Krauss and T-Bone Burnett (who produced the songs from selection through recording), these three Grammy honorees have put together a finely crafted CD that further expands everyone’s territory, creators and listeners alike.

This disc is affecting on a number of creative levels. Opening tracks “Rich Woman” and “Killing the Blues” set the mood with Alison and Robert’s blended vocal deliveries and a soft, almost hushed, sonic aesthetic. The reflective tone of the first third of the album gives way, beginning with “Gone Gone Gone,” to a looser feel with more breathing room. By the time it reaches “Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson,” the skies have opened wide. Throughout, a number of vivid instrumental hues – including Alison’s own fiddle – highlight the two vocalists.

If you’re an Alison Krauss fan, this is another jewel in what must be a heavy crown. If you’re a Robert Plant enthusiast and have admired his career of lefts and rights, you should pick this one up. If you’re one of those Plant fans who are still waiting for “Achilles’ Second Last Stand,” you should pass.