"Raising Sand," the collaborative album by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, is a testament to the rich and varied landscape of American music. Released on October 23, 2007, this album, produced by T-Bone Burnett, is not easily confined to a single genre. Instead, it masterfully weaves together elements of country, blues, folk, rock, and bluegrass, creating a distinctive sound that resonated with critics and audiences alike. The album's unique blend
of styles, combined with its carefully selected tracklist, offers a compelling journey through the roots of American music.
A Fusion of American Musical Traditions
The core of "Raising Sand" lies in its ambitious fusion of diverse musical traditions. Robert Plant, a legendary figure in rock, brought his distinctive vocal power, while Alison Krauss, a celebrated bluegrass and country artist, contributed her ethereal voice and instrumental prowess. This combination, under the guidance of producer T-Bone Burnett, allowed the album to transcend typical genre boundaries. Burnett's role extended beyond production; he was also responsible for compiling the tracks, ensuring a cohesive yet varied listening experience that showcased the strengths of both artists across multiple styles.
The album's tracklist, with only a few exceptions, consists of covers of American artists. This approach allowed Plant and Krauss to reinterpret existing material through their unique collaborative lens, infusing each song with new life and a fresh perspective. The selection of these songs was crucial in demonstrating the album's genre-bending nature, as they spanned different eras and styles, all unified by the duo's interpretation.
Recording Across Musical Landscapes
The creation of "Raising Sand" was a geographically diverse process, with recordings taking place in 2007 across significant music centers in the United States. Nashville, Tennessee, a hub for country and roots music, played a role in shaping the album's sound, with sessions held at Sound Emporium. Concurrently, recordings also occurred in Los Angeles, California, at studios such as Electro Magnetic Studios, The Village Recorder, and Sage & Sound. This bicoastal recording approach likely contributed to the album's eclectic feel, drawing inspiration from different regional musical influences.
This varied recording environment allowed for the integration of different sonic textures and instrumental contributions, further enhancing the album's genre fluidity. The choice of these specific studios, known for their contributions to various musical genres, underscores the album's commitment to exploring a broad spectrum of American sound.
Key Tracks and Their Significance
While most of the album comprises covers, one notable exception is "Please Read the Letter." This track, originally from Robert Plant's 1998 album "Walking into Clarksdale" with Jimmy Page, was re-recorded for "Raising Sand." Its inclusion highlights the album's ability to reinterpret even the artists' own past work within the new collaborative framework. The singles released from the album further illustrate its diverse appeal: "Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)" in 2007, followed by "Please Read the Letter" and "Rich Woman" in 2008. These singles showcased the album's range, from bluesy rock to more folk-influenced sounds, and contributed to its widespread recognition and commercial success.
