Released on October 23, 2007, "Raising Sand" stands as a landmark collaborative album by rock singer Robert Plant and bluegrass-country singer Alison Krauss. This unique pairing, brought together under the production of T-Bone Burnett, resulted in a critically acclaimed work that seamlessly blended diverse American musical traditions. The album's success was not only measured by its widespread positive reviews but also by its significant recognition
in the music industry, cementing its place as a notable achievement in contemporary roots music.
The Genesis of a Unique Collaboration
The idea behind "Raising Sand" was to merge the distinct vocal styles and musical backgrounds of Robert Plant, known for his iconic work in rock, and Alison Krauss, a celebrated figure in bluegrass and country. This collaboration was not merely a duet album but a carefully curated project that explored the rich tapestry of American music. The choice of T-Bone Burnett as producer was pivotal, as he was instrumental in compiling the tracks and shaping the album's cohesive sound, drawing from various genres like country, blues, folk, rock, and bluegrass.
The recording process for "Raising Sand" took place in 2007 across several key American music hubs, including Nashville, Tennessee, and Los Angeles, California. Specific studios like Sound Emporium in Nashville, and Electro Magnetic Studios, The Village Recorder, and Sage & Sound in Los Angeles, served as the backdrops for this creative endeavor. This geographical spread likely contributed to the album's diverse sonic palette, reflecting the varied musical landscapes of the United States.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
Upon its release, "Raising Sand" was met with overwhelming critical acclaim. Reviews compiled by Metacritic awarded the album an impressive average score of 87 out of 100, indicating universal praise. Publications like AllMusic gave it 4 out of 5 stars, Entertainment Weekly an A-, and Sputnikmusic a high 4.5 out of 5 stars, all highlighting the album's quality and artistic merit. This critical consensus underscored the success of the collaboration and Burnett's production.
The album's excellence was further acknowledged through numerous prestigious awards. It won Album of the Year at the 2008 Americana Music Honors & Awards, a significant recognition within the roots music community. The following year, at the 2009 Grammy Awards, "Raising Sand" achieved even greater success, securing five Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year. This made it one of the most decorated albums of its time, showcasing its broad appeal and impact across different musical genres.
Commercial Success and Lasting Impact
Beyond critical praise and awards, "Raising Sand" also performed strongly commercially. It reached the second position on the Billboard 200 chart, a testament to its popularity with a wide audience, and remained on the chart for an impressive 72 weeks. The album also topped the Top Rock Albums chart and secured the second spot on the Top Country Albums chart, demonstrating its crossover appeal. Internationally, it achieved similar success, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart and earning platinum certifications in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Its enduring quality was recognized by Rolling Stone magazine, which placed "Raising Sand" at number 55 on its list of the "100 Best Albums of the 2000s." The album's success led to a subsequent European tour, where Plant and Krauss performed tracks from the album, traditional American classics, and re-imagined Led Zeppelin songs, further solidifying the impact of their collaboration.
