Robert Plant - Carry Fire
Critic Score
Based on 23 reviews
2017 Ratings: #96 / 940
User Score
Based on 80 ratings
2017 Rank: #494
Liked by 4 people
October 13, 2017 / Release Date
LP / Format
Folk Rock / Genre
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CRITIC REVIEWS

90
AllMusic

The very richness of the music bears the weight of a long, unpredictable life, but the album's tenor -- not to mention the songs themselves -- suggests a boundless possibility, and that's why Carry Fire is an album of hope: Plant wears his years proudly, yet he's not concerned with any moment other than the present.

90
American Songwriter

Plant continues down his remarkably innovative path on the combustible Carry Fire, further expanding an already eclectic, forward-thinking solo career and creating an artistic, often edgy persona largely removed from past glories many younger fans may not even be familiar with.

90
Slant Magazine
The result is one of his most accomplished and casually ambitious albums, one that borrows freely from different cultural and musical vernaculars without ever veering into parody or pastiche.
84
GIGsoup
If Robert Plant is still able to produce music as beautiful as this even in his old age, he will be selling out crowds to a whole new audience, one that comes to hear wistful ballads and exciting modern fusion, and might not even know who Led Zeppelin once were.
80
PopMatters

The material, arrangements, and performances on Carry Fire would be impressive for any young, brash newcomer. The fact that it comes from the mind of Robert Plant should be no surprise to anyone who’s been following his solo career. It’s still a relief to hear something so fresh from a legendary artist with plenty of creative gas in the tank.

80
Classic Rock

In its intricate, hybrid weave of folk, rock, North African rhythms and stylings, and even discreetfibres of electronica, this album represents a higher creative point than, say, his somewhat poodle-haired solo work of the early 1980s.

80
Albumism

His eleventh studio album Carry Fire is just another rung in the ladder of Plant fully realizing the maximum potential of his musical scope. Most of the eleven tracks are mellow and reflective, with Plant seeming to favor his voice in several tunes, the most delicate and contained use of his voice to date.

80
The Independent

On Carry Fire, Robert Plant interrupts his prevailing amorous quest for “a heart that never falters, a love that never dies” with a clutch of politically motivated songs that find him in unusually critical mood.

80
Clash
While ‘Carry Fire’ showcases some of Plant’s best and most confessional lyricism, there’s no denying that this is an album that stands out most for its lusciously complex musical structures and influences, allowing for it to purvey an other-worldly quality.
80
Under the Radar
On this self-produced triumph, Plant finds fresh ways to present his voice and express his venerable perspective. As he sings, "Out here the fire's still burning/so long into my night."
78
Paste

Although Carry Fire seemingly follows the same formula as his previous effort with the Space Shifters, 2014’s Lullaby and…The Ceaseless Roar, his sound is ever-changing, experimenting with the science of otherworldly instrumentation. But above all else, it’s his wisdom that keeps him going, and by the looks of everything he brought to the table in Carry Fire, he’s not stopping anytime soon.

70
Exclaim!

There is certainly plenty here to explore and enjoy on Carry Fire, but a sparser and more melodic approach next time out would be welcome.

mikehermida
81

This was far far better than I thought it was going to be. There's still plenty of life left in the old dog yet. Like his Alison Krauss collaboration this is a restrained and haunting album, that surprises and catches you off guard when the energy suddenly bursts into life.

Essential Track - Bluebirds Over the Mountain

zeyadreda
69

doesn't sound like what i was hearing in led zeppelin but overall i love the record it sounds cool to me.
Hint"it's my first time to listen to Robert Plant's solo career".
my top 3 songs are:
1- Dance with you tonight
2- Bones of saint
3- blue birds over the mountain

LucasLannister
75

Not as great as Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar but still a really good album. This sounds much more like what they do in the live shows than the previous albums.

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Added on: August 18, 2017