Robert Plant Now And Zen CD

Personnel: Robert Plant (vocals); Phil Johnstone (vocals, keyboards); Doug Boyle (guitar); Phil Scragg (bass); Chris Blackwell (drums).
Producers: Robert Plant, Tim Palmer, Phil Johnstone.
Personnel: Robert Plant (vocals); Jerry Wayne (vocals); Jimmy Page (guitar); Doug Boyle (guitars); Phil Johnstone (keyboards); Phil Scragg, Charlie Jones (bass instrument); Kirsty MacColl, Marie Pierre, Toni Halliday (background vocals).
Audio Remasterers: Dan Hersch; Bill Inglot; Raj Das.
After years of trying to separate himself from his legendary status as Led Zeppelin's frontman, Robert Plant finally reconciles with his past on Now & Zen. He borrows a few Zeppelin riffs, and even enlists Jimmy Page to play guitar on his hit "Tall Cool One." This album is also notable in that it marks his first collaboration with keyboardist Phil Johnstone, who would continue to play and write with Plant on subsequent albums. Musically, the album relies on standard rock arrangements except that the vocals and drums are at the forefront and keyboards instead of guitars are used to fill out the sound. Although most of the album is comprised of mid-tempo songs aimed at rock radio, Plant includes the lovely ballad "Ship of Fools," which demonstrates that he is more than capable of vocal subtlety. Plant, who often uses mysterious (and mystical) lyrics, writes some of his most direct songs, and the way in which the lyrics complement the melodic arrangements are partially responsible for the commercial success of Now & Zen. This is Robert Plant's best solo album, and a must-own for fans of Led Zeppelin. ~ Vik Iyengar
With his fourth solo release, 1988's NOW & ZEN, Robert Plant finally began to let the influence of his former band Led Zeppelin seep into his current songwriting. While his first three solo albums had a more modern production and were keyboard or synth-based, NOW & ZEN signaled Plant's return to a more direct sound.
It's dominated by guitar (comparable at times to U2)--no doubt due to the fact that a whole new line-up is backing him. Highlights include the uptempo hit "Tall Cool One" (which features a cameo by his old buddy Jimmy Page, as well as several samples from past Zep classics), the majestic rock of "Heaven Knows," and the grand ballad "Ship of Fools."