Description

Robert Plant – Now And Zen – Vinyl Record

Robert Plant’s album Now and Zen, released in 1988, marks a significant point in his solo career post-Led Zeppelin. This album represents a stylistic shift for Plant, blending his rock roots with more contemporary elements, including synthesizers and samplers, which were indicative of the 1980s sound.

Now and Zen features a mix of hard rock, pop, and folk influences, which are creatively interspersed with electronic sounds that were popular during the late 1980s. The album is noted for successfully integrating these modern touches while maintaining the distinctive, powerful vocal style that Plant is renowned for. Songs like ‘Heaven Knows’ and ‘Tall Cool One’ incorporate samples from Led Zeppelin songs, which not only serve as a nod to his past but also to recontextualize those iconic sounds in a then-modern musical landscape.

Key Tracks:
Heaven Knows – The opening track, driven by its compelling guitar riff and a catchy chorus, sets a strong, energetic tone for the album.
Tall Cool One – Features sampled Led Zeppelin tunes and was a hit, showcasing Plant’s ability to bridge his rock legacy with new music trends.
Ship of Fools – Offers a more introspective and melodic experience, highlighting Plant’s versatility as a vocalist.

The album was both a commercial and critical success. It rejuvenated Plant’s career at a time when many of his 1970s rock contemporaries struggled to find relevance with the changing musical tastes of the late ’80s. ‘Now and Zen’ reached the Top 10 in the UK and the US, bolstered by the success of its singles, particularly ‘Tall Cool One’ and ‘Ship of Fools.’

The production style and the inclusion of Led Zeppelin samples helped bridge the gap between new fans and old, reaffirming Plant’s relevance in the contemporary music scene. It also demonstrated his willingness to experiment and adapt, characteristics that have defined much of his solo career.

Now and Zen is often considered one of Robert Plant’s most important solo works, effectively blending the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of his Led Zeppelin days with the then-modern production techniques and sounds. It stands as a testament to Plant’s enduring talent and his ability to evolve artistically beyond the shadow of his previous band. This album remains a significant reference point for understanding the trajectory of 1980s rock and the successful solo endeavors of musicians from the classic rock era.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Esparanza Records/Warner Label 1988

Track Listing
Heaven Knows
Dance On My Own
Tall Cool One
The Way I Feel
Helen Of Troy
Billys Revenge
Ship Of Fools
Why
White, Clean and Neat