Robert Plant Unveils New Album ‘Saving Grace’ with Haunting Low Cover
The legendary rocker returns with a collection of unearthed gems, showcasing a new sonic chapter alongside familiar collaborators.
Robert Plant, the voice that defined a generation, has announced his latest musical endeavor, an album titled “Saving Grace,” set for release on September 26 via Nonesuch Records. The project draws its name from the very band he’s been captivating audiences with in live performances over the past few years, hinting at a deep, collaborative spirit at its core.
Fans can get a first taste of this new sonic landscape with the release of “Everybody’s Song,” a poignant cover of the track originally by the acclaimed duo Low. The single offers a glimpse into the introspective and rich musical tapestry that “Saving Grace” promises to deliver.
recorded between April 2019 and January 2025, the album’s creation was a journey through the picturesque Cotswolds and the Welsh Borders. Plant is joined by a formidable ensemble: vocalist Suzi Dian, drummer Oli Jefferson, guitarist Tony Kelsey, banjo and string player Matt Worley, and cellist Barney Morse-Brown. This collection of musicians brings a fresh yet deeply resonant sound to Plant’s expansive career.
Reflecting on the collaborative process, Plant shared, “We laugh a lot, really. I think that suits me. I like laughing. you know, I can’t find any reason to be too serious about anything. I’m not jaded. The sweetness of the whole thing… These are sweet people and they are playing out all the stuff that they could never get out before. They have become unique stylists and together they seem to have landed in a most captivating place.” This sentiment underscores the joyous exploration and creative freedom that characterized the making of “Saving Grace.”
Beyond the moving rendition of “Everybody’s Song,” the album is a curated exploration of diverse songwriting talents.It features tracks originally penned by luminaries such as Memphis Minnie, Bob Mosley (of Moby Grape fame), Blind Willie Johnson, The Low Anthem, Martha Scanlan, and Sarah Siskind.This selection highlights Plant’s ongoing commitment to unearthing and reinterpreting songs that resonate deeply with him,giving them new life for contemporary audiences.
The full tracklisting for “Saving grace” includes:
- Chevrolet
- As I Roved out
- It’s A Beautiful Day Today
- Soul of A Man
- Ticket Taker
- I Never will Marry
- Higher Rock
- Too Far from You
- Everybody’s Song
- Gospel Plough
This release marks another significant chapter in Robert Plant’s illustrious career, proving that the spirit of revelation and musical passion remains as vibrant as ever. Fans can pre-order “Saving Grace” here.
How does Plant and Saving Grace’s use of dynamics differ from the original recording of “Everybody’s Song”?
Plant and Saving Grace Breathe New Life into low’s “everybody’s Song”
Deconstructing a Classic: The Appeal of Low
Low, the Duluth, Minnesota-based slowcore pioneers, have cultivated a devoted following over decades.Their signature sound – minimalist instrumentation, hushed vocals, and emotionally resonant songwriting – has influenced countless artists. “Everybody’s Song,” from their 1999 album Liquid Soul,is a prime exmaple of their aesthetic.It’s a track steeped in melancholy, yet possessing a quiet, undeniable beauty. Understanding Low’s music, particularly this song, is key to appreciating the nuance of Plant and saving Grace’s reimagining. Fans of slowcore music and indie rock will find this cover particularly compelling.
Plant and Saving Grace: A Collaborative Vision
Plant and Saving Grace aren’t strangers to enterprising reinterpretations. This duo, comprised of multi-instrumentalist Ben Plant and vocalist/songwriter Sarah Saving, have built a reputation for transforming well-known songs into something uniquely their own. Their approach isn’t about replication; it’s about excavation – uncovering new emotional layers and sonic textures within familiar frameworks. They specialize in song covers and musical reinterpretations, often leaning towards atmospheric and emotionally driven arrangements.
The Reimagining: A Sonic Shift
Plant and Saving Grace’s version of “Everybody’s Song” isn’t a radical departure, but a subtle and profound evolution. Where Low’s original relies on stark minimalism, Plant and Saving Grace introduce a richer, more layered soundscape.
Instrumentation: The original’s sparse drums and guitar are augmented with subtle electronic textures, ambient pads, and a more prominent bassline. This creates a feeling of spaciousness and depth.
Vocal Delivery: Sarah Saving’s vocals, while retaining the original’s inherent vulnerability, possess a slightly warmer and more ethereal quality. Her phrasing emphasizes the song’s lyrical content,drawing attention to the themes of longing and isolation.
Tempo and Dynamics: The tempo remains largely faithful to the original, but Plant and Saving Grace utilize dynamic shifts more effectively, building tension and release throughout the track. This creates a more immersive listening experience.
Production Techniques: The use of reverb and delay adds a dreamlike quality to the recording, further enhancing the song’s emotional impact. This is a key element of their atmospheric music style.
Lyrical Themes and Emotional Resonance
“Everybody’s Song” explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the search for meaning. The lyrics, deceptively simple, resonate with a universal sense of human vulnerability. Plant and Saving Grace’s interpretation doesn’t alter the lyrics, but their arrangement amplifies their emotional weight.The song’s core message – the desire for understanding and belonging – remains powerfully intact. Listeners interested in lyrical analysis will appreciate how the arrangement highlights these themes.
The Impact of Slowcore on Modern Music
Low’s influence extends far beyond the slowcore genre.Their minimalist aesthetic and emotionally honest songwriting have inspired artists across a wide range of musical styles. The band’s impact can be heard in the work of artists like Bon Iver, The National, and Beach House. This cover by Plant and Saving Grace serves as a reminder of Low’s enduring legacy and their continued relevance in contemporary music. Exploring the history of slowcore reveals the significant role Low played in its development.
Where to Listen & Further Exploration
You can find Plant and Saving Grace’s reimagining of “Everybody’s Song” on [link to song on streaming platforms – replace with actual link].
For those interested in delving deeper:
Low’s Discography: Explore their albums Things We lost in the Fire, The Great Destroyer, and Double Negative.
Plant and Saving Grace’s Catalog: Discover more of their innovative covers and original compositions on [link to artist’s website/Bandcamp – replace with actual link].
* Related Artists: Check out other artists in the slowcore and indie rock genres, such as Codeine, Red House Painters, and duster. Searching for similar artists to low will yield a wealth of discoveries.
