Background and Release
Raising Sand, an album by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, was released on October 31, 2007. The collaboration between the two artists, known for their individual success in the music industry, was a groundbreaking moment. The album was produced by T Bone Burnett, who has worked with numerous renowned musicians throughout his career.
Production and Recording
The recording of Raising Sand took place in various studios across the United States. The album’s sound was inspired by the American roots music genre, with a blend of folk, country, blues, and bluegrass influences. The production process was meticulous, with Burnett ensuring that the album captured the essence of the music and the artists’ voices.
Tracklist and Songs
Raising Sand consists of 12 tracks, each showcasing the unique talents of Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Here’s a breakdown of the album’s tracklist:
| Track Number | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | 鈥淧lease Read the Letter鈥?/td> |
| 2 | 鈥淪ister Rosetta Goes Before Us鈥?/td> |
| 3 | 鈥淚’ll Fly Away鈥?/td> |
| 4 | 鈥淪atan Your Kingdom Must Come Down鈥?/td> |
| 5 | 鈥淚’m Gonna Sit on the Porch and Pick the Flowers鈥?/td> |
| 6 | 鈥淐an’t You Hear Me Knocking鈥?/td> |
| 7 | 鈥淚n My Hour of Need鈥?/td> |
| 8 | 鈥淪oul of a Woman鈥?/td> |
| 9 | 鈥淵ou’ve Got to Let Me Go鈥?/td> |
| 10 | 鈥淚’ll Rise鈥?/td> |
| 11 | 鈥淟ove Is on the Way鈥?/td> |
| 12 | 鈥淕one, Gone, Gone鈥?/td> |
Reception and Impact
Raising Sand received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans. The album won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. It also topped the Billboard 200 chart, making it the first country album to do so since 1992.
Artwork and Cover
The album’s cover art, designed by T Bone Burnett, features a photograph of a sand dune taken by the artist himself. The image symbolizes the blending of genres and the journey of the artists throughout the recording process.
Legacy and Influence
Raising Sand has left a lasting impact on the music industry. The collaboration between Alison Krauss and Robert Plant has inspired numerous artists to explore different genres and push the boundaries of their music. The album’s success has also highlighted the importance of cross-genre collaborations in creating innovative and timeless music.
Conclusion
Raising Sand is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of artists to transcend genres. The album’s unique blend of American roots music has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and its legacy continues to inspire artists today.
