Album: Shaken 'n' Stirred

Overview
"Shaken 'n' Stirred" is the third solo studio album by previous Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant, released in May 1985 on Es Paranza Records. The album saw Plant taking a departure from the hard rock noise of his previous efforts and embracing a more electronic, speculative approach. This modification in noise was met mixed reactions from critics and fans alike, however it still handled to achieve moderate business success. Produced by Plant himself along with Tim Palmer and guitar player Robbie Blunt, "Shaken 'n' Stirred" featured a varied selection of guest artists, including jazz drummer Ritchie Hayward and bassist Paul Martinez.

New Sounds and Influx of Electronic Music
The early to mid-80s saw a stable rise of electronic and synth-driven music, which affected Plant's decision to incorporate this new sound into his work. For "Shaken 'n' Stirred", he worked together with keyboardist and programmer Jezz Woodroffe to develop a synth-heavy, post-new-wave atmosphere on the album. The use of electronic drums, synths, and loops marked a significant departure from Plant's earlier work, both with Led Zeppelin and on his solo career.

The album's opening track, "Hip to Hoo", instantly showcases this brand-new instructions with its pulsating beat and layered synths. Other songs, like "Too Loud" and "Kallalou Kallalou", are also heavily affected by electronic music and might have been quite shocking to fans who were more accustomed to Plant's rock-oriented sound.

Experimental Approach and Lyrical Themes
"Shaken 'n' Stirred" saw Plant taking an experimental method in terms of structure and tune, with a number of the tunes featuring unconventional plans and discordant tunes. The album's overall sound, while still sprinkled with components of rock, was more suppressed and reflective, highlighting Plant's desire to evolve as an artist and obstacle himself creatively. The lyrics on the album cover a wide variety of subjects, from personal relationships and introspection to political and social commentary.

Some stand-out tracks on the album consist of "Doo Doo a Do Do", a song about the vacuum of consumer culture; "Little by Little", which has been described as an ode to long-lasting commitment and advancement; and "Easily Lead", a commentary on the perils of following others blindly.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Shaken 'n' Stirred" received combined reviews from critics, with some lauding its daring and experimental nature while others slammed its departure from the more rock-oriented sound for which Plant was known. In spite of these combined responses, the album handled to peak at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 chart and was licensed gold in the United States.

In the years considering that its release, "Shaken 'n' Stirred" has actually developed a cult following among fans of Plant's solo work. Though it may not be kept in mind as one of his most renowned or generally precious albums, it showcases his determination to experiment and progress as an artist which he would continue to do throughout his career.

In conclusion, "Shaken 'n' Stirred" stays an intriguing and crucial chapter in Robert Plant's musical journey. Its blend of electronic music with rock aspects and its speculative arrangements make it a special and ambitious work that affirms to Plant's capability for reinvention and creative development after his Led Zeppelin years.