Robert Plant is one of the most heralded vocalists of the 20th Century, and is writing a new chapter of his career in the 21st.

His last album, “Raising Sand,” with Americana/bluegrass diva Alison Krauss, won six Grammys, including “Album of the Year” and “Record of the Year,” and won him new fans around the world. Plant entered the studio with Krauss in an attempt to recreate that magic, but when it didn’t happen like the first time, he switched to Plan B, recruiting Americana icon Buddy Miller to co-produce his new album “Band of Joy,” in stores Tuesday, Sept. 14.

In addition, he brought in bassist Byron House (Sam Bush), multi-instrumentalist Darrell Scott, drummer Marco Giovino, and Patty Griffin, who lends some fabulous harmonies to the mix. For those who thought Plant could never top “Raising Sand,” this album will be a pleasant surprise, as the results of their collaboration are nothing short of spectacular. Plant’s voice is thrillingly expressive, Darrell Scott’s playing is remarkably sweet and exciting no matter what instrument he’s playing, and the rhythm section is stupendously creative.

The song selection is widely varied and interesting, including Los Lobos’ “Angel Dance,” Richard Thompson’s “House of Cards,” Townes Van Zandt’s “Harm’s Swift Way,” Low’s “Slave Rider” and “Monkey,” and Barbara Lynn’s “You Can’t Buy My Love.”

“Band of Joy” is named after Plant’s first band formed in 1967 with future Zep drummer John Bonham, primarily a cover band. Plant explains “In the Band of Joy, when I was 17, I was playing everybody else’s stuff and moving it around, and it’s kind of time to reinvoke that attitude and sentiment.”

A stellar album is the result, with a mixture of acoustic and powerful electric reminiscent of Led Zeppelin III as only Robert Plant could produce.

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