Review
"Led Zeppelin III" bursts onto the scene with the ferocity of the "Immigrant Song," paving the way for a wind of change from the Zeppelin crew. Released on October 5, 1970, this album bravely drifts away from the band's hard rock roots, veering into the realms of acoustic vistas and folk horizons. Imagine footsteps crunching through the soothing expanse of "Friends," the nostalgic strum of "Tangerine," or the soothing coziness of "That's the Way." Leveraging locations like the antiquated Headley Grange and the buzzing vibes of the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, Jimmy Page mingled magic dust into the production with Andy Johns and Terry Manning fine-tuning the mix.
At the heart of it all, John Paul Jones flexes his multi-instrumentalist prowess—plucking the mandolin sweet, weaving mystical sounds from keyboards and synths, while Robert Plant's soulful resonance retains its powerful grip. Voyages into collaborative songwriting among the members whisper through the arrangements, introducing more than just Page's driving force—it's a synergic craft at its finest. Tracks like the moody "Since I've Been Loving You" plot the bluesy waters, groovin' against folk narratives in the ruckus of "Gallows Pole" and electric anthems like "Celebration Day."
The reception, initially a swirling cloud of critic skepticism, never hampered the album's swift rise to chart heaven in the UK and US. Burdened by mixed reviews, it gradually unveiled its brilliance—highlighting the untamed diversity and talented experimentations lying at its core. Fast forward to 2014, its reissue brought more hidden treasures—unreleased nuggets, exquisite alternates—reaffirming its solid place in the audiophile sphere. In many ways, this album isn't just nestled quietly within classic rock oldies; instead, it's graffiti'd bold and bright—an enduring mark of Zeppelin's evolution. - Raven
