LED ZEPPELIN III

A bit of a letdown for some of the hardcore headbangers out there, Led Zeppelin III is an underrated and underappreciated album that highlights their maturing sound, hightened sensitivity and attention to dynamics and demonstrates the versatility of the band. Still very heavily laden in blues, the album is largely acoustic in a number of songs. There is still something for the neanderthal headbanger to appreciate in the driving beat of Immigrant Song, but this record clearly states that the band was not going to submit to formula and had its own agenda. The result is a highly moody album that features a heightened aesthetic and opened doors to explore other areas outside of blues rock. It is an excellent album overall that lacks the immediate appeal of Led Zeppelin I and II. It requires repetitive listens to appreciate the subleties. It is well worth the effort.