LED ZEPPELIN III

After the slightly disappointing Led Zeppelin II which didn't bring anything new to the sound of Led Zeppelin, the band shows here better songwriting, less heavy songs, and of course the acoustic music featured in the second side of the disc.

The musicians are at their best here. Robert Plant proves once again that he's one of the best singers in his era, John Bonham's excellent drumming adapts to any style of music played in this disc, Jimmy Page shows that he's not all about playing hard rock rifs, and John Paul Jones demonstrates how essential his keyboards in Since I've Been Loving You and once again makes up the impressive rhythms of the music of Led Zeppelin.

For anyone who deeply enjoys the hard rock of the previous albums, there's still some of that music here. The opener starts the album with a tight rhythm, powerful riffs, and mighty screams from Plant. Celebration Day is an outstanding rock&roll song with a very catchy chorus, easily one of the highlights of the album. Out of the Tiles is a very well done song, driven by good guitar riffs.

There is only one "blues" song in this album, but what a song! Anyone who questions the skill of Jimmy Page and the reason he's so admired should listen to this gem. The guitar cries, soars, screams and flies for the whole song. Meanwhile, Plant probably gives his best vocal performance in here, showing impressive versatility and emotion. The other star here is John Paul Jones with his organs. He never shows off, just plays the perfect accompaniments for the song. Overall, a wonderful song.

Trying a softer set of songs worked fine. The eastern-flavored "Friends" is highly interesting, with an unusual acoustic guitar theme, string arrangements, and Plant's memorable singing. Gallow's pole is a good fast-paced folk song with mandolins and an electric guitar solo at the end. That's the Way is a simple, yet gorgeous acoustic song with nice melodies. Bron-Y-Aur-Stomp is a fun Country song done the Zeppelin way, with a steady beat, acoustic guitars, slide guitar solos, and great singing as always. The real highlight has to be Tangerine, its beauty has to be heard to be believed. The acoustic riffs, vocal melodies, and melodic guitar solo are among Led Zeppelin's best music ever recorded. Unfortunately, Hats Off to Roy Harper doesn't work. It is a psychedelic unmelodious mess that is painful to listen.

Check this album out! It is very accessible and enjoyable.

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