The album starts off with the thundering metal anthem, "Immigrant Song". Stepped in Norse legends and myths, the song shows Zeppelin heading towards more fantasy-based lyrics. But who really cares about the lyrics when the riff is so damn heavy. Robert Plant shrieks like a madman, and drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham hits the drums like the thundering hammer of Thor himself. Astounding sound. Next is "Friends". An acoustic song, it shows guitarist Jimmy Page beginning to experiment with alternate guitar tunings. This one is tuned to a "C" chord. Obviously the song is quite unconventional sounding, but I enjoy the song, especially the ominous strings supporting the sparse guitar. No drums are present on the song, and I think that this was a good call. It adds an element of isolation to the song, musically speaking. "Celebration Day" is one of the band's most famous early songs. Backed by one of the early uses of a Moog Synthesizer, slide guitar slithers over a funky bass-line. Apparently the song was written about Robert Plant's impressions of New York City, and the lyrics obviously reflect this. Great song.
The most traditional song is the album is "Since I've Been Loving You". A blues number, the song sounds like it could have easily fit on the band's first album. Page's guitar mastery really becomes apparent here, and anyone doubting his musical merit should really give this song a listen. Bluesy, desperate, and powerful, this sensual lament is easily one of the band's best songs. Fantastic. "Out on the Tiles" is another great song. Featuring one of Page's signature "blues-funk" riffs, the song really cooks. Bonzo's beat is fantastically solid yet intricate. Led Zeppelin is really the only band where the drums are really "in the front" for me, I really listen attentively to everything Bonzo is doing. "Gallow's Pole" is based on the traditional folk song "The Maid Freed from the Gallows". Especially noted for Bassist/Multi-Instrumentalist John Paul Jones' use of a mandolin, the song really shores up the idea of "III" as a very folky, yet heavy album. A Zep classic, the song also contains banjo, adding even greater complexity to the folk instrumentation of the song. While certainly a heavy electric band, Zeppelin could also produce very raw folk/blues songs, and I believe that they equally excelled at both styles. "Tangerine" is my favorite Zeppelin song of all time. Page's 12-string guitar is contemplative and delicate, and Plant's vocals have a longing and fragility rarely heard, fragile yet confident and masculine, astounding stuff. Bonzo has a somewhat difficult time being quiet, but succeeds in keeping the drums down. My only real complaint is that the song is somewhat short, over before it begins.
"That's the Way" continues the folk vibe of the album. The highlight of the song is the pedal steel played by Page, it is hauntingly beautiful. I also like the use of a dulcimer, making the song sound almost country-like. This song again has no drums, but I feel that a pounding drum beat would have detracted from the song's quiet beauty. Amazing. "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" is one of the strangest songs on the album. Another open tuning song, it is very "country-folk". Robert Plant sounds right out of the Mississippi Delta, and delivers a great vocal. The hand claps are very fun, and add a bar band element to the song. "Hats off to (Roy) Harper" is another odd duck of a song, and really the only song I do not care for on the album. Not terrible, but it feels somewhat rushed together, like a quick warm up before getting into a day's recording. Plant sounds great, but the song is very sparse, with only acoustic guitars and voice. Raw, but not for me.
"III" is an absolute masterpiece. Often less celebrated than "I", "II" and the mighty "IV", I believe that "III" is by far the best Led Zeppelin album. Complex instrumentation, exploration of new instruments and tunings, and great tunes make it a stunning collection of songs. Essential.
Rating-10/10
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