Led Zeppelin III is the third studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released on 5 October 1970. It was recorded in three locations. Much of the work was done at Headley Grange, a country house, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. Additional sessions were held in more traditional recording studios, such as Island Studios and Olympic Studios in London. As with the prior album, the band eschewed the use of guest musicians, with all music performed by band members Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitars), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboards), and John Bonham (drums). The range of instruments played by the band was greatly enhanced on this album, with Jones especially emerging as a talented multi-instrumentalist, playing a wide range of keyboard and stringed instruments, including various synthesizers, mandolin and double bass, in addition to his usual bass guitar. As with prior albums, Page served as producer on the album, with mixing done by Andy Johns and Terry Manning.
The album showed a progression from straightforward rock towards folk and acoustic music. While hard rock influences were still present, such as on "Immigrant Song", acoustic-based songs such as "Gallows Pole" and "That's the Way" showed Led Zeppelin were capable of playing different styles successfully. The band wrote most of the material themselves, but as with prior records, included two songs that were re-interpretations of earlier works: "Gallows Pole", based on a traditional English folk song, by way of American singer Fred Gerlach; and "Hats Off to (Roy) Harper", a reworking of a blues song by Bukka White. The acoustic material developed from a songwriting session between Plant and Page at Bron-Yr-Aur cottage in Wales, which influenced the musical direction.
The album was one of the most anticipated of 1970, and its shipping date was held up by the intricate inner sleeve design based around a volvelle, with numerous images visible through holes in the outer cover. It was an immediate commercial success upon release and topped the UK and US charts. Although many critics were initially confused over the change in musical style and gave the album a mixed response, Led Zeppelin III has since been acknowledged as representing an important milestone in the band's history and a turning point in their music.
3.8 + Look, I just find Led Zeppelin exhausting. Whenever I hear them I think of my douchey college roommate expounding on how they were “revolutionary.” So, fine, yes this album is terrific - it’s 10 solid tracks with killer drums, piercing vocals and searing guitar. Braun-Yaur Stomp rocks my nuts off. My problem though is that it’s a dialed up sound. It’s like owning a Lamborghini. If all you need is to run out for milk and eggs, driving a supercar can feel like a chore. Same with Led Zeppelin. Sometimes I don’t want music to sound so maxed out. So my college roommate can suck it.
“Led Zeppelin III” by Led Zeppelin (1970)
Clearly the most underrated album by Led Zeppelin, this work deserves a serious listen by every music lover.
Venturing into an eclectic mix of rock, blues, and even Celtic folk, Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham produced music of the highest caliber.
“Since I’ve Been Loving You” is arguably the best blues rock song of all time—listen to the buildup to the most soulful scream ever recorded (at 5:30-6:20).
Jones on bass & keyboards and Bonham on drums give exquisite, inventive performances, and Page’s guitar playing (rhythm AND lead) is stellar. But Plant’s unique vocal quality and range pull the passion right out of you.
Dark & dank comic relief on “Gallows Pole” followed by the wistful “Tangerine” and the soul-wrenching “That’s the Way”—music to turn you inside out and back again.
This is not top 40. This is actual music.
5/5
This is one of my all time favorites. Zeppelin at their most varied, including crushing blues, heavy metal, acoustic and folk. Since I've Been Loving You is among my all time favore
I've been a fan of this album for, I shit you not, 20 years.
East 5 stars for me.
Celebration Day is the weakest song on the album, and that's saying something.
Don't tell Stairway, but Tangerine is the best thing that Led Zeppelin ever did. DONT @ ME
While hard rock influences were still present, such as on "Immigrant Song", acoustic-based songs such as "Gallows Pole" and "That's the Way" showed Led Zeppelin were capable of playing different styles successfully.
A fun folksy romp, with one of the most criminally underrated Zep songs (Friends). It has a few duds, however, and doesn't hit quite as high of highs as some of their other works.
I, II, III, and Physical Graffiti all make appearances on the 1001 albums list. I love me some Led Zeppelin, but that seems like overkill. Especially because LZIII was critically panned when it came out, damned both for being less aggressive than its predecessors (Melody Maker) and for not being substantially different (Lester Bangs). Perhaps this album was included because it foreshadows Led Zeppelin's later work--Arabic modes and English folk songs both make their first appearance on LZIII. But I'm going to ignore LZIII's place in music history. Is it any good?
The leadoff track, Immigrant Song, is relentless and menacing, driven by a staccato pedal point and Robert Plant's double-tracked vocals. A prominent tri-tone and a bridge that leads to nowhere, ending on a flatted 6th, contribute to the track's edge. Friends is a spooky modal tune, feature a flatted 5th and a minor 2nd. The arrangement is both sparse and ingenious, with strings handling a countermelody while Jimmy Page pounds out a rhythmic drone on the bottom. The song ends on a gorgeous synth drone from John Paul Jones, which leads into the next tune, Celebration Day. Here, Jimmy Page repurposes a riff from Robert Johnson's Terraplane Blues, but completely makes it his own. The chorus is pure pop. John Bonham's pounding drums seal the deal. Since I've Been Loving You is one of Led Zep's patented supercharged blues workouts--they wring out every last drop of emotion and intensity from the tune. Out On The Tiles is anchored by an extended Jimmy Page riff, woven together with Plant's vocal. The band is killer throughout the first half of LZIII. What guitarist Jimmy Page lacks in precision, he makes up for in taste, tone, and arranging prowess. John Bonham was the most powerful rock drummer of the era; sorry, Keith Moon. And the band's secret weapon is John Paul Jones, who plays keyboards with consummate taste, as well as bass.
The second half of LZIII is less bombastic, which presents a problem for some fans, but is it really the weak link that critics claim it to be? Gallows Pole is a powerful rendering of an old English folk tune, driven along by mandolin, banjo, and John Bonham's kickass drums. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp has a more basic arrangement, but it's effective nonetheless. The softer tunes, Tangerine and That's The Way, are cunningly arranged and cast a melancholy spell. The weakest tune in the bunch is Hats Off To (Roy) Harper, which is 4 minutes of raunchy blues slide guitar paired with Robert Plant's processed vocals, in which he seemingly randomly spouts snippets of various blues lyrics. But even there, I appreciate how Jimmy Page recasts a traditional blues into something contemporary, utilizing the simplest of means.
So, what's the verdict? I personally prefer Led Zep's harder side, but they pull off their more acoustically oriented stuff with skill, too. I prefer I, II, IV, and Physical Graffiti, but LZIII is pretty damned good.
One of the first albums I bought on CD, essentially because I got "Hammer of the Gods" out of the library one summer and was obsessed with the band despite having never really heard them (!). Luckily, this was an excellent choice. Goddam, what a record - the sound, the songs, the atmosphere all incredible. "Friends", "Since I've Been Loving You", "Gallows Pole", "Tangerine" - can play all of this in my head from memory despite having not heard it for 30 years. Is it my favorite? Probably. Is it their best? Probably, although there are a few contenders. Just fucking great, so happy to spend time with it in full again. Could only be better if it included "Hey, Hey, What Can I Do?" but that's what playlists are for
Saved Prior: Immigrant Song
Not Saved:
10. Hats off To (Roy) Harper
Saved:
9. Tangerine
8. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
7. Celebration Day
6. Since I've Been Loving You
5. Friends
4. Out on the Tiles
3. That's the Way
2. Gallows Pole
1. Immigrant Song
Overall Notes: Led Zeppelin clicked for me during this album. I genuinely enjoyed every song on this album except the last one, and all for different reasons. Immigrant Song is what I imagine people who like heavy metal think heavy metal sounds like all the time. If it all sounded like that, I'd be a fan. Apparently this album is a transitionary album for Zep, can't wait to hear more.
OMG. 16 year old me is sooo excited. Probably my favorite zep albums. LOVE the acoustics. Best opening ever. I've listened to this a thousand times. LOVE
You know Led Zeppelin, they play bluesy rock really hard but I would say if you're into weird shit, this may be your favorite one. In other words, I think this some of their best, has a lot of depth to its sound.
J'ai énormement apprécié le clin d'oeil de Led Zeppelin à son public français, avec la présence d'un Nikos Aliagas absolument déchaîné sur la totalité de l'album.
Ce dernier commence par nous donner les dernières actus sur Lolo Ferrari, avant de nous parler du Festival de Cannes à venir.
Ensuite, il repétera à intervalles réguliers ses phrases telles que "Salut c'est Nikos" ou encore "ça buzze ça tweete".
Enfin, il nous proposera un tour d'horizon de l'actu people en moins de 60 secondes.
Immigrant song - what a start to an album!
Friends - Now we've gone a bit prog. Not the most melodic song I've ever heard
End review - Aside from the couple of good songs "Immigrant Song" and "black dog", the rest was unmemorable.
Really poor zeppelin album. Weak instrumentals throughout and nothing super memorable. The acoustic guitar is not it. Thankfully followed by a banger Zeppelin IV
Listened to this one before, thought it was great and then never came back to it. So I'm very glad the generator got me to relisten, since this really is a masterpiece. Like most people, my favorite is the Immigrant dong (i'm leaving the typo there).
Also known as the "Zep goes to the countryside to holiday together in a rural cottage and (mostly) gets in touch with their softer side" album!
I have a memory of first discovering this record when I borrowed the CD from my local library in my early teens...and thinking, "Huh--this isn't like the first two albums at all." It grew on me from there.
LZ III is a super satisfying listen, with some of the group's most memorable uptempo stuff (the heavy Immigrant Song and jaunty Gallows Pole) and quietest (the twangy Tangerine and That's the Way) that they put out over the years.
As is pointed out in the 1,001 Albums book note about LZ III, it's clear when Jimmy Page came up with the 12-string melody for "Tangerine" that he/they were building the core intro for the mega-epic Stairway to Heaven (whether they knew it or not at the time).
Throw this record on while you're driving to your own rural getaway for some fellowship with nature. You'll be glad you did.
Wikipedia factoids:
*The album was one of the most anticipated of 1970, and its shipping date was held up by the intricate inner sleeve design based around a volvelle, with numerous images visible through holes in the outer cover. (this allowed for rotating the inside image to display different images through the cut-outs in the album's outer sleeve.)
*Following an exhausting concert tour of North America that spring (1969), lead singer Robert Plant recommended to guitarist and producer Jimmy Page that they should retreat to Bron-Yr-Aur, an 18th-century cottage in Snowdonia, Wales, on a hilltop overlooking the Dyfi Valley, three miles (4.8 km) north of the market town Machynlleth. Plant had spent holidays there with his family. This remote setting had no running water or electric power, which encouraged a slight change of musical direction for the band towards an emphasis on acoustic arrangements. Page later explained that the tranquillity of Bron-Yr-Aur stood in sharp contrast to the continual touring of 1969, affecting the overall tone of the songwriting and dominance of acoustic guitars.
*With Led Zeppelin III, the group's songwriting dynamic also changed: from Page's domination of the first two albums towards a more democratic situation in which all four group members contributed their own compositions and ideas.
*Plant wrote all of the lyrics, with the exception of "Tangerine."
Standouts: Immigrant Song, Friends, Celebration Day, Since I've Been Loving You, Gallows Pole, Tangerine, That's the Way, Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin at their most subdued, but each song still incredibly well written and interesting. This record focuses on traditional folk once the chaos of Immigrant Song is over, which is enjoyable but leaves little room for Bonham to shine.
Best Tracks:
- Immigrant Song
- Out On The Tiles
- Tangerine
Worst Tracks:
- Hats Off To (Roy) Harper
Rating: 7/10
The bland of RnR, blues, folk, and even country to some extent. The mix of styled makes this record a joy to listened from the start to end.
I will easily give all Zeppelin number albums a five. No question about it. Each album finds it way to my ears now and then, always picking the one Im in the mood for.
What I'm in particular listen to in this album is Jones blossom from the bassist in the back to a multi instrumentalist of delicacy. The star of this album, if you ask me.
Even while I would consider Led Zeppelin III one of the weaker albums in Zeppelin's original run. It still miles better than many other albums in this list. Quality song after quality song.
Great mix of rock and acoustic tunes, showcasing the bands versatility. Combined with pages vocals and I really enjoyed this album.
Immigrant song and Tangerine two all timer songs
Initially disappointed grew to enjoy it throughout the day … it doesn’t have the spike hard non stop energy of I but it’s beautiful in its progressions , the guitar is forever amazing … the folky mellow tracks are a weaker spot imo but it is distinctly and in all the good ways , led zeppelin
No. 293/1001
Immigrant Song 5
Friends 4
Celebration Day 4
Since I've Been Loving You 5
Out On the Tiles 5
Gallows Pole 4
Tangerine 5
That's the Way 4/5
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp 3/5
Hats Off to (Roy) Harper 3/5
Average: 4,2
For me the last 2 songs couldn’t keep up in quality with the other songs. Otherwise an excellent record. I'm excited for the day I get IV.
Seemed really nice to me. I am not Led Zeppelin fan, but the music is definitely nice. It is not my cup of a tea, so I probably wont come back to it, but it was definitely worth it.
Led Zeppelin truly is one of the greatest pure rock and roll (and blues) bands ever. There is not a weak link. Each of the musician is an absolute master at their craft… Plant, Page, Bonham, Jones. Just unreal. And this music has stood the test of time. Just as relevant and perfect as it was when it was created. And this album… can you beat the opening cut? Immigrant Song is an absolute beast!!! And the record just keeps going. From the blues-y perfection of Since I’ve Been Loving You (preach Jimmy Page!) to the raucous fun of Bron-Y-Aur-Stomp to the beauty of Tangerine. Just amazing.
This is definitely a top 3 Led Zeppelin album for me, just after Houses of the Holy and Led Zeppelin IV. For some reason I didn't really discover it until adulthood and didn't really appreciate until later adulthood. Tangerine is also a top 3 LZ song alongside Over the Hills and Far Away and, sorry not sorry, Stairway. I still don't quite get Hats Off to Roy Harper, but let me mansplain to you that Roy Harper sang lead vocals on Pink Floyd's Have a Cigar which is an infinitely better song. Also don't f with the Immigrant Song.
Immigrant song: a classic, amazing song, also a great energetic opener to the album
Friends:
Celebration Day:
Since I've been loving you:
Out on the Tiles: a very "standard" upbeat led zeppelin song. Just good
Gallows Pole: een meer acoustisch nummer dat wel nog lekker de energie Hooghoudt. Lekker catchy
Tangerine: wat langzamer en mellow. De bas draagt dit nummer erg goed.
That's the way: draagt erg sterk nog de country roots waar led zeppelin vaak op terug grijpt, wat langzamer.
Bron-Y-Aur stomp: een leuk country nummer niet heel bijzonder
Hard off To (Roy) Harper: een erg experimenteel nummer. Het is duidelijk dat led zeppelin later in hun discografie terugkomt op dit nummer met: in my time of dying, die dezelfde riffs ook gebruikt als in de opening van dit nummer.
Heb genoten Van dit album, voor mij 1 van de led zeppelin albums die ik niet zo goed kende vergeleken met sommige van hun andere albums. Maar nog steeds heel erg led zeppelin.
Mon préféré de Led Zep à date. Ça commence en force avec Immigrant Song et le cri primal de Robert Plant.
J’adore aussi Since I’ve Been Loving You, une de mes favorites du groupe.
Y’a même quelques acoustiques plus tard dans l’album pour montrer leur versatilité! Wow!
Ça donne envie de réécouter IV. Je pense avoir été trop rough au début de ce projet.
Tämä täyden kympin levy on kulkenut mukanani jo 80-luvun puolesta välistä, eikä ole vanhenut pätkääkään. Bändin rytmiryhmä on mun Top1:ssä. Tällä levyllä on todella klassikko biisejä.
Sandwiched between two albums which rightly hold legendary status in the annals of rock history - "Led Zeppelin II" and "Led Zeppelin IV / Zoso" - this record is arguably underrated and sometimes overlooked. But it is every bit as strong as its predecessor and successor, and there are very few of its songs you couldn't recognize as stone cold classics. Smack dab in the middle of a truly astounding run of albums by one of the greatest, if not the greatest, rock bands of all time.
Probably not their best album, but still well deserving of five stars. This one starts strong, before changing tempo, throwing in a few different sounds, but ultimately having the same epic vibe and delivery as the first two albums.
Strangely, I always imagined that Led Zeppelin only put out a few more albums, but Wikipedia tells me that they went on to push out five more studio albums after this one, eight in total!
Я обожнюю лз і - на відміну від більшості батяроку - вони дуже різноманітні майже на кожному своєму альбомі. Так і тут - від рок-хіту immigrant song до дивної friends (одна з улюблених пісень в них), фолку gallows pole або класичного блюзу since I've been loving you.
В їхній дискографії нема слабких альбомів (окрім коди).
Not my favourite Zeppelin album. The all out, rip roaring, rock out moments are too few and far between. When they happen they are immense though. And I do enjoy some of the quieter acoustic moments, with Tangerine being a particular highlight. Since I've Been Loving You is epic and Immigrant Song is insane. These songs alone make this album a solid 9/10.
I've been listening to this one for a long time. There was a time when Led Zeppelin was my favorite band, and this was my favorite album by them. I've always been a little disappointed in Page's production, especially on the opening lick for Immigrant song, which I've always felt was too weak for the tone of the song and needed much more chunky punch. I still feel that way, but I was surprised at the deep level of detail on the rest of the album when I listened to a good mix on a good system and then through good headphones. There's a lot more there than was evident on the speakers in the 1988 Datsun on which I used to listen to this record. Any way I slice it, this is an unappreciated banger. Five stars.
Every music fan has a favourite Led Zeppelin album. Most think it's 4 because of stairway to heaven. Many think they peaked with 2, I prefer 1 & 3. I guess I'm just odd.
Maybe the best LZ album?! Immigrant song to the deep blues of since I’ve been loving you…to the acoustic jams and pure dedication to real delta blues style rock. Everything I love about LZ in one album.
Led Zeppelin are one of the few bands in rock history that are ubiquitous with rock; with each project being just as iconic as the last. led Zeppelin III is no exception: the combination of Plant's dynamic range, Page's blues injected riffs, Bonham's heavy fills, and Jones' perfectly serving basslines creates the perfect blues rock album. Led Zeppelin III opens up with the iconic guitar part from Immigrant Song, but the real gem of the entire album is found in the latter half of it when Page's magical acoustic guitar shines next to Plant's vocals.
Amazing Zeppelin. Has a handful of their biggest hits and the other songs are really solid even if they didn’t get the same recognition as the others. Probably my second favorite Zep album. 9/10
In my top 5 zeppelin albums. This used to be one don’t immediately reach for but every time it’s on, I love it. I can’t quit you babe is perfect as is out on the tiles, tangerine, and bron yar stomp. These guys were such powerhouses at this time- hard to believe it was still only the early 70s.
Incredible album. "Since I've Been Loving You" is the band's magnum opus in my opinion — Page's dynamic wizardry in a duel with Plant's supernatural vocals, gospel-like organ and bass from Jones carry us through the track while Bonham's beat leads us down the steps into the underworld. You can taste the whisky and smoke while your heart is being ripped from your chest.
The band was completely unafraid of invention and each explored their deep bag of tricks for this album. Starting from the rock anthem "Immigrant Song" all the way until the Celtic folk magic of "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp", it's just jam after jam.
There are few opening tracks that can equal "Immigrant Song." That said, the rest of the album is more blues rock, and I also love that. This is still not my favorite Led Zeppelin (which is IV), but it still gets all the stars.