Led Zeppelin III--Led Zeppelin Goes Acoustic

Led Zeppelin III, released in 1970, is an important album in the Led Zeppelin catalogue, because (1) with one exception, it was the first step in the band's departure from the blues style that influenced them so much, and (2) Jimmy Page's acoustic guitar became more prominent in their work.

This album has a special significance for me, because it was released while the band was on tour in America. I saw them in Nashville, Tennessee, and heard several of the cuts on this album for the first time in concert. They opened with The Immigrant Song, and it sounded otherworldly, not having heard it before.

The songs on the album, and a brief description of each, follows.

1. The Immigrant Song--This is a song driven by the bass and drums, and it features some tremendous high range vocals by Robert Plant. Lyrically, the song demonstrates the band's infatuation with mythology, and in this particular song, it's Norse mythology ("Tell Valhalla I am coming"). This is an excellent album opener, and it was a roof-raising concert opener, too.

2. Friends--Multiple acoustic guitars are featured in this song, along with some interesting percussion. Robert Plant delivers yet another strong vocal performance, and a mellotron provides an interesting melody to accentuate the acoustic guitars. The absence of a bass guitar and drums make this song all the more interesting.

3. Celebration Day--A somewhat frenetic electric guitar opens this song, and it takes a while for the beat to land. Until it does, the listener experiences a sense of disorientation. Robert Plant really sings on this one, and Jimmy Page knocks off a good, dry electric guitar solo. Throughout the song, the electric guitar continues in its somewhat manic, frantic rhythm, and instead of stopping, it fades out.

4. Since I've Been Loving You--Simply one of the greatest blues songs I've ever heard, bar none. Jimmy Page's guitar solos are intensely moving and the organ played by John Paul Jones add to the blues effect. Robert Plant sings the blues as well as any blue-eyed guy I've ever heard. As the song progresses, it builds to a crescendo, and climaxes with the greatest guitar solo I've ever heard. Page gets sounds out of his guitar that aren't ripped off from traditional blues players; they're 100% his.

The whole band re-enters, stops, then builds again to the end. The song does not so much finish; it runs out of steam, almost as if the players were exhausted from the effort. This is the last true blues song this band would ever do.

5. Out On The Tiles--The syncopated riffs of the guitar and bass, complimented by John Bonham's drums, set this song up. The effect of the lyrics would almost make this a pop song if it wasn't for the complicated riffs that move this tune. Robert Plant was the perfect guy to front this band, and he shows us why in this song.

6. Gallows Pole--This is an old traditional English song which was arranged by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. A subdued acoustic guitar starts this one, and Robert Plant enters with his vocals. The acoustic guitar becomes more dominant deeper into the song, and the bass and drums contribute to make this a driving number, albeit with an acoustic flavor. The banjo which enters midway through the song gives it a more rustic effect.

7. Tangerine--This is probably the most commercial-sounding song on album, although they probably didn't mean for it to have that effect. A little snippet of acoustic guitar starts, then stops, then Jimmy Page's acoustic twelve-string guitar takes over. This is really a pretty tune and Page's electric guitar solo, with a lot of reverb and other effects, is spectacular.

8. That's The Way--One of my all-time favorite Led Zeppelin songs. This one again features Jimmy Page and his acoustic guitar, probably tuned to an open G. Robert Plant sounds somehow reflective in singing this song. I think there is a pedal steel in the background laying down some pretty nice licks. Again, no bass and drums, and not much percussion, give this song an simple, rustic effect.

9. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp--I think the title to this song is a village in Wales or somewhere where this band went to write, rehearse and relax. Jimmy Page is again upfront with his acoustic guitar and the intro that he plays is nothing short of incredible. Even though this song was written by the members of the band, it has the feel of a traditional song, like Gallows Pole. Vocal harmonies are rare in a Led Zeppelin song, but it happens here, and works well.

10. Hats Off To Roy Harper--This is another English traditional song, and it's arranged here by Charles Obscure, whoever he is. The beginning of the song is rather confusing, with another frantic acoustic guitar moving alongside some rather slurred vocals by Robert Plant. Jimmy Page brings out his finger slide and really shows off his slide guitar style. No drums or bass are in this tune, just Page and Plant.

This is a good album; in fact it's one of my favorite Led Zeppelin albums. It provides us with a close look at a band which is experimenting with different musical styles. With this album, Led Zeppelin all but scrapped the blues and began to explore acoustic styles. The album is worth buying just to examine this transition.