Throwback Thursday: "Led Zeppelin III", by Led Zeppelin

By late 1970, British hard rock legends Led Zeppelin had already in the space of a year changed the entire game in rock n' roll forever. With two ginormous blues tinged wall rattling albums to their name, they had already made themselves a force to be reckoned with. With their third release Led Zeppelin III they showed that not only could they rock, but there was a more creative and dynamic side to them as well.

Led Zeppelin III was a transitional album of sorts for Led Zeppelin. Where their previous two albums had been primarily loud stomping bluesy rock n' roll, this album was more focused on straight up rock as well as European and American folk music. Some of its best known tunes are "Immigrant Song", "Since I've Been Loving You", "Tangerine", and more, all of which showcase a different side of the band's musical personality and what was to come from them in the future.

Who in their right mind doesn't absolutely LOVE "Immigrant Song"? That song is the definition of headbanging, chair throwing, air punching rock n' roll. That Jimmy Page guitar riff is iconic and Robert Plant's howling into the wind vocals are one of the most memorable things in the entire Led Zeppelin catalog. It is definitely an essential part of any classic rock or even regular hard rock playlist. Plus, this is where tunes about vikings became popular in main stream.

Led Zeppelin III did not get rid of the blues in the Zeppelin sound altogether. In fact, it has one of the best blues songs in the band's whole repertoire: "Since I've Been Loving You". The guitar playing is sparse in some areas, but that only makes a much bigger impact when it comes pounding in during the choruses and makes for some of the most emotionally powerful stuff you will ever hear in your entire life. There is some immense passion that you will find few other places.

If you're the kind of person that likes variety on a record, then Led Zeppelin III is right up your alley. Odds are there will be something on there for you. Personally I am fond of almost the entire thing, but I suppose I am kind of biased due to the fact that I am such a big fan of Led Zeppelin. Regardless, it has some essential listening on it for people just getting into the band or just love rock n' roll in general. Definitely worth checking out at least once.

Led Zeppelin III, by Led Zeppelin receives 4 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Immigrant Song
2. Friends
3. Celebration Day
4. Since I've Been Loving You
5. Out on the Tiles
6. Gallows Pole
7. Tangerine
8. That's the Way
9. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
10. Hats Off (to Roy Harper)

Buy the album on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Led-Zeppelin-III-Deluxe-CD/dp/B00IXHBZF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520581346&sr=8-1&keywords=Led+Zeppelin+III