Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin III (2014 Reissue)

Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin III (1970) Review

By 1970, Led Zeppelin had already cemented themselves as rock’s most explosive new force. Their first two albums were thunderous declarations of hard rock dominance, filled with blues-soaked riffs and raw power. But when Led Zeppelin III arrived, it shocked fans and critics alike with its unexpected shift towards folk and acoustic-driven experimentation. Instead of delivering another wall-to-wall hard rock album, Zeppelin chose to expand their sonic horizons, proving that they were more than just heavy riff merchants.

Side One: The Balance Between Power and Melody

The album opens with “Immigrant Song”, a battle cry of Norse mythology and pure adrenaline, setting the tone with its pounding drums, relentless riff, and Robert Plant’s now-legendary Viking war cry. It’s a short, sharp burst of raw energy that remains one of Zeppelin’s most iconic tracks.

Following this, the album begins its genre-blurring journey. “Friends” takes an acoustic detour, blending Eastern-inspired chords with orchestral strings, adding an unsettling yet hypnotic atmosphere. “Celebration Day” kicks the rock back into gear with its intricate guitar work and soaring vocals, while “Since I’ve Been Loving You” delivers one of the most emotionally charged blues performances in Zeppelin’s catalog. The track is a slow-burning masterpiece, filled with wailing guitar solos and Plant’s soul-stirring vocals. “Out on the Tiles” wraps up side one with a chugging, groove-heavy riff that perfectly showcases John Bonham’s underrated sense of rhythm.

Side Two: A Folk-Inspired Reinvention

If side one gives a nod to Zeppelin’s blues-rock roots, side two takes a sharp turn into pastoral folk influences, making Led Zeppelin III a truly unique entry in their discography.

“Gallows Pole” is a haunting retelling of an old folk ballad, starting with delicate acoustic strumming before building into a frenzied climax of banjo, mandolin, and hard-hitting percussion—an early glimpse of Zeppelin’s ability to reinvent traditional sounds with modern intensity.

“Tangerine” is a short but achingly beautiful acoustic number, drenched in nostalgia and bittersweet melodies. Meanwhile, “That’s the Way” slows things down even further, offering one of Zeppelin’s most gentle and introspectivemoments. The song’s simple, melancholic guitar and wistful storytelling showcase a side of Plant’s lyricism rarely heard before.

Then comes “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp”, a lively, foot-stomping acoustic jam that feels like a campfire hoedown, featuring John Paul Jones’ bass groove and Bonham’s playful percussion. The album closes on “Hats Off to (Roy) Harper)”, a distorted, bluesy experiment that sounds like a lost recording from another era, paying tribute to the underground folk singer.

A Bold Step Forward

At the time of its release, Led Zeppelin III confused and even disappointed some fans, who expected another album of non-stop heavy rockers. Instead, Zeppelin challenged expectations, delivering an album that showcased their love of acoustic music, traditional folk, and complex arrangements. Over time, this shift in sound proved to be a defining moment in their evolution, paving the way for future classics like Stairway to Heaven and Going to California.

The album’s balance between power and delicacy, between raging rock and introspective folk, makes it one of the most diverse and underrated records in their catalog.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

A bold, dynamic, and unexpected masterpiece that proved Zeppelin was more than just loud guitars—Led Zeppelin III is an essential piece of rock history.

BY RUE MORGUE RECORDS