Immigrant Song
Celebration Day
Since I've Been Loving You
Out on the Tiles
Gallows Pole
Tangerine
That's the Way
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Hats Off to (Roy) Harper
Cecily's Notes;
Personal Background: While I did grow up hearing Led Zeppelin, it wasn't until I was about 14 that I gave any of their music a close listen. Their first two albums passed me by but Led Zeppelin III caught my undivided attention with its mixture of hard rock, blues and folk motifs. It became my long-standing favorite Zep album, finally and reluctantly replaced when I could no longer deny the power of IV, and still in the top rank even today.
Resonance: Remarkable emotional power in almost every song. From exuberant to wrist-slashing – I am completely on Robert Plant’s side when he sings “you had the NERVE to say you didn’t want me no more” during the incredible wind-up on ‘Since I’ve Been Loving You.’ Impossible not to feel for the guy. There are a lot of moods on this album and they’re mostly wrapped together with a strong sense of British heritage, from vikings on the shore all the way to the influential career of folk-rock musician Roy Harper. It’s not yet the dazzling ode to the west that Zep IV would be but only that last Roy Harper dirge really leaves me cold. 4/5
Design: Aside from the screechy caterwauling on ‘Hats Off to Roy Harper,’ everything is excellent. Got the storm surge of ‘Immigrant Song,’ the moody bounce of ‘Friends’ and ‘Celebration Day,’ and the late-night blues epic ‘Since I’ve Been Loving You’ bringing it all to a head. You just can’t top that, and since it’s only the fourth track they wisely switched up the mood, got a little more upbeat, walking in the sunshine, cheerful hangmen, wistful ballads, culminating a second time with a joyful, footstomping number to make you feel all’s right with the world. Sensible people just stop the music at this point. Trust me, the design is better that way. 4/5
Utility: Great for housecleaning and baking, has a nice ebb and flow of energy. Not the best for the car speakers because the volume fluctuates a little too much. It rewards close listening yet might work well in mixed adult company – although the folk lovers and hard rock lovers tend to be separate people, perhaps accounting for this album’s lower rating compared to I, II and IV. 3/5
Verdict: A mainstay in my collection since I was fifteen. 11/15.
Best: Since I’ve Been Loving You; Bron-Y-Aur Stomp.
Worst: ‘Hats Off to (Roy) Harper.’
Ticharu's Notes;
Personal Background: III was the second Zeppelin album I heard. Listened to it one afternoon with Mark Foley. IV was the first one with Robert the previous summer. Tony picked up Physical Graffiti when that came out. Zeppelin I, I got to hear that while camping, Tony, myself, Robert and Roger I believe. We were on one side of the river while some party on the other side with a good sized stereo were blasting Zeppelin I. Fond memories of that. Mark bought Presence when that came out. So I have really good memories of all these. I didn't own a Zeppelin album until the 90s when I started buying them for myself. I didn't really get on with Zeppelin II when I finally heard it and I can say I've never heard Coda or In Through the Out Door.
Resonance: Led Zep are one of the few remaining 70s rock bands I still enjoy. Zeppelin III one of my favourites. It covers everything they were good at. Power, catchy riffs, great melodies, awesome guitar. Then there's Robert Plant's unearthly wail. This album connects for me on every level. The foggy memory of my teenage years, that desire to be a part of things, to be needed, to be invincible. They connect on a musical level, intellectual and an emotional level. 5/5
Design: The design of the LP cover art was fantastic. Totally devoid in the CD format. I have to harken back to the original and give it 5/5
Utility: I suppose if I'm going to listen to this album these days I want no interference. No distraction. I want to play it LOUD! Que up 'side one'. Bask in the majesty of it. Take a moment to collect my thoughts and then let 'side two' wash over me. I wouldn't skip anything. It's all of a piece however it ends. I accepted that long ago. It's like life in that way. Sometimes there's a happy ending, sometimes there isn't. 5/5
Conclusion: It's an absolute classic. A must have.
Best: Immigrant Song, Friends, Out on the Tiles
Worst: Hats Off To Harper
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