It was for lack of shape - not sound or style - that their previous albums don’t dazzle. Here Zep finds a remedy for that shortcoming with some of the heaviest acoustic and folk imaginable. Instrumental excess is almost nonexistent, paving the way for intricate, well-crafted tunes. In contrast to their forbears, the hardest rockers - “Immigrant Song” and “Celebration Day” - are vehicles for the entire band, not the soloists. The blues of “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is both enticing and mature. “That’s The Way” is exceptional songwriting.
[“Immigrant Song,” “Celebration Day,” “Tangerine,” “That’s The Way”]
9
1970, Atlantic