Led Zeppelin- Houses of the Holy (1973)
This album's cover art did provide some controversy, with nude children climbing toward some unknown objective. Also, the song for which the album is named appears on the next album, Physical Graffiti. It's one of their more varied albums where lots of influences are apparent.
The Song Remains the Same- A very good opening track. I felt the lyrics could have been done without, as it is very solid instrumentally. Used as the title of their latest DVD for a reason. 9/10
The Rain Song- A slower-paced, gentle song by Zep standards. Plant's tone really fits. Somewhat reminiscent of Going to California. The pace of the song increases a bit about 2/3 of the way through the song, without changing the mood. Brilliantly written and performed. This also has some of the best lyrics Plant has ever written. 9/10
Over the Hills and Far Away- One of Led Zeppelin's classics. You can tell right from the intro riff that this is an upbeat and catchy song. The screaming on Plant's part is a bit unnecessary, but still fits the song. 10/10
The Crunge- I usually skip over this song. Lyrics make absolutely no sense, and the music sounds very different and makes this the oddball of the album. Definitely has a funk sound to it. They could have done more with the music. 6.5/10
Dancing Days- A definite Eastern influence. Sounds a bit weird, but not as odd as what was before it. In its weirdness, it makes for a good transition from the Crunge to D'Yer Mak'er. 7/10
D'Yer Mak'er- Unusual, due to the fact that this song is done with reggae chords. Lyrics sound a bit whiney at times, but Bonham's drumming is absolutely amazing. This is easily one of their best songs for drums. 8.5/10
No Quarter- This is the pinnacle of John Paul Jones' keyboard work. Proof that distortion isn't necessary to make a song heavy. If you're in the right mood to listen to this song, it just blows you away. 7.5/10
The Ocean- This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Plant's voice does sound more like a woman's here, but it really fits nicely with the heavy electric w/ distortion. It slows down and goes a capella about halfway through, only to come back in louder than before. Then the tone completely changes and sounds a bit more like the beginning of the album with some "doo-wop" thrown in. One of the best songs to blast at 11 and a perfect closing to the album. 10/10
Overall: My favorite Zeppelin album. I would recommend not starting with this album if you've never listened to Zep before. Still, if you don't have this album, you're missing out on a great rock experience. Get it now if you don't have it. 8.4/10
