Led Zeppelin III

Led Zeppelin III, the third album by English rock band Led Zeppelin. It was recorded between January and July 1970 and was released October 5, 1970 by Atlantic Records.

Led Zeppelin III marked a change in focus for the band from late 1960s hard rock to a more folk rock and acoustic inspired sound. These styles had been present to a lesser degree in the band’s first two releases, but here it was the main style - and one that would remain prominent in the group’s later albums. This change in direction endeared the band to many progressive rock fans who would never have listened to Led Zeppelin’s established blues and rock repertoire. With Led Zeppelin III the group’s songwriting dynamic also changed, from Page’s domination of the first two albums towards a more democratic affair in which all four group members offered up their own compositions and ideas - patterns that would continue in future sessions.

The album contains two songs which became key components of the band’s live concert performances for many years: “Immigrant Song” and “Since I’ve Been Loving You”. The first of these, written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, is about the Norse invasions of England and was inspired by the band’s recent live performance in Iceland. “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a classic, original blues in the key C minor featuring heartfelt interplay by all four group members. It would become a performance staple, especially from 1971 through 1973, replacing Willie Dixon’s “I Can’t Quit You Baby” from the first album as the band’s slow blues showcase.