Overview:
This was the first album of the ''Latter Days'' of Led Zeppelin. While this album deviates more from song to song than any other Zeppelin album before it, it still is a wonderful album. It went even higher on the charts than IV, which was a very hard act to follow.
There are several of Zeppelin's best work in this album, but most of their best songs here are the ones that are the most far out compared to what we had heard from them before. Without question, this album was definitely their peak in terms of variety. It branched into prog rock, reggie, and branching into all different kinds of instruments.
It's definitely worth a listen for fans who have only heard their earlier works. The time the album was recorded was right in between when they were equally into their blues roots and their new direction, making it the perfect stage for the band. Some say it is their best album.
Tracks:
1) The Song Remains The Same - As usual, Zeppelin opens with a quick catchy beat. Although not as much of a heavy rocker as they previously enlisted, it still catches the attention of the listener and gets the excited. While I preferred the openers on the two previous albums (Immigrant Song and Black Dog on Led Zeppelin III and Led Zeppelin IV respectfully), this song is still very good. (9/10)
2) The Rain Song - This song relaxes the pace of the album, but then speeds it up at the end of the song. It's a good ballad. This song is the softest song from the band to date, and it sets the stage perfectly for the following song, which makes it even more important. (9/10)
3) Over The Hills And Far Away - The true example of ''light and shade.'' The song contains both aspects of Led Zeppelin. The softer, lighter side, and the heavier, hard rock side. It starts of slowly, but quickly picks up, then relaxes again at the end. Catchy and creative, this song is branches into new instrumental styles. This is the first really different song on Houses Of The Holy, and definitely the best. There is more to this song that one sees on the surface. The instrumentals are again top notch. The vocals are sung amazing high.
This recording came shortly before Robert Plant's voice lowered in late 1973. The song itself has very clever and poetic https://lyrics. The concept is simple, but still important. Over The Hills And Far Away is about our journey through life. As usual, Plant finds a way to incorporate longing for the girl of his dreams into the song. Perfectly performed from all areas.
Like all the albums from Zeppelin's prime period of dominance, there is one track that just pushes most of the others aside and says, ''I'm a great song.'' Over The Hills And Far Away delivers, plain and simple. You'll never hear Plant hitting notes this high, and shading his vocals, provided a smooth sound. Like on the fourth album, this is the first absolutely great song, and would not truly be equalled until closer to the end of the record. (10/10)
4) The Crunge - This song really picks of the beat. Another song with rumored reference to The Lord Of The Rings. It's basically another experiment with new song styles. However, unlike most of their experiments they had created around this time, this one was a little too far out. It would have probably fit better on later albums. It's much more suited for albums like Presence and In Through The Out Door, since heavier and punkier rock was becoming much more popular in the late 70s. Although not bad, it's the low point of album. (8.5/10)
5) Dancing Days - Probably the second best song on the album. This song, instead of going forward into new unchartered musical territory, goes back to earlier days. The result is a very good song. It begins a string of songs late in the album that make it very good. (9/10)
6) D'yer Mak'er - The band decides to venture into reggie for this song. It's odd, however enjoyable. However, it gets more credit than it deserves. it's considered a Zeppelin masterpiece by many, and that's just not the case. It's a good, not great song. The main reason it's so well received is that Jimmy Page placed it perfectly in this album for optimum effect. (8.5/10)
7) No Quarter - Probably the most progressive song on the album, and even more probably the best song with Over The Hills And Far Away. This song journeys into prog rock, yet another new musical direction evident in this album. Also repeated, is the use of The Lord Of The Rings (although many debate that). Again, Plant takes a simple concept, in this case one of mythology, and transforms it into something much more elaborate. The song is the equal of Over The Hills And Far Away, which gives the album an epic feel. It's the same format that Zeppelin used on their fourth album. No Quarter was another of the first masterpieces of the ''Latter Days'' of Zeppelin, and it showcases John Paul Jones ability and creativity. (10/10)
8) The Ocean - Another good song. A good choice for an album closer. This song is dedicated to Zeppelin's fans. The title, ''The Ocean'' represents the ''Sea'' of fans who went to see Zeppelin play live. The song itself speeds up the tempo after the slower No Quarter. The best part of this song is it gives Houses Of The Holy a feeling of balance. (9/10)
Conclusion:
While not the easiest Zeppelin album to get into, it just makes it that much more rewarding when someone actually gets into the songs. It is still a must have for hard core fans. You don't truly get a feeling for their creativity until you've heard these songs. It ranks up there with Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti as the best Zeppelin albums.
I would recommend it for those not yet exposed to Zeppelin, because it shows all the different sides of the band. However, if you have been exposed to Zeppelin, this makes it an even greater album to listen to. (10/10)
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