In the Light
| "In the Light" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Led Zeppelin | |
| from the album Physical Graffiti | |
| Released | 24 February 1975 |
| Recorded | 1974 |
| Studio |
|
| Genre | |
| Length | 8:46 |
| Label | Swan Song |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Jimmy Page |
"In the Light" is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin from their 1975 album Physical Graffiti. The song was composed primarily by bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones on synthesizer, though singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page also received songwriting credits.
Composition and recording[edit]
The unique sound of the intro was created by Page using a bow on an acoustic guitar, as a backdrop to Jones' opening synthesizer solo.[5] The song is based on an earlier band composition titled "In the Morning".[6]
Led Zeppelin also recorded an alternative version of the song, "Everybody Makes It Through" (In the Light) [Early Version/In Transit]". This version was released on 23 February 2015, as part of the remastering process of all nine albums. Led Zeppelin never performed "In the Light" in concert.[6]
Reception[edit]
In a contemporary review of Physical Graffiti, Jim Miller of Rolling Stone gave "In the Light" a mixed review, saying that while the track was "one of the album's most ambitious efforts", the track "fizzles down the home stretch."[7] Miller continues "the problem here is not tedium but a fragmentary composition that never quite jells: When Page on the final release plays an ascending run intended to sound majestic, the effect is more stilted than stately."[7]
In a retrospective review of Physical Graffiti (Deluxe Edition), Jon Hadusek of Consequence of Sound called "In the Light" one of his favorite Zeppelin songs; Hadusek believed the song's arrangement "shouldn't work, but it does".[8] Describing the track, Hadusek said the track "erratically builds from solo organs and doom riffs to a cheerful chorus of major scales."[8]
In an interview he gave to rock journalist Cameron Crowe, Plant stated that this song was one of Led Zeppelin's "finest moments".[9] Similarly, Page has stated that this is his personal favourite track on Physical Graffiti.[6]
Personnel[edit]
According to Jean-Michel Guesdon and Philippe Margotin:[10]
- Robert Plant – vocals
- Jimmy Page – electric guitars, bow
- John Paul Jones – bass, synthesizer, Clavinet
- John Bonham – drums
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Guesdon & Margotin 2018, p. 402.
- ^ Calef, Scott (2011). Led Zeppelin and Philosophy: All Will Be Revealed. Open Court. p. 217. ISBN 9780812697766.
- ^ Chick, Stevie (2005). "Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti". In Dimery, Robert (ed.). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. London: Cassell Illustrated. p. 338.
- ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo (17 November 2016). "Led Zeppelin Albums Ranked". Loudwire. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
- ^ Grow, Kory (23 February 2015). "Jimmy Page on the 'Swagger' of Led Zeppelin's 'Physical Graffiti'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
- ^ a b c Dave Lewis (1994), The Complete Guide to the Music of Led Zeppelin, Omnibus Press, ISBN 0-7119-3528-9.
- ^ a b Miller, Jim (27 March 1975). "Physical Graffiti". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 23 April 2009. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
- ^ a b Hadusek, Jon (19 February 2015). "Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti (Reissue)". Consequence. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
- ^ Liner notes by Cameron Crowe for The Complete Studio Recordings.
- ^ Guesdon & Margotin 2018, p. 400.
Bibliography[edit]
- Guesdon, Jean-Michel; Margotin, Philippe (2018). Led Zeppelin All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. Running Press. ISBN 978-0-316-448-67-3.
