Houses of the Holy

Buy this edition for the original packaging (i.e. totally wordless cover with a belly band, just the way the LP was), so much nicer than the usual CD keep case.


One of their best....   December 31, 2007
Rakesh Mistry (UK)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I love the debate that each Led Zeppelin album sparks. For example, I think Led Zep III is their best, and IV isnt. This album, however, is an evolution. I have just finished listning to this album for the 5th time, and im 23, well into my rock and roll, and i think this holds some of the earliest roots of creative progressive rock, with some exeptional creative elements thrown in.

First of all, im not a fan of 70's rocker Dancing Days. Its got a good riff, and a solid structure, but overall its not that creative. A great song on its own, but overshadowed by the rest. D'yer Maker comes in second last, as although it is creative, it doesnt hold a good balance in terms of its structure (creativley). The riff feels slightly overplayed towards the end of the song. Once again, this is one of Led Zeps bravest ventures, so hats off!!

The rest is pure gold. I prefer to look at some of the great bands of the 80's and 90's that have been influenced by this album to truly appreciate the songs themselves.

The Song Remains the same is an amazing song, multi layered guitaring with some fantastic rythm and vocals. Its clear to see where the Cure and Smiths were influenced by the opening chords.

Rain Song, clearly a masterpeice. Theres a dreary, dreamy atmosphere to this song, but at times upligting (melencholy?).

Over the hills and far away shows how led zep can make a folk song. I wasnt too keen on Led Zeps other folky tunes, i felt that they were leading to something but never quite delivered. This one delivers with a fantastic feel of classic Led Zep riff rock, with folky roots and John Paul Jones holiding a tight bass section.

The Crunge is one of my favourite songs on this album. Others see this as a throw away song, I beg to differ. This song has a modern funk beat that you would commonly expect on a new chilli's album. I can warrant that the vocals could be better, but they fit well with the theme of the song. Funk is something Led Zep can do, reggae is not!

Then we come to my favourite song off this album. No quarter. If your interested in Zeppelin, then listen to the albums in order, but look forward to this epic progressive rock song. John Paul Jones shows his full talents in this song, with a moody, atmospheric and tense piano peice, stricking the most releavent chords after a monumental solo by paige. This song is so different to any Led Zeppelin songs from their past albums.

The Ocean is a classic riff rocker, with tight rythms and interesting drum beat. Hard to keep up with, but once your used to the song, you'l have a new found respect for Bonzo (if you didnt have on already)

If you've not listened to any of the earlier Led Zep albums, then do so before you hear this, otherwise allot of this will sound like current rock classics, but if your on a path of rock discovery, this album is a must and a wonderful evolution in Led Zeps career. I can't wait to hear Physical Graffiti now!!!!