In the Light
| "In the Light" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Led Zeppelin | |
| from the album Physical Graffiti | |
| Released | 24 February 1975 |
| Recorded | 1974 |
| Studio |
|
| Genre | Progressive rock[1][2] |
| 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 lead vocalist Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page also received songwriting credits.
Composition and recording
The unique sound of the intro was created by Page using a violin bow on an acoustic guitar, as a backdrop to Jones' opening synthesizer solo.[3] The song is based on an earlier band composition titled "In the Morning".[4]
Led Zeppelin also recorded the song with alternate lyrics and a slightly different structure, "Everybody Makes It Through" (In the Light) [Early Version/In Transit]".[citation needed] 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.[4]
Reception
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."[5] 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."[5]
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".[6] Describing the track, Hadusek said the track "erratically builds from solo organs and doom riffs to a cheerful chorus of major scales."[6]
In an interview he gave to rock journalist Cameron Crowe, Plant stated that this song was one of Led Zeppelin's "finest moments".[7] Similarly, Page has stated that this is his personal favourite track on Physical Graffiti.[4]
Cover versions
References
- ^ Guesdon, Jean-Michel; Margotin, Philippe (2018). Led Zeppelin All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. Running Press. p. 542. ISBN 9780316418034.
- ^ Calef, Scott (2011). Led Zeppelin and Philosophy: All Will Be Revealed. Open Court. p. 217. ISBN 9780812697766.
- ^ Grow, Kory. "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. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
- ^ a b Hadusek, Jon (19 February 2015). "Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti (Reissue)". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
- ^ Liner notes by Cameron Crowe for The Complete Studio Recordings.
