In the Light

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For other uses, see In the Light (disambiguation).
"In the Light"
Song by Led Zeppelin
from the album Physical Graffiti
Released24 February 1975 (1975-02-24)
Recorded1974
Studio
Genre
Length8:46
LabelSwan 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[]

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.[4] The song is based on an earlier band composition titled "In the Morning".[5]

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.[5]

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."[6] 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."[6]

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".[7] Describing the track, Hadusek said the track "erratically builds from solo organs and doom riffs to a cheerful chorus of major scales."[7]

In an interview he gave to rock journalist Cameron Crowe, Plant stated that this song was one of Led Zeppelin's "finest moments".[8] Similarly, Page has stated that this is his personal favourite track on Physical Graffiti.[5]

Cover versions[]

Main article: List of cover versions of Led Zeppelin songs

References[]

  1. ^ Guesdon, Jean-Michel; Margotin, Philippe (2018). Led Zeppelin All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. Running Press. p. 470. ISBN 9780316418034.
  2. ^ Calef, Scott (2011). Led Zeppelin and Philosophy: All Will Be Revealed. Open Court. p. 217. ISBN 9780812697766.
  3. ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo (17 November 2016). "Led Zeppelin Albums Ranked". Loudwire. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
  4. ^ Grow, Kory. "Jimmy Page on the 'Swagger' of Led Zeppelin's 'Physical Graffiti'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c Dave Lewis (1994), The Complete Guide to the Music of Led Zeppelin, Omnibus Press, ISBN 0-7119-3528-9.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b Miller, Jim (27 March 1975). "Physical Graffiti". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Hadusek, Jon (19 February 2015). "Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti (Reissue)". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  8. ^ Liner notes by Cameron Crowe for The Complete Studio Recordings.

External links[]

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