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"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 synthesiser, 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 synthesiser solo. The song is based on an earlier band composition titled "In the Morning".

Led Zeppelin also recorded an alternative version of the song, "Everybody Makes It Through" (In the Light) ". 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.

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." 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."

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

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

Personnel

According to Jean-Michel Guesdon and Philippe Margotin:

• Robert Plant – vocals
• Jimmy Page – electric guitars, bow
• John Paul Jones – bass, synthesiser, Clavinet
• John Bonham – drums

See also

• List of cover versions of Led Zeppelin songs § In the Light

References

1. Guesdon & Margotin 2018, p. 402.
2. Calef, Scott (2011). Led Zeppelin and Philosophy: All Will Be Revealed. Open Court. p. 217. ISBN 9780812697766.
3. Chick, Stevie (2005). "Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti". In Dimery, Robert (ed.). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. London: Cassell Illustrated. p. 338.
4. Rivadavia, Eduardo (17 November 2016). "Led Zeppelin Albums Ranked". Loudwire. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
5. Grow, Kory (23 February 2015). "Jimmy Page on the 'Swagger' of Led Zeppelin's 'Physical Graffiti'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
6. ^ Dave Lewis (1994), The Complete Guide to the Music of Led Zeppelin, Omnibus Press, ISBN 0-7119-3528-9.
7. ^ Miller, Jim (27 March 1975). "Physical Graffiti". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 23 April 2009. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
8. ^ Hadusek, Jon (19 February 2015). "Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti (Reissue)". Consequence. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
9. Liner notes by Cameron Crowe for The Complete Studio Recordings.
10. Guesdon & Margotin 2018, p. 400.

Bibliography

• 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.

• Led Zeppelin songs
• 1975 songs
• Songs written by Jimmy Page
• Songs written by Robert Plant
• Songs written by John Paul Jones (musician)
• Song recordings produced by Jimmy Page
• British progressive rock songs
• Art rock songs