Led Zeppelin – Tangerine

A Mellow Turn: Led Zeppelin’s “Tangerine” and the Beauty of Vulnerability

Led Zeppelin, a name synonymous with thunderous riffs, arena-shaking vocals, and a brand of rock that pushed boundaries, might surprise some listeners with the delicate beauty of “Tangerine”. This track, nestled on the acoustic-leaning second side of their 1970 album Led Zeppelin III, stands as a testament to the band’s versatility and their willingness to explore quieter emotional landscapes.

Background

Composed by guitarist Jimmy Page, “Tangerine” has an interesting backstory. An earlier version, titled “Knowing That I’m Losing You”, was written and recorded by Page’s previous band, The Yardbirds, in 1968. While the Yardbirds’ version never achieved widespread recognition, “Tangerine” took on a new life with Led Zeppelin. Here, the song sheds its bluesier rock influences and transforms into a poignant folk-rock ballad.

The intro sets the mood perfectly. Page utilizes a 12-string acoustic guitar, its chiming sound adding a gentle complexity to the simple chord progression. The use of a 12-string, a guitar with additional octave strings, creates a richer, fuller sound compared to a standard six-string. This intro, some have argued, foreshadows the intricate acoustic tapestry that would later become Led Zeppelin’s masterpiece, “Stairway to Heaven”.

Then enters the unmistakable voice of Robert Plant. Gone are the powerful roars that dominate tracks like “Whole Lotta Rosie” or “Immigrant Song.” Here, Plant delivers a tender, melancholic vocal performance, brimming with a vulnerability rarely seen from the band. The lyrics, though seemingly simple, paint a picture of lost love and longing. Lines like “Tangerine, more than a dream” and “Seems like yesterday you were here with me” evoke a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, a yearning for a love that’s slipped away.

“Tangerine” isn’t just about heartbreak, however. The bridge offers a glimmer of hope. Plant sings, “Maybe in the future you’ll return again to me,” hinting at the possibility of reconciliation. This fleeting hope adds another layer of complexity to the song’s emotional core.

The instrumentation throughout the song is understated yet effective. John Bonham’s drumming is gentle and restrained, providing a subtle rhythmic backing. John Paul Jones’ bass line adds warmth and depth, while subtle touches like the addition of pedal steel guitar in the later verses lend a touch of country-blues flavor.

“Tangerine” stands out within Led Zeppelin’s vast catalog. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to transcend the boundaries of hard rock and explore a more introspective and emotionally nuanced sound. While Zeppelin would continue to be known for their bombastic rock anthems, “Tangerine” serves as a reminder of their depth and willingness to experiment. It’s a song that showcases a different side of Led Zeppelin, a side that’s as beautiful and captivating as it is unexpected.

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