Houses of the Holy (Deluxe Edition)

Led Zeppelin’s fifth album and the first to feature a non-numerical title, *Houses of the Holy* continued the band’s streak of impeccable studio releases. Their stylistic range expanded here into reggae (“D’yer Mak’er”) and funk (“The Crunge”), while holding their ground in the mystic (“No Quarter”). This 2014 deluxe edition features remastering by guitarist Jimmy Page and adds alternate mixes for each of the album’s eight tracks. It’s like hearing the album inside out, as a work in progress. The alternate tracks of “No Quarter” and “Over the Hills and Far Away” are instrumental versions, while the mix on “The Rain Song” provides a different look.

The three most recent Led Zeppelin reissues, comprising Led Zeppelin IV, Houses of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti, find the band at the height of their imperial phase.

The scene: Rock legend Jimmy Page, fresh off announcing a series of revelatory Led Zeppelin reissue campaigns, sits flummoxed behind a vintage mixing console. "Is this really all there is?" he asks an anonymous studio gopher. "Yes, Mr. Page," the young man responds, averting eye contact. "Welp," Page says with a gulp. "On with the show!"

Check out our album review of Artist's Led Zeppelin 'Houses of the Holy (Deluxe Edition)' Album Review on Rolling Stone.com.