How The West Was Won
by Led Zeppelin
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 27, 2003
Metascore
97

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Capture[s] a mighty band at the height of its gargantuan power.
  2. Q Magazine
    100
    Presents Led Zeppelin in all their ragged glory and heavy splendour. [Jul 2003, p.119]
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  3. Amazon.com
    100
    Zep faithful will welcome the belated release as evidence for enduring loyalty, but younger fans may find its diversity and dynamics even more enlightening.
  5. PopMatters
    100
    The three discs represent lightning captured in a bottle.
  6. E! Online
    100
    Even if you think you've heard it all before, West is a winner.
  7. Dot Music
    100
    It's a masterclass in why they were, and still are, the greatest rock band to grace the Earth.
  8. ShakingThrough.net
    90
    A vital document of Led Zeppelin's formidable legacy.
  9. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    90
    How the West Was Won proves that Led Zeppelin was nearly peerless in creating gigantic, thunderous rock.
  10. AllMusic
    90
    Songs that have grown overly familiar through years of play seem fresh and new because of these vigorous, muscular performances.
  11. Uncut
    90
    Jaw-dropping. [Jul 2003, p.136]
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  12. Rolling Stone
    90
    Captures Zep in prime swagger.
  13. Austin Chronicle
    89
    "Black Dog" and "Over the Hills and Far Away" back-to-back are gonzo.
  14. Pitchfork
    88
    How the West Was Won serves up their muscle, sweaty heart and golden grandeur in an exhaustingly persuasive light. That, and a hundred of the best riffs you've ever heard.
  15. Mojo
    70
    The empathy between the four is palpable. [Jun 2003, p.113]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 187 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 168 out of 187
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 187
  3. Negative: 15 out of 187
  1. EduardoR
    Nov 4, 2008
    10
    It's one of the greatest live albumsin history. Every member of the band is inspired. The long guitar and drum solos are amazing. The It's one of the greatest live albumsin history. Every member of the band is inspired. The long guitar and drum solos are amazing. The only thing I can complain about is Robert Plant. He was great, but not perfect. Listen to BBC Sessions to understand what I'm talking about.… Full Review »
  2. MrCinnamon
    Jun 18, 2011
    10
    A hark back to when bands could sing instead of auto-tune. A fabulous collection of great hits and amazing guitar playing, with amazing lyricsA hark back to when bands could sing instead of auto-tune. A fabulous collection of great hits and amazing guitar playing, with amazing lyrics and singing to boot. What more do you need?… Full Review »
  3. sami
    May 28, 2008
    10
    Easily the best live album I've ever listened to. Page's emotional guitar mixed with Bonham's idiosyncratic drums make this Easily the best live album I've ever listened to. Page's emotional guitar mixed with Bonham's idiosyncratic drums make this one of the best Led Zeppelin sets ever. I must admit I enjoyed some of the live versions better than their recorded counterparts; "Since I've Been Loving You" pours emotion from Plant's vocals and blew me away completely. Time and time again Led Zeppelin has proven themselves kings of hard rock; thirty years later, their performance at LA solidifies their music in the annals of eternity. No one has ever come close to this caliber of live performance, and I doubt anyone ever will.… Full Review »
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