Was John Bonham a great drummer?

First of all, I’m a big LZ fan. Love the music and I grew up with it back in the day. I’m not a hater in any way…I’m a fan.

But I’m going through their entire discography right now, and I’m struck by Bonham basically plays one way on all the songs…hard and heavy. It’s interesting at first, it’s just so bombastic. But it doesn’t really strike me as very inventive, very creative or very exceptional.

I often see people comment on what a genius drummer he was…but I’m just not getting it.

I understand he sort of had to play really hard and heavy to be up in the mix with Jimmy’s guitar work and Plant’s wailing, but to me his drumming seems pretty ordinary.

I know others will have opinions and I’m interested to hear them. Or please offer suggestions of songs to listen to which would illustrate some of his better drumming.

Your thoughts?