3. Led Zeppelin- Untitled (Led Zeppelin IV) (1971)
Classic rock radio hits- the whole album
In recent years, whenever discussion of this album comes up, I’ve noticed two trends from the majority of people I talk to, both in real life and on the internet: the first is that folks tell me that, while they love this record, they love another Zeppelin album more (usually II or Physical Graffiti). The second trend is that people say they prefer side two of this album to side one.
I believe both of these trends basically come down to the same thing: these folks are tired of hearing “Stairway to Heaven”. Which I totally get. Even though it MAY have been replaced by “Bohemian Rhapsody” as the greatest classic rock song, “Stairway” remains the most ubiquitous classic rock song. Yet when
@Anarchy99 had his recent poll of Zeppelin songs, it wasn’t even voted the best song from this album! Which is amazing even though I agree with that assessment.
Anyhow, I have this ranked above the other Zeppelin albums, and #3 on the overall list, because I regard it as the band’s masterpiece and their finest selection of material. There are no weak songs here, no mistakes that I can see. It’s artistic perfection.
Black Dog
Plant’s “Hey hey mama” opening line is one of the best in rock history. And then that guitar riff. This is outstanding hard rock.
Rock and Roll
It’s a basic blues line but man does this sound great. Bonhom shines here as elsewhere on this record. To be played very loud.
The Battle of Evermore
Over the decades I have run into a few people who don’t like this, to the point where they told me they actually skip over it. I don’t get that; I absolutely love this tune; but then I am a huge fan of British folk and Fairport Convention in particular. The interplay between Plant and Denny is similar to his outstanding collaborations with Alison Krauss years later.
Stairway to Heaven
I’ve written earlier that no band has ever been quite as great at shifting from acoustic to electric as this one. Stairway is the ultimate example of that. Overplayed as hell, but I can’t think of a song that deserves it more.
Misty Mountain Hop
The opening to this is completely mesmerizing. Like Black Dog, it’s among the best hard rock tunes you’re ever going to hear. So classic.
Four Sticks
Rinse and repeat from the last write up. This is simply hard rock awesomeness.
Going to California
One of the greatest acoustic rock tunes of all time. Pitch perfect in lyric and melody. I think the girl with the flower in her hair was Joni Mitchell.
When the Levee Breaks
And of course we save the best for last. A cover of an old blues song, both I and apparently many other people regard this as Led Zeppelin’s greatest song of all time. A big part of the reason for this is John Bonham whose drums sound otherworldly and godlike on this track. Beyond that, it’s one of the most menacing tunes you’re ever going to hear.