LED ZEPPELIN IV

The perfection of rock music for me. Led Zeppelin's untitled album was my all-time favourite album before I heard "Trespass", shortly after entering the realm of progressive music! Despite my change in listening habits, and the fact I'm looking for other things in a rock song other than "can I play it on guitar?", it still very much holds up because of the numerous progressive elements contrasted with the back-to-basic heavy blues themes that pop up every now and then. I think every household should own a copy of this album if any, because there is such a range in songs really. You go from the sexually-driven "Black Dog" and "Rock And Roll", to the gentler more folky "Going To California" (and "The Battle Of Evermore"), to the blues, more abstract pieces, and so on. What I'm trying to say is that this album is a masterpiece and covers all areas of music (that are important to me) excellently, including progressive rock, and making it probably the most listenable work I can think of. Whatever mood you're in, it sounds fantastic!

"Black Dog" begins, with a stop-start verse structure (influenced by Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well", returning immediately to their blues roots). A very powerful riff teamed by Plant's one-of-a-kind singing, and very pleasurable to play along to (on the guitar), as nailing the odd rhythms just feels incredible. An outstanding heavy rock opener that leads into another homage to the past: "Rock And Roll". You can probably guess what it is - a classic composition with a great Page line throughout, turning the late 50s rock-and-roll into a guitar-driven mecca, and who can forget Bonham's drumming?! Very good production with a solid wall of sound behind it, and some nice delay experimentation in the solo. Odd that Jethro Tull's prog folk monster "Aqualung" was recorded next door to Zeppelin's 4th offering in a better room, yet I still think Jimmy Page's production was much better, and a far superior sound comes out of your speakers. Of course, the lyrics fit the song perfectly and add very much to the feel of the song, especially at the "lonely time" part. Gotta love it!

"The Battle Of Evermore" - famous for being Zeppelin's only ever duet (with Sandy Denny from Fairport Convention nonetheless!) and creates an absolutely wonderful and underrated piece on this album, often overshadowed by the monster tracks they're famous for "writing". The harmonies, Tolkien-influenced lyrics, and droning repetitive mandolin all add so much to the atmosphere on here, and is without a doubt progressive. Despite being out of tune (everything down 1/4 tone), some of Zeppelin's best moments on this one song. Next song: "Stairway To Heaven". Well, what can I say. The biggest rock anthem ever, with substantially more radio requests than anything else, ever! Definitely not overrated though - a magnificent bit of songwriting here. This gradual build of tempo and volume before peaking at that legendary guitar solo, and coming down to a whisper after 8 minutes. The lyrics are all very intriguing for a rock epic, and fit those wonderful melodies beautifully. Instantly recognisable practically from the static before the first "A" is played, and excellent devices used by Page (i.e. the chromatic descents, the chord shapes). Let's not forget Jonesy though - a great addition to the track both in the studio and live, with the recorders on the intro. They give it much more of a complete, and practically sacrosanct tension. I know this is all sounding very pretentious but you have to agree really? :)

"Misty Mountain Hop". A great pop/rock song for the post-psychedelic period but I'm not sure if it's weathered the 40,45 years since the release. A little outdated but still brilliant songwriting, with some very odd chromatic chords in the verses that I just adore along with the lyrics. The riff could have been a lot better for Led Zeppelin standard though. I do believe that this song is an essential stepping stone to what would come on the even more eccentric (druggy) songs on the 1973 album "Houses Of The Holy", predominantly "The Crunge" and "Dancing Days". The following track "Four Sticks" a great attempt at a progressive song in my mind, with a Dorian riff played in 5/4. This track is more about the drummer for me though. John Bonham really keeps such a stable beat behind the track, subtly layering on some little bits that almost go unnoticed as he does so, but greatly adds to the sonics of the song when analysed. Robert also has a great delivery, although I'm not sure about some of the lyrics (especially the 2nd verse). Nevertheless an essential addition to the album, and shows their versatilities. A tremendous way to come out of "Misty Mountain Hop" and go into the next.

"Going To California" is one of those songs that I could listen to over and over again. The guitar and mandolin complement each other so effortlessly, and go hand in hand with Robert's marvellous vocals. The lyrics tell a very vivid story, and in doing so deliver great imagery and on-the-whole lyrics. Probably my favourite Led Zeppelin line: "The sea was red and the sky was grey, I wonder how tomorrow could ever follow today". In a sense so simple yet powerful and emotional. I almost cry every time I hear this song, just because of the atmosphere and empathy you feel for it, even though the story itself isn't really depressing at all. One of Zeppelin's songwriting pinnacles, and a great live piece. "When The Levee Breaks" takes you right out of the folky sensitiveness, with Bonham almost saying "it's my turn to play now", with those unmistakable drum beats recorded in the hall of Headley Grange. The harmonica solos with Page's "reverse echo" technique are so extraordinarily monumental for a one-note instrument. The atmosphere is just indescribable and so unique and different from anything I've ever heard! Plant's wise lyrics recalling the Mississippi Flood of 1927 are very bluesy and dynamic, with some great Page distorted slide guitar to fill that wall of sound even more! As Jimmy said, the song is so hypnotic yet changes quite dramatically every 8 bars for all 7 minutes. The result of all of this thunderous, attacking music results in one of the greatest ending tracks of all time. The album ends on such a high note and I would have loved to hear anything as remotely symphonic and bluesy as "When The Levee Breaks". Absolute bliss!!

A(*): A collection of some of Zeppelin's greatest songs. Not only faultless but also adventurous in its musical directions and, for me at least, a masterpiece of progressive rock too.

Black Dog: ***** Rock And Roll: ***** The Battle Of Evermore: ***** Stairway To Heaven: ****** Misty Mountain Hop: **** Four Sticks: **** Going To California: ****** When The Levee Breaks: ******