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Ranking Led Zeppelin's 8 Studio Albums
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Earl of Mar View Drop Down
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Zoso
Physical Grafitti
3
2
Houses of the holy
1
In through
Prescence - although Achilles is my fav Zep track.


Edited by Earl of Mar - February 09 2021 at 11:28
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Originally posted by The Dark Elf The Dark Elf wrote:

Originally posted by Steve Wyzard Steve Wyzard wrote:

Originally posted by The Dark Elf The Dark Elf wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Maybe someday you guys will see the big picture when it comes to Zep.   Maybe not.

I know far more about the "big picture" regarding that album than you do. Bonham was battling booze, Page was strung out on heroin, Plant was still mourning the death of his child, and that left JP Jones to piece together the album (meaning the keyboard sections override just about everything on some tracks). ITtOD lacks the energy and drive of previous albums. It's Zeppelin without balls. If I never hear it again, I shall not miss it.

Regardless of what was going on in the band members' personal lives, they managed to put together a forward-focused, energetic, life-affirming album that has stood the test of time (unlike, say, their first four albums). 

The best quote I've ever heard is that the album should be considered "Lite Zeppelin".  

I had to do a double take when you said ITTOD "stood the test of time", while LZ's first four albums did not. Whether you are talking to Led Zeppelin fans in general, reading critical reviews or comparing aggregate lists on the internet, the first four albums (and throw in HoH and Physical Graffiti) are routinely listed as LZ's best in one order or another, and not only that they are considered among the greatest rock albums of all time.

You know, things like RateYourMusic, 1001 albums You Must Hear Before You Die, as well as the greatest lists from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Mojo, Classic Rock, NME, Guitar World, etc. One would think that In Through The Out Door, if it did indeed "stands the test of time", would at least get on a list somewhere....anywhere; alas, not one asterisk, not one note, not one list. It is generally considered Zeppelin's worst.

I'm glad you love the album. Really, I am. However, let's not confuse your personal likes for objective reality.
Perfectly put. I don't have a problem with Outdoor being someone's favourite Led Zep album, it's a good album, but to say it's stood the test of time when the first four haven't is clearly wrong. 
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Originally posted by Steve Wyzard Steve Wyzard wrote:

Originally posted by The Dark Elf The Dark Elf wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Maybe someday you guys will see the big picture when it comes to Zep.   Maybe not.

I know far more about the "big picture" regarding that album than you do. Bonham was battling booze, Page was strung out on heroin, Plant was still mourning the death of his child, and that left JP Jones to piece together the album (meaning the keyboard sections override just about everything on some tracks). ITtOD lacks the energy and drive of previous albums. It's Zeppelin without balls. If I never hear it again, I shall not miss it.

Regardless of what was going on in the band members' personal lives, they managed to put together a forward-focused, energetic, life-affirming album that has stood the test of time (unlike, say, their first four albums). 

The best quote I've ever heard is that the album should be considered "Lite Zeppelin".  

I had to do a double take when you said ITTOD "stood the test of time", while LZ's first four albums did not. Whether you are talking to Led Zeppelin fans in general, reading critical reviews or comparing aggregate lists on the internet, the first four albums (and throw in HoH and Physical Graffiti) are routinely listed as LZ's best in one order or another, and not only that they are considered among the greatest rock albums of all time.

You know, things like RateYourMusic, 1001 albums You Must Hear Before You Die, as well as the greatest lists from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Mojo, Classic Rock, NME, Guitar World, etc. One would think that In Through The Out Door, if it did indeed "stands the test of time", would at least get on a list somewhere....anywhere; alas, not one asterisk, not one note, not one list. It is generally considered Zeppelin's worst.

I'm glad you love the album. Really, I am. However, let's not confuse your personal likes for objective reality.
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No justifying.  I know it's a great album.  The band knows it's a great album.  That's all I need.
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Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Maybe someday you guys will see the big picture when it comes to Zep.   Maybe not.

No matter how you try to justify it David, Outdoor is better off on the small screen with the plug pulled out.
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Originally posted by The Dark Elf The Dark Elf wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Maybe someday you guys will see the big picture when it comes to Zep.   Maybe not.

I know far more about the "big picture" regarding that album than you do. Bonham was battling booze, Page was strung out on heroin, Plant was still mourning the death of his child, and that left JP Jones to piece together the album (meaning the keyboard sections override just about everything on some tracks). ITtOD lacks the energy and drive of previous albums. It's Zeppelin without balls. If I never hear it again, I shall not miss it.

Regardless of what was going on in the band members' personal lives, they managed to put together a forward-focused, energetic, life-affirming album that has stood the test of time (unlike, say, their first four albums). 

"Fool in the Rain" , "Carouselambra" "lacking energy and drive"???
"In the Evening" "without balls"?????
The awe-inspiring guitar solo in "I'm Gonna Crawl" "without balls"???????

If I never hear the first album ever again, I shall not miss it. 
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I think it's their worst, but still pretty listenable and inoffensive at worst. It seems like a pretty reasonable opinion to have it towards the bottom, coming off of what I think was their peak with 4-Houses-PG it just doesn't quite match up for me.
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Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Maybe someday you guys will see the big picture when it comes to Zep.   Maybe not.

I know far more about the "big picture" regarding that album than you do. Bonham was battling booze, Page was strung out on heroin, Plant was still mourning the death of his child, and that left JP Jones to piece together the album (meaning the keyboard sections override just about everything on some tracks). ITtOD lacks the energy and drive of previous albums. It's Zeppelin without balls. If I never hear it again, I shall not miss it.
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Maybe someday you guys will see the big picture when it comes to Zep.   Maybe not.
"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."   -- John F. Kennedy
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Originally posted by The Dark Elf The Dark Elf wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

^ It's a magnificent album--  'Fool in the Rain' is a great track and 'Hotdog' is fun, it shows off their working-musician background and mastery of studiocraft.
I picked up a cassette of the album in Mexico when it came out. The title was spelled In Thregw The Outdoor. Think it was booted? I don't think it's a bad album, just not good enough to be number 1 on anyone's list.
That's a fairly snap judgement of an album every high school kid secretly listens to when ZoSo is over and everyone's gone home.   And for lifelong fans it is a breath of fresh air after years of Heartbreaker, Going to California, and Kashmir.

I can see it becoming someone's Number 1 ... eventually.


What snap judgement? I lived with the album for 3 months. It sucked. Btw, I was out of high school in 1966. LOL

Not a fan of Up the Down Escalator, never was. A few decent songs. That's it. Most of it is forgettable. I usually listen to Physical Graffiti or Presence these days. I'm not as ancient as old fart Steve since I graduated in 1978, but I believe I know what's what when it comes to Zeppelin, and their last album is not up to snuff.
The best test is to play Door To The Outhouse right after any of the first 5 Zep albums and see how it fails to compare.
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Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

^ It's a magnificent album--  'Fool in the Rain' is a great track and 'Hotdog' is fun, it shows off their working-musician background and mastery of studiocraft.
I picked up a cassette of the album in Mexico when it came out. The title was spelled In Thregw The Outdoor. Think it was booted? I don't think it's a bad album, just not good enough to be number 1 on anyone's list.
That's a fairly snap judgement of an album every high school kid secretly listens to when ZoSo is over and everyone's gone home.   And for lifelong fans it is a breath of fresh air after years of Heartbreaker, Going to California, and Kashmir.

I can see it becoming someone's Number 1 ... eventually.


What snap judgement? I lived with the album for 3 months. It sucked. Btw, I was out of high school in 1966. LOL

Not a fan of Up the Down Escalator, never was. A few decent songs. That's it. Most of it is forgettable. I usually listen to Physical Graffiti or Presence these days. I'm not as ancient as old fart Steve since I graduated in 1978, but I believe I know what's what when it comes to Zeppelin, and their last album is not up to snuff.
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Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

^ It's a magnificent album--  'Fool in the Rain' is a great track and 'Hotdog' is fun, it shows off their working-musician background and mastery of studiocraft.
I picked up a cassette of the album in Mexico when it came out. The title was spelled In Thregw The Outdoor. Think it was booted? I don't think it's a bad album, just not good enough to be number 1 on anyone's list.
That's a fairly snap judgement of an album every high school kid secretly listens to when ZoSo is over and everyone's gone home.   And for lifelong fans it is a breath of fresh air after years of Heartbreaker, Going to California, and Kashmir.

I can see it becoming someone's Number 1 ... eventually.


What snap judgement? I lived with the album for 3 months. It sucked. Btw, I was out of high school in 1966. LOL

Edited by SteveG - February 08 2021 at 07:02
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Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

^ It's a magnificent album--  'Fool in the Rain' is a great track and 'Hotdog' is fun, it shows off their working-musician background and mastery of studiocraft.
I picked up a cassette of the album in Mexico when it came out. The title was spelled In Thregw The Outdoor. Think it was booted? I don't think it's a bad album, just not good enough to be number 1 on anyone's list.
That's a fairly snap judgement of an album every high school kid secretly listens to when ZoSo is over and everyone's gone home.   And for lifelong fans it is a breath of fresh air after years of Heartbreaker, Going to California, and Kashmir.

I can see it becoming someone's Number 1 ... eventually.
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1. Led  Zeppelin 4
2. Physical Graffiti
3. Led Zeppelin 3
4. Houses of the Holy
5. Led Zeppelin
6. In Through the Out Door
7. Led Zeppelin 2
8. Presence
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Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

^ It's a magnificent album--  'Fool in the Rain' is a great track and 'Hotdog' is fun, it shows off their working-musician background and mastery of studiocraft.

I picked up a cassette of the album in Mexico when it came out. The title was spelled In Thregw The Outdoor. Think it was booted? I don't think it's a bad album, just not good enough to be number 1 on anyone's list.
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^ It's a magnificent album--  'Fool in the Rain' is a great track and 'Hotdog' is fun, it shows off their working-musician background and mastery of studiocraft.
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Originally posted by Steve Wyzard Steve Wyzard wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

Originally posted by Steve Wyzard Steve Wyzard wrote:

From Best to Worst:

1) In Through the Out Door
2) Physical Graffiti
3) Houses of the Holy
4) III
5) II
6) IV
7) Presence
8) Led Zeppelin
Out Door as number one?

I will gladly defend my choice of In Through the Out Door as the best Led Zeppelin album. While Physical Graffiti is very close with the awe-inspiring "Kashmir" and "In the Light", In Through the Out Door has "Carouselambra", "I'm Gonna Crawl", "Fool in the Rain", and "All my Love", all among the best songs the band ever did. I'm somewhat biased in that this album was my first LZ album (back when it was new), but it's the one I still most enjoy listening to all the way through. Even "Hot Dog" is very amusing, although I really wish "Ozone Baby" (which later appeared on the Coda album) would have filled that slot.

In Through the Out Door is similar to ELP's Black Moon album, in that both bands finally decided it was time to be grown-ups, and left behind a lot of their earlier silliness / "bad boy" antics.

While I won't go as far as you and say ITTOD is my favorite I do think it's their most underrated. I like it a lot and think it's easily their most eclectic album which is another reason I like it a lot. If you took away "hot dog" and "fool in the rain" I think more people would appreciate it more and rate it higher. I still like those tracks though. Also, "I'm gonna crawl" might be the most underrated LZ song along with "the rover" from PG.


Edited by AFlowerKingCrimson - February 05 2021 at 17:18
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Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Biggest misconception about this band, that they were subpar skill-wise.  
Who ever said that? I've seen Page criticised here for being "sloppy" but Plant, Jones and Bonham are generally regarded as masters of their craft.

I've seen Bonham knocked numerous times on this very site, and Jones rarely gets much credit for his bass or keyboard playing.   Not to mention his arranging skills.   The rest of the time Page & Plant are accused of being thieves, which of course they were, but so was everyone else doing blues-based rock.
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1. Presence... couple of tracks need a tune to hold them together but quite unique. Invents 80s metal with Achilles and not a power chord in sight.
2. Graffiti. Variety. IMTOD could've been shorter and like Presence they kept plagiarism down Two tracks rather than I on the first.
3. IV. The odd dodgy lyric (GTC and MMH) but splendid stuff over all.
4. III. Great everything. And Hey Hey What Can I Do was left off in favour of Roy Harper. Probably because they usually finished an album with a blues and that element was not prevalent on III.
5. In Through The Out Door. Fantastic 3 part number Carouselambra as John Paul Jones uses the same harmonic trick that Jeff Wayne used to open War Of The Worlds. Needed to be a 2 LP set. Multi trick pony Zeppelin wrong foot everyone who stereotypes them as a metal band.
6. I. Great side 1 and interesting side 2. One of the best debuts. One of the most unique by using other people's material. HMMT sums up the album as a quick jam to fill up side 2. ICQYB was done better live and is easily their worst version. Quite funny really especially after the devastating Shook Me which was also stunning live. The Yardbirds would also release Dazed and Confused but credit Jake Holmes.
7. HoTH. Over The Hills is exemplary as is The Ocean. Rain Song and Song Remans worked even better in concert. No Quarter is way too short and sounds a bit stilted. Worked better in other versions and live. Outstanding track though. The rest are either complex and confusing (Crunge), silly D'Yer Mak'er saved by fantastic drumming or simple and overly bright ... Dancing Days. And they left the excellent title cut off.
8. II. The album that set the template for 70s rock albums. Guitar, drum and bass solos, Organ solo, power ballad prototype. And one of the most plagiarised albums of music. I think Bukka White's version (it was on utube) of You Need Love uses the WLL riff. Not sure if that was before or after the Zeppelin thing. Plants 2 songs What Is and Ramble On make up for the beneath the scenes dodginess. The drum solo was done with hands and is different for that.
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Originally posted by Atavachron Atavachron wrote:

Biggest misconception about this band, that they were subpar skill-wise.   


Who ever said that? I've seen Page criticised here for being "sloppy" but Plant, Jones and Bonham are generally regarded as masters of their craft.
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