LED ZEPPELIN IV

This is arguably the greatest rock record ever recorded, i certainly consider it so. Led Zeppelin at their finest, tho not their most progressive. since this is located in the prog-related section, this is already considered non prog and technically any rating above 3 stars is invalid. But all things considered the rating system for this sub-genre should be put on a different scale, so i, being the high minded individual that i am, will use this new scale to rate this album and completely discard the old system. This is such a classic album, black dog with its monstrous riff and great vocal performance from Plant and rock and roll with that spirited stomp and energy. The next track, the battle of evermore is one of my favorite zep songs, beautiful instrumentation and vocal interplay. quite an epic track and im not even bothered by the cheesy D&D flavored Lord of the Ring's lyrics! The next song needs no hype from me, i doubt anyone over the age of 3 has yet to hear stairway. its probably my least favorite song on the CD due to overexposure but even looking past that it doesnt measure up to songs like Evermore or Black Dog. My only problem is that it take half of the song for me to fully get into it. the rest of the disc is just as good as the first half and because it includes another of my fav. zep songs, Going to California, it might beat out the first half. the thunderously bluesy stomp of Levey, the pure rock of misty mountain hop, and the eastern tinged four sticks (i sure you know the story) only build on the groundwork laid previously by the band. stunning effort. i have owned this since the tender age of 7 and have enjoyed every year of it. hasnt gotten old yet! essential for ANY music fan, prog or otherwise.