We will give you track-by-track guidance on how to listen to Led Zeppelin’s fourth album, Led Zeppelin IV.
Led Zeppelin’s fourth album was released in late 1971 and remains as one of their strongest works. From Page’s impeccable riffs, through Jones’s dazzling musical experimentations, and Plant’s gigantic vocals to Bonham’s hammer of the gods’ drum sound.
8. Four Sticks
Page’s riff and Bonham’s four drumsticks (the title) provides a complex arrangement, and arguably their most experimental work – hence being played live occasionally.
7. Going To California
When Led Zeppelin III showcased the band’s acoustic side – they followed it with, Going To California as a successor from their fourth album. While Robert Plant showcases his big influence Joni Mitchell for writing such a soft rock song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAQeZNjmJDA
6. The Battle Of Evermore
Plant wrote the lyrics which were inspired by a book that depicts the Celtic wars and then Fairport folk legend Sandy Denny was included as a response lyrical theme of the song. They didn’t manage to play it live until their 1977 US tour when John Paul Jones handled the vocals.
5. Misty Mountain Hop
One of the best track from the album — with Jones’ electric piano, and Page’s soaring riffs through Bonham’s insane drumming combined with Plant hippie trail storytelling of a tale about the ‘crowds of people sittin’ on the grass with flowers in their hair – hey boy do you wanna score?’
4. Rock And Roll
The undeniable rock anthem of Led Zeppelin. This track was supposed to be a jam track featuring the Rolling Stones’ mentor Ian Stewart on piano — but they were so impatient, Bonzo played the intro of Little Richard’s Keep A Knockin while Page added the 1950s type riff — then fifteen minutes later – they got it on tape — and it was the birth of a classic while the rest was history.
3. Black Dog
The rhythmic pounding of Black Dog was said to be almost impossible to copy — and that was just an indication of Zep being far superior to their contemporaries.
2. When The Levee Breaks
This Memphis Minnie old blues led them to glory — with Bonham’s thundering drum sound — and Page’s finest work made this one of the best tracks from the album.
1. Stairway To Heaven
Back when 1971 was itching, and impatiently waiting for a new sound. Led Zeppelin led the way and provided arguably the best song in the whole wide world. But now, of course, the LA court ruling — somehow wrecked its reputation, but still nonetheless, for us classic rock fans, this will still remain original and only a Led Zeppelin tune.