The quintessential rock album – Led Zeppelin’s fourth album (which is untitled) has made waves throughout the world of rock and roll
Released on November 8th, 1971, Led Zeppelin IV is considered by many to be among the greatest of all time. Despite the track list only being 8 songs long, many consider it to be essentially a greatest hits album, with songs such as Black Dog, Stairway to Heaven and When the Levee Breaks being some of rock’s very best.
Black Dog – 10/10
The first song on the album, Black Dog is one of the best album openers there has ever been. Robert Plants incredible vocals open the song, with a guitar riff which follows being so memorable and addictive.
Named after a black Labrador Jimmy Page and Robert Plant saw whilst recording the song, Black Dog tells the story of a failed relationship, with the first verse describing a lustful sight, with each verse evolving the story. The third verse tells us of how the protagonist has been taken advantage of and left ‘down and out’ by the end of the relationship.
From Plant’s vocals, to Page’s guitar, to John Paul Jones’ bass line, and John Bonham’s superb drumming, this song is nothing short of perfect. Easy 10/10.
Rock and Roll – 10/10
The second song on the album is another classic, this one being Rock and Roll. Rock and roll talks about 50s rock, with plant saying how it’s been a long time since he played these classics, since he danced along to them, and how he longs to return to the rock and roll culture of the 50s.
The first song on the album where all four members are credited, Rock and Roll is another song where the rating is abundantly clear. 10/10.
The Battle of Evermore – 10/10
Inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Battle of Evermore is an interesting one among Led Zeppelin’s catalogue. The song is notable for its use of the mandolin and lack of percussion, which is a bold choice given how legendary John Bonham’s drumming is on the entire album.
Not only Plant sings this song either, folk singer Sandy Denny joins him in the only time a guest vocalist was featured on a Led Zeppelin song.
Incredibly unique from a rock band, and one that is particularly unique compared to every other Led Zeppelin song, this is another song where it only feels right giving it a 10/10.
Stairway to Heaven – 10/10
An explanation isn’t even needed for this one. Possibly the most iconic rock song of all time, the progression and journey that stairway takes you on in the 8 minutes it lasts for is incredible.
The song slowly builds up, with Page’s guitar playing becoming heavier and heavier, and Plant’s vocals becoming louder and louder as the song goes on. About halfway through John Paul Jones and John Bonham join in respectively, building the tension until the culmination of the guitar solo. The solo is impossible to put into words, one many consider to be the greatest of all time – and I can’t really argue with that.
If I could rate it higher I would – 10/10.
Misty Mountain Hop – 10/10
For me the weakest song on the album – Misty Mountain Hop is still an incredible song. Plant’s vocals again are superb, and they follow along with Jones’ piano in the verses.
Quite a different song to the rest of the album, Misty Mountain Hop is at times an acquired taste. It alternates between being folky and being hard rock. Its sound just feels so unique that after the countless listens I’ve given this song, it is nothing short of amazing – although the rest of the album is better. 10/10.
Four Sticks – 10/10
A song where we can really appreciate the genius that was John Bonham, the name comes from Bonham quite literally playing the drums with four sticks in the recording of the song.
Robert Plant’s vocals are so pleasing to the ears, and along with Jones’ incredible groove on the bass line, and Page’s fantastic guitar riff, it’s another beautiful song. Another 10/10.
Going to California – 10/10
An actual folk song on the album, Going to California is a beautiful acoustic song about leaving a woman and moving out west to California in hopes of a better life.
A nice change in pace for the album, this is deservedly one of the best in Zeppelin’s catalogue. 10/10.
When the Levee Breaks – 10/10
My personal favourite, When the Levee breaks is the final song on the album and a rework of a blues song about the great Mississippi flood of 1927 – and what a rework it is.
John Bonham’s drumming transcends the genre of rock, with its unique sound being from Bonham placed at the bottom of a stairwell, in addition to studio added reverb after. The harmonica from Plant was given reverb and then reversed, giving it an incredibly eerie sound of impending doom, which eventually happens when the levee does in fact break.
Page’s guitar work on the track is nothing short of phenomenal, and the whole track is the pinnacle of blues rock as a genre. 10/10.
Conclusion
There aren’t any words to say about this album that haven’t already been said. One of the greatest albums there has ever been, and its influence stretches to even today, with the likes of Greta Van Fleet being so obviously influenced by this album.
Truly perfection from back to front, the only bad thing about the album is that it isn’t longer.
Rock at its very best. Album Rating – 10.2