Led Zeppelin’s contribution to rock music is immense. By masterfully fusing elements of modern rock, blues and English folk music, they created a unique and enduring sound. Here is my list of the top 10 Led Zeppelin songs:
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #10 – When the Levee Breaks
“When the Levee Breaks” is an adaptation of a song written by American blues artist Memphis Minnie. The song is about the plight of African Americans during The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Black plantation workers were forced at gunpoint to lay sandbags at the levee in order to save nearby towns. The Zeppelin version has a haunting, bleak quality that evokes the feelings of hopelessness and desperation these folks felt.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #9 – Black Dog
Black Dog” is characterized by start and stop a cappella verses, aggressive guitar playing, inspired drumming and intense vocals. The title of the song has nothing to do with the song itself. It was inspired by a stray black dog that was hanging around the studio when the band recorded the song.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #8 – Dazed and Confused
The inspiration for “Dazed and Confused” came from a song called “I’m Confused,” which was penned by folk singer Jake Holmes. The Yardbirds used to play the tune in concert. Dazed and Confused” is characterized by passionate vocals, amazing drum playing and a guitar sound that can best be described as wailing.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #7 – Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
This tune captures you right away with its gorgeous acoustic guitar intro. Led Zeppelin did not write this tune. It is a cover version of a song that was written by English folk singer Anne Briggs.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #6 – Good Times, Bad Times
“Good Time, Bad Times is the first track on Zeppelin’s debut album – and they couldn’t have picked a better song to kick-start their first record. It’s an amazing song on several fronts. It has one of the finest drum intros ever, an awesome bass riff, a blazing guitar solo, and a superb vocal performance.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #5 – What is and What Should Never Be
I love the sensuous bass line that opens this song. The tune starts slow and then kicks in like a banshee. The fade out is energetic and passionate. There is speculation that this song is about Robert Plant’s longing for his wife’s underage sister. I wouldn’t be surprised – love and lust always make for great songs.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #4 – Over the Hills and Far Away
The acoustic guitar introduction of this song is absolutely blissful. Then it perks up by transitioning into a hard-rocking head thumper. The tune evolved from a piece called “White Summer,” which is an instrumental that Jimmy Page played when he was with the Yardbirds.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #3 – Ramble On
This incredible song, which was inspired by the work of JRR Tolkien, has one of the most amazing bass riffs in rock history. Robert Plant’s vocal performance on the tune is exceptional. This one is heavenly.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #2 – Going to California
This is an incredibly beautiful acoustic song that evokes a range of emotions. It also contains some of Zeppelin’s best lyrics: “Someone told me there’s a girl out there with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair.” I just love that. The acoustic guitar and mandolin work on the piece are sublime.
Top 10 Led Zeppelin Songs: #1 – Stairway to Heaven
Surprised? Of course you’re not. This song is Led Zeppelin’s crowning achievement. It’s a masterpiece in the truest sense of the word. What more can I say?
If you’re familiar with the music of Led Zeppelin, then you know the pleasure to be had by listening to the songs above – the top 10 Led Zeppelin songs. If you’re not familiar with the work of this extraordinary band, I highly recommend that you give them a listen. Boy, are you in for a treat.
Sources:
www.music.yahoo.com
www.rockhall.com
www.songfacts.com
