5. Led Zeppelin III – 1970
This album was a disappointment to some fans when it was released because it wasn’t as hard as the previous album. This record leaned heavy on acoustic and mixed with hard that Led Zeppelin IV would have to perfection. My favorite songs off this album are Tangerine, Immigrant Song and Since I’ve Been Loving You.
Tracklist
Immigrant Song
Friends
Celebration Day
Since I’ve Been Loving You
Out On The Tiles
Gallows Pole
Tangerine
That’s The Way
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Hats Off To (Roy) Harper
4. Houses of the Holy – 1973
The band was determined not to repeat themselves after the success of IV. This album is diverse with songs Over The Hills and Far Away, The Ocean, The Rain Song and the funk of The Crunge. This album was a perfect gateway into their next album.
Tracklist
The Song Remains The Same
The Rain Song
Over The Hills And Far Away
The Crunge
Dancing Days
D’yer Mak’er
No Quarter
The Ocean
3. Physical Graffiti – 1975
It’s big, bloated, self indulgent…and great. This album had a big variety with the classic rock Kasmir (possibly their best song), the funky Trampled Under Foot and a song that would have fit on a Stones album…Night Flight.
Tracklist
Custard Pie
The Rover
In My Time Of Dying
Houses Of The Holy
Trampled Under Foot
Kashmir
In The Light
Bron-Yr-Aur
Down By The Seaside
Ten Years Gone
Night Flight
The Wanton Song
Boogie With Stu
Black Country Woman
Sick Again
2. Led Zeppelin II – 1969
Nicknamed the “Brown Bomber” this album is explosive. The album was recorded in sections while on tour. It has a live feel to it. Classic songs such as Heartbreaker, Whole Lotta Love, Livin’ Lovin’ Maid, and the album never lets up. After this album, the band starts to change into more of their famous light heavy feel.
Tracklist
Whole Lotta Love
What Is And What Should Never Be
The Lemon Song
Thank You
Heartbreaker
Livin’ Lovin’ Maid (She’s Just A Woman)
Ramble On
Moby Dick
Bring It On Home
1. Led Zeppelin IV – 1971
No suspense here. This album is nearly perfect. The light and heavy were perfectly balanced. If I never hear Stairway to Heaven again I’ll be happy but I could listen to just the drums to When The Levee Breaks… all day. A Great album at the peak of their career.
Tracklist
Black Dog
Rock And Roll
The Battle Of Evermore
Stairway To Heaven
Misty Mountain Hop
Four Sticks
Going To California
When The Levee Breaks
Yes- IV would be my #1 also one of the all time great albums. I would have Physical Graffiti #2 but that is just me. Great work!
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I largely agree. Zeppelin II is my favorite. 2. Physical Graffiti 3. IV 4. Houses of the Holy 5. Led Zeppelin.
I too really like Zeppelin III. Tangerine, Immigrant Song and Gallows Pole are iconic, but the debut is loaded. To me, it’s like the movie Die Hard. Straight forward. Entertaining. Undeniable.
That said, I overdosed on Zeppelin back in the day. They never were my favorite, but they were everybody else’s.
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Tangerine is probably my favorite song by them… that and Hey Hey What Can I Do…. I went through my phases of them and know their music well but they were never my favorite.
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Not sure how anyone could argue with your choice for #1.
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Yes it’s got everything you hear on classic radio…
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A ridiculous six year run.
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