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LED ZEPPELIN
(12 reviews sent in so far)

LED ZEPPELIN
By  JT
February 20, 2005           
Rating: 7.5

I will start by saying that I am not the biggest Zeppelin fan ever, but I do like this first album, pretty good. Jimmy Page took rock 'n roll in a new heavy direction laying the groundwork for heavy metal which I dislike. At the same time on this album, Page plays some good blues. The rhythm section of John Bohnam and John Paul Jones is very strong (Bohnam being the star of the show countless times on this album). But the biggest problem I have with the band is Robert Plant. Plant's voice just irritates me.. But the music does make up for it.

The album has some good rockers like "Good Times Bad Times" which starts off the album nicely and a good solo by Page. But then we take a sharp turn straight into "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" which is kind of a stupid song. It's also a rip-off (In fact, a lot of the songs on this album Page ripped off) Page's acoustic guitar is nice in the beginning, but begins to get dark and dreary and dull. Plant's voice is pretty bad too. Howling Wolf's "You Shook Me" is more like it with some of Page's best playing on the album and John Paul Jones' organ. We all know "Dazed and Confused" and above all it is a good song. A good hook even though it's a little dreary for my tastes and the song is an old blues rip-off. Page plays some good stuff and some odd violin bow stuff. But the song goes on a little too long (and I'm a big fan of jamming). Side two has the beautiful Jones' organ starting the catchy "Your Time is Gonna Come" and the odd twang before "Black Mountain Side" an interesting number with Page playing some open tunings and Bohnam playing tablas. However, "Communication Breakdown" is a TERRIBLE song. I'm sorry if you like it, but I hate it! To me, the song is just masturbation by all members. Page's solo is not interesting at all, Plant's voice sucks, and the other two members just play fast without dynamics. It's the beginning of Heavy Metal and I don't like it. "I can't Quit You Babe" is another Howling Wolf number but not as good as "You Shook Me". "How Many More Times" is a rip-off song, but a good nonetheless. Good playing by the band and Page. Good dynamics, the song finishes off the album nicely.

Above all, a good album, but not great. Unfortunately, this was their best album and everything else they did went downhill. If you're a blues purist, you probably don't want to check this stuff out.


LED ZEPPELIN
By: Jack Flash
December 17, 2004
Rating: 9.0

Led Zep's first album, released in January of 1969, is a classic album that was a sign of the great things to come. Though it has a different, sort of bluesier feel to it than the group's later masterpieces, such as II, Zoso, Houses Of The Holy, and Physical Graffiti, it is still a great meeting of minds (or musicians, as you would have it). Though it may not have a truly firm identity.
The album kicks off with "Good Times, Bad Times," one the greatest short hard rock tunes ever recorded. I always get chills whenever I hear Page's solo there. "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" is next, a great acoustic song with a heavy feel to it. "You Shook Me" follows, a fantastic blues cover with the whole band at the top their game- Page plays an awesome, high flying blues/rock guitar, showing why in 1969 nobody could touch him, while Plant adds a unique, versatile vocal as well as a good blues harp as John Paul Jones contributes his heavy bass and keyboards. And how can I forget John Bonham, who shows why he was the greatest drummer ever here and throughout the album. "Dazed And Confused," a bit of a strange song, closes of the A-side well. A lot of fans really like this song, and though Page gets in some killer licks, the song fails to excite me too much. Leading off the B-side is one of the most harmonically luxurious songs I've heard to date, the power ballad "Your Time Is Gonna Come," using Jonsey's keyboards as the centerpiece. After that it's "Black Mountain Side," a short little instrumental that features some fantastic acoustic playing from Page. And just when you've been mellowed out and relaxed from the last two songs, the classic head banger "Communication Breakdown" explodes into your ears. Another blues cover, "I Can't Quit You Baby" is next; it sounds a lot like "You Shook Me" and isn't quite as good. The album finishes of an a great note, though, with "How Many More Times." After a jazzy-feeling intro, Page's guitar kicks in with that filthy riff and for the next 8 minutes the group puts on a show, with Page's guitars and Plant's vocals flying all over the place and Bonham going crazy.
Led Zeppelin would continue to do that for the next 10 years, and do it well- and this album is certainly a fine indication that they would.


LED ZEPPELIN
By Andrew
April 14, 2003
Rating: 9.5

What a great debut. With this, Zep began their reign as the greatest band of the 70's and managed to usher in an entire new genre of music known as heavy metal. While it's not heavy by today's standards, this album came out in 1969 (and I wish I had been alive when it did come out). 'Good Times, Bad Times' does exactly what a lead off song should, it kicks the album into high gear. 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' is a great acoustic song and hints at what the band will do later on in their career with acoustic songs. 'You Shook Me' is a great blues cover, except the guitar drags on at the end of every verse. Regardless, Page's solo is great. John Paul Jones and Robert Plant put forth great solos on keyboards and harmonica respectively. Then comes the masterpiece of the album and one of Zep's greatest songs, 'Dazed and Confused'. It's just so amazing that it's hard to put into words how great it is. 'Your Time Is Gonna Come' is a pretty acoustic song that has a great beginning on organ. It just makes me smile every time I hear it. 'Black Mountain Side' is an amazing solo by Page and I'm still trying to figure out what he did there. 'Communication Breakdown' rocks with punk like urgency and is definitely a great rock song under 3 minutes. 'I Can't Quit You Babe' is another blues cover. It's probably the weakest song on the album (the only reason why this album didn't get 10). 'How Many More Times' rounds out a great album with a great song. It sounds like a live jam and the riff is just awesome. This album is definitely a buyer if you enjoy heavier blues rock.

To listen to some soundclips from LED ZEPPELIN or to purchase it, click on: Led Zeppelin

LED ZEPPELIN III
By Jack Flash
June 7, 2005
Rating: 8.0

Zeppelin's third effort is really hit or miss. There are a couple beautiful moments, a couple of powerful ones, but a couple of iffy moments as well. The album is characterized by acoustic tracks, and though this shows off the band's depth, there are times where it seems pointless.

"Immigrant Song" is a head-banging classic, though it doesn't have as much substance as some of Zep's other hard rockers. And then we get into the real vibe of the album, encompassed by "Friends." It's a well-written acoustic interlude, but Plant's voice is too shrill and the violins sound cheap. Things get better during "Celebration Day," a very competent rockin' electric ditty. But Jimmy Page's guitars don't stand out enough. "Since I've Been Loving You," an extended blues jam ballad with a lot of soul in it, was the album's other hit. Though it's powerful, it doesn't spread itself out enough to be a 10. "Out On The Tiles" closes side 1 with a bang, that bang being from John Bonham's masterful (as always) drums. "Gallow's Pole" is one of the album's better and more interesting songs. It was a traditional folk song arranged by Page and Plant. Robert sings with great effect throughout, from the mellow acoustic riff to the fast flowing middle to wailing's over a blistering guitar solo that should have been turned up! The next song, "Tangerine," is the album's real gem, a wonderful and moving ballad written solely by Jimmy Page. We then move on to "That's The Way," a scratchy acoustic tune most Zeppelin fans are crazy about, me, I don't think it's nearly as good as "Tangerine." Still very good, but the band just seems uninspired and redundant. "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" is one of the more fun and upbeat tunes on the album, even though it's another acoustic one. But how can you ignore a song that tells you "there ain't no companion like a blue-eyed eyed girl," how true! The closer is "Hats Off (To) Roy Harper," one of the more bizarre tunes Zeppelin ever did, a traditional blues cover with an obnoxious sonic effect on everything. Plant's voice is very strange. It should have been left off the album.

Again, a very uneven album, but the best of it speaks to many people and is very powerful. In fact, there is no better album to listen to when depressed. It's up to you to decide if that's a good or bad thing.

To listen to some soundclips from LED ZEPPELIN III or to purchase it, click on: LED ZEP III

HOUSES OF THE HOLY
By Net Pimp
June 24, 2001
Rating: 9.5

Almost as good as Led Zep IV, just without the convincing rocker. But the folk-rock action on "The Song Remains the Same"(10) is a captivating experience, showing there was more to this group than some loud riffs and screaming vocals. "The Rain Song"(9) incorporates lovely acoustic guitar playing, and is a peaceful song. "Over the Hills and Far Away"(9.5) has some sort of country feeling to it and is another outstanding track. "The Crunge"(6.5) may sound like a great workout of funk-rock but it's a hollow filler song, really. The lyrics and riffs go nowhere. The groovy "Dancing Days"(8.5) is a real sharp tune with an Indian flavored guitar and organ in the mix. Who can deny the charming reggae feel on "D'yer Maker"(10), maybe a mockery of reggae but a damn good one. "No Quarter"(8) is pretty solemn and creepy, but has the deep emotional punch to bring it on home as a real good song in my view. "The Ocean"(8) is the hard-rocking finale, with less substance than any other of their metal songs, but good still.

To listen to some soundclips from HOUSES OF THE HOLY or to purchase it, click on: Houses

LED ZEPPELIN II
By RadioactiveMan585
October 18, 2005
Rating: 7.5

First, I'm not a big Led Zeppelin fan. Jimmy Page is an awesome guitarist, the band is tight, but I hate Robert Plant's voice sometimes and their lyrics range from brilliant to blues cliches. Okay, here comes the part when I borrow Keno's rating scale...
'Whole Lotta Love': 8.3. Yeah, this one's a classic, and the riff's killer, but the lyrics are poor. I also knock points for being plagiarized. 'What Is And What Should Never Be': 9.2. Robert Plant's voice really grinds my last nerve here. 'Lemon Song': 10. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! a pure hunk of riff-driven blues, with some great fretwork by JPJ, especially during the extended bridge.'Thank You': 2.9. Pure, bombastic filler. 'Heartbreaker': 8.9. Another awesome riff ruined by dumb lyrics and vocals.
'Living Loving Maid': 8.7. The band plays great here, and the line, "When your conscience hits, you knock it back with pills" is a line worthy of the Stones. 'Ramble On': 10. This would be the best song found on the album, with great acoustic/electric contrast, a good story, and a vocal performance that doesn't break my eardrums. 'Moby Dick': 3.9. I know many really like this tune, but listen to Cream's Toad and tell me this isn't a rip-off of that one. 'Bring It On Home": 7.6. An effective, bluesy way to close it out.
Though there are bad songs, it's worth it for 'Ramble On' alone. That, and several good songs (Ramble On, Lemon Song, Heartbreaker, Living Loving Maid, Bring It On Home) didn't show up on any Zeppelin comp, so this is good for any rock fan. Just don't expect anything near perfection.


LED ZEPPELIN II
By Jack Flash
March 2, 2005
Rating: 10.0

When I stumbled upon this brilliant, defining album at the record store, I expected more of what was on Zep's excellent, though sometimes restrained, debut. And though blues components and musical chops are remain from that album, released nine months before this one, everything is, quite frankly, better. The riffs, the lyrics, the musical ideas are more evolved and make for a terrific mix with a firm identity taking hold that would propel Led Zeppelin to superstardom.

The first track is "Whole Lotta Love," one of the band's greatest songs with one of their greatest riffs. Page and Bonham show off their chops here, with the former throwing in his famous bow guitar. The next tune, "What Is And What Should Never Be," is another pure classic, showing off Zep's newly acquired originality. Play this one a lot - you'll love it more and more every time. "The Lemon Song" is next, and though it's not entirely original or unique (simply a long, tough blues song with some vaguely sloppy tempo changes), but it's still kick-ass with Mr. Page once again showing off his legendary guitar skills. "Thank You" is possibly the most interesting song on this album, because of its various and unlikely components. First of all, it's not very Zepesque, hell, I could see the Stones doing this one (in fact, Page's opening acoustic guitar hook is lifted off one of the Stones earliest songs, "Tell Me"). But that still doesn't stop it from being a gorgeous tune, awash with sonic beauty and excellent keyboards from the three-named wonder, John Paul Jones. Possibly the group's best ballad.

Side 2 kicks off with two awesome hard rockers, "Heartbreaker" and "Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)," both Zeppelin at their straight-ahead raw rock-blues best, with Page's high flying riffs and soloing (especially on the longer and probably superior former) set to John Bonham's crashing and bashing. To follow up is bare-boned and prophetical "Ramble On." One of the most important things to take place on this album is Robert Plant beginning to take part in the songwriting process. His ideas helped propel the band down more weird and surreal roads some people didn't like, and this acoustic yet lush Lord Of The Rings inspired tune is an early indication of this, which would show up on later pieces like "Battle Of Evermore" and the band's Magnum Opus, "Stairway To Heaven" (the Tolkien-coined "Mordor" is actually used in the lyric). A fine song nonetheless, I like the textures brought on by the guitars. "Moby Dick," showcases Bonham in all his powerful (yet, on this one, strangely restrained) glory in the form of a prolonged solo in the middle of a rock instrumental. It would be taken to new yet unnecessarily long hights live. The closer and their third Willie Dixon cover in two albums, "Bring It On Home," is pure brilliance. It starts out with Plant's mumbled vocals and light harp blowing set JPJ's frenetically atmospheric bass. But soon enough, Page takes over with a powerful and fantastically executed riff and the song turns into an uplifting blues rocker and then switches back again beautifully to put an end to 45 minutes of all that is great about early Led Zeppelin.

II is perhaps LZ's best work, on a par with IV and Physical Graffiti. If you want the best heavy blues rock, look no further than this brilliant, powerful statement.


LED ZEPPELIN II
By Alex Short
May 6, 2001
Rating: 8.5

What an album!! Okay, so not all the songs are classics, but some of them are up there with the best songs of the last 30 years let alone the late 60s. The album starts of with "Whole Lotta Love", Jimmy Pages ultimate guitar riff is lavished up and ripped to shreds on this, the greatest Heavy Metal song of all time. It has that killer riff, Robert Plants howling, Bonhams (you cant touch me) drumming and the steady bass lines of the ever quiet John Paul Jones. To top it off, you have that sublime solo in the middle of the song. Jimmy bends the hell out of those strings. The next three songs on the record stand in poor contrast. The next good song is "Heartbreaker" which has some frenzied, perhaps a little pointless soloing from Jimmy Page. Still though, its a killer song and the solos are good. Then comes song number 6. "Living Loving Maid (Shes Just A Woman)", which like "Good Times Bad Times" and "Comunication Breakdown" found on their debut, is a short and riffing fantastic song under three minutes. That rare for Zeppelin. The next song "Ramble On" perhaps isn't as good, but still the way it switches from a slow then fast song is pulled of well, plus Pagey gets some mean licks in. Presumably on his physcidelic painted Telecaster. Something he'd had since his stint in the Yardbirds. "Moby Dick" is what comes next. Its an instrumental showcasing John Bohnams drumming skills. But despite being fairly catchy in places, the middle part of the song which Bonham leads isn't really what I was expecting. His drumming here is very boring. I recommend listening to the Who song "The Ox", to here how a drum solo should be done. Track number nine, the final song is "Bring It On Home" It starts off as a bluesy kind of song, with Plant mumbling and blowing into a harp, just like the old blueman would do. Then before you know it, bang!!! The song explodes into a killer riff and enters rock phase, and let me tell you. It works. Led Zeppelin had arrived.

To listen to some sound clips from LED ZEPPELIN II or to buy it,  click on: II

LED ZEPPELIN II
By FujiSaki
August 6, 2000
Rating: 9.5

Zoso and Physical Graffiti often receive more praise but I believe this is really there masterpiece. "Whole Lotta Love" is the best song on the album. Awesome head banging riff, Jimmy Page makes great use of the bow, and delivers a great solo in middle. "What Is And What Should Never Be" is another powerful rocker. "The Lemon Song" is more of the same. Total change of direction with "Thank You", Zepp's best ballad. Shows Plant's amazing range and versatility. "Heartbreak" has an awesome solo and cool lyrics. All of the other tracks are great and "Moby Dick" shows us why John Bonham is one of Rock's two best drummers, along with Keith Moon. One of the 10 best albums ever.

To listen to some sound clips from LED ZEPPELIN II or to buy it, click on: II

LED ZEPPELIN IV (aka ZOSO)
By finulanu
September 2, 2006
Rating: 6.0

Most people think IV is Led Zeppelin's best album, but I'm not impressed. Sure, there are three prime cuts: 'Rock and Roll' is a mindlessly fun head-banging riff-o-rama, 'Stairway to Heaven' is... well, 'Stairway to Heaven', and 'When the Levee Breaks' goes down as by far their best extended blues jam (especially compared to 'Since I've Been Loving You' or 'Tea for One'). Throw in the folksy, mandolin-and-voice 'Battle of Evermore' and you've got a great EP.

What about the remaining tracks? I'm no fan of the standard 'Black Dog' - the lyrics suck even by Zeppelin standards, and the band's just playing loud without actually trying to make good music (in contrast to AC/DC, Cream and Jimi Hendrix, who all played loud AND made good music). 'Misty Mountain Hop' is an attempt at humor (and, possibly, social commentary) that falls flat on its face. 'Four Sticks' has some of the worst vocals found on any album (Led Zeppelin or otherwise) and simply drones on way too long. The latter also holds true on 'Goin' to California', a very boring folk song.
Led Zeppelin never blew me away, but I do like some of their stuff. Check out II or Houses of the Holy for good Zeppelin, plus Back in Black, Who's Next, Electric Ladyland, Disraeli Gears and Sticky Fingers for good, hard-hitting rock 'n' roll.


LED ZEPPELIN IV (aka ZOSO)
By Allen
June 2, 2005       
Rating: 9.0

Released in 1971, this album definitely put Zeppelin on their way to being one of rocks best ever. This album definitely became on of their best selling albums during the Led Zep legacy. Not only did it sell very well, it also gave us the most requested song in music history, "Stairway To Heaven", a record it still holds today despite never being released as a single. The legendary DJ "Wolfman Jack" was quoted stating "If I played every request for this song, it would have had to be played 24 hrs. a day for 3 weeks". The album also continued showed just how great not only musicians the members of Led Zeppelin were but how good of songwriters they were a well. "Black Dog" opens the album showing what Zeps all about. Plants moans, Page's guitar riffs and Bonham's off-beat drum rhythm's. "Rock & Roll" also proved that Side One of this album was all good.

Side Two featured "When the Levee Breaks" and "Misty Mountain Hop". "Four Sticks" to me would be the only low song of the entire album but all of it is worth hearing and is one of the few album that you ever come across as one that every song is good on it. "Kashmir" on Physical Graffiti to me was one of the few songs after this album that matched up to most of them on this album. This is definitely a classic and like Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd, will continue to be a good seller as long as there is music.


LED ZEPPELIN IV (aka ZOSO)
By Kevin McRell
July 24, 2000
Rating: 9.5

Led Zeppelin came into its own with this untitled 4th album, establishing themselves as one of the greatest bands ever. 'Black Dog' kicks it off with those esteemed Robert Plant vocals and finishes with a fine "wish it wouldn't end" Page solo. Bonham shines on 'Rock and Roll' and the band's Eastern culture influences are used on the soft but powerful Battle of Evermore. The epic 'Stairway To Heaven' builds from slow-acoustic to one of the most powerful (and famous) guitar solos ever. 'Misty Mountain Hop' and 'Four Sticks' are two great Zep rock songs and 'Going To California' is one of the prettiest and most melodic songs you'll ever hear. Just when you think you've finished on a slow note, Bonham's thunderous drums come crashing onto your speakers on When The Levee Breaks. You'll never hear drums played like this or an album finish so strong and in such an emphatic way again.

To listen to some sound clips from LED ZEPPELIN IV or to buy it, click on: IV

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