Throughout the band’s 12-year run from 1969 until the early 80s, Led Zeppelin released nine albums, including Coda, which dropped after the untimely death of drummer John Bonham. But in the first several years, the classic rock group released four-straight self-titled records, which have come to be known as Led Zeppelin I-IV.
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The albums are stunning, near perfect. But which are the best songs on each of the LPs? Here below, we wanted to explore just that, to root out the cream of the crop. Indeed, these are the best single songs from every self-titled Led Zeppelin record I-IV.
“Dazed And Confused” from ‘Led Zeppelin I’ (1969)
As with each Led Zeppelin, picking the single best song is nearly impossible and may just depend on your mood that day. But “Dazed And Confused” is a moody, brooding song that explodes into a giant rocker that shakes your soul and skeleton in one full sweep. Over moaning guitars and rhythms that howl, lead vocalist Robert Plant sings a blues song about being hurt by love. Not for nothing, but the song led to the movie title of the same name, which is a nice feather in its cap too. But cinema aside, the song is like a fever dream that you want to feel over and over.
“Ramble On” from ‘Led Zeppelin II’ (1969)
An acoustic-driven song that opens with the bright tones of the instrument intermixed with the pitter-patter of soft drums. It is such a pleasant musical feeling as Plant sings with it all. But as he revs up, so does the music, and soon we are in the middle of a volcano of music with rollicking bass lines and shrieking electric guitars. The song talks about moving, moving, moving. A rolling stone gathers no moss, and Led Zepplin ain’t trying to get any of that green stuff on it. This track is a masterclass in production and layering. It’s just perfect.
“Since I’ve Been Loving You” from ‘Led Zeppelin III’ (1970)
Some may think “Immigrant Song” or “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp” is the best song from this record, and they wouldn’t be wrong. But we think the delicate “Since I’ve Been Loving You” just nudges those other two out. It’s the sound of pain put to majestic music.
Sometimes, love hurts. It may begin light and lilting and lovely, but then it can bend before you know it into a swamp of emotion that you wonder if you’ll ever escape. This is what Plant sings about as lead guitarist Jimmy Page plays on. Indeed, as Plant sings, love can be a drag.
“Going To California” from ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ (1971)
The band’s 1971 LP, which is untitled but is commonly known as Led Zeppelin IV, is a veritable greatest hits record with songs like “Black Dog”, “Rock And Roll” and “Stairway To Heaven”. Perhaps the easiest choice for this list would be the iconic “Stairway To Heaven”. But we’re going to zig where others might think we should zag.
The beautiful acoustic-driven “Going To California” is about changing your life. You’ve been hurt by love, and now it’s time to aspire for new things, to head out west, to find the golden state of California to start anew. You can do it, you can find greener pastures. That’s an important idea and one set perfectly to music here.
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
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