When Led Zeppelin was formed in London, little did they know that in a year, they would be on top of the rock and roll world. When their first album, titled Led Zeppelin, came out in January 1969, it was extremely popular, and the band rose to fame. I’ve done Zeppelin album reviews before, but I wanted to go to the album that started it all, in August 1968. Led Zeppelin had some of the rawest talent ever assembled. With lead singer Robert Plant, bassist John Paul Jones, legendary guitarist Jimmy Page, and drummer John Bonham, who is considered by many to be the best drummer ever. Though this album may not have sold as many as other albums, it is still some of their best work.
Good Times Bad Times
This was the song that introduced the band, and it does a good job at doing just that. The raw talent is shown here, with Bonham’s fast, heavy sound, Page’s amazing guitar solo, and Plant’s beautiful vocals. It is also the style of rock that Zeppelin would go on to be known for. A combination of blues and hard rock, something revolutionary at the time. Overall, an amazing song to start the album, so I give it a 10/10.
Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
This song brings in more of a folk-rock sound and combines it with the explosive hard rock. They blend it amazingly. Bonham adds a sharp and intense sound to the song that was once again new to the rock world. Of course, bassist John Paul Jones needs love, too, providing a smooth-sounding bassline that serves as the foundation of the song. Overall, another good song, I give this a 9/10
You Shook Me
This is one of the slowest songs the band has ever made, but even then, it is still an amazing song. Though it’s slow, it’s still very heavy blues-sounding. There are many amazing solos within this 6-minute song, with Page, JPJ on the organ, and Plant on the harmonica, which are all beautiful. It’s a good song, but it’s a little too slow at times. I give it a 7/10.
Dazed and Confused
Another slower song here. Jimmy Page famously used a violin bow on his guitar to make the sound we hear. JPJ’s bassline is also amazing. Plant’s vocals are very emotional and show his high vocal range. Overall, the song follows a slower path and really has no buildup, but I do like it more than You Shook Me. I give it an 8/10.
Your Time is Gonna Come
The beginning of this song makes me feel like I’m in church. The organ has a very spiritual sound. The song blends acoustic and the signature heavy sound of Zeppelin. Page also used a steel guitar for this song, which would become a staple in the 90s country music scene, and Page used it way back in the 60s. This is one of Zeppelin’s most unique songs, and I actually like it. I give it a 9/10
Black Mountain Side
Zeppelin has had a couple of instruments in its history, and this was the first. There’s nothing much to say about it. To me, it really feels like filler to take up space on the album. Nothing about the song is bad, but it just feels out of place. I give it a 7/10.
Communication Breakdown
This goes back to a much faster rhythm and high-energy style similar to Good Times Bad Times. This is my personal favorite song on the album for many reasons. Page’s riffs are iconic and fast, making it one of my favorites. Bonham, however, is the backbone of this song; his booming sound is iconic and unmistakable. Of course, John Paul Jones’s bassline is amazing as well, and this song feels like classic rock n roll. This song is very easily a 10/10.
How Many More Times
To me, this song is incredibly underrated. This song showcases every band member. JPJ’s bassline is noticeable and flows really well. Page’s guitar playing, from the riff towards the beginning to throughout, is incredible. Plant is not as present in this as some others, but he is pretty good when he does sing. Bonham, of course, is as good as always. I admire the raw blues that this song presents, and how each band member has notable moments. I also give this song a 10/10
Though Led Zeppelin IV is by far my favorite album, Led Zeppelin I is up there as well. It introduced components of the band that they would become famous for in the future. This album set Zeppelin up for success in a big way. Overall, this album is simple, but that’s what’s good about it. It’s classic Led Zeppelin. With that, I give this song a 10/10.
