Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Led Zeppelin certainly left an indelible mark on music history. The band’s story is quite literally the stuff of legend if not the template for virtually every ‘rock ‘n roll’ act that followed. Formed in 1968, the London-based foursome (Plant, Page, Bonham & Jones) is quite possibly the best example of that ‘whole being greater than the sum of its parts’ business this side of Voltron.
Like umpteen others, my connection to Led Zeppelin runs deep. From childhood memories of staring at the Led Zeppelin IV album cover to a love-at-first-listen moment with “Immigrant Song,” the band has been a constant (ahem) presence in my life. Diving into their catalog as a teenager felt like rediscovering an old friend, thanks to the constant deep-cut airplay I heard on the radio growing up. It’s remarkable that music this old still has the power to make me (also old) feel like a kid.
Over the course of eight studio records, Led Zeppelin explored blues, folk, psychedelia, and don’t forget the part where they helped invent heavy metal. They consistently pushed the boundaries and, in the process, left behind a catalog of timeless classics that continues to inspire. That’s not to say that every album is a masterpiece, but there’s certainly a case to be made that each is essential listening, a case I’ll do my best to make here.
Per usual, there are a few caveats I need to get out of the way…
*Caveat Number One: I will only be ranking Zeppelin’s studio output. I know, I know, they were better live! Hey, I have to draw a line somewhere. The Song Remains the Same is the best-known live album, How The West Was Won is the best, Celebration Day is worth a listen, but the real gold is in the countless bootlegs floating around on YouTube. Zeppelin wasn’t always ‘on,’ but when they were…
**Caveat Number Two: I typically wouldn’t bother with an ‘odds & sods’ release, but for reasons I’ll outline below, I am definitely going to discuss the posthumous collection of b-sides and outtakes that is CODA.
***Caveat Number Three: It should go without saying, but I’m going to say it regardless: I LOVE this band. This ranking is just one man’s opinion, but said opinion comes from a place of appreciation.
****Caveat Number Four: I’d like to file anything I’ve written below in the ever-so-subjective ‘prisoner of the moment’ category. If I were to repeat this process six months from now, my results would probably change (actually, maybe not).
Alright, let’s dive in…
9. Presence (1976)
It feels a bit too easy falling so in line with the critical consensus, but no matter how much I love “Achilles Last Stand” and the overall stripped-down approach, Presence is far from Led Zeppelin’s finest hour. Now, don’t get me wrong, the 1976 release is still an amazing record and probably the band’s most rocking cover-to-cover release. That said, at their best, Zeppelin was a blend of, well, just about everything. For all of its amps-to-eleven energy, Presence lacks the dynamic eclecticism that had become the band’s calling card.
The band (especially Page and Bonham) sound in fine form throughout, but I’ve always viewed Presence as Plant’s ‘growing pains’ record. Years of hard partying had already done considerable damage to his voice, and a nasty car accident (that left him confined to a wheelchair for this recording session) certainly didn’t help things. Plant turned in an admirable performance for the most part, but the singer’s voice had permanently changed. Fortunately, Plant would soon embrace a different approach and still had decades of top-tier work ahead, but he kinda sounds a little lost here.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
“Achilles Last Stand” and “Nobody’s Fault but Mine” are the obvious picks, if for no other reason than they showed that Led Zeppelin was still a force to be reckoned with. “For Your Life” and “Royal Orleans” might not have much going on in the ‘hook’ department, but the band sounds tight as hell on both tracks.
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
There are a ton of people out there who cherish this one, but I’ve been scratching my head at “Tea For One” for decades. Was it supposed to be a blatant rewrite of “Since I’ve Been Loving You”? It’s certainly grown on me over the years, but I can’t help but compare it to its earlier (superior) template whenever I listen.
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
I’ve always been a sucker for the swingin’ start/stop riff at the core of “Hots on for Nowhere.” Featuring one of the album’s catchiest choruses and a ridiculously captivating solo from Page, the song would’ve sounded right at home on Houses or Physical Graffiti.
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
For the mighty arms of Atlas, Hold the heavens from the earth – “Achilles Last Stand”
8. In Through the Out Door (1979)
Ahh, the one with all the keyboards. I all but avoided In Through the Out Door during my formative years, largely due to the assumption that the synth-drenched “All My Love” was indicative of the album as a whole. Of course, I eventually circled back (once I realized just how genius that song actually is), and boy, am I glad I did. Sure, Page might’ve sat most of this one out, but he sure makes it count when he shows up.
As for the rhythm section, Bonham turns in a typical jaw-dropping performance, and Jones pretty much steers the ship here, co-writing all but one song. Unfortunately, In Through the Out Door is the second album in a row where one member wasn’t on his A-game, and it shows. The highs are up there with anything in Zeppelin’s catalog, but with only seven songs, it’s hard to call this anything other than a mixed bag.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
Most will recognize “In the Evening,” “Fool in the Rain,” and “All My Love” from the FM airwaves, and all three serve as a stark reminder that Zeppelin still had the goods when they decided to call it a day.
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
It may be a fun (albeit sloppy) change of pace, but “Hot Dog” is the very definition of filler.
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
The piano-driven “South Bound Suarez” is a surprisingly spry little rocker. Plant sounds downright youthful here, and Page’s lead playing is equally inspired. “Carouselambra” also deserves a shout out–yes, it’s a bit repetitive, but I (the massive Genesis fan that I am) have no issues with the maple-syrup synth patch that practically owns the mix. Oh, and don’t forget that time-machine scream that Plant nails at the end of “I’m Gonna Crawl.”
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
The breakdown and subsequent drum fill that returns the song to its main riff is one of the most impressive pieces of drumming I’ve ever heard – “Fool in the Rain”
Quick Note: Presence and In Through the Out Door winding up at the bottom of this list will surprise no one, but even as I write this, I find myself waffling over which album I prefer. Both are flawed but chock full of character–a true toss-up! While I feel Presence is the more solid cover-to-cover listen, In Through the Out Door has the higher ‘highs’ and, therefore, gets the ‘by-a-hair’ nod here.
7. Coda (1982)
Typically found at the bottom of your average Led Zeppelin ranking, it’s pretty safe to say I hold 1982’s Coda in higher regard than most. Maybe it’s because this farewell compilation reminds me a bit of Physical Graffiti in that it offers a diverse sampling of the band’s sound, albeit in a more condensed form. Or maybe it’s because these tracks still sound fresh, thanks to the lack of radio overkill. Any way you slice it, Coda is nothing if not underappreciated.
Now, full disclosure: if we’re talking about the original eight-song release, Coda probably doesn’t make it this high on my list. Add in a couple extra ‘must listen’ tracks (see below) from any one of the re-releases, and you have something that feels a bit more like essential listening. Regardless of the version, however, Coda remains a fitting epilogue and a treasure trove for devoted fans.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
I kinda wish they’d left them as is, but studio-enhancement notwithstanding, “We’re Gonna Groove” and “I Can’t Quit You Baby” are a phenomenal showcase for peak Plant, and there’s a case to be made for adding any of the three In Through the Out Door outtakes instantly elevating Zeppelin’s final studio album.
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
As a late-career showcase for John Bonham’s unparalleled drumming prowess, “Bonzo’s Montreux” is a nice bookend to “Moby Dick.” Unfortunately, even the best drum solo bores me to tears.
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
It didn’t appear on Coda until the 1993 re-release (which saw the addition of four tracks), but “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” is worth the price of admission. This Led Zeppelin III holdover (b-side to “Immigrant Song”) endures as one of the band’s most recognizable tunes, thanks in no small part to a steady dose of satellite airplay–the very definition of a hidden gem.
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
The thunderous drum intro to “Bonzo’s Montreux” serves as a poignant reminder of John Bonham’s immense talent and the void left by his passing.
6. Led Zeppelin II (1969)
In many ways, Led Zeppelin’s second album found the band embracing an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mindset. Released just months after their debut, much of the material was conceived on the road. The result was a leaner, meaner take on the band’s signature blend of rock, blues, and folk. Just about every track sounds like it was captured in a single take, thanks in large part to the band’s live chops and a batch of road-tested songs. That’s not to say this is a perfect album (I’ll get to that in a minute), but that wasn’t the point. Led Zeppelin II was all about striking while the proverbial iron was hot–the band just so happened to be at the peak of their powers. It kills me that this album comes in this low, but that’s how it goes when you’re strolling through air this rarified.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
“Whole Lotta Love” kicks things off with a riff so massive it practically defines the entire hard rock genre. “Ramble On” and “What Is and What Should Never Be” showcase that ‘quiet verse/loud chorus’ template that bands like Nirvana would later build their career on. And let’s not forget “Heartbreaker” – Page’s unaccompanied guitar solo in the middle is the stuff of legend, a fretboard frenzy that left guitarists worldwide (like Eddie Van Halen) scratching their heads.
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
It doesn’t help that I borderline can’t stand drum solos in general, but even at a paltry four and a half minutes, “Moby Dick” has always felt about four minutes too long (why not just nestle it into the middle of another song like Page’s solo on “Heartbreaker”???). That said, “The Lemon Song” might be my least favorite song from the band period. Fortunately, Zeppelin was just about out of blues standards by this stage.
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
“Bring It On Home” often gets overshadowed by the album’s bigger hits, but it’s a straight-up gem that deserves more love. It starts off innocently enough, with Plant doing his best Sonny Boy Williamson II impression over a bluesy harmonica riff. But just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the band explodes into a hard-driving rocker that’ll knock you flat on your ass. It’s like Zeppelin saying, “Oh, you thought we were done? Think again.”
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
The moment in “Whole Lotta Love” when the chaotic, swirling middle section suddenly snaps back into that earth-shaking riff. It’s like being thrown out of a fever dream directly into the front row of a Zeppelin concert. Every time I hear it, I swear I can feel the ground shake. – “Whole Lotta Love”
5. Led Zeppelin III (1970)
I’ll never forget the first time I listened to Led Zeppelin III, a.k.a. ‘the weird, acoustic one’ according to those in the know (i.e., the older kids on the bus) back in the day. The A-side rockers (“Immigrant Song,” “Celebration Day,” “Out on the Tiles”) were so heavy I started to wonder if I was listening to the right album. The truth, of course, was that III was far less subdued than the critics would have you believe. Songs like “Friends” and “Gallows Pole” may have been acoustically driven, but the songs were chock full of energy. In anything, Led Zeppelin III established the eclectic template that the band would go on to perfect with album number four.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
Thanks to Marvel, a whole new generation of ten-year-olds discovered Zeppelin through “Immigrant Song.” “Since I’ve Been Loving You” stands as one of Zeppelin’s finest blues performances, and “Gallows Pole” is a perfect template for amped-up folk (the song also earned a whole new lease on life thanks to the Page & Plant UnLedded).
Castles Burning (Lowlights)
“Hats Off to (Roy) Harper” is, um, yeah…(at least it’s the last track).
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
“That’s the Way” showcases the band’s softer side, with Page’s delicate acoustic work complementing Plant’s tender vocals. It’s a beautiful, often overlooked stroke of understated genius that might be the best ballad in their catalog.
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
oh-ah-aaahhh, ah!, oh-ah-aaahhh, ah! – “Immigrant Song”
4. Houses of the Holy (1973)
Where Zeppelin’s fourth LP feels like a culmination of everything the band had previously done, Houses of the Holy is notable for its bold sense of departure. Rather than double down on the success of IV, Page and Co. opted to push the envelope in virtually every direction, resulting in what might be the band’s most eclectic set of songs. Be it funk (“The Crunge”), reggae (“D’yer Mak’er”), or even prog (“The Song Remains the Same”), Zeppelin was in full-on exploration mode. Not every experiment is a success, but one can’t help but marvel at the brazen creativity on display here. Houses of the Holy may not be my personal favorite, but it’s clearly the work of a band at the top of their game.
Considering the wealth of material left on the cutting room floor, Houses of the Holy is a classic case of ‘what could have been.’ Just imagine a strategic reshuffling involving songs like “The Rover” and that classic title track. Still, the album remains an achievement if for no other reason than it managed to sustain that Led Zeppelin IV momentum.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
Not unlike IV, odds are you’ve heard virtually every song here on FM radio over the years. “D’yer Mak’er,” “The Crunge,” “The Ocean,” and the open-mic staple “Over the Hills and Far Away” are probably the album’s most recognizable moments (at least in Northeast Ohio).
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
It’s a shame that the studio version of “No Quarter” was so consistently outshined by live interpretations (and a mighty impressive cover by Tool to boot).
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
“Dancing Days” is in contention for my all-time favorite Zeppelin track and a perfect example of the band’s ability to capably infuse blistering rock with shades of world music.
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
You’ll be my only, my one and only, I guess that’s the way it should start – “Dancing Days”
3. Led Zeppelin (1969)
An Earth-shattering debut is by no means a prerequisite for a successful career, but it certainly helps. And ‘Earth-shattering’ is practically an understatement when attempting to describe the far-reaching impact of Led Zeppelin’s 1969 self-titled release. Page and Jones’ studio chops, paired with Plant and Bonham’s wide-eyed energy, proved a winning combination from the start. Reportedly recorded in 36 hours of studio time, Led Zeppelin is a stunningly realized showcase for a band that was just a few months old. The craziest part, however, is how the album was only a hint of things to come. Had this been Zeppelin’s only contribution to music, the band’s influence would likely still have resonated. Fortunately, Led Zeppelin’s debut was just the beginning.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
“Good Times, Bad Times” might still be the best “hello, world” anthem, “Dazed and Confused” is still one of the heaviest riffs I’ve ever heard (and has long been my favorite thing to play on any guitar), and the band practically invented punk with “Communication Breakdown.”
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
“You Shook Me” has always felt a bit out of place to me. Granted, Zeppelin trouncing its way through an old standard was par for the course during their early days, but two Dixon covers on the same album feels a bit redundant.
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
“How Many More Times” was the band’s first epic album closer and, for my money, might be the best showcase for their psychedelic-tinged tendencies not named “Dazed and Confused.”
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man – “Good Times, Bad Times”
2. Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
There’s a part of me that feels a bit weird about not automatically throwing Led Zeppelin’s fourth LP at the top of this list. There’s a large contingent of fans and critics alike that probably would, and I’d have absolutely no problem with it. I mean, this is ‘the one with Stairway.’ Led Zeppelin IV is a certifiable masterpiece that didn’t go twenty-four (and counting) times platinum by accident. Radio has certainly done its best to burn me out on a number of these songs over the years, but I still enjoy listening to this one cover to cover.
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
I mean, what’s not to like? “Black Dog” just might be the best riff of all time, and “Rock and Roll” couldn’t be more appropriately titled. “Battle of Evermore” features my favorite use of a mandolin this side of “Losing My Religion” while “Stairway to Heaven” practically defines the term epic. And that’s just the A-side! Honestly, close your eyes and drop the needle anywhere your heart desires–this whole thing is a highlight.
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
There’s a case to be made that “Misty Mountain Hop” dances on that oh-so-thin line between ‘deep cut’ and ‘filler,’ but I think this Tolkien-inspired romp is a crucial component of this album.
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
Not sure if anything on an album this big can really qualify as a ‘deep cut,’ but “Four Sticks” and “Going to California” are top-tier songs that I’ve rarely, if ever, heard on the radio.
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, There’s still time to change the road you’re on – “Stairway to Heaven”
1. Physical Graffiti (1975)
Yes, it’s eighty-two minutes and change. Yes, it’s a bit of an ‘odds & sods’ collection. But in this writer’s opinion, 1975’s Physical Graffiti is Led Zeppelin at their peak. It’s also one of (if not) the best double albums of all time. Despite drawing upon material dating all the way back to Led Zeppelin III (which is why Plant’s voice is a little all over the place in terms of tone), Physical Graffiti is a remarkably cohesive listen.
What can I say? The album has it all–rockers and ballads, instrumentals and massive epics, and, of course, a handful of undeniable singles that have owned US airwaves for almost half a century. In a rare case where a list of superlatives undersells, I’ll opt for the layman’s approach: Physical Graffiti freakin’ rocks!
Turns to Gold (Highlights)
Physical Graffiti spawned several classic rock radio staples that have stood the test of time. Tracks like the epic “In My Time of Dying,” the funky “Trampled Under Foot,” and the hard-rocking “Houses of the Holy” represent some of Led Zeppelin’s most enduring and influential work while “Kashmir” took on a life of its own and remains Robert Plant’s personal favorite Zeppelin Track. That said, I could make a compelling case for most of the record—the singles are obvious highlights, but a cover-to-cover listen reveals few, if any, flaws.
Dazed and Confused (Lowlights)
I’m not sure there’s anything here I’d trim—this is the rare example of a double album where (arguably) every track earns its keep (yes, even “Boogie With Stu”).
Hats Off to… (Best Deep Cut)
‘Deep cut’ might be a bit of a misnomer, especially considering that I’ve heard it here and there on classic rock radio, but “Ten Years Gone” is my personal favorite Zeppelin track and a showcase for everything this band was capable of. From Plant’s nostalgic lyric and Page’s multi-tracked brilliance to Bonham’s understated groove (the man always knew exactly what to play) and Jones’ orchestral embellishments, everyone shines on this one.
Ramble On (Favorite Lyric and/or Moment)
Then as it was, then again it will be, And though the course may change sometimes rivers always reach the sea – “Ten Years Gone”
Parting Thought:
Led Zeppelin’s catalog isn’t just a collection of albums; it’s practically a blueprint for rock ‘n’ roll that continues to inspire half a century (and change) later–the list of bands this influential is pretty short. There’s a part of me that will always wish I could’ve been there to see the band at their peak. Fortunately, the records remain, and I’m going to be listening from here on out.
Excellent rankings! Although I would make two changes to it. Coda to #9 and swap Led Zeppelin III with Houses Of The Holy. I completely agree that The Song Remains The Same is the most recognized live album but How The West Was Won is the best live album and in my opinion, the Immigrant Song on HTWWW is the best version period.