Led Zeppelin
untitled
Tracklist:
1. Black Dog (4:57)
2. Rock and Roll (3:40)
3. The Battle of Evermore (5:52)
4. Stairway to Heaven (8:03)
5. Misty Mountain Hop (4:38)
6. Four Sticks (4:45)
7. Going to California (3:31)
8. When the Levee Breaks (7:08)
Total: 42:37
Introduction
Led Zeppelin quickly catapulted into legendary status with the release of their fourth album. Officially, this album has no name, and is therefore untitled. Most fans usually refer to this release as Led Zeppelin IV; other names include Four Symbols and ZOSO. This album contains many of Led Zeppelin�s most well known songs, including the radio staple �Stairway to Heaven�, which went on to become one of rock�s most memorable songs ever. Also with the release of this album, Led Zeppelin have shown that they have matured and evolved their sound, resulting in well composed tracks and important contributions from all four members of the band.
Synopsis
The energetic �Black Dog� opens up Led Zeppelin�s untitled album, and it�s an appropriate opener. The song contains some heavy instrumental parts that quickly fade away to give way to powerful vocals from Plant, and then kick in as fast as they faded away. The song closes with a cool guitar solo.
Next up is the even more vigorous track �Rock and Roll�, which like the opener, features some strong vocals, as well as great guitar and bass riffs from Page and Jones, respectively. Of course, you can�t mention this song without talking about Bonzo�s powerful drumming skills. Songs like �Rock and Roll� show off John Bonham�s excellent drumming techniques. The song comes to a booming close with a short drum solo.
Things calm down about in the third track, �The Battle of Evermore�, which has some good vocals from Robert Plant, and the addition of backup vocals by Sandy Denny add some energy to this otherwise tranquil song. The song contains no percussion at all, and the music is played with a mandolin.
What else is there to say about �Stairway to Heaven� that hasn�t been said already? I won�t say much, but to make it short, �Stairway to Heaven� is truly one of rock�s all time greatest songs, featuring heartfelt lyrics, powerful drumming, strong vocals, great keyboard melodies, and not to mention one of the most memorable guitar solos ever.
�Misty Mountain Hop� is next, and it is yet another song with some loud drumming from Bonzo. Jones provides a catchy keyboard melody, and Page plays along with it. Plant just delivers some loud vocals, and also recorded the backup vocals that add to the power of his voice.
�Four Sticks� features some awesome percussion from John Bonham. He uses two sticks in each hand to create a thundering drumbeat, hence the name four sticks. This is definitely one of the most fun Led Zeppelin songs to listen to.
Another acoustic track �Going to California� is just about that�going to California. Plant sings really well here, and the acoustic melody that Page creates is very memorable. Bonzo once again takes the backseat here, as there isn�t percussion in this song.
The closing track to the album is �When the Levee Breaks�. This song is definitely one of the main highlights of this album. The main drumbeat in this song has to be one of the most recognizable drumbeats in rock. Plant provides some blues-style harmonica melodies, not to mention some of his most powerful vocals on the album.
Highlights
�Rock and Roll�, �Stairway to Heaven�, �When the Levee Breaks�
Bottom Line
I can only name a few albums that I would listen to the whole way though. This album, whatever you like to call it, is one of them. Led Zeppelin recorded a masterpiece in their fourth album. If you�re a fan, you should already own this record already. If not, go out and get it now; it�s worth every penny. A lot of non-music fans may even find something to like about this album.
Final Grade: A+
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Last Updated ::
5/5/2005
Album: Untitled
Album line-up:
Robert Plant (Vocals, harmonica)
Jimmy Page (Electric, acoustic & 12-string guitar, mandolin)
John Paul Jones (Bass, keyboards)
John Bonham (Drums, percussion)
Additional Personnel:
Sandy Denny (backup vocals on �The Battle of Evermore�)
Ian Stewart (piano on �Rock and Roll�)
Release Year: 1971
Label: Atlantic
Produced by: Jimmy Page