The opening tracks of Led Zeppelin albums showcase a remarkable variety and depth that mirror the evolution of their musical journey. These songs serve as a detailed roadmap, highlighting how the band swiftly moved beyond their initial influences to redefine the parameters of what hard rock could achieve. Each track is not just an introduction but a testament to their innovative spirit.
The first two albums from the iconic quartet of John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant were massive, heavy blues-oriented entities, so closely linked to their musical roots that they sparked copyright lawsuits. Following the success of 1969’s Led Zeppelin I, which achieved eight-times-platinum status, and the twelve-times-platinum Led Zeppelin II, the band released Led Zeppelin III in 1970. This album marked a significant shift, showcasing the band’s willingness to explore new musical territories and solidifying their unique sound.
The monumental Led Zeppelin IV, an international sensation that sold twenty-four times-platinum, marked a pivotal moment in their career in 1971. This was followed by 1973’s chart-topping Houses of the Holy, which represented the peak of their creative freedom. However, 1975’s Physical Graffiti faced challenges in maintaining engagement over its expansive two-album format. The band then returned to their hard blues roots with 1976’s multi-platinum Presence, before concluding their initial era with yet another chart-topping release, 1979’s In Through the Out Door.
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The aptly named Coda, a million-seller released in 1982, officially marked the end of an era, featuring tracks that were left over after the sudden passing of Bonham, which shocked the band. By this time, Led Zeppelin had released nine albums, each accompanied by nine compelling opening songs that encapsulate their meteoric rise to fame better than any biography could. Here’s a detailed, ranked retrospective of these legendary openings:
No. 9. “We’re Gonna Groove”
From: Coda (1982)
The post-breakup compilation album Coda kicks off with “We’re Gonna Groove,” a song that Led Zeppelin had contemplated including on their second album. This surprisingly powerful, R&B-influenced blues track, originally by Ben E. King of “Stand By Me” fame, was a fitting choice for one of their early heavy reinterpretations. The band performed this track live at London’s Royal Albert Hall on January 9, 1970, where they initially made their mark, and later, Jimmy Page enhanced it with new guitar layers for its release. This track, along with their rendition of Willie Dixon‘s “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” also from that performance, showcases their creative prowess.
No. 8. “Good Times Bad Times”
From: Led Zeppelin I (1969)
“Good Times Bad Times” encapsulates the essence of Led Zeppelin’s initial blues-infused hard rock style, although it was rarely performed live. An exception occurred during the 2007 Celebration Day reunion show, where it served as the opening number. The iconic riff, which was originally conceived by John Paul Jones on an organ, was executed on a guitar gifted by Jeff Beck. John Bonham added his signature touch with a series of triplets inspired by Carmine Appice‘s work on a contemporary Vanilla Fudge cover of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride.”
No. 7. “Custard Pie”
From: Physical Graffiti (1975)
“Custard Pie” emerged from the creative sessions in early 1974 at Headley Grange, where enough material was generated for about three sides of music. Instead of making tough choices to produce a single LP, Led Zeppelin opted to fill out their double album with some less compelling leftovers from previous works, which diluted the impact of this hard-hitting opener. However, Page‘s explosive guitar solo, run through an ARP synthesizer, remains a highlight and is almost worth the price of admission on its own.
No. 6. “Whole Lotta Love”
From: Led Zeppelin II (1969)
The excess that later characterized Physical Graffiti began to manifest in “Whole Lotta Love.” Originally clocking in at a robust 5:30, this song featured an extended segment of psychedelic vocals and overdubbed, wildly stereo-panned sounds. During live performances, it evolved into a sprawling masterpiece, sometimes extending beyond 20 minutes. For a concise experience, the gold-selling, tightly structured U.S. hit single version, lasting 3:45, serves as a powerful preview of the heavy metal genre’s future.
No. 5. “The Song Remains the Same”
From: Houses of the Holy (1973)
By the time of this release, Led Zeppelin had accumulated a wealth of live experience and countless stories. This rich history made it easy for Robert Plant to weave road-themed lyrics into “The Song Remains the Same.” Initially conceived by Page as an instrumental track called “The Overture,” intended to precede “The Rain Song,” it features an inventive arrangement. The band skillfully transitions from a half-tempo section into a furious finale, showcasing the creative inventiveness that characterizes this often-overlooked album.
No. 4. “In the Evening”
From: In Through the Out Door (1979)
This globally successful album produced one of Led Zeppelin’s most tender and emotional moments with “All My Love,” a heartfelt tribute to Plant‘s late son, Karac, who tragically passed away during their North American tour in 1977. However, In Through the Out Door begins with “In the Evening,” a thrilling, metallic plea for love, featuring a captivating middle section that adds depth. This track showcases Page‘s finest work on an album that, unfortunately, had fewer standout moments.
No. 3. “Black Dog”
From: Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
The sessions for this groundbreaking album kicked off with “Black Dog,” a complex statement of intent that combined a powerful collaborative riff from Page and Jones, along with their signature stuttering rhythms and Plant‘s evocative lyrics about desire. The song was inspired by a wandering retriever that would return each morning to the studio, seemingly exhausted from nights of revelry. True to the nature of the blues songs that influenced them, “Black Dog” concludes with an unexpected twist.
No. 2. “Achilles Last Stand”
From: Presence (1976)
The intricate rhythm sections for this masterful ten-minute opening track were laid down first, featuring Jones on a distinctive eight-string bass. Plant then crafted the lyrics, drawing inspiration from his recent travels in Africa with Page. Following this, an intense overdubbing session saw Page layering not just two or four, but an astounding six guitars. The thunderous outcome is reminiscent of an advancing army, leading Page to declare “Achilles Last Stand” as his favorite track from Led Zeppelin’s extensive catalog.
No. 1. “Immigrant Song”
From: Led Zeppelin III (1970)
“Immigrant Song” kicks off with Plant‘s unforgettable wail, immediately drawing listeners into the song’s driving energy, foreshadowing the more acoustic direction III soon embraces. The relentless foundational track was honed at Olympic Studios, with additional work completed at Headley Grange. Plant drew inspiration for the lyrics during a sleepless night in Iceland, where the summer’s endless daylight led him to contemplate “Vikings” and “big ships.” This song has influenced countless future heavy metal artists who followed in their footsteps.
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Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
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