Led Zeppelin II

Origin:  UK
Year: 1969
Subgenre: Hard Rock, Classic Rock


Rating:  85  Essential To Any Collection !

The Players: 

Robert Plant   Vocals

Jimmy Page   Guitar

John Paul Jones  Bass, Keyboards

John Bonham   Drums

Led Zeppelin's second release in the space of a single year served to nail shut the decade of the 1960's. While growing up in the 1970's, II was a mandatory album in every car stereo, stirring up massive teenage spirit and excitement for heavy rock 'n' roll. The album has also sold more than 12 million units as well, cementing its position as one of the top financial successes of the genre. From the cool cover art, portraying the shaggy-haired band of rockers surrounded by German zeppelin aviators, to the rowdy rockers within, Led Zeppelin positioned itself as the reigning purveyors of the new kind of heavy music that was exploding in 1969-1970. II was literally filled to the brim with classic hard rock tunes. Whole Lotta Love's metallic riff is one of the most recognizable intros in rock history. One of my favorites, What Is And What Should Never Be, is an example of Zep at its best; this track is a perfect fusion of hard rock and exotic sounds. The Lemon Song, Living Loving Maid, and Ramble On are energetic rockers that typify the early Zeppelin sound, while heavier tunes like Heartbreaker and Bring It On Home kick the flood gates open.  Thank You is a perfectly placed mellow tune that gives the listener a well-deserved breather. The only (mild) disappointment is John Bonham's "drum solo" in the form of Moby Dick; the track starts off well enough with a nice heavy riff, but degenerates into a pretty boring soliloquy of percussion (Bonham is one of the greatest rock drummers and could have lit his solo on fire). Overall, in 1969, this was by far the heaviest album in the universe for its time. Led Zeppelin, with the release of this album, opened the door for bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Uriah Heep to rush through. Personally, I fed off of the energy of II for many years and continue to admire its historical significance and raw beauty.


Whole Lotta Love   92
What Is And What Should Never Be   95
The Lemon Song   79
Thank You   78
Heartbreaker  93
Living Loving Maid   79
Ramble On  82
Moby Dick  76
Bring It On Home   91