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It’s an album that’s so successful that trying to replicate the opening riff from its most famous song will get you banned from any music store.
OK, that last part may be an urban legend aided by Wayne’s World. Nevertheless, it’s an album that monumentally impacted Rock. That album is Led Zeppelin IV and on November 8, 2021, it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its release.
Led Zeppelin had experienced an exponential growth in popularity in a short amount of time. The group debuted in late 1968 and released their self-titled debut album in January 1969. In a period of 18 months following the release of their debut record, they put out a total of three studio albums and performed 220 concerts around the world.
They were a global phenomenon, but needed time to regroup.
After releasing Led Zeppelin III in October 1970, Led Zeppelin opted to forego a tour promoting the album and decided to shack up in the countryside.
Following an initial writing period at Bron-Yr-Aur, the 18th-century cottage where they recorded their third album, the band moved to the country house Headley Grange. The location served as the polar opposite to the band’s notorious raucous environment on the road.
With music on the forefront and the ability to record whenever and wherever they wanted to, Led Zeppelin maximized the potential to the fullest extent.
If you were only to listen to the first side of this album, it would give you an understanding of the sheer power of Led Zeppelin and why they’ve become loved by millions.
The album opens up with “Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” and “The Battle of Evermore” before the first side finishes off with the band’s signature song, “Stairway to Heaven.”
Funny enough, Robert Plant recently admitted that he’s just now, in 2021, learning to hate the song.
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While the second side of the album may not have the name recognition that the first does, it still serves as some of Zeppelin’s finest work.
Encompassing pure Rock on “Misty Mountain Hop,” the Blues/Rock fusion of “Four Sticks,” Folk on “Going To California,” and the ultimate album closer, the gritty reimagination of the Kansas Joe McCroy and Memphis Minnie song “When The Levee Breaks,” the second side of the record showcases all of Led Zeppelin’s influences and their ability to make it their own.
The album was an immediate hit upon release and has gone on to become the band’s best-selling album. It continues to not only serve as an introduction to Rock for many people that decide to embark on that journey, but also serves as an album that perfectly encapsulates the ‘70s Hard Rock sound.
As you celebrate the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin IV, be sure to check out Led Zeppelin Radio, Audacy’s Exclusive Station dedicated to the band and featuring music from similar artists.
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