OK, the debate shall always rage now and forevermore until the end of time if Led Zeppelin was ever actually metal. No matter how you feel their status, though, one thing is certain: they influenced the hell out of what would undoubtedly end up becoming "metal" music. With this masterpiece of a fourth release, the British band instantly left their mark on musical history. If they had disbanded immediately after this album was released they would still be regarded as one of the greatest bands of all time - it's as simple as that.
You have probably heard most of these tunes on some classic rock station, so by now you may be a little tired of them. I say to you, however, SHAME ON YOU!!! This release, despite most of it being played throughout the day on stations across the country, is one of those records that never seems to lose its power and mystery. Starting off with the classic "Rock and Roll," which rolls with John Bonham's godly drumming, Jimmy Page's expert guitar playing, Robert Plant's crooning and John Paul Jones' masterful bass runs, you get the sense that the album is indeed something special. The band gives you no time to catch your breath as "Black Dog," another airwaves staple, comes barreling out with force. After that the album never really lets up, playing classic after classic. Of course, it is probably most famous for holding Zeppelin's signature track, "Stairway to Heaven". Being the only song to have the lyrics included, the spiraling cut instantly became just as legendary and mystical as the band itself. Even if you have heard it a million times, it's hard to deny the power held within.
It's difficult to name "highlights" on such a legendary release as this, but other notables are the folky "Battle of Evermore," the calmer "Going to California," and the closer "When the Levee Breaks," which contains breakthrough drum sounds due to those parts being recorded in a stairwell. Not to be forgotten, the organ-and-guitar thumper "Misty Mountain Hop" is infectious and dangerous, and pure hard rocking Zeppelin.
After this album the band really began to roll, releasing more classics that would further improve their track record, but I probably still consider this one their best. Again, all the songs are legendary. Just go buy it if you haven't. Now. What are you waiting for?...

TRACK LIST:
1. Rock And Roll
2. Black Dog
3. The Battle Of Evermore
4. Stairway To Heaven
5. Misty Mountain Hop
6. Four Sticks
7. Going To California
8. When The Levee Breaks

Review by Carson Ray