11 Best Led Zep Songs

Operational Definition: these are the top 11 Led Zeppelin songs, in order. I have done my best to consider only the quality of the music (not the historical significance, popular opinion, cute backstory, etc.) for each song.

Also, this ranking is far different from the task of "make the ultimate Led Zeppelin album." En otras palabras, es posible que these songs do not go well together as a playlist.

My qualifications: On the "plus" side, I have every studio album, the BBC Sessions, How the West Was Won (DVD and CD's), and the important tracks from Coda. On the "minus" side, I
was born years after September 25, 1980; I have never heard Zep while high; and I don't have very many bootlegs.


11. Kashmir: Damn, this must be a helluva list if Kashmir can't crack the top 10. Hopefully my credibility hasn't gone out the window.

10. When the Levee Breaks: See, I look at Kashmir as PG's version of When the Levee Breaks. When I compare the two, I like Levee more. Close your eyes and I bet you can hear the opening drums. Then, the harmonica. The lyrics aren't too special, but this song is just so heavy and tight that it belongs on this list.

9. Night Flight: I'm a bit of a sucker for the happy Zeppelin songs, I have to admit. Also, when Plant sings, "Oh mama, well I think it's time I'm leavin'", I just smile and smile.

8. Fool in the Rain: Underrated because it's on one of their worst albums.

7 (tie). Going to California: Joni!
7 (tie). Ramble On

6. Bring It On Home: You're probably scratching your head at this one. I freely admit that I love this song more than the fabled Reasonable Person. Plant's vocals on the first verse don't cut it for me, but I love the harmonica and the curious crescendo. Also, the How The West Was Won version is tight.

5. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp: Jeez, more acoustic stuff? Yeah, sorry. You're lucky I didn't throw in "That's the Way."

4. Black Dog: I dare you to find a better opening to an album than the first 20 or so seconds of Black Dog.

3. Over The Hills and Far Away: Beautiful opening guitar riff, simple and solid lyrics, strong vocals. "I live for my dreams and a pocket full of gold." Is "gold" supposed to mean "money" or "marijuana"? We report, you decide!

2. Since I've Been Loving You: The guitar solo, the crescendo, Plant's vocals. "Do you remember mama when I knocked upon your door? I said you had the nerve to tell me you didn't want me no more. I open my front door, hear my back door slam...you know I must have one of them new-fangled backdoor men." Also, what good is a Zep list without acknowledging Zep's roots in blues?

1. Hey Hey What Can I Do (Street Corner Girl): I love how this song combines an upbeat melody (if that's the word) with somewhat depressing lyrics. (Cf. "Heavy Things" by Phish.) Also, I have a special affinity for songs that tell a bit of a story, as this one does. Plus, who among us hasn't dated a prostitute?


"Hey, why not..."

• "Achilles' Last Stand?" Admittedly, it's epic and one of the group's favorites. I just don't dig it that much. It starts so heavy that it has nowhere to go.

• "All My Love?" Incomprehensible lyrics, for one. Also, it's too pretty.

• "Ten Years Gone?" Eh, I guess I'm in too good a mood, haha.

• "Carouselambra?" Seriously?
  

• "Stairway to Heaven?" Because I like those other songs more.

I'd better publish this post now before I start second-guessing myself ("jeez, how can I not have 'Dazed and Confused' on this list?"). Peace out, Seacrest!