I was first introduced to the English rock band Led Zeppelin in high school. Every day as we drove to and from school, my brother (who insisted that as the driver, he had control of the radio) would play CDs of his favorite songs, many of them by Led Zeppelin. Out of the nine studio albums they released over a 13-year span emerged a plethora of songs that have not only retained their popularity to the present day but have also served as inspiration for subsequent musicians. Although there are dozens of songs by Led Zeppelin that are worthy of mentioning, for brevity's sake I list 12 that have not only made an impression on me, but will hopefully make one on you as well.
1. "Out On The Tiles"
From their 1970 album Led Zeppelin III, the opening to this song never failed to get me amped up.
2. "D'yer Mak'er"
This tune was on the 1973 album Houses of the Holy. Sound familiar? That's because Sean Kingston sampled it for his 2007 hit single "Me Love."
3. "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"
The release of their eponymous debut album in 1969 gave the public a first impression of what Led Zeppelin was capable of. This song, while having a melancholy feel, nevertheless remains a favorite of mine.
4. "Going To California"
The seventh track on their 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV is a softer acoustic number, a departure from their usual hard rock sound. It's also quite fitting, since I listen to it whenever I visit my best friend over the summer.
5. "Misty Mountain Hop"
Also on Led Zeppelin IV, "Misty Mountain Hop" has an incredible drum roll towards the end of the song, courtesy of the band's drummer John Bonham. Classic.
6. "Ramble On"
On Led Zeppelin II which, along with Led Zeppelin, came out in 1969, this song makes references to Gollum and Mordor (for all of you J.R.R. Tolkien fans out there).
7. "Black Dog"
"Black Dog" has been on many lists as one of the greatest rock songs ever made. If you've heard it, you'd know why.
8. "Bron-Yr-Aur"
Led Zeppelin dabbled in several genres, and made several acoustic numbers that gained widespread popularity. This instrumental is quite soothing; I tend to listen to it when I nap.
9. "Stairway to Heaven"
"Stairway to Heaven" has been claimed (though not without debate) to be the greatest rock song of all time. Fan and critics, however, tend to agree that its release was a major contribution to the world of rock.
10. "Rock and Roll"
"Rock and Roll" is an embodiment of just that. It's the type of song that makes me want to drive fast (not that I ever should) and sing at the top of my lungs (again, not that I ever should).
11. "Immigrant Song"
This is another track from Led Zeppelin III. It was featured in the movie School of Rock (where I first heard it) and covered for the 2011 film adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
12. "Since I've Been Loving You"
"Since I've Been Loving You" is an example of the band's venture into blues. Some of their influences are blues artists, like Muddy Waters. The beat is slower than those of most of the Led Zeppelin songs I've heard, but it's just as notable.
