When the Beatles broke up in 1969, they left a gaping void of musical talent that many wouldn’t dare to fill … Unless, of course, you’re as legendary as Led Zeppelin.
They had a fantastic debut, but their second album is one of my absolute favourites. How would I rank the tracks? Thanks to commenter “Daniel” for the suggestion – if you have a list idea you want me to do, make sure to get in contact!
Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:
OK
9 – Thank You
Led Zeppelin are usually pretty good at interspersing the Hard Rock tracks with slower, more methodical ones, but “Thank You” doesn’t do much for me.
It has no riff or vocal hook that I can sink my teeth into, and it sticks around for longer than I would’ve liked.
Good
8 – The Lemon Song
“The Lemon Song” is a fair step down after the first two excellent songs on the album, but I find it charming.
It has a simple riff and a bouncy bass performance, and the sudden accelerations give it a fun energy.
7 – Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman)
Speaking of fun, “Living Loving Maid (She’s Just a Woman)” is the broadest song on the album, but I dig it.
It didn’t exactly make waves with its songwriting, but the performances are bubbly and the chorus is fairly catchy.
6 – Bring It on Home
Led Zeppelin went full-on Blues for the album closer “Bring It on Home”, but I wanted more.
It’s good for what it’s trying to accomplish, but I was expecting a show-stopping number for one of the 60’s finest Rock albums.
Great
5 – What Is and What Should Never Be
This is the kind of slower, more delicate Led Zeppelin song I crave.
John Paul Jones is extraordinary on bass, and “What Is and What Should Never Be” always surprises me with its sonic and songwriting changes.
4 – Moby Dick
“Moby Dick” starts off with a typically awesome Led Zeppelin riff, but it’s the breakdown that makes the song stand out.
John Bonham’s drumming on the mid-point solo is awe-inspiring, and I love how the seemingly chaotic structure comes together for one final hurrah at the end.
Amazing
3 – Ramble On
These top three songs are exactly what make “Led Zeppelin II” such an iconic album – starting with “Ramble On”.
This is John Paul Jones’ time to shine on bass, and the chorus is one of my favourites on the album.
2 – Heartbreaker
“Heartbreaker” is all about that sumptuous riff. It could have just been that and I’d have been happy, but they continuously take it to new heights.
The key changes are euphoric, and Jimmy Page’s eccentric guitar solo is full of flair and musicianship.
All-Time Great
1 – Whole Lotta Love
You won’t find a much better opening track on a Rock album than “Whole Lotta Love”.
It has by far the best energy of the whole album, and Robert Plant’s vocals give me goose-bumps. When I heard that psychedelic breakdown for the first time, I knew I was experiencing greatness.
Aaaaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below:
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