I have played guitar for most of my life. I wanted to share some of the songs and artists that have influenced me the most. This way, I can write about topics I love and enjoy the music at the same time!
Some of the songs that I have chosen as my all time favorites, are more than likely not the most popular songs by these particular artists. I think Led Zeppelin was or is a music band that has influenced today's modern music more than any other band.
As far as Led Zeppelin goes, well, we have all heard of Stairway to Heaven and Dazed and Confused. Although I have heard an outstanding live version of Dazed And Confused, I chose ten songs by Led Zeppelin that I have always loved, but have always thought were underrated. Here, in no particular order, are 10 of some of my all time favorite Led Zeppelin songs- with a bonus track!
1. Led Zeppelin's - Since I've Been Loving You
Led Zeppelin's song "Since I've Been Loving You" was from the Led Zeppelin III album released around 1970. For me it's one of Led Zeppelin's best songs ever. I think it is one of Jimmy Page's (guitarist) best songs ever. Since I've Been Loving You is full of riffs and leads incorporated into the most bluesy rock song ever. I think that Since I've Been Loving You showcases Jimmy Page's playing ability more than any other song.
2. Led Zeppelin's - That's the Way
Led Zeppelin's song :"That's The Way" is also from 1970 and the Led Zeppelin III album. "That's The Way" for me is an exceptionally smooth acoustic song and quite a contrast to some of Led Zeppelin's driving hard rock sounds. I think the song showcases Jimmy Page's talent on the acoustic guitar as well as Robert Plant's singing ability.
3. Led Zeppelin's - I Can't Quit You Babe
I Can't Quit You Babe, is from Led Zeppelin's first album in 1969. The song was sort of a remake of an earlier blues song from the 50's. I Can't Quit You Babe was a mainstay for later Led Zeppelin performances. The song is as bluesy as it gets, with amazing melodic riffs played by Page throughout.
4. Led Zeppelin's - Going To California
Going to California is from the Led Zeppelin IV album. Led Zeppelin IV was A hugely successful Led Zeppelin album of mostly driving rock songs such as "Rock and Roll", "When the Levee Breaks" and the most famous of all: "Stairway to Heaven". Tucked into this amazing album is a quiet and soft little acoustic song called: Going to California. To me it's a song that epitomizes those late 60's, early 70's days. To best illustrate those times, I can quote the song's lyrics "Someone told me there's a girl out there with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair."
5. Led Zeppelin's - Friends
The song "Friends" by Led Zeppelin I find very unusual and intriguing. Once again another song from their Led Zeppelin III album. The song starts out with some background studio noises, like they are just taping one song right after another. Jimmy Page begins playing a pretty amped up acoustic part. The sound of bongos quickly joins in with an amazing syncopation and perfect accompaniment to Page's playing. It's a haunting melody that begins to build. Then Plant begins singing what I think are some of the best lyrics of all time in my opinion. Here's an excerpt of some of the lyrics: Had a friend, she once told me, "You got love, you ain't lonely,"Now she's gone and left me only, looking for what I knew. The greatest thing you ever can do now, Is trade a smile with someone who's blue now. I think this song is about the most unique and almost forlorn sounding songs by Led Zeppelin, that I know of.
6. Led Zeppelin's - Hots On For Nowhere
"Hots On For Nowhere" is a song from Led Zeppelin's Presence album in 1976. For me this song embodies Led Zeppelin as a band. It's fast and upbeat. It shows off all of the band members talents. It shows the progression of the band from the past to it's future styles and themes. It's just a really fun song.
7. Led Zeppelin's - Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp is yet another song from Led Zeppelin III ( I am noticing a pattern) Bron-Y-Aur Stomp (not to be confused with Bron-Yr-Aur on Physical Grafitti) is a guitar players dream song. Jimmy Page pulls out all the stops when showing off his expertise on acoustic, with this song. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp is a great song to learn for guitar players because of the nuances and techniques used in guitar playing, as opposed to just knowing the cords.
8. Led Zeppelin's - Ten Years Gone
Ten Years Gone is from Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti album recorded in 1974 and released in 1975. Ten Years Gone is one of my all time favorite Led Zeppelin songs. The melody and the lyics all come together to make such a wonderful song. The song Ten Years Gone speaks best for itself when listened to.
9. Led Zeppelin's - Travelling Riverside Blues
Travelling Riverside Blues is an early single blues/rock song that was a version of a blues song written back in the 30's. It can be found on Zeppelins BBC sessions. Travelling Riverside Blues is one of the bluesiest rocking song there is. Page uses a lot of slide and blues techniques in Travelling Riverside Blues. The lyrics to Travelling Riverside Blues contain a lot of the lyrical themes to later Led Zeppelin songs.
10. Led Zeppelin's - Tea for one
Tea for one is from their Presence album. The tempo from Tea for one, is much different from most of Led Zeppelin's songs. It's slow, reserved and bluesy but accentuated with sometimes sharp leads from Page. Tea for one has an excellent melody and goes well with the song Achilles Last Stand, from the same album in its style and tempo.
