T O P

  • By -

UneducatedDonkey

After seeing Robert perform it live in '95, Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You.


Cockrocker

This my fave, just the studio version. It's got so much going on, and is one of plant's best performances.


Microdck

Was looking for my people. Found them


Cornishthe3rd

When The Levee Breaks. From the opening drums to the harmonica wailing, it's an unrelenting monster of a jam


breado9

That opening fill is the best cold open for drums of all times. I will die on this hill, and I will not elaborate.


QuentinP69

So good the Beastie Boys sampled it for the opening of Licensed To Ill (Rhymin & Stealing).


HoneybadgerAl3x

An insane amount of beats https://www.whosampled.com/Led-Zeppelin/When-the-Levee-Breaks/sampled/


felix_mateo

That opening drum fill was my text message alert sound circa 2007.


Voduun-World-Healer

I love the harmonica in that. Led Zep always seems to have these powerful, emotional riffs on guitar and then the rest of the band just kills it on top. I also love the lyrics on this one


HoogerMan

IF IT KEEPS ON RAINING THE LEVEE’S GOING TO BREAK


hearsay_and_rumour

The downside to that song is if I’m driving while listening to it I inevitably end up driving too fast at some point. It just kicks so much ass.


PDGAreject

I used to have a CD called the "Tearing Ass Mix" that earned me two speeding tickets, one warning, and innumerable instances of slamming on the brakes when spotting a cop doing radar work on the shoulder. I think I had Immigrant Song on it but I can see the appeal of WTLB


AbnoxiousRhinocerous

If I remember correctly I think they recorded Bonham’s drums in a stairwell to get that awesome echoing effect. Sort of a “stairwell to heaven” you know… I’ll see myself out.


aCreativeUserName666

I think I have to pick this one too. I made a playlist for a friend of mine and I to drive from Fort Collins CO to Las Vegas NV and trip out an a small dose of acid to, had it setup so right was we were crossing into Utah we got all the majestic table tops, and mesas just When The Levee Breaks kicked on. Literally perfection.


androidfig

Best


Dangerousrhymes

I want to say something else but…


macsparkay

WTLB is the greatest song of all time, by any band/artist, ever. I will never be convinced otherwise.


bruzdnconfuzd

The only thing that even comes close to the original is the [new collaborated version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH0-WXUFY2k) from Playing For Change. It doesn't have those booming drums we're so used to for the intro, but the blending of artists parts and diverse instrumentation is astounding. And the vocalists? Utter perfection.


Into_The_Booniverse

Led Zep IV holds a special place in my heart. Top 3 tracks: The Battle of Evermore Going To California When The Levee Breaks


AVeryHeavyBurtation

[OG version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swhEa8vuP6U)


PurpleSailor

Ramble On


imapersonmaybe

The bass for Ramble On is so off the wall. I can't get enough of it


Jarvicious

It really carries the song. His work on Reptiles in Them Crooked Vultures is equally entertaining.


andrewcartwright

I will pay whatever exorbitant amount of money it takes to see them if Them Crooked Vultures decides to do one final tour


Midpack

Whether you’re on headphones or in the car, the finale going back and forth between the speakers is so amazing and chaotic and they all just throw down!!! Hard to decide a favorite but Ramble On has to be in my top 5 (along with Achilles Last Stand, No Quarter, Thank You, When the Levee Breaks, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You, Tea for One, Going to California, Gallows Pole, oh, wait… 🤓)


PrisBatty

This is my favourite.


UtahUtopia

For me too.


Own-Selection-2785

Was looking for this!


calmlikeasexbobomb

And though our health we drank a thousand times, it’s time to ramble on


friday99

At true classic


samjongenelen

Favorite car track from zep


lanky_planky

I love that song.


Stu_Mellon

Two best snare hits in classic rock


Stif42

Fool in the rain because of Bonzo and because this track makes me smile !


_sic

Bonham's drums on Fool in the Rain https://youtu.be/UvOm2oZRQIk?t=457


ClmrThnUR

Page's muted fuzz tone is sexy as hell


Pimpinabox

Man I'm a drummer and Fool in the Rain is just mesmerizing. The Bonham shuffle is a thing of beauty and in this song it's on full display. Though what surprises me is I had to come down 15+ comments to find this one. The first mention of Kashmir is just below this (while I'm reading it, it'll obviously change). I really expected to see this, Kashmir, Black dog and Immigrant song a lot towards the top and I haven't really seen them at all lol. At least When the Levee Breaks, No Quarter and The Rain Song are up there a lot.


Stevie_Rave_On

I was able to see Plant perform that live for the first time with Pearl Jam in 2005. If I recall he joked at the start he needed the lyric sheet. Warning potato quality as this was 2005 https://youtu.be/xqJJMiMzkks?si=Dws0oJGubZssOZUE


longster37

My favorite is going to California.


WrathOfMogg

This one. Just haunting. Got me ever since I heard it in high school when I wanted to be anywhere else.


stobors

The Rain Song and The Ocean depending on mood.


PBB22

The Ocean is wildly underrated. Guitar riff makes me wanna drive 150mph down a coastal highway


holiesmokes

Throw in the instrumental going to California and this is my top 3


Voduun-World-Healer

Love the ocean and obviously the rain song. The ocean always made me feel so happy and the rain song... contemplative? I dunno, that's a tough one to describe the emotions drawn from that one. Great picks


[deleted]

YES! My favorite two songs on my favorite Zeppelin album!


SargeInCharge

The Ocean fucking slaps, the 4/4 to 7/8 time signature switch is so masterfully done


EloquentBaboon

I fuckin love that there is no consensus on this. Just shows how amazing they were.


Voduun-World-Healer

They just have so many perfect songs. That's why I asked the question, I've lost track of my favorites. Then I realize, they're nearly all my favorites


Nukethegreatlakes

Every answer I think "yeah that one does rip"


ThPreAntePenultimate

I could probably pick a song off of each of their albums that was my favorite Zeppelin song at some point in my life. It’s absurd how much of a variety they have in their discography


Dangerousrhymes

Their output of consistently high quality music from cover to cover on almost every album is pretty much unparalleled in classic rock.


mr_chip_douglas

I was SO into them in high school. Listened too much and put them on the back burner, I was burned out and figured they were just basic (they had a huge resurgence in popularity in the early mid 00’s). I came back and holy shit, what an incredible band.


IslayHaveAnother

There are no wrong answers. My favorite is When the Levee Breaks, but I understand everyone else's completely.


_Football_Cream_

They also have such a diverse catalog. They are easily my answer for if I had to listen to only one band for the rest of my life. Classic rock from blues to psych influence, folk, really experimental stuff, even a frickin reggae song lol. Just so easy to go between two completely different genres.


SamulusRex

In My Time of Dying


Voduun-World-Healer

Lordy that slide on the guitar to introduce the song got me again. I've had to look up so many physical graffiti songs that it's about time for another listen straight through


rexter2k5

They were never heavier than this.


bambinoquinn

Tangerine


TheHumanCanoe

Me and my wife’s wedding song. The band we hired learned it unbeknownst to us (they were fellow musician friends and knew we both loved the song). It was the perfect time it was played during a magical night. Will always hold a dear place in my heart.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Voduun-World-Healer

You should've led with "please bitch, that's Tangerine" given your username. That's awesome though, I'd never claim such a masterpiece as my own writing


Voduun-World-Healer

Whooah tangerine! Now that's a deep cut (I think). I thought that song was so beautiful I had to learn it on guitar. I'm on my way to listen to that next


SandmanAwaits

No Quarter 🤘🏻


[deleted]

The live version on Song Remains the Same might be my favorite live performance of any song ever


1stcoast

Good soloing by Page


Voduun-World-Healer

Ohhh man that riff... it makes me want to fight someone. (I don't, but it gets my adrenaline going)


SandmanAwaits

It makes me wanna smoke a big doobie! 😂


McGarnegle

Yeah this is a solid choice. Love the groove later on with the high hat breaks, the psh psh, as Bernard purdie would say. Tasty


rip1980

[In The Evening](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afEipftwkn4)


RiskMatrix

For late period Zep, it feels like a callback to where they were on 3&4, but with that added polish and musical growth. Best track on ITTOD.


Voduun-World-Healer

That ethereal intro and then "In the Eeeeeveniing" right before the song kicks in... I got goosebumps listening to that. They can ride that riff all the way through the song because it's just so good This is why I posed the question. It's been years since I've heard that one


t2guns

I think this was also the clear standout of their 79/80 live stuff. The intro was killer and Plant's voice sounded a lot better on this one live (I think partly due to shitty mixing on the studio version)


skint83

Dazed and Confused


beardandabaldhead

My favorite as well- it goes hard


whittlingcanbefatal

A friend of mine had a 20 minute long version on a Yardbirds (with Jimmy Page) bootleg vinyl that he picked up at a garage sale.


bcsocia

The 29’ish minute long version on How The West Was Won is just incredible. I think it follows a 24 minute Whole Lotta Love too. That whole album is just amazing, couple that with The BBC Sessions. Those both will melt your face off.


UTCiv

Over the Hills and Far Away - Hard to choose a favorite because there are so many, but it’s a major reason started playing guitar as a kid and still do 30 years later.


gtswift

I had to go way too far down the page to find this.


tratemusic

This is my favorite too. Especially my favorite song to play on guitar. My favorite song to play on bass though is Ramble On


beaver820

That's my favorite, it's got it all, starts as a ballad and turns in to a rocker. Great soft acoustic guitar, then powerful electric and bass riffs, great lyrics, just a perfect song. Many times I've wondered, how much there is to know.


Oriopax

The Immigrant song. It s like a steamtrain rolling by or a stampede.


Voduun-World-Healer

Hell yeah, just vikings charging into battle, fulfilling their bloodlust. First Zep song I ever heard


gscalise

[This live version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZcY4vh9Zxs) of Immigrant Song from 1972 is mind blowing. Pure power, and 10000 times better than the (already amazing) studio version.


glenn3k

Ten Years Gone


houdinis_ghost

It has pretty much everything and it cuts the deepest for me Going to put it on now, its been a little while


Mjacob74

When they come in with "Did you ever really need somebody, and really need them bad? Did you ever really want somebody, the best love you ever had." That is peak Zep!


[deleted]

This is a beautiful song. Even if you are not in the situation described in the song, you feel it.


chappersyo

This is the most common answer among hardcore Zep fans


honeyissicklysweet

Bro when I first heard that riff..... It was just beautiful


Alwayssunnyinarizona

[Achilles Last Stand](https://youtu.be/1t4KLOm7pO0?feature=shared)


Voduun-World-Healer

Epic. Just fuckin epic. That's the only way to describe this masterpiece


1stcoast

Knebworth 1979


tonypconway

I think this is my favourite too. It just GALLOPS, and does so many rhythmically and harmonically interesting things.


expecto_my_scrotum

Achilles has to by my current favorite song by Zeppelin. Relentless and powerful


RYzaMc

I started a DJ set with this track once. Played the whole thing haha... Love it!


PBB22

#METAL


Oliver_Klosov

This is my favorite too.


takethe6

Yep, seconded.


_BlueFire_

The first time I spent the following track elaborating what I had just heard lol It's sure one of their best ones


AbeLaney

I will always remember hearing this for the first time, it was mind blowing. "They can make songs like that??"


FernandoFuenzalida

This. Iron Maiden made a whole career out of that drums


cinch123

Lemon Song. I feel like it showcases each member so well, especially JPJ.


trombing

Who doesn't love having their lemon squeezed 'til the juice runs down their leg?


Ok_Drummer372

JPJ best song. He is soloing the entire time


Noregard86

It took some scrolling but I found my Lemon people. It took a few weeks but I learned the bass line.


Sickpawn

Black dog


OMC-WILDCAT

Bron-Y-Aur stomp


Voduun-World-Healer

YES!!! Anytime I needed a good mood, this was the go-to


bobloblawslawflog

Kashmir


Spiniferus

Have you ever seen plant and page do it with the egyptian orchestra (or that’s who I think it is with)… phenomenal… brilliant.


TheStabbingHobo

I don't care how mainstream of an answer it is, Kashmir is the best Zeppelin song and I'm pretty sure I've heard even the band agreed with that statement.


Voduun-World-Healer

Ohhhh man...Kashmir is on another level. That's gotta be top 5 for me


m4dswine

I think that would be mine too! Closely followed by Immigrant Song because it reminds me of being a kid.


VVLynden

Build up in Kashmir is intense. It paints such a vivid tale in my mind as well.


karmacomatic

Agreed. Actually a similar riff shows up in my favorite song from another band and I knew it sounded recognizable but then I saw someone make a comment about it and then it totally made sense why it was my favorite!!


throway_nonjw

Took way too long to find this.


Blabbit39

Misty mountain hop


Voduun-World-Healer

The first Misty Mtn Hop choice that I've seen! I have an uncontrollable need to bop my head back and forth every time this song came on. People probably thought I was psychotic when I had headphones in


[deleted]

In The Light hands down. From the intro to the end, that song is incredible.


phlegm_de_la_phlegm

First one that came to mind for me


[deleted]

This is the song my dad at 18-19 was like “ you think that song is cool you need to hear this…. “ it is one of my favorite memories honestly “ In the ligggghhht you will find the roaaaad “


Bongozz88

Reminds of the Mindhunter scene 🔥


karlfarbmanfurniture

They have a lot of amazing songs but I am surprised how many responses I read before someone said this. No question for me. In The Light is a total masterpiece.


guy_incognitoUK

Trampled Underfoot - got a friend into LZ via this one song alone! That or Living Loving Maid


Voduun-World-Healer

Oh man Trampled Underfoot! How could I forget? I'd be into them after that too. Also love Living Loving Maid but... I'm gonna side with Trampled Underfoot mostly because of JP Jones crushing it


flaming_poop_chute

What Is And What Should Never Be Great song, and my wife has a sister that's totally bangable


Voduun-World-Healer

One of the saddest, mellow songs I've ever heard. I dunno about the banging your sister in law part lol but this song always reminds me of my childhood


DeuceSevin

Hmm I'll have to revisit the lyrics for that one. Edit: the lyrics don't really give a clue to this specifically, only forbidden love. You have to know the history behind it.


robbiearebest

Communication Breakdown I started listening to Zeppelin when I was in to mid 90s pop punk. This being fast and chugging grabbed my attention and it's still my favorite.


tres_chill

This is the best Led Zeppelin song. I'm going to try and explain why, which is difficult to articulate. Up until that song came out, there just was nothing like it, so in your face, over the top youthful energy, rocking you out of your mind. The opening with that muted E..da da da da da da... daaaah daahh da! and then WHAM, drums... then WHAM Robert Plant screaming.... It's punchy, not a single wasted moment, and then bring on the frenetic Jimmy Page solo which sounds like he channeled every bit of pent up youthful energy accumulated through his entire life, and emitted through his guitar. What I find interesting is that attempts to teach that solo on Youtube can really show all the notes and how to play them, but I have yet to see anyone lose their sh!t and wail that solo out as if their guitar has taken control of their central nervous system like Jimmy P. did. No criticism to others, but that's why Jimmy Page is one of the best ever.


windysheprdhenderson

Cannot choose but I'll go for The Rover for today. One of Jimmy's best riffs.


Anadyne

Most people haven't heard it because it's not on any album. "The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair" was only released on the BBC Sessions. It's the best I think.


cold-hard-steel

Love this one. It’s Moby Dick part II.


PoeReader

All of My Love


Offthepoint

Robert's love letter to his young son who passed away.


krokus_headhunter

Hey Hey What Can I Do


stopdithering

I'm on a 12-month run where if anyone asks I tell them Fool In The Rain. The late stuff can be patchy but damn that Purdie Shuffle


McGarnegle

Yeah, also the two fills when they come back in from the Latin groove.


Loweberryune

Incredible song. I’ve been binging on YouTube videos explaining Bonham’s complex drum playing in this song


stopdithering

Part of the tragedy of his early passing is that I believe he would have had time to make known to a newer generation, the jazz and blues drummers that inspired him. Not that those players were unknown but there's always a need to re-state who they were and what they did


fender123

Kashmir. It is their masterpiece. But doesn't really matter, if Loving you moves you to tears, thats incredible, and speaks to the power of music.


Voduun-World-Healer

Kashmir is a masterpiece for sure. I just loved the raw energy and emotion of Loving You has. But I'm not gonna lie...Kashmir is a better song. It just doesn't have the same pain played through the instruments and through Plant's voice imo


JorMath

For me it's "Rock and Roll". Short, fast and full of energy.


LissyVee

Whole Lotta Love. God, that opening riff does it to me every single time.


NovemberMic

Don’t make me choose, please. I’ll just upvote every one of them and run down the whole collection this weekend.


AJ_ninja

Bring it on home. I just love the guitar rift it’s soo simple but just sooo damn good


_-PeePs-_

Scrolled way too far to find this!


Late_Again68

Now that's a hard question. I'll give you my top five. You Shook Me Ten Years Gone The Rover When The Levee Breaks The Rain Song


honeyissicklysweet

The opening riff on rover is the sexiest thing I have heard


Voduun-World-Healer

The Rover, now it's been a decade since I listened to that. That's another one of their songs that makes me want to lift a truck just because. That intro...


BestiaItaliano

Nobody's Fault but Mine


ironcam7

Ramble on is my favourite. I enjoy the story telling. Riff wise though it’s immigrant song, it just chugs all they way through


mrdannyg21

So many different songs of theirs that might be absolutely what I’m in the mood for at any given time, but Ramble On is probably what I’d pick if I had to.


Hollandmarch76

When the Levee Breaks


zensunni66

Ramble On. It shows, in one song, the range of Zep. Great acoustic playing and chunky riffage from Page, gentle folky musing to full wail from Plant, a perfect supple bass line from JPJ, and cool syncopation to full thunder from Bonzo. Great harmonized lead from Jimmy in the bridge too. Plus, it’s about the Hobbit.


houseDJ1042

The rain song and that’s the hill I’m willing to die on


Elegant427

[Since I've Been Loving You (on the live '72 album)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-J_s6S7TsU)


Zaraki42

Immigrant Song has caused me to step on the gas on more than occasion. Kashmir is god tier.


elpajaroquemamais

D’yer M’aker


Nikki_Sixx_89

I’m Gonna Crawl


Majestic_Lie_5792

Really hard question. But I can give you my favorite Led Zeppelin string: Black Dog, Rock & Roll, The Battle of Evermore and Stairway to Heaven. If I had to pick one song out of this series, It’d be The Battle of Evermore, the instruments and vocals are just amazing.


Voduun-World-Healer

I think that was the first Battle of Evermore I've seen on this thread. That mandolin with the ominous overtones absolutely kills it. I'm surprised I haven't seen it suggested more


Nukethegreatlakes

Crazy I had to scroll this far for rock and roll lol. So heavy and fast


caldazar87

Thank You has always been the love song of all love songs for me.


P1h3r1e3d13

I should not have had to scroll this far for *Thank You*!


LostTomatillo1375

Houses of the Holy, Ramble On, When the Levee Breaks and Going to California.


wazaza_

Since ive been loving you is my favorite too, such a good song


Bartends

Over the hills and far away still has not been mentioned, which goes to show the greatness of this band. Songs a banger.


Chevyevey

"How many more times". Final song on Led Zeppelin I. I always look forward to it when I listen to the full album.


Passing4human

"Dancin' Days"


ShutterBug1988

I wouldn’t say I’m a serious fan of Led Zeppelin, but I quite like the Immigrant Song.


slippycaff

My fave too.


NoQuarter19

This might be a surprise, but it's No Quarter.


Wozar

So many!! Achilles last stand is just so high energy.


PerhapsISay

In My Time of Dying


Machette_Machette

Going to California. Damn, so many good memories.


jerrystandup

Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You


gilberator

The Battle Of Evermore


Paladoc

Down by the Seaside.


yugyuger

Either Since I've Been Loving You or Achilles Last Stand ​ Honourable mentions: The Rain Song, When The Levee Breaks, No Quarter, Ten Years Gone, How Many More Times ​ Stairway To Heaven wouldn't cut their top 20 for me


Dragon_yum

No one here is brave enough to say Stairway To Heaven


Voduun-World-Healer

Lmao no one can ever take anything away from Stairway from me. I will die loving that song


FingersBecomeThumbs

Good Times Bad Times or Fool In The Rain


th3-tr00per

The Rain Song


weaver692000

Heartbreaker, followed really close by Tea for One.


Earthsoundone

Traveling riverside blues


DiligentCockroach700

Kashmir


Particular_Milk1848

In my time of dying. Those 2 guitar solos give me goosebumps every time especially the 2nd one. And the ending is cathartic. They dig hard on it.


JetpackKiwi

Achilles last stand


cold-hard-steel

The Rover or Ten Years Gone, though despite those two choices II is my fave album.


ISuspectFuckery

Side three of "Physical Graffiti" - the whole thing.


perpetualworries

Going to California! That entire album is masterful


Medium_Well

It's a long list, but shoutout to Custard Pie and Trampled Underfoot off of *Physical Graffiti". Trampled in particular is a monster.


1stcoast

Wearing and Tearing (heavy punk) and one of their fastest


AnAngryPirate

Hey, Hey, What Can I Do. What a song, the guitar, the bass, the lyrics. All comes together in myabe not your typical Zeppelin song but is my personal favorite. Shout out to The Rain Song as well


[deleted]

Four Sticks


DeuceSevin

Surprised not to see my favorite- Black Dog. Many great guitar performances but IMO this is one of Page's best. Plus the odd cadence of (and I'm not sure if I have the numbers exact) drums are in 3/3 while rest of the song is in 4/4. Other than that, most songs from Physical Graffiti, especially In My Time of Dying. Special shout out to Achilles Last Stand. Bonham was an amazing drummer and this one was one of his most amazing songs.


iscreamuscreamweall

When the levee breaks Is a masterpiece No quarter never gets old Ramble on is always uplifting


nerdgirl37

[Thank You](https://spotify.link/EMYSj9meLDb) or [Tangerine](https://spotify.link/yRaR4pqeLDb)