Predecessor of Heavy Metal? (1969)

A major influence to future heavy metal bands of the 1980s, 1990s, and present, Led Zeppelin reshaped the world of rock 'n' roll. Quickly gaining popularity for their release of Led Zeppelin in early-1969, the band continued to record and push out a second album nine months later—Led Zeppelin II. Out of all the Zeppelin albums released throughout a span of ten years, this album is definitely my favorite. Despite Led Zeppelin II only being forty-one minutes and consisting of nine songs, every song is crucial to the composition of the album and each provides that hard rock-feeling we all love.

Similar to Jimi Hendrix and other bands inspired by the blues, Led Zeppelin combines a plentiful amount of blues into their "new" style of rock 'n' roll. Described as the band's "heaviest album," it features prominent songs known by almost every rock 'n' roll fan such as "Whole Lotta Love," "Heartbreaker," and "Ramble On." Opening up with one of the most iconic guitar riffs in history, "Whole Lotta Love," the album's only single, demonstrates each band members' musical talent. Page's distorted riffs accompanied by an iconic solo, Paul's thumping bass, Bonzo's pounding drums, and we can't forget Robert Plant's piping vocals. The entire song is a hard rock masterpiece that will go on to inspire many future bands.

Moving through the album; "What Is And What Should Never Be," is a track that contains both slow and upbeat sections. The song also features an excellent arrangement of guitars that pan back and forth between channels―offering listeners a unique experience. "Thank You" opens with beautiful ascending acoustic guitar chords that can be heard periodically throughout the song. Another wonderful solo can be heard on this song, played by Page with a 12-string guitar. Sources also state that because of this song, Page could trust Plant with writing majority of the lyrics in a song.

Similar to the first song on the LP, "Heartbreaker" yet again displays the band's hard-rock talent. Page's main riff in the song is crunchy like the riff on "Whole Lotta Love" and is yet again accompanied by a thumping bass line. Besides both songs being heavy, they each were derived from the band's blues-influence.

My favorite song off the album and the one that introduced me to the band is titled "Ramble On." The strum of chords in the beginning, the arpeggiated notes during the pre-chorus, the walking―very prominent baseline, and we can't forget the echoed guitar solo; the song is one that I will forever blast at home and in the car.

To close an iconic hard-rock album, the band includes a cover by Sonny Williams II titled "Bring It On Home." While I am not a fan of the blues, I really enjoy the bluesy-sound the song offers during the introduction and ending. The song pays tribute to the original blues songwriter while demonstrating the band's own hard-rock touch. Even though I enjoy every track on the record, I do believe the band could have ended the album with a more upbeat song such as "Moby Dick" or even "Heartbreaker."

Led Zeppelin II would rise to the number one spot shortly after its release. According to Dave Lewis in his book titled Led Zeppelin: A Celebration, the album would "knock" the Beatles Abbey Road from the number one spot twice and remain there for seven weeks. For those looking to listen to a hard-rock album heavily influenced by the blues, Led Zeppelin II is definitely the one to spend some time with.

Zeppelin live at the Bath Festival―June 1970