When page plants music in our souls. Review on Led Zeppelin II - Led Zeppelin

Album:Led Zeppelin II

Band:Led Zeppelin

Ratings:9.5/10

Note: If you are new to Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin IV would be a better option.

Leaves are falling all around,

And its heading my way.

• Ramble On

Since you are actually reading this review, I think it would be safe to presume that you haven't heard this album. Well, at least most of you wouldn't have. So, wake up, people! If you aren't already wise to the fact that Led Zeppelin are probably one of the greatest bands from the dawn of time, I'll be glad to help you realize that fact. I guess that after writing a review on LZ IV this album would seem a bit undershadowed. Not a chance. Although LZ IV is undoubtedly my favourite album by Led Zeppelin, this one is almost as good. Even after I had been converted to a heavy metal fan, this album continued to remain in my top 20 albums list. The thing with this album is that although Plant, Bonham and Jones are pretty good throughout, Jimmi Page shows what a legend he is with his riffs. I have read somewhere that a few riffs have been borrowed from Blues artists but most people agree that the blues songs with which people compare LZ's stuff are very different. Its hard to tell which is better since LZ are not playing Blues completely. They are a classic rock band that experimented with blues. In fact, I would call this album the perfect fusion of Rock and Blues.

Many fans seem to consider that this is better than LZ IV and also Stairway to Heaven. I'll have to disagree. Although this is a more influential album, (probably its one of the most influential album I've heard) I still prefer LZ IV and would recommend people new to LZ to buy that one first. But not buying this would be quite inexcusable if you liked LZ IV. I think these songs capture the true essence of LZ. Every single band member has his moments of brilliance although, as usual, its Jimmi Page and Robert Plant who outshine the others.

My first LZ song was Stairway to Heaven and other songs on the same album (LZ IV). I guess you can call me a LZ addict, even though these days I'm more of an Iron Maiden and Blind Guardian addict. Going beyond music, my biggest addiction is JRR Middle Earth. And the fact that Led Zeppelin seem to have a few Middle Earth references in their music (done without any flaws) increases my liking for their music. For eg, on this album Ramble On is a good example.

1. Whole Lotta Love

One single guitar riff is what this song is most famous for. Not impressed, are you? The riff I'm speaking about is probably one of the most infectious and catchy ones ever. The slow, almost silent middle section might try your patience but the solo which follows is well worth the wait. But then any solo by Jimmi Page is good enough.

2. What Is And What Should Never Be

Begins slow and becomes hard rock just as you are about to give up waiting for Robert Plant to open up. This song is rightly described by fans as being ''dramatic.''

3. The Lemon Song

Although Page shows his skill, credit must also go to Jones for his steady basses.

4. Thank You

Its a great love ballad. Its very different from most of the other songs here with Jimmi Page having fun with the guitar and Jones keeping the basses steady. There are a few

5. Heartbreaker

Begins with a typical Jimmi Page riff and though this song is medium paced, I love the way it develops.But then, I would love the way any song would develop with Jimmi Page lurking and just waiting to play a solo. I like the way the solo of this songs begins - first, a solo in a true sense. Everything stops allowing Page to play ''solo'' and then they join. Not one of my favourite solos by the Great One but quite decent.

6. Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)

Probably my least favourite song of the album. No comment.

7. Ramble On

Another Led Zeppelin great. Features great bass playing, mysterious guitar work and some of LZ's best lyrics (the fact that it is related to Lord of The Rings didn't influence me. The lyrics are truly superb and that they have LOTR references is just another plus point, for me!).

8. Moby Dick

Features Bonham! I guess its not often that a drummer is given a solo piece entirely to himself but Bonham deserves it. And the guitar/bass rhythms are excellent.

9. Bring It On Home

Page plays a harmonica! A unique beginning but becomes a normal LZ song when Page joins in.

Mine's a tale that can't be told

Crept up and slipped away with her.

• Ramble On