# Led Zeppelin songs ranked **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 30, 2015, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616 "2015-07-30T23:36:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2015, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/21 "2015-07-31T16:41:12Z")
The Crunge should definitely be higher. The reviewer didn’t pick up that it’s meant to be a James Brown parody, and yet it’s in 5/4 time, which JB song would ever be in. It’s still funky, though, and pretty funny – “Where’s that confounded bridge?”. I’d say that I disagree in many other places with this writer. Although I don’t know III or Presence at all (other than the excellent Immigrant song), I know In Through the Out Door pretty well, and there is some pretty crappy stuff on that album. South Bound Suarez is pretty bad, and may have the sloppiest guitar solo of any song. Carouselambra is also pretty awful. Definitely worse than Moby Dick or I Can’t Quit You Baby. No Quarter should be much lower, too – jeez, I can’t stand that song. The Ocean at 44? Give me a break – it’s one of their best. The top 10 isn’t bad, though. I’d move The Ocean in there, probably Dancing Days, too, and Trampled Under Foot. I’d move out The Song Remains the Same, Over the Hills and Far Away, and All My Love. ---
**Author:** ![Wakinyan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wakinyan/32/352_2.png) [@Wakinyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wakinyan)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2015, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/22 "2015-07-31T17:12:18Z")
I don’t agree with this list at all. A few examples for the heck of it: I would definitely not have _All of My Love_, _Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You_ and _Over the Hills and Far Away_ in top ten. A few others I probably would not either. _The Lemon Song_ (65!), _Since I’ve Been Loving You_ (60) and _In My Time of Dying_ (42) would be in top ten. And then there would be a general shuffle. – I don’t think the writer is very convincing either, at least I went :dubious: rather than 🆒 when reading most motivations for why this or that song deserved this or that ranking. Nope, “dumb”, as someone upthread said. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2015, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/23 "2015-07-31T17:25:54Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > Another list pretending to be a Serious Work, but is just another One Man’s Opinion. I didn’t get that sense at all. I felt like he was clearly writing it as “one man’s opinion.” Obvious jokes like putting Moby Dick at the end because of a kick to the balls, and statements like “there are some who insist that Presence is a good album, but they’re wrong” tell me he isn’t taking it too seriously. He clearly isn’t asserting he has some objective criteria that holds true for anyone but himself. That said, he is clearly and objectively wrong about the Ocean being so low. ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2015, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/24 "2015-07-31T22:36:34Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I’m good with the top 10. Kashmir is my favorite and I might rearrange the next 9. Kashmir is my favorite too. Just the way it builds and builds. It makes me hot. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/25 "2015-08-03T14:47:25Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > The Crunge should definitely be higher. The reviewer didn’t pick up that it’s meant to be a James Brown parody, and yet it’s in 5/4 time, which JB song would ever be in. It’s still funky, though, and pretty funny – “Where’s that confounded bridge?”. It’s not in 5/4, but it’s all over the place in terms of the meter. (The bulk of it is a mix of 9/8 and 4/4.) I thought the reviewer clearly saw it was a James Brown parody/pastiche. Terrible song, IMHO, and #70 sounds just about right for it. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/26 "2015-08-03T16:20:53Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Really? IV is the only album in which I love every single song–it’s perfect from start to finish. Even though I’m a little down on Stairway, I won’t skip it, whereas every other album pretty much has a song I tune out for. I’m talking from an album, not song, perspective. IV starts out with a bang on the first 2 tracks, and then just never recovers the energy. It leaves me with the impression of being an out-takes collection instead of a dedicated album. I’d serve it up this way: Side 1: 1. Rock & Roll (punchiest. opening. ever.) 2. Misty Mountain Hop (energy, with a sign of even more avant garde creative tracks waiting) 3. Going To California (change-up, a simple short break, then back to the action) 4. When the Levee Breaks (close out side 1 with Zep doing their Zep best) Side 2: 5. Black Dog (really, someone really thought MMH was the best side 2 lead-in?) 6. Four Sticks (solid Zep again, hold the energy) 7. Stairway to Heaven (near the end of the album filler? No, we’re going to be blowing your minds, muahahah) 8. Battle of Evermore (experimental fluff that doesn’t fit in and otherwise destroys the energy of the album. Saves forcing people off the couch to move the record needle). ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/27 "2015-08-03T16:59:46Z")
> [@GargoyleWB](#): > > I’m talking from an album, not song, perspective. IV starts out with a bang on the first 2 tracks, and then just never recovers the energy. It leaves me with the impression of being an out-takes collection instead of a dedicated album. > > I’d serve it up this way: > > Side 1: > > 1. Rock & Roll (punchiest. opening. ever.) > 2. Misty Mountain Hop (energy, with a sign of even more avant garde creative tracks waiting) > 3. Going To California (change-up, a simple short break, then back to the action) > 4. When the Levee Breaks (close out side 1 with Zep doing their Zep best) > > Side 2: > 5. Black Dog (really, someone really thought MMH was the best side 2 lead-in?) > 6. Four Sticks (solid Zep again, hold the energy) > 7. Stairway to Heaven (near the end of the album filler? No, we’re going to be blowing your minds, muahahah) > 8. Battle of Evermore (experimental fluff that doesn’t fit in and otherwise destroys the energy of the album. Saves forcing people off the couch to move the record needle). No. This is not a heavy metal or hardcore record. Actually the times I tune out this band are when they are doing generic Zeppelin. It gets way repetitive and hammer over the head. Ask Robert Plant. The acoustic stuff was Jimmy Pages and Plants baby and totally integral to their intent. BOE fluff? Wow. Ever think that the artist made it to follow into Stairway on purpose? MMH Avant Garde? Wow. I thought it went Duh Duh Duh… ---
**Author:** ![mr.jp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/48db29/32.png) [@mr.jp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr.jp)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/28 "2015-08-03T17:54:37Z")
Too low: The Lemon Song Your Time is Gonna Come Since I’ve Been Loving You No Quarter Communication Breakdown Too high: I kind of like Hotdog, but it’s above too many great songs. Like all of the above. You Shook Me, but it’s only 25 so it’s not too bad Kashmir. Not a big fan, but critics really like this one. Overall a decent list. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/29 "2015-08-03T21:15:22Z")
> [@GargoyleWB](#): > > I’m talking from an album, not song, perspective. IV starts out with a bang on the first 2 tracks, and then just never recovers the energy. It leaves me with the impression of being an out-takes collection instead of a dedicated album. I actually like the order exactly how it is. Start out kickin’ with Black Dog and Rock and Roll, slow it down a bit with the gorgeous Evermore (“experimental fluff?” It’s one of their best songs, IMHO–ETA: And apparently in the opinion of the listwriter in the OP, placing it at #12) and Stairway, middle set/opening side 2 with the fun and bouncy Misty Mountain, another couple mellow ones, and end with the powerful Levee. The order is exactly perfect to me. I really can’t see changing it in any way. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2015, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/30 "2015-08-03T21:56:29Z")
Well, I like almost everything at the top of his list. “All of My Love” and “Dancing Days” are rated waaay too high, while “Custard Pie” and “Celebration Day” are way too low. ---
**Author:** ![Iron\_Wine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b5e925/32.png) [@Iron\_Wine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iron_Wine)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2015, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/31 "2015-08-04T00:08:57Z")
I certainly enjoyed the historical information I could glean from the fairly-biased text, but the top ten seem a bit out of place. Maybe something like this? 1. The Song Remains the Same 2. Stairway to Heaven 3. Good Times, Bad Times 4. The Rain Song 5. Whole Lotta Love 6. Dazed and Confused 7. Immigrant Song 8. Kashmir 9. When the Levee Breaks 10. Black Dog Although, to be fair, I bet I would make this list a fair bit differently two or three years from now. Ah well, it was a good read overall. ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2015, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/32 "2015-08-04T14:59:49Z")
My top 10 would look like this: _Since I’ve Been Loving You Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You Stairway to Heaven Whole Lotta Love Dazed and Confused The Battle of Evermore Going To California Immigrant Song Black Dog Kashmir_ ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2015, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/33 "2015-08-04T16:39:44Z")
I’d say the last two posters have good taste. But I have to say I can’t understand the affection for Kashmir. I remember when it came out and being so disappointed. Doesn’t seem to go anywhere to me. Zep ought to be kinetic in some way. ---
**Author:** ![Laggard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de053/32.png) [@Laggard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laggard)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2015, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/34 "2015-08-04T17:42:40Z")
That The Ocean is not in the top 5 puts into question the entire list. It could be #1. And Kashmir? About four minutes too long. Doesn’t belong in the top 10. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2015, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/35 "2015-08-04T21:31:51Z")
> [@drad\_dog](#): > > I’d say the last two posters have good taste. > But I have to say I can’t understand the affection for Kashmir. > > I remember when it came out and being so disappointed. Doesn’t seem to go anywhere to me. Zep ought to be kinetic in some way. Kashmir is an interesting one for me. It’s a boring-ass song on its face, but somehow, Bonham makes it swing. Still, not top ten material for me, but a great example of Bonham making a shitty song interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2015, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/36 "2015-08-05T12:19:55Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Kashmir is an interesting one for me. It’s a boring-ass song on its face, but somehow, Bonham makes it swing. Still, not top ten material for me, but a great example of Bonham making a shitty song interesting. Exactly. As a song, it is too long and samey from start to finish. But those pounding drums? Irresistable. ---
**Author:** ![Hiker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3be4f8/32.png) [@Hiker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hiker)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2015, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/37 "2015-08-05T12:26:27Z")
I am fine with Kashmir on top. I liked the original and I love the unplugged redo by Page and Plant on “No Quarter”. Immigrant Song should have been top 5. ---
**Author:** ![SykoSkotty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c0e974/32.png) [@SykoSkotty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SykoSkotty)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2015, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/38 "2015-08-05T13:27:51Z")
As a drummer and a John Bonham disciple, I feel quite strongly that “Fool In The Rain” should be #1. Best half time shuffle I’ve ever heard. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2015, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/39 "2015-08-05T15:22:35Z")
> [@SykoSkotty](#): > > As a drummer and a John Bonham disciple, I feel quite strongly that “Fool In The Rain” should be #1. Best half time shuffle I’ve ever heard. A Purdie Shuffle and Bernard Purdie will tell you 😉 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2015, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616/40 "2015-08-05T22:35:53Z")
> [@SykoSkotty](#): > > As a drummer and a John Bonham disciple, I feel quite strongly that “Fool In The Rain” should be #1. Best half time shuffle I’ve ever heard. One of my favorite Bonham drum parts. If I were ranking songs according to drums, then “Fool in the Rain,” “Good Times Bad Times,” and “Kashmir” would be top three for me, I think. As songs, though, I’d only put “Good Times Bad Times” of that bunch on my top ten. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-zeppelin-songs-ranked/726616.md?page=3)