LED ZEPPELIN II

Recorded somewhat haphazardly over several months in 1969 Led Zeppelin's second album is not as bracing as the first album was. This album does manage to rock hard, but some of the tracks feel like leftovers from the first album. "Whole Lotta Love" is one of the greatest hard rock tracks ever recorded and features one nasty riff. It's powerful & erotic. During the Vietnam War tank drivers would play this track when heading into battle. A real monster of a song and would help make the band extremely popular for the next several years thereafter. "What is and What Should Never Be" is another good track, fluctuating between loud and soft. It also allows one to catch their breath a bit after the storming "Whole Lotta Love". "The Lemon Song" has a nice, fuzzed out riff, but is actually a fairly forgettable song and sounding like a leftover from the first album. "Thank You" is a rather syrupy ballad. It does nothing for me, but it probably won them a lot of female fans though. "Heartbreaker" is a fierce rocker, with another killer riff. This song is almost as good as "Whole Lotta Love" and it's certainly one of the best tracks on the album. Unfortunately it's immediately followed up by the dreadful "Living Loving Maid". An ode to groupies basically and a real throwaway of a song. Many classic rock stations will play "Heartbreaker" and "Living Loving Maid" together, which I really can't stand. Why ruin a great song by also playing a weak one? It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Fortunately things improve in a hurry with the outstanding "Ramble On". One of the proggier songs Zeppelin recorded and features some nice fantasy based lyrics showing Robert Plant's interest in J.R.R. Tolkien. Not only that, but Plant sings beautifully throughout with Jimmy Page playing a nice acoustic riff. This is probably the second best song on the album after "Whole Lotta Love". John Bonham's drum solo showcase, "Moby Dick", comes next. Nice riff, but the tune is nothing more than filler. Concluding the album is "Bring it on Home" with Robert Plant doing his best Sonny Boy Williamson imitation. The harmonica is a nice change of pace, but once the song starts rocking it's really fairly forgettable. A nice throwaway, nothing more. Over all an important addition to any classic rock enthusiast's library, but not necessary for progheads.