LED ZEPPELIN

The most brilliant debut in rock 'n' roll history, but not from the prog rock point of view. By all possible parameters considering rock - this album is a masterpiece. It's a milestone and it changed face of the rock sound forever. All the possible rewards that we can give to this album are well-deserved. Just, it's got nothing to do with the progressive rock - it certainly influenced prog bands of newer generations, but it's totally different with prog bands sharing the Zeppelin's era. The Zeppelin's prog efforts are yet to come.

The only, slight touches of prog are present in "How Many More Times" and "Dazed And Confused"; guitar played with a bow, touches of psychedelia; "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" utilises some flamenco elements; "You're Time Is Gonna Come" opens with lovely Hammond intro. Oh, and "Black Mountain Side" is an acoustic piece also worth mentioning.

Having said that, I just realised that I mentioned more than 50 % of the songs represented on the album - however, the main power of the band is certainly not it's progginess, it's rather raw power of rock presented in a different way, and a gradation from mellow acoustic balladry to electric monster-songs.

This is a blues band right to the bone; it's complex and loud blues that will be known as hard rock (and heavy metal) in years to come. One of the characteristics of prog music is blending of non-rock styles with rock. However, if any of those non-rock styles is actually one of genres that founded rock and roll (country, hillbilly, blues) then usually we don't consider that band to be progressive rock band. That's exactly the case with this band, and most significantly, with their debut, but the debut itself is so daring that it must be considered masterpiece of rock. Since the first album is not prog, I will rate it with four stars. That's just a rough reference for people who are searching for prog music, otherwise it deserves five stars, but this is just not on a same level like "Thick As A Brick", "Brain Salad Surgery" or "Close To The Edge". To be honest, that's not fair comparison. The musicianship is excellent, though.

This is a good starter, but be warned, no prog here. If you are looking for prog, go for fourth album or "The Song Remains The Same". However, it's quite possible that you will be pleasantly surprised; some of the atmospheres crafted with Page's guitar are astonishing. Regardless of your personal taste, I recommend "Dazed And Confused" to any serious music lover on this planet.