LED ZEPPELIN II

As far as I'm concerned this is a legend of an album, right up there with the other Led Zep five star greats. I first heard it aged 12 and it's left an impression on me ever since.

Of course the riff on "Whole Lotta Love" is unforgettable and the weird psychedelic bit in the middle too. There are plenty more great riffs and punchy rock solos from Jimmy Page here as well. There was always something about this band that was unbeatable, the heavy, reckless way Bonham played the drums, the way the softer moments are suddenly broken like on "What Is And What Should Never Be" and "Ramble On" which has nice acoustic rhythm verses that burst out into a hard rock chorus. John Paul Jones's basslines are superb and often overlooked, and what about Plant's voice? You can't get much more distinctive than that. He was also rock's quintessential frontman.

It isn't easy to come up with highlights here. Perhaps "The Lemon Song", the soft ballady "Thank You" from side one and side two's "Heartbreaker" with its heavy heart wrenching riff and bluesy fast, heavy solos which leads on to "Living Loving Maid", a great fast moving number. "Moby Dick" has an interesting drum solo, which is more complex than it sounds. "Bring It On Home" ends it all. It's blues crossed with a middle section of hard rock with Plant on harmonica, a very interesting blend of styles in one piece.

It's a great album to play from start to finish and as loud a possible when the neighbours have gone out. After a few listens try some air guitar or even air drumming along to it. There's lots of energy and in your face excitement throughout. This is one of the best hard-rock classics and a must have for true lovers of classic rock, early prog-rock. It's even better than the band's first album in my opinion. Highly recommended. 5 stars.