Godwin ObajeFew bands have ever matched Led Zeppelin’s ability to set the tone for an album within its opening seconds. Across nine studio albums, their lead tracks form a roadmap through one of rock’s most daring evolutions — from thunderous blues-rock to complex sonic experimentation. Here’s a re-evaluated ranking of those iconic album openers, showcasing the band’s unmatched ability to launch with impact.
9. “We’re Gonna Groove” – Coda (1982)
Originally considered for Led Zeppelin II, this live recording of Ben E. King’s blues standard kicks off the posthumous Coda. Captured in 1970 at London’s Royal Albert Hall and later modified with studio guitar overdubs by Jimmy Page, it’s a raw throwback that showcases their early blues fixation. It’s energetic, but doesn’t quite match the boldness of their original LPs.
8. “Good Times Bad Times” – Led Zeppelin I (1969)
A mission statement of sorts. This tight, riff-driven track announced Led Zeppelin’s arrival with swagger. Though rarely performed live, it resurfaced memorably at their 2007 Celebration Day reunion. John Bonham’s rapid triplets, inspired by Vanilla Fudge’s Carmine Appice, propel the track, while the riff – actually penned by John Paul Jones – cuts with precision.
7. “Custard Pie” – Physical Graffiti (1975)
A hard-hitting opener recorded during the prolific Headley Grange sessions, “Custard Pie” hinted at greatness. However, Physical Graffiti’s sprawling double-album format dulled its impact. Still, Page’s blistering solo — processed through an ARP synthesiser — is a standout moment.
6. “Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin II (1969)
A seismic step forward in hard rock, though not without its indulgences. While the album version’s psychedelic middle section meanders, the tight U.S. radio edit is where the magic happens — a taut, 3:45 explosion that influenced countless heavy metal bands.
5. “The Song Remains the Same” – Houses of the Holy (1973)
Originally titled “The Overture”, this track became a showcase of the band’s compositional ambitions. With tempo shifts, layered guitars, and Plant’s lyrics about life on the road, it’s a microcosm of the album’s rangy, often-overlooked brilliance.
4. “In the Evening” – In Through the Out Door (1979)
Led Zeppelin’s final studio album opened with menace. “In the Evening” blends metallic urgency with a haunted middle section. Page shines here, delivering what many consider his finest moment on the record — a chilling, echo-drenched guitar lead that burns slowly, then explodes.
3. “Black Dog” – Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
Named after a stray Labrador wandering Headley Grange, “Black Dog” is classic Zeppelin: complex time signatures, suggestive lyrics, and a towering riff. “It was a tricky one,” Page later said. It became an enduring symbol of their daring fusion of blues and mysticism.
2. “Achilles Last Stand” – Presence (1976)
Clocking in at over ten minutes, this epic saw Page layering six guitar tracks over John Paul Jones’ distinctive eight-string bass. Plant’s lyrics, inspired by travels through Morocco, lend a mythic tone. Page has since called it “my favourite Zeppelin track” — a thunderous, galloping masterpiece.
1. “Immigrant Song” – Led Zeppelin III (1970)
Opening with Plant’s Norse-warrior wail, this track defined Zeppelin’s shift toward myth and muscle. Written after a sleepless night under Iceland’s midnight sun, Plant explained: “My thoughts turned to Vikings and big ships.” With its driving rhythm and iconic riff, it remains one of their most influential songs — the perfect opener to their most unexpected album.
Led Zeppelin’s openers weren’t just intros — they were statements of purpose, each one marking a new chapter in their uncompromising journey through rock history.
Godwin Obaje
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