Monday, November 8 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the release of Led Zeppelin IV, the legendary album with international success from the English rock band.
In 1970, after the mixed success of their third album Led Zeppelin III, the group went to settle in the Welsh countryside to record their fourth album.
Cover of Led Zeppelin’s fourth studio album
This album was released on November 8, 1971. Though commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin IV—as a logical continuation of their three previous albums titled “I,” “II,” and “III”—it actually bears no name, not even that of the group. Only four symbols are inscribed on the cover, each representing a member of the band.
Logo of Led Zeppelin with the four symbols present on the album cover
With its eight tracks, this fourth album became “Led Zep’s” greatest success, and with 37 million sales worldwide, it even became one of the best-selling albums of all time. In addition to its proven commercial success, the album also enjoyed critical acclaim, not only at its release but also decades later. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 66th on the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003.
It must be said that with tracks like Black Dog, The Battle of Evermore, When the Levee Breaks, and especially Stairway to Heaven, its success and longevity were certainly guaranteed.
Stairway to Heaven
Whether you like rock or not, you’ve certainly heard this legendary track that came out just 50 years ago.
Contrary to what one might think, Stairway to Heaven wasn’t released as a single—Black Dog and Rock and Roll were the two singles from the album—but it was indeed broadcast alongside the album, fifty years ago.
Stairway to Heaven, covered a thousand and one times, yet never equaled, was the group’s greatest success and thus the album’s. For several decades it was the most-played song on American radio stations, despite its eight-minute length—while radio stations are more accustomed to playing shorter formats of around three minutes.
Eight minutes. That’s the time it takes for magic to happen. It’s the time it takes for this sweet acoustic guitar melody, later joined by drums, to culminate in an explosive and melodious electric guitar solo.
By the way, this solo, which continues to fascinate current guitarists, was recorded very quickly, said Jimmy Page to Classic Rock magazine.
“I just said ‘Start,’ took a deep breath—that’s how I usually do it—and then I played.”
Half a century later, the track’s success remains evident. Notably, it has been ranked 61st on the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine this year, and the number of streams on Spotify reaches over 619,460,000. Fifty years later, Stairway to Heaven continues to fascinate.
