How LED ZEPPELIN Made Their Fourth Album

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50 years ago, Led Zeppelin released their self-titled debut. Their sophomore effort followed just a handful of months later -- taking them from nearly unknown session players to a hard rock powerhouse. But when the band shifted from their blues influence towards folk for Led Zeppelin III, a luke-warm response from fans and critics threatened their rise.

Their success was being attributed to hype and aggressive marketing campaigns. In protest, Zeppelin would move away from the standard -- if not necessary way of selling records. Their fourth album would be left untitled and the band’s name, absent from the cover. Instead, mysterious sigils appeared -- one for each member of the group. They would strip everything away in order to let the music speak for itself.

They would have to push their creative limits in order to progress -- experimenting with new production techniques and instruments. Guitarist Jimmy Page swore their fourth album would be their best. If it wasn’t, they’d give up and retire. What followed was one of the most iconic rock albums ever made. Setting Led Zeppelin on a path towards becoming legends of rock and roll.

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Led Zeppelin FAQ

Where was Led Zeppelin 4 recorded? Where was Led Zeppelin IV recorded?
Led Zeppelin's fourth album was recorded at Headley Grange in Hampshire, England.

When did Led Zeppelin 4 come out? What year did Led Zeppelin IV released?
November 8, 1971

What do the Led Zeppelin 4 symbols mean?
The feather of Ma’at, Egyptian goddess of justice and fairness encompassed within a circle. The emblem of a writer, belonged to none other than Robert Plant. The Borromean rings, depicting man, woman and child resided with John Bonham. A celtic knot portrayed a person both confident and competent was chosen by John Paul Jones. Finally, Zoso. Designed by Page himself, it wasn’t intended to be a word at all. It’s meaning remains a complete mystery.

Why was Led Zeppelin IV called zoso?
The band's name and title were left off the album. The only things left were the symbols the group created. Page's Zoso was the only one that appeared to form a word and it just stuck.

How many copies of Led Zeppelin 4 have been sold?
Led Zeppelin IV has sold over 23 millions copies in North America. With 37 million copies sold worldwide.

Is Led Zeppelin IV the best album ever?
That's for you to decide. It's arguably the group's best record.

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#Middle8 #LedZeppelin
This video is sponsored by Skillshare
Written, voiced & edited by Frank Furtado

[brendanmccabe]

The shift from acoustic to electric in stairway is still one of the greatest things of all time

[joeoddi]

The fact that Led Zeppelin 3 didn't have good reception is a damn shame

[leandroteixeira]

I love this album, but Physical Graffiti is my favorite. And Since I've Been Loving You, from III, is my favorite song

[verena]

As an artist I find these „how they did it“ storys just really inspiring, espeially when the musicians where as creative as Led Zeppelin

[RebSike]

One Zeppelin hidden gem is "Down by the Seaside"

[MrWumboJumbo]

Editing on point as always. Led Zeppelin IV is no doubt in the top 10 greatest albums of all time.

[jacobarmstrong]

They could've quit after IV and still been one of the greatest bands ever

[alexanderbucsis]

No mention of “Going to California” or “Misty Mountain Hop”? For shame!

[jamessurgener]

The 1st time I heard Led Zeppelin was in 1969. We had a convenience store in the neighborhood and I believe I was only around 12 years old. They had a wire basket there that was full of 45 rpm records with holes melted through them. I'll never forget it living loving maid was on one side and whole lotta love on the other. They hit my generation of kids like a steamroller. I was already experimenting with the guitar. And what an influence they were. I still play guitar today and I'm 62. Thanks to all the members of Led Zeppelin for doing what they did. I also listen to them to this day. And will till the day I die.

[BassExpert]

I believe Achilles Last Stand is the best Zeppelin tune in a very underrated album.

[Frankincensedjb]

Fans are brain dead. Zep III is full of masterful music and one of my favorites

[DangerousGoodsGaming]

My favourite Led Zeppelin song is Hey Hey What Can I do

Never made it on an official album but it's a hell of a tune

[richdiana]

So many layers to Zeppelins art. I've been listening for 50 years and still find new and novel aspects to their craft and mastery. The best.

[frankfroml.a.]

Greatest Group of All Time - The Mighty Led Zeppelin...

[jackcarraway]

I think what makes IV a masterpiece is that it's the album that defines Zeppelin: it's dark, cryptic and mysterious, just like the band itself.

[peterscottjr]

The editing is great man. Especially when you were show casing the albums in the beginning. The quality of your channel keeps getting better, keep it up!

[ginger]

How many bands wish they had fans debating over which of their album's are the best? True Mark's of a great band.

[collinhare]

these guys are just copying greta van fleet

[StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

It's been almost 50 years since that album was released!!! It's still every bit as enjoyable, too!**

[jacobdominguez]

One of the best albums of all time. A masterwork of music.