Becoming Led Zeppelin, a documentary film that explores the English rock band's early success and cultural impact is set to be released in theatres on February 7, 2025. The band is comprised of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham.
Led Zeppelin's collection of music is famous and varied, including bluesy tunes and unique, experimental sounds. They show their skill in blending strong rock with folk, psychedelic, and other styles in every album. These songs explore the evolution of Led Zeppelin's music. Here are five important albums to stream before immersing in the story of Becoming Led Zeppelin.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's personal opinions and is not intended as a definitive guide.
Stream Presence, Led Zeppelin IV, and more before watching Becoming Led Zeppelin
1) Presence (1976) - Spotify, Apple Music
Before watching Becoming Led Zeppelin, viewers should listen to Led Zeppelin's seventh album, Presence. This 1976 album is potent and intense, which gets rid of the band's normal experimental elements and focuses on simple, powerful rock music. It starts with Achilles Last Stand, a 10-minute song that highlights Jimmy Page's complex guitar playing and John Bonham's powerful drums.
Other notable songs are Nobody's Fault But Mine, which mixes blues and heavy rock, and the sad Tea for One. Moreover, Presence feels full of energy and emotion.
2) Led Zeppelin IV (1971) - Spotify, Apple Music
While it was published under an unofficial label, the 1971 album is most commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin IV. Stairway to Heaven, Black Dog, and Rock and Roll are just a few of the popular songs featured in this high-energy album. Every song highlights a unique facet of the band's genius, from Robert Plant's vocals to Jimmy Page's guitar solos.
One thing that sets this album apart is how well it blends powerful and sensitive elements. The Battle of Evermore, with its eerie folk duet, and When the Levee Breaks, are two extremely striking songs.
3) Physical Graffiti (1975) - Spotify, Apple Music
To better immerse in watching Becoming Led Zeppelin, the band's sixth album is a must-listen. Physical Graffiti is a double record that includes a variety of music styles, featuring everything from hard rock songs to unusual pieces. It includes songs like Kashmir and Trampled Under Foot.
The record explores new styles, mixing Eastern sounds with strong guitar riffs and complex music arrangements. It also has songs that have not been released before, showing fans more about the band's creativity.
4) Houses of the Holy (1973) - Spotify, Apple Music
Houses of the Holy exemplifies Led Zeppelin's thirst for innovation and stylistic variety. Among the songs featured on this album are the reggae-influenced D'yer Mak'er, the funk-infused The Crunge, and No Quarter.
The album mixes fun exploration with the strong style of Led Zeppelin. Songs like The Rain Song show a gentle, thoughtful side, while Over the Hills and Far Away mixes acoustic and electric sounds very well. Houses of the Holy shows the band's adventurous side, making it a must-listen record.
5) Led Zeppelin (1969) - Spotify, Apple Music
The world was first exposed to the raw, revolutionary sound of Led Zeppelin on their self-titled debut album, and it will definitely be a crucial point in the documentary film Becoming Led Zeppelin. A little psychedelic, strong rock and heavy blues make up this record. Band hallmarks such as Dazed and Confused and Good Times Bad Times showcased Page's guitar prowess and Plant's soaring vocals.
This album established a solid groundwork and high standard for their subsequent endeavors. The compositions and energy of the album cemented Led Zeppelin's place in rock history and garnered them a legion of devoted fans.
All albums of Led Zeppelin can be streamed online through their official YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Music, and other music streaming platforms worldwide ahead of Becoming Led Zeppelin's release.