Led Zeppelin's fourth untitled album, simply referred to as ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ hits 50 years since its 1971 release
Arguably the greatest rock album of all time, Led Zeppelin's fourth installment was released half a century ago on November 8th, 1971. The monumental album explored all types of genres, featuring gritty, hard-rocking hits like ‘Black Dog’ and ‘When the Levee Breaks’, as well as soft, folk inspired rhythms as heard in ‘The Battle of Evermore’ and ‘Going to California’. And who can forget the band’s defining epic, ‘Stairway to Heaven’. The 8 minute long rock anthem quickly became the group's biggest hit to date. With a supposed 37 million copies being sold, it is one of the best selling albums of all time. Recording was done in Hampshire, England, at a country house known as Headley Grange, and tracks were laid down using the Rolling Stones mobile studio. There, the band was able to disconnect from society for a while and write, while also being able to record. Even today, the album still impacts and influences music. John Bonham's signature drum intro to ‘When the Levee Breaks’ has been sampled countless times since its release. And ‘Stairway to Heaven’ opened the door to epic, rock ballads. In another 50 years, Led Zeppelin IV will still be one of the highest acclaimed albums of all time.