The definitive Led Zeppelin playlist

Presence, Led Zeppelin's seventh studio album from 1976, is often lost in the mix compared to its earlier, more acclaimed releases. The highlight of this under-appreciated record is the lead-off track. A lot is going on — guitar overdubs. complex transitions — on a cut that runs almost 10 1/2 minutes long. It may be a lot to take in, but the collective talent showcased in this song is undeniable.

We'll spend plenty of time talking about Led Zeppelin's stellar second studio album from 1969. Side Two of Led Zeppelin II kicks off with "Heartbreaker," complete with one of Jimmy Page's most famous guitar riffs. "Heartbreaker" is a classic rock tune on its own, but radio jocks over the years like to pair it with the equally rocking, guitar-driven "Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman)," which immediately follows on the track list.

The lyrics to "Ramble On" were inspired by The Lord of the Rings novel (h/t Rolling Stone). Zeppelin traditionally took a creative and unique approach to composition and lyricism. It's one of the more complete Led Zeppelin tracks, showcasing the talent of each member.

From the band's later years and the In Through the Out Door (1979) album. "All of My Love" is perhaps the saddest song within the Zeppelin catalog. The ballad is reportedly an ode to Robert Plant's son, Karac, who died in 1977 at age 5 after falling ill while the singer was touring. Amid the somber lyrics is John Paul Jones' notable synthesizer work, particularly his solo on the instrument.  

Five albums in, and Led Zeppelin finally decided to name one something other than a numeral or leave it untitled. Following its release in March 1973, Houses of the Holy received lukewarm reviews. Over time, plenty of its songs became staples of classic rock radio. "D'yer Mak'er" is one of them. It has a reggae, almost Calypso vibe and was popular enough to reach No, 20 on Billboard's Hot 100.

"Fool in the Rain," from In Through the Out Door, barely missed cracking the top 20 (peaking at No. 21) on the Hot 100. While "D'yer Mak'er" had its moments of reggae, "Fool in the Rain" showcased some samba influences with an element of jazz fusion.

"Dazed and Confused" has seen the rounds within the Yardbirds/Led Zeppelin universe. The famed Jack Holmes track from the late 1960s was played by Jimmy Page's Yardbirds, then reworked and revised when he joined Led Zeppelin for the band's first album. As time went on, it was a popular studio cover for the band and a staple during those marathon Zeppelin live sets back in the day — especially when Page broke out the bow to play his guitar.

Another memorable moment from the group's self-titled debut, released in 1969. "Communication Breakdown" was one of the first songs put together when Led Zeppelin was formed. It's also known for another legendary Jimmy Page riff, one that has a complete punk feel to it. Dirty, raw, and unabashed.

"Hey, hey, mama said the way you move / Gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove." With that Robert Plant wail, Led Zeppelin's 1971 untitled fourth album (regularly dubbed Led Zeppelin IV) was off and running. The fourth album might be the band's most popular among the masses. The bluesy, dirty "Black Dog" is a good start, with Plant truly at his best vocally.

From the band's untitled fourth album, "Going to California" has long been praised for its collective musical genius. The folksy number features Jimmy Page's stellar acoustic guitar work and John Paul Jones' excellence on the mandolin. The overall tone and range of Robert Plant's vocals are also on display.

Led Zeppelin II is filled with memorable guitar riffs from Jimmy Page. "Whole Lotta Love" is a song many rock critics have claimed to be the band's best song over time. Zeppelin has always been steeped in the blues, and "Whole Lotta Love" is a perfect example. 

Another Houses of the Holy favorite, "Over the Hills and Far Away" is memorable for Jimmy Page's acoustic intro. It's one of Zeppelin's more innovative tracks, from a production standpoint, with Page overlaying his 12-string acoustic guitar part on top of the initial six-string acoustic entry. The song picks up from there. Page's acoustic and electric guitar work stands out throughout the piece.

From the pages of Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga, this underrated work from Led Zeppelin II includes lyrics regarding Robert Plant's reported relationship with his sister-in-law. And though critics have long hailed this as one of Led Zeppelin's best tracks, it sadly never seemed to enjoy mass popularity.

For casual fans of classic rock or Zeppelin, it might seem confusing that "Houses of the Holy" did not appear on the Houses of the Holy album. Instead, it's one of the special highlights of 1975's double-record standout Physical Graffiti. The album is unique, featuring various elements of blues and even some funk. 

Originally intended to be an overture of sorts, the track eventually blossomed into the rollicking Houses of the Holy opener. In many ways, it would have made a great instrumental track, but Robert Plant's lyrics do not harm a song that adds some heaviness to a rather mellow LP. The tune would later become synonymous with one of the great concert films of all time and subsequent live soundtracks: The Song Remains the Same (1976).

The title pretty much says it all. From John Bonham's symbol-crashing intro to Jimmy Page's electric riffs, the track is an ode to the early days of rock and roll. There is a heavy Chuck Berry influence going on here, especially when it comes to Page's relentless guitar-playing throughout the song. 

Talk about a stellar 45, "Misty Mountain Hop" was the B-side to "Black Dog." Robert Plant sings about the 1968 rally to legalize marijuana at London's Hyde Park, and the song has lived on in Zeppelin lore. The band didn't write much about real-life history in its songs, but it paid off this time. 

This is where it all began for Led Zeppelin. The lead track and first single released from the band's debut album, "Good Times Bad Times" charted on Billboard's Hot 100 (peaking at No. 80) and is still one of the great rock records. It also should be considered among the best album openers of all time — the perfect mix of hard rock with a bluesy feel and some musical swagger. 

It's easy to throw around the phrase "greatest of all time." "Stairway to Heaven" is usually part of the conversation about the best rock songs. "Stairway" is simply iconic. Imaginative, creative, and mystical, all wrapped up amid an ebb and flow of musical emotion that has allowed it to stand out within the Led Zeppelin catalog, rock and roll history, and pop culture. 

Though Led Zeppelin III was a departure from the band's first two releases, offering a more folksy sound, the album's opener is hard rock at its best. Jimmy Page's famous opening riff, combined with John Bonham's steady underlay on the drums, continues through most of the song. Not to mention Robert Plant's renowned "Aahhhh!" shriek.

Side One of Led Zeppelin II is special, with "Whole Lotta Love," "What Is and What Should Never Be," and this exceptional number to round things out. "Thank You" was a defining moment for the band's maturation as writers. The live version from 1994's No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded is pure excellence.

This Houses of the Holy classic is emotional, moving, and possibly the most beautiful song the band has ever written. "The Rain Song" remains one of Zeppelin's most underrated tracks.

Certain songs are easily recognizable by the opening bars. "Kashmir," from Physical Graffiti, is one. It features another legendary guitar riff from Jimmy Page and is considered one of Led Zeppelin's most progressive songs. It fits in with the smorgasbord theme of Physical Graffiti. At 9 minutes, 41 seconds, "Kashmir" is a true musical journey.

OK, this isn't a Led Zeppelin song. The band did not write it. That credit goes to Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie from the late 1920s. Always the blues fan, Robert Plant and his Zeppelin bandmates reworked the track, keeping some of the lyrics, and recorded it as the closer for its fourth studio album. The Zeppelin version is the band at its bluesy best and the true gem of its exceptional fourth album.

To the non-Zeppelin die-hards, "Ten Years Gone" could qualify as a deep cut. Yet, this underrated Physical Graffiti masterpiece hits the listener's musical emotions hard. Robert Plant's voice is rather soulful, while Jimmy Page delivers one of his most subtly stellar guitar performances. The solo midway through leads into a memorable crescendo that stands out on the track and perhaps at the top of the Led Zeppelin catalog.