“On the second album you can really hear the band’s identity,” said guitarist Jimmy Page years after the release of Led Zeppelin . Recorded during the group’s tour of the UK and North America in 1969, Led Zeppelin II was a huge commercial success, marking the first time the legendary band appeared on the charts of both continents.
Each of the ten songs – which were divided into two parts – was recorded, mixed, and produced between live shows, resulting in a spontaneous and urgent sound that made it the heaviest album of the British band's career. Despite the album being considered one of the best in rock and roll history, vocalist Robert Plant revealed that he didn't enjoy the process, as they traveled to various locations during the recording.
Life for Plant, Page, John Bonham , and John Paul Jones may have been difficult during this time, as the quartet was trying to balance the excellence of live performances of their early songs while seeking to spark creativity for new ideas. But the situation favored the process, as many songs emerged from rehearsals and improvisations during the tour.
For example, “Dazed and Confused,” one of the album’s biggest classics, had its instrumental created between shows and was recorded almost entirely live in the studio. “Whole Lotta Love” was built from an improvisation Page made while performing a 15-minute extended version of “As Long As I Have You” on stage.
Guitar solos were recorded in studio hallways while Bonham used his drumsticks on a guitar case or a trash can during "Ramble On." Furthermore, Robert Plant was able, for the first time, to create his own compositions and be credited for them in the liner notes – previously, the musician was prohibited from doing so due to an old contract that was still active with CBS Records.
Critics at the time disapproved of Led Zeppelin's bold attempt to transform their sound. Months after its release, Led Zeppelin II sold 12 million copies and is now considered one of the cornerstones of heavy metal. "Whole Lotta Love," "Heartbreaker," "The Lemon Song," "Moby Dick," and "Bring It On Home" were the great representatives in the creation of the heavy metal genre.
“Our lives changed after that,” Plant said during an interview with Rolling Stone , “It was a quick and abrupt change in our career and we weren’t prepared.” On October 22, 2019, Led Zeppelin II celebrates its legendary 50th anniversary.
