In 1971, Led Zeppelin released their fourth studio album, Led Zeppelin IV. The album was recorded in Headley Grange mansion in England as a response to the negative comments their previous LP received from the press. Despite initial criticism, Led Zeppelin IV eventually became a success and endeared itself to both fans and detractors alike.
A Return to Roots
Led Zeppelin IV was a return to the band’s roots and the identity that marked their early career. The album features songs like “Black Dog,” “Going to California,” and “Rock and Roll.”
The Accidental Track
“Rock and Roll” was one of the most representative songs of Led Zeppelin’s new phase. It was composed accidentally while the band was working on “Four Sticks.” According to Far Out, John Bonham got frustrated with the difficult drum intro of “Four Sticks” and started playing “Keep A-Knockin” by Little Richard. The rest of the band joined in, and they started working on a new track, resulting in one of their most iconic songs.
“John started playing the drums, and we followed him. I started doing about half of that riff that you hear in ‘Rock and Roll,’ and we thought: ‘Let’s work on this,'” the other members of the band recalled.
The Classic Sound of “Rock and Roll”
As its name suggests, “Rock and Roll” is a classic rock song that is soaked in influences and references, such as Chuck Berry. Despite being composed accidentally and in just 15 minutes, “Rock and Roll” remains one of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic tracks, showcasing their talent and passion for music.
Listen to “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin below:
