Background Information
Led Zeppelin’s song Highway Tune is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. It was released in their 1971 debut album Led Zeppelin IV and gained instant mass popularity. The song’s signature driving guitar riffs and soaring vocal harmonies are known to have suggested the excitement of motorcycling, and resonate with rebellion and limitless freedom. Highway Tune is widely credited for popularising heavy metal rock, and has been included by leading radio channels and magazines as one of the best rock tracks of all time.
The Structure of the Song
The song is famously 4 minutes and 6 seconds long, and is composed of three main sections. The introduction to the song features thesound of a car starting and accelerating, coupled with a reciting of the first line of the song “So look for the sunrise, I think I’ll geet high”. This is then followed by the main section, comprising of a repeating 8-bar verse structure, and a bridge that ends with a classic guitar solo. The third main section ends with the reciting of the final line of the song.
Lyrics
The lyrics mostly revolve around the thrill and adventure of the open road, particularly enjoying the journey rather than the destination. They are famously what many call spiritual, focusing on the joy of freedom, and the power of consuming drugs and alcohol to attain psychadelic visions. According to rock historians, these messages of escapism and the open road are incredibly influential, and have instilled a sense of romanticism of the open highway in subsequent generations.
Instrumentation
The song is famous for it’s catchy guitar riffs played by Jimmy Page which have been credited for popularising the heavy metal rock genre. One of the most famous the riffs is played by Page at the start of the song, before the main verse kicks in. The instrumentation, as judged by experts, is almost transcendental, urging the listener to drive at breakneck speeds down an imaginary highway. The song is also known for it’s creative use of drums and percussion, further enhancing the song’s message of journey and freedom.
Cultural Significance
The song has quickly become a cultural phenomenon with its influence still being felt today. The words of the song has played a major role in inspiring generations of rock stars, writers, bikers and many others. In particular, the song has become an anthem for bikers across the world, with its message of being free and feeling the wind in your face being highly appreciated. It has been featured in many films and various media, with its influence extending to today’s modern pop culture.
Marketing
When the song was first released, it propelled Led Zeppelin to incredible fame and success. The band was able to skillfully utilise the growing ‘hippie’ movement to market their music, and that of Highway Tune in particular. The most famous of these campaigns was their iconic poster featuring a Harley Davidson Dripping with sweat and screaming out Led Zeppelin’s logo. This poster is now seen as legendary within the rock music community.
Legacy
Highway Tune was innovative and groundbreaking in its time, and has since been covered by countless bands of all genres. Since its initial release, Led Zeppelin’s song Highway Tune has become an undeniable classic that has shaped the way we think about rock and roll music. Its influence can still be felt today and will continue to define and inspire future generations of rock and roll musicians.
Impact on Music
Highway Tune played a major role in popularising the hard rock and metal genres. With its driving guitar riffs and the unique instrumentation, Highway Tune suggested the excitement of motorcycling and resonated with the rebelliousness of youth. More importantly, the theme of limitless freedom and journey inspired later artists, and continues to influence contemporary pop culture. Consequently, Highway Tune can be attributed as a major font for the hard rock genre.
Influences on Lyrics
The lyrics of Highway Tune were nationally acclaimed for their simple but catchy rhymes, and dynamic use of spiritual symbols and imagery. This pioneering use of lyrics was groundbreaking in its day and has since been used by generations of songwriters. Many of the lyrics have since been used in various forms in other songs, and can be found in modern pop music.
Critical Reception
The song was wildly popular upon its initial release, and continues to remain a firm favourite among rock fans. It has been praised for its inspiring lyrics, unique instrumentation and masterful guitar playing. Major music publications have considered it to be one of the greatest rock songs of all time, with only the highest levels of critical acclaim.
