What Led Zeppelin Song Was A B Side Single
Led Zeppelin is one of the best-known and most influential rock bands of all time. Since their formation in 1968, they have been credited with creating a new sound in music, and their impact still resonates across many generations. So it was no surprise when, in 1971, Led Zeppelin released their fourth album and the two singles that accompanied it. While “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll” were the two A-side singles released from the album, the song “Four Sticks” was released as a B-side single.
Both “Black Dog” and “Rock and Roll” went on to become major hits, reaching the top 20 in the US, but it was “Four Sticks” that gained the most attention when it was eventually released as a single on 14 October 1971. Despite being a B-side single, the song gained some mainstream success and was the band’s first ever UK Top 40 hit, peaking at number 34. It was even chosen by critics and fans alike as one of the standout songs from the album.
The success of “Four Sticks” can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it was a departure from the band’s usual style of hard rock, incorporating complex rhythms and unusual time signatures. It was also one of the longest songs the band ever recorded, clocking in at over seven and a half minutes. Additionally, the song prominently featured the talents of their drummer, John Bonham, allowing him an extended solo in the middle. This would have appealed to fans who were already familiar with the band.
It is likely that these elements, combined with the fact that it was paired with the two hit singles, contributed to the success of “Four Sticks”. The decision to release it as a B-side single was also a shrewd one, as it allowed the song to catch the attention of listeners without being overshadowed by the two A-side singles. The song has since become one of the band’s most recognised and beloved works.
The success of “Four Sticks” had interesting implications for the band and its subsequent albums. The song proved to be a commercial success despite being a B-side single, and it demonstrated that Led Zeppelin could create memorable songs that were not necessarily reliant on loud and visceral hard-rock sounds. This would go on to influence the band’s next two albums, “Houses of the Holy” and “Physical Graffiti”.
In conclusion, the release of “Four Sticks” as a B-side single proved to be a brilliant decision, allowing the song to reach a wider audience without having to compete with the two A-side singles. The success of the song and its impact on Zeppelin’s subsequent albums, further cement its legacy as one of the band’s most beloved creations.
Influence On Future Led Zeppelin Albums
The success of “Four Sticks” had considerable implications for the band and its subsequent albums. The fact that the song was able to become a mainstream success despite being released as a B-side single demonstrated to the industry that Led Zeppelin were capable of creating memorable songs with complex structures and unique time signatures. This was a major departure from the band’s usual style of hard rock, and would go on to shape the sound of their next two albums, “Houses of the Holy” and “Physical Graffiti”.
“Houses of the Holy” saw the band experiment further with longer, more complex songs such as “The Rain Song” and “Dancing Days”. These songs not only showcased the band’s ever-evolving musicianship, but also their increasingly experimental songwriting. This growth in sound would prove essential to the band’s breakthrough success in 1975 with their album, “Physical Graffiti”.
The songwriting on “Physical Graffiti” was expansive and much more ambitious than anything the band had done previously. This sound was characterised by the duel guitar lines of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, the intricate drumming of John Bonham, and the soaring vocals of Robert Plant. The ambitiousness and complexity of the album was a clear homage to the success of “Four Sticks”, and the two albums together ended up as the defining albums of what is now known as the ‘classic rock’ genre.
Changing Perceptions Of Led Zeppelin
By releasing “Four Sticks” as a B-side single, the band were able to grow their fan base and attract the attention of the mainstream. It also demonstrated to the industry that Led Zeppelin were capable of creating songs that were more than simply loud and aggressive, and this change in perception changed the way the band was perceived by the music industry and fans alike. This newfound experimentation and willingness to push boundaries would allow the band to expand their sound and reach further heights of success.
The success of “Four Sticks” also showed that the band were not just hard-rock icons, but could also create beautiful art rock ballads, as evidenced by the success of “The Rain Song” from the album “Houses of the Holy”. This musical versatility and ambition would end up being one of the reasons why Led Zeppelin afficinandos are still passionate about the band to this day, and it is something that the band themselves recognised.
In an interview with Guitar World magazine, guitarist Jimmy Page was asked what he felt about bands emulating Led Zeppelin’s style. He responded by saying that he was glad that people still appreciated the band and their music, but that he was particularly proud of how the band developed their sound and expanded their reach. This willingness to experiment was epitomised in the success of “Four Sticks”, and it is this spirit of innovation that continues to make Led Zeppelin one of the most beloved rock bands of all time.
Contemporary Reception Of The Song
It goes without saying that the song has had long-lasting appeal, with many critics in the modern day continuing to hail it as one of the stand-out songs from the band’s fourth album. In a 2017 review of the album, Pitchfork described the song as “a powerhouse”, noting its “elegant combination of mystique and power”. Other modern reviews have focused on the complexity and scope of the song, noting its ambitiousness as a B-side single and how it changed the perception of the band.
Further testament to the song’s lasting appeal can be seen in its numerous live performances throughout the years. While the band were reluctant to perform the song live due to its ambitious structure, they eventually settled on a shortened version and began performing it at their concerts. This was often met to huge cheers from the audience, and live footage of the song continues to be some of the band’s most popular material.
The song has also been covered and sampled extensively by many modern artists, and popular TV shows and films continue to feature it in their soundtracks. This further cements its legacy as one of the most timeless and timelessly influential Led Zeppelin songs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is fair to say that the success of “Four Sticks” as a B-side single was hard earned, and its legacy still reverberates to this day. Its success has been an invaluable contribution to the band’s legacy, as it demonstrated the band’s willingness to experiment and create complex songs that pushed the boundaries of the traditional rock sound. This is a testament to Led Zeppelin’s creativity and ambition that continues to be the envy of rock fans around the world.
