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All The Songs
Led Zeppelin All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track
Led Zeppelin All the Songs takes a deep dive into the innovative recording history of the one of the most influential rock bands of all time—covering every album and every track that Led Zeppelin has ever produced. More than fifty years after their first practice session in a London basement, Led Zeppelin continues to fascinate new generations of listeners. While their legendary backstage antics have been written about extensively in other books, Led Zeppelin All the Songs focuses on the music, detailing the musicianship and lyrical inspiration that helped each of the band's nine albums go platinum, including Led Zeppelin IV, which has been certified platinum 23 times and has sold more than 37 million copies worldwide. This book is filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of life on the road and inside the recording studio. Fans will learn the meaning behind some of the band's classic lyrics, as well as the inspiration for all of their album covers, which instruments were used on every track, and the importance of contributions from engineers, sound technicians, producers, and other behind-the-scenes professionals who helped Led Zeppelin become one of the most popular bands of all time.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2018
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270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 31, 2019
I figured I'd get the most out of this book by listening to every track, listed and written about in chronological order. So I did, thanks to Amazon and Alexa. As you might imagine, it's taken me a while to work my way through the Led Zeppelin discography, starting with the classic self-titled "Led Zeppelin" (1969 - Good Times Bad Times, Babe I'm Gonna Leave You, Dazed and Confused, Communication Breakdown, etc." right through to the 2003 Led Zeppelin DVD. Along the way, I got a major dose of the band's personal and professional history and their profound impact on rock and roll. I've been a fan since high school; sadly, I have never seen the band in concert but I have been fortunate to see and hear Robert Plant three times (with Alison Krauss, Band of Joy, and Sensational Space Shifters) in the past 10 years or so. He has continued to evolve and explore his sound, building on his Led Zeppelin legacy.
This book is massive and not for the faint of heart. It helps to be a Led Zep addict (guilty as charged) and to be listening to the song you're reading about. I picked up on nuances I had never heard before by reading and listening simultaneously. The writing is not great and tends to end each song chapter with a platitude such as "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" is one of the most successful tracks on what is an incredible album, demonstrating that Led Zeppelin's revisiting of folk is no pale imitation of Crosby, Stills & Nash, as has often been claimed, but an authentic musical expression from four highly talented musicians." Meh.
This book is massive and not for the faint of heart. It helps to be a Led Zep addict (guilty as charged) and to be listening to the song you're reading about. I picked up on nuances I had never heard before by reading and listening simultaneously. The writing is not great and tends to end each song chapter with a platitude such as "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" is one of the most successful tracks on what is an incredible album, demonstrating that Led Zeppelin's revisiting of folk is no pale imitation of Crosby, Stills & Nash, as has often been claimed, but an authentic musical expression from four highly talented musicians." Meh.
April 30, 2024
I've read one other book from the 'All the Songs' series before, that being the one on Queen. While I loved the concept, I found the writing was lacking and that book was full of errors. Part of the issue there was that there just isn't enough information available about Queen's time in the studio, and some songs would only get a paragraph or two.
For Led Zep the situation is different, and lot more info has been detailed over the years about the band's recordings. This book is better. It goes in chronological order through their albums and each song gets its own write up, with details about the inspirations and the recording processes. It compiles all of this information from various sources, but the author also includes their own thoughts both positive and negative.
There's also some biographical stuff included alongside, letting us know what the band were up to and how their career was going. The writing here is perfunctory but works fine. A lot of quotes from the band and the people they worked with are included throughout and I got a good sense of how Led Zep worked.
In fact, some of the things here ended up souring me on the band. I've liked the music for a long time and knew most of their albums, but here it really comes across that they were kind of assholes and didn't treat people that well. And it really drives home how often, especially in their early years, they would steal music without crediting the original writers.
But that's not what the book is about, it's a dive into their song writing and recording and is a wonderful compilation of that information. It doesn't go super deep, but there's a lot in here and it's presented in a way that makes it an enjoyable read. I enjoyed listening to the songs as I read along, and I even discovered a few new favourites from their later years that I was less aware of.
For Led Zep the situation is different, and lot more info has been detailed over the years about the band's recordings. This book is better. It goes in chronological order through their albums and each song gets its own write up, with details about the inspirations and the recording processes. It compiles all of this information from various sources, but the author also includes their own thoughts both positive and negative.
There's also some biographical stuff included alongside, letting us know what the band were up to and how their career was going. The writing here is perfunctory but works fine. A lot of quotes from the band and the people they worked with are included throughout and I got a good sense of how Led Zep worked.
In fact, some of the things here ended up souring me on the band. I've liked the music for a long time and knew most of their albums, but here it really comes across that they were kind of assholes and didn't treat people that well. And it really drives home how often, especially in their early years, they would steal music without crediting the original writers.
But that's not what the book is about, it's a dive into their song writing and recording and is a wonderful compilation of that information. It doesn't go super deep, but there's a lot in here and it's presented in a way that makes it an enjoyable read. I enjoyed listening to the songs as I read along, and I even discovered a few new favourites from their later years that I was less aware of.
March 22, 2025
God, what a band. I’ve appreciated them and known they were titans for a long time, but lately have been going track-by-track on each album and reading the chapters on each song from this book. Love the details this book includes and definitely learned many new things
October 16, 2019
What a great find. This book has every song and every outtake performed. There is a section on a song summary, what instruments used, who was in the studio, and release date info. How did the songs chart?
I tried to read this straight through and I couldn’t possibly retain all this information. I had been told that Robert Plant was a big Tolkien reader. I had no idea other than “Ramble On” just how often Tolkien shows up in lyrics. Sometimes as a simile sometimes direct references. Led Zeppelin was known as power heavy metal, but there is a lot of folk music, a lot of funk, and Candy Store Rock as a 1950s throwback. To read this all in one place changes how I view this band.
This gigantic book will stay on my book shelf as a reference to anything I need to know. It’s that complete.
I tried to read this straight through and I couldn’t possibly retain all this information. I had been told that Robert Plant was a big Tolkien reader. I had no idea other than “Ramble On” just how often Tolkien shows up in lyrics. Sometimes as a simile sometimes direct references. Led Zeppelin was known as power heavy metal, but there is a lot of folk music, a lot of funk, and Candy Store Rock as a 1950s throwback. To read this all in one place changes how I view this band.
This gigantic book will stay on my book shelf as a reference to anything I need to know. It’s that complete.
October 24, 2018
Whole Lotta Information ...
ALL THE SONGS is a massive resource that details all the songs on every Led Zeppelin album and a handful of other studio recordings. While the gist of this 600 page volume are the songs, it includes a treasure trove of additional information about the band (individually and collectively) that should appeal to most Zep fans.
The official 50th anniversary book of Led Zeppelin was a nicely presented photo album, but not any details in which to sink your teeth. This book should satisfy those who were looking for a more meaty text offering (but, unlike the 50th anniversary book, this volume is not an official Led Zeppelin offering). Full of photos (many of which I've never seen before), this book digs fairly deep in detailing all of the band's songs in an organized format with lots of trivia, commentary and factoids. The only misgiving may be that the actual lyrics to the songs were not provided, BUT specific lyrics of the songs are pulled out and explained.
What I really like about this book is that it is an interesting resource for the Zeppelin song catalog that extends well beyond the basics. I have numerous books on Led Zeppelin, including all of Dave Lewis' exhaustive research efforts, and I found ALL THE SONGS a welcomed (and needed) addition to my collection. The chapters are organized by album (chronologically). Each chapter includes a breakdown of the album before breaking down the song content of those albums. Aside from the text, which includes information from the band members, there are many insets providing specifics, even a frequent "for Zep fans" inset. One particular inset peppered throughout is devoted to oddities within songs where the time markers within the songs are provided so you can hear them yourself (the mysterious "stop" in "Out on the Tiles" for example). In addition to the songs, there are spotlights in the chapters dedicated to individuals influenced by or associated with the band (Peter Grant, Aleister Crowley, Sandy Denny, etc.). Specifics on the recordings (studios, instruments, producers, etc.) are also provided. The exhaustive research behind each song is quite satisfying to read, but the trivia tidbits are really appealing, including the the nonsensical/odd working titles of their most celebrated songs and the stories behind the song (for example, John Paul Jones vehemently denies "Royal Orleans" being based on an incident involving him). While there is a lot of text, it is concisely and colorfully written and never comes across as dull.
I love resource books that finely detail subject matters I find interesting. This book certainly scratches that itch for me. As a lifelong fan of the band, I found ALL THE SONGS to be extremely interesting and a worthy addition to my collection. This is one of those books you can read and re-read over the years.
ALL THE SONGS is a massive resource that details all the songs on every Led Zeppelin album and a handful of other studio recordings. While the gist of this 600 page volume are the songs, it includes a treasure trove of additional information about the band (individually and collectively) that should appeal to most Zep fans.
The official 50th anniversary book of Led Zeppelin was a nicely presented photo album, but not any details in which to sink your teeth. This book should satisfy those who were looking for a more meaty text offering (but, unlike the 50th anniversary book, this volume is not an official Led Zeppelin offering). Full of photos (many of which I've never seen before), this book digs fairly deep in detailing all of the band's songs in an organized format with lots of trivia, commentary and factoids. The only misgiving may be that the actual lyrics to the songs were not provided, BUT specific lyrics of the songs are pulled out and explained.
What I really like about this book is that it is an interesting resource for the Zeppelin song catalog that extends well beyond the basics. I have numerous books on Led Zeppelin, including all of Dave Lewis' exhaustive research efforts, and I found ALL THE SONGS a welcomed (and needed) addition to my collection. The chapters are organized by album (chronologically). Each chapter includes a breakdown of the album before breaking down the song content of those albums. Aside from the text, which includes information from the band members, there are many insets providing specifics, even a frequent "for Zep fans" inset. One particular inset peppered throughout is devoted to oddities within songs where the time markers within the songs are provided so you can hear them yourself (the mysterious "stop" in "Out on the Tiles" for example). In addition to the songs, there are spotlights in the chapters dedicated to individuals influenced by or associated with the band (Peter Grant, Aleister Crowley, Sandy Denny, etc.). Specifics on the recordings (studios, instruments, producers, etc.) are also provided. The exhaustive research behind each song is quite satisfying to read, but the trivia tidbits are really appealing, including the the nonsensical/odd working titles of their most celebrated songs and the stories behind the song (for example, John Paul Jones vehemently denies "Royal Orleans" being based on an incident involving him). While there is a lot of text, it is concisely and colorfully written and never comes across as dull.
I love resource books that finely detail subject matters I find interesting. This book certainly scratches that itch for me. As a lifelong fan of the band, I found ALL THE SONGS to be extremely interesting and a worthy addition to my collection. This is one of those books you can read and re-read over the years.
March 14, 2020
This took some time to work through and it definitely will not be the last time I visit this book. While the first 50 pages tell how the band came together, this is not a full biography of the band. Also, the writing is not always easy to follow or read. However, the remaining 600 pages is an excellent resource and a wealth of knowledge that details ALL THE SONGS from every Led Zeppelin album and miscellaneous other recordings.
If you are a Led Zeppelin fan, get the book and follow along while listening to your copy of each record to find all the interesting background of each song. I would recommend the hardcover version as it is easier to jump to a specific album or song, plus you miss all the pictures in the Kindle version.
There are other "ALL THE SONG" books by this same author for The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan.
If you are a Led Zeppelin fan, get the book and follow along while listening to your copy of each record to find all the interesting background of each song. I would recommend the hardcover version as it is easier to jump to a specific album or song, plus you miss all the pictures in the Kindle version.
There are other "ALL THE SONG" books by this same author for The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan.
March 28, 2022
This is quite the giant of a book, for a giant band! I took the time to read this album by album, listening to each song as I read the page about it. Definitely time consuming but the best way to go about it. It's truly mind-blowing the different kind of techniques and recordings Zeppelin used to make their albums. A really great insider's look into the music.
A must read for Zeppelin fans/musicians.
A must read for Zeppelin fans/musicians.
February 12, 2019
god what a comprehensive and technical look at the whole of led zeppelin. the narrative of this band was told beautifully, and getting to learn all the technicals behind and the origins of their songs was just a treat. what a journey with this book!!! i’m glad to have read it and recommend it to any led zeppelin fan looking for a little more knowledge!
December 9, 2018
Fascinating. I want to go back and listen to their entire catalogue with this book at the ready for all the call-outs of recorded oddities. I could see returning to the book over and over for new insights into even the lesser tracks. Well done.
February 22, 2022
A track by track account of the career of Led Zeppelin. Every recording session leading to an album track or track included on other live albums. Details of the meaning of lyrics, instruments used and the recording process. Great for completists but not for the merely curious.
December 9, 2018
I still don’t know if there is a Bustle in my Hedgerow, but I’m not alarmed....
February 21, 2019
A treasure trove of info about the band and all their songs, with fabulous photos throughout, although a bit cumbersome wading through a production analysis of each song.
December 14, 2019
Great Zeppelin book
The story behind every song, from both a technical and historical perspective. I have eight more words to go. Bye.
The story behind every song, from both a technical and historical perspective. I have eight more words to go. Bye.
January 29, 2024
Hammer of the Gods Rule.
July 10, 2024
Took a while to get through this. There were a lot of fun facts throughout that kept me engaged, but the explanations of the different instruments used wasn’t something I wasn’t interested in. I could see true die hard fans loving this, but for me, it was overly detailed and too hefty to hold!
July 30, 2023
Led Zeppelin, in my opinion, along Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, conforms the holy trinity of Hard Rock/Metal Universe.
This book is incredibly documented on the circumstances, moods, production values, instruments and recording techniques of each of the tracks that build the titanic discography of this wonderful band.
An authentic view on the genius of Jimmy Page, as producer and visionary of a once in a lifetime sound, who along the undeniable talents of Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and late great John Bonham created a phenomenon unique in the history of Rock as well as popular music.
Two thumbs up for this amazing document of my all-time favorite band.
This book is incredibly documented on the circumstances, moods, production values, instruments and recording techniques of each of the tracks that build the titanic discography of this wonderful band.
An authentic view on the genius of Jimmy Page, as producer and visionary of a once in a lifetime sound, who along the undeniable talents of Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and late great John Bonham created a phenomenon unique in the history of Rock as well as popular music.
Two thumbs up for this amazing document of my all-time favorite band.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews