Led Zeppelin have over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify (Image: Getty)
Led Zeppelin are widely regarded as one of the most influential rock bands in history, their groundbreaking fusion of blues, hard rock, and folk shaping the sound of a generation.
Though the band’s active years were relatively brief, their music has stood the test of time, captivating fans across multiple generations. Even decades after drummer John Bonham’s untimely death brought the group to an end in 1980, their songs continue to attract millions of listeners worldwide.
From the fierce energy of ‘Immigrant Song’ to the delicate acoustic beauty of ‘Going to California’, we look at Led Zeppelin’s 10 most listened songs in the digital age – based on streaming figures from Spotify.
10 – D’yer Mak’er
193 million streams
‘D’yer Mak’er’ from the 1973 album Houses of the Holy is named after a play on the pronunciation of “Jamaica,” reflecting its reggae-inspired rhythm and laid-back vibe.
Although the song was somewhat divisive among critics and fans at the time, it does one thing: It demonstrates Led Zeppelin’s willingness to experiment with different genres. The track features a catchy groove and highlights the band’s broad musical influences, blending rock with Caribbean styles.
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9 – Going to California
273 million streams
‘Going to California’, from the 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV, reveals the band’s more introspective and acoustic side. Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, the song is a folk-inspired ballad reflecting themes of searching and escape.
The gentle arrangement features a mandolin played by Plant, with subtle acoustic guitars and a vocal performance that makes it widely regarded as one of the band’s most beautiful and tender compositions.
8 – Rock and Roll
311 million streams
Also from Led Zeppelin IV, ‘Rock and Roll’ is a fast-paced homage to the genre’s early days. Its driving rhythm and catchy riff capture the excitement and raw energy of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, though delivered with Led Zeppelin’s heavier, more modern edge.
The song pays tribute to the spirit of pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, combining nostalgia with the band’s signature power. It has become a concert favourite and a classic within their repertoire.
7 – Good Times Bad Times
334 million streams
The opening track of Led Zeppelin’s debut album, ‘Good Times Bad Times’ set the tone for what was to come. Released in 1969, the song features John Bonham’s innovative drumming techniques, including the rapid-fire bass drum beats that influenced countless drummers.
Musically, it showcases the band’s fusion of blues and rock, with Jimmy Page’s powerful guitar riffs and Robert Plant’s energetic vocals. Although not one of their biggest commercial hits, ‘Good Times Bad Times’ is highly regarded for its technical brilliance.
6. Kashmir
339 million streams
‘Kashmir’, from the 1975 album Physical Graffiti, is often considered one of Led Zeppelin’s most ambitious compositions. The song combines a hypnotic, Middle Eastern-inspired riff with orchestral arrangements, creating a grand and cinematic atmosphere.
Jimmy Page’s use of a string section alongside the band’s rock instrumentation marked a significant expansion of their sound, and lyrically, Robert Plant’s paint the picture of a journey through exotic landscapes. ‘Kashmir’ has been praised for its epic scope and is a staple in Led Zeppelin’s live sets.
5. Ramble On
367 million streams
Also featured on Led Zeppelin II, ‘Ramble On’ is seen by many as a melodic and lyrical highlight. The song blends folk and rock influences with fantasy-inspired lyrics referencing J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, particularly the mention of “Gollum” and “Mordor.”
Jimmy Page’s acoustic guitar work and John Paul Jones’ melodic bassline mathc with Robert Plant’s vocal delivery, which is more reflective and rooted in narrative than some of the band’s harder-edged songs.
4. Black Dog
429 million streams
‘Black Dog’, from the 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV, opens with one of the band’s most famous and complex guitar riffs. The song’s title reportedly comes from a black Labrador Retriever that wandered around the recording studio during sessions.
Its stop-start rhythm and intricate vocal phrasing showcase the band’s musical versatility, and lyrically, the song describes a man’s pursuit of a woman. ‘Black Dog’ was a commercial success and remains a highlight of Led Zeppelin’s live performances.
3. Whole Lotta Love
690 million streams
‘Whole Lotta Love’ is one of Led Zeppelin’s earliest and most explosive hits, featured on their 1969 album Led Zeppelin II. It is a good example of the band’s blues-rock roots, with a riff inspired by blues legend Willie Dixon’s ‘You Need Love’. The track’s innovative production, including Jimmy Page’s pioneering use of guitar effects and a distinctive mid-song breakdown, set new standards for rock music.
Robert Plant’s raw, powerful vocals and John Bonham’s drumming contribute to a track that became a blueprint for hard rock and heavy metal – a defining song in the band’s catalogue and one of rock’s most enduring anthems.
2. Immigrant Song
858 million streams
Known for its energy and iconic opening wail, ‘Immigrant Song’ was released in 1970 as the lead single from Led Zeppelin III. Written during a brief stay in Iceland, the song’s lyrics draw heavily on Norse mythology, evoking images of Viking warriors and conquest.
Its driving riff, played by Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant’s primal vocal delivery make ‘Immigrant Song’ a powerful expression of the band’s hard rock and heavy metal leanings.
The track gained renewed popularity after featuring in films like Thor: Ragnarok, introducing it to a new generation of listeners.
1. Stairway to Heaven
1.12 billion streams
‘Stairway to Heaven’ is the song most commonly associated with Led Zeppelin and, with over a billion streams on Spotify alone, it earns the crown of their most listened-to track.
Released in 1971 on their untitled fourth album, often called Led Zeppelin IV, the song has become an anthem of classic rock. It combines folk-inspired acoustic guitar passages with powerful electric crescendos, climaxing in one of rock’s most famous guitar solos by Jimmy Page.
The lyrics, penned by Robert Plant, have been widely analysed for their mystical and poetic qualities, referencing themes of spiritual journey and materialism.
Despite some criticism and controversy over the years, “Stairway to Heaven” remains a definitive statement of Led Zeppelin’s artistic ambition and remains a staple on classic rock radio worldwide.
