5. “In the Evening” – The opening track of the very first Led Zeppelin album that I ever owned (“In Through the Out Door”). Also, it’s one of the few Zep tracks which Jimmy Page performed on his 1964 Fender Stratocaster. This song was a mainstay in Zeppelin’s live performances following its release and I got to see Robert Plant perform it too during his solo tour for “Now and Zen”
4. "Hey, Hey, What Can I Do" – It’s a classic love story: Boy meets prostitute, boy falls in love prostitute and boy realizes he can’t keep prostitute all to himself, right? Regardless of the song’s lyrical meaning this has always been one of my favorite recordings. It was originally released as the B-side to the “Immigrant Song” until 1990 when it was re-released on compact disc for the Led Zeppelin box set.
3. “Night Flight” – This song was never performed live although there is a bootleg recording from a sound check that exists before a 1973 concert at the Chicago Stadium. It has no guitar solo and it was only included on “Physical Graffiti” to help complete the double album (it was rejected as a track for Led Zeppelin IV) but the rhythmic sounds and vocals make it one of my favorites.
2. “Stairway to Heaven” – Although often-credited as the top classic rock song of all-time, many wouldn’t include it on such list because it feels predictable. I considered omitting it for the same reason but it belongs in my Top 5. There is no other song written or performed with such perfection.
1. “Thank You” – From Led Zeppelin II this is a melodic song with beautiful lyrics. So good was the penning of the lyrics, it’s been suggested that it awakened Jimmy Page to the incredible songwriting talents of Robert Plant. It was also my favorite song from the No Quarter: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded LP. As a lifelong bachelor, I’ll know that I met the “one” if a woman ever suggests that it would be the perfect song for a bridal dance.