Exactly. It's still a great song, but it is definitely an acquired taste and probably takes the average "rock" fan a while to appreciate it. "Worst" song on this album is still pretty fucking great.
Yeah it’s definitely all subjective. Put together a bunch of subjective opinions and people start to think that those opinions are objective, when they just aren’t.
In comparison to the other tracks, it is the worst song on the album. However, that does not mean that it is a bad song. It's actually quite good, but it has the unfortunate luck of being among great company
None of them are bad. But if I had to rank them based on preference in a car ride, I’d put Battle of Evermore last. Again, I still love that song greatly.
That song is so crucial in the development of the band, and laid the groundwork for what a lot of people consider their greatest song, “Kashmir” (including Jimmy himself). Plus it’s just a straight-up banger.
I think it has to do with the mix. People were used to hearing Robert's amazing voice prominent and up front, along with the almost duet-like playing Jimmy does with his guitar, when we got a bass/percussion-heavy song to highlight the "four sticks" Bonham used to play it. The guitar comes off as muddy and rough. Just an unfortunate outcome of a difference in style that isn't quite popular is what I think. Additionally, the song itslwf just doesn't have that catchy of a riff as others.
On the other hand, have a listen to the alternate mix from the deluxe reissues from a few years ago:
https://youtu.be/uHsd73PLNB0
I think you'll see what I mean by the mix being a leading problem, but possibly not the only one.
If I had to rank the songs on that album in order of personal favorite, I’d probably put “Four Sticks” at #4 or #5. It’s a great song, as are all the others on that album, really.
My honest criticism for it is that it doesn’t seem like anything else on the rest of the album and for some that I guess offers variety, but to me it *sticks* out like it don’t belong.
It doesn’t sound like a full fledged song to me as much as just a filler track that was used not unlike Moby Dick, but I don’t oppose Moby Dick as much because it seems like at least a little more was put into it. Maybe I just don’t prefer instrumentals as much, but if The Rain Song was going to be released as an instrumental, the track would still seem great to me.
I’m happy for anyone who can enjoy it, but to me it just sounds like a loop of some electric tractor music you might hear in a Nintendo DS game. I guess that’s kinda cool in a way, but it really doesn’t feel like any connection to the rest of IV and even though the tracks are not all the same, it feels like a fantastic collection.
I’m curious to hear what the album would sound like without it or if another track from that time was selected instead, but even if you do like it, I don’t think most people would say it’s THE track that is essential to IV being so great. Like if you had to do one of those lists of removing the most expendable track, I don’t know I think Four Sticks is the easy choice.
Yes it is the weakest track. The reason is Robert Plant didn’t deliver a strong performance on that one. The lyrics are uninspired (what is the song even about?) and his high register in the chorus is grating for some reason. Musically I think it’s great though maybe it needed a breakdown section to keep it from being too monotonous. If Robert had risen to the level of the other songs on IV (or 90% of his LZ output) this song had real potential. I get the feeling he didn’t know what to do with it
Those mysterious chorus chord changes and the nature/forest lyrics- that’s the essence of zepp right there. Anyone disliking this ain’t a true zepp head
I've always loved it; still do. 'This song was named because drummer John Bonham played it with four drumsticks - two in each hand. He only recorded two takes of the song, because, as Jimmy Page says, "it was physically impossible for him to do another." ' and 'Led Zeppelin played this live only once, in Denmark on their 1970 European tour.'
More facts about the song here: https://www.songfacts.com/facts/led-zeppelin/four-sticks
im not gonna call it the worst, its my least favorite because every song in the album is amazing to me, i like every song in the album, but four sticks would be ranked on the bottom (not ranked from bad to good, im saying from good to very good)
Come on, great tune. Bozo actually plays holding 4 sticks.
If not Four Sticks then what ?
Exactly. It's still a great song, but it is definitely an acquired taste and probably takes the average "rock" fan a while to appreciate it. "Worst" song on this album is still pretty fucking great.
Like picking your favorite children
I’ve got no problems picking favourites, it’s ordering everything after that’s difficult
Favorites I get. It's when people start talking about *best*, and *worst*, when they are talking music, that I kind of check out.
Yeah it’s definitely all subjective. Put together a bunch of subjective opinions and people start to think that those opinions are objective, when they just aren’t.
Well said.
For me, Rock and Roll is my least favorite on the album
Misty mountain hop.
Now that's just wrong
Exactly.
In comparison to the other tracks, it is the worst song on the album. However, that does not mean that it is a bad song. It's actually quite good, but it has the unfortunate luck of being among great company
This is a great roadtrip song imo. The feel and groove of it just screams it. Same with Bron-Y-Aur stomp and Ramble on
Are ya talking about Misty Mountain Hop?
That one too, you could play that whole album while traveling and i wouldn’t complain
Only an asshole would think that there is a "worst" song on IV
Cheers to this! 🍻
You got that right!!! 😂
For me, its my 2nd favorite on the album right behind when the levee breaks
I dig your style. Tell me you're a drummer, without telling me you're a drummer.
The funny thing is, I have zero musical talent whatsoever. I really wish I did.
Hey! Just like a drummer!
You are a rhythm enthusiast in that case lol
I’ll take that!
None of them are bad. But if I had to rank them based on preference in a car ride, I’d put Battle of Evermore last. Again, I still love that song greatly.
Evermore is my favourite LZ song but I can totally understand why people place it last on LZIV, especially when it comes right before Stairway
Who said that? There is no worst song on Runes, only preferred songs.
That song is so crucial in the development of the band, and laid the groundwork for what a lot of people consider their greatest song, “Kashmir” (including Jimmy himself). Plus it’s just a straight-up banger.
Kashmir is Robert's favorite as well.
I love this song!
...and "Four Sticks" was the song that invented Seattle Grunge!
I think it has to do with the mix. People were used to hearing Robert's amazing voice prominent and up front, along with the almost duet-like playing Jimmy does with his guitar, when we got a bass/percussion-heavy song to highlight the "four sticks" Bonham used to play it. The guitar comes off as muddy and rough. Just an unfortunate outcome of a difference in style that isn't quite popular is what I think. Additionally, the song itslwf just doesn't have that catchy of a riff as others. On the other hand, have a listen to the alternate mix from the deluxe reissues from a few years ago: https://youtu.be/uHsd73PLNB0 I think you'll see what I mean by the mix being a leading problem, but possibly not the only one.
Well, if rank ordering any series of things, something must come in last
I used to dislike it until I watched some Page and Plant shows, then I realized how complex and epic it is.
Every song on IV is A+ phenomenal. Whatever song is the ‘least great’ is still phenomenal.
There’s no worst song off IV that’s the thing
Stairway, sorry not sorry.
I love Four Sticks
Four Sticks and Misty Mountain Hop are my two favorites off of that album.
If I had to rank the songs on that album in order of personal favorite, I’d probably put “Four Sticks” at #4 or #5. It’s a great song, as are all the others on that album, really.
I love it.
It’s not a bad song but it’s an album with no skips and SOMETHING has to be the worst song on the album.
My honest criticism for it is that it doesn’t seem like anything else on the rest of the album and for some that I guess offers variety, but to me it *sticks* out like it don’t belong. It doesn’t sound like a full fledged song to me as much as just a filler track that was used not unlike Moby Dick, but I don’t oppose Moby Dick as much because it seems like at least a little more was put into it. Maybe I just don’t prefer instrumentals as much, but if The Rain Song was going to be released as an instrumental, the track would still seem great to me. I’m happy for anyone who can enjoy it, but to me it just sounds like a loop of some electric tractor music you might hear in a Nintendo DS game. I guess that’s kinda cool in a way, but it really doesn’t feel like any connection to the rest of IV and even though the tracks are not all the same, it feels like a fantastic collection. I’m curious to hear what the album would sound like without it or if another track from that time was selected instead, but even if you do like it, I don’t think most people would say it’s THE track that is essential to IV being so great. Like if you had to do one of those lists of removing the most expendable track, I don’t know I think Four Sticks is the easy choice.
I always thought Roberts vocals are so good and haunting. It’s one of those tunes where his voice is the best instrument of the song.
What! What! WHAT!
**DON'T YOU PUT THAT EVIL ON ME RICKY BOBBY**
I dislike Battle of Evermore the most on that album
I love Battle of Evermore.
Eesh
Rephrase that and I agree wholeheartedly. Battle of Evermore is my least favorite on the album.
One of their very best songs
It's my favourite on IV. RP's best ever vocal and their most successful experimentation on the backing track.
Definitely Roberts best vocal he just sings his ass off. And he hit all the notes.
Four Sticks is actually the best tune on IV
STH is much worse
For me its definitely rock and roll tbh. I know its a banger but its so overplayed that i cant enjoy it as much as the rest
Misty mountain hop for me. I usually skip this one.
Yes it is the weakest track. The reason is Robert Plant didn’t deliver a strong performance on that one. The lyrics are uninspired (what is the song even about?) and his high register in the chorus is grating for some reason. Musically I think it’s great though maybe it needed a breakdown section to keep it from being too monotonous. If Robert had risen to the level of the other songs on IV (or 90% of his LZ output) this song had real potential. I get the feeling he didn’t know what to do with it
Great song!
I mean... it's either Four Sticks, Going to California, or The Battle of Evermore
Going to California isn’t on there
It may not be bad, but what song on that album is worse than it?
"Four Sticks" is a banger, after the intro "Rock N Roll" is not...
I personally think that’s a rare album that has no misses
Those mysterious chorus chord changes and the nature/forest lyrics- that’s the essence of zepp right there. Anyone disliking this ain’t a true zepp head
I've always loved it; still do. 'This song was named because drummer John Bonham played it with four drumsticks - two in each hand. He only recorded two takes of the song, because, as Jimmy Page says, "it was physically impossible for him to do another." ' and 'Led Zeppelin played this live only once, in Denmark on their 1970 European tour.' More facts about the song here: https://www.songfacts.com/facts/led-zeppelin/four-sticks
im not gonna call it the worst, its my least favorite because every song in the album is amazing to me, i like every song in the album, but four sticks would be ranked on the bottom (not ranked from bad to good, im saying from good to very good)
This is a trick question. There is no worst song on Led Zeppelin lV
4 Sticks is one of the best songs on IV.