"What Is and What Should Never Be," Led Zeppelin

Song: "What Is and What Should Never Be"
Album: Led Zeppelin II (Remastered)
Artist: Led Zeppelin

Play Sample

One big thing missing from a lot of today's music is dynamics. One reason for this is the loudness wars discussed here and here. Just as Zepplin's albums had dynamics as complete works of art, so did many of their individual songs. In my opinion, this is THE best example of how to maximize the power of a song with dynamics.

I love this studio version and I love the live version too.

There are so many influences in this song. It begins as a folk ballad with jazz style high hat and drums. Suddenly, it morphs into a hard rock head banger. In fact, this song, along with "Whole Lotta Love," (songs 1 & 2 on the album) probably helped create and define the genre of hard rock.

The guitar work by Jimmy Page is sick. At 3:31 into the song, each successive riff is panned 100% right then 100% left, all but shouting the back and forth agony contained in the lyrics with his guitar. In the midst of this-- a gong sounds, creating an unforgettable, signature moment in rock history.

Apparently, the song was inspired and informed by a romance Robert Plant had with his wife's younger sister. At least that's what the wiki article claims. And this makes sense as the song in every way supports the painful misery of a forbidden love and the confusion, duality and indecision that goes with it.