Music icon: “most iconic”John Paul Jones’ Showcase his top three favourite Led Zeppelin songs of all time: “A great showpiece”
_John Paul Jones’ In a rare and intimate conversation, music icon John Paul Jones, the legendary bassist and keyboardist of Led Zeppelin, shared his top three favorite songs from the iconic rock band’s extensive discography.
Jones, known for his incredible musicianship and humble demeanor, provided unique insights into the songs that resonate with him the most.
_Achilles Last Stand (1976)_
Jones’ first choice is “Achilles Last Stand,” a epic track from Led Zeppelin’s seventh studio album, Presence. This song is a testament to the band’s ability to craft complex, intricate music that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians.
“‘Achilles Last Stand’ is a great showpiece for the band,” Jones explained. “It’s a very dramatic song, with a fantastic guitar riff and a soaring vocal performance from Robert [Plant]. The way the song builds from the intro to the climax is just incredible.”
Jones also highlighted the song’s musical complexity, citing the challenging bass line and the innovative use of guitar effects. “It’s a real workout for the band, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to play,” he said.
_Kashmir (1975)_
Jones’ second choice is “Kashmir,” a hauntingly beautiful song from Led Zeppelin’s sixth studio album, Physical Graffiti. This song features a mesmerizing guitar riff, a hypnotic bass line, and a poetic lyric that explores themes of love, loss, and spiritual searching.
“‘Kashmir’ is a very special song for me,” Jones revealed. “I love the way the guitar and bass lock together to create this incredible groove. And Robert’s vocal performance is just stunning – the way he conveys the emotions of the song is really something special.”
Jones also praised the song’s innovative production, citing the use of reverse echo and other audio effects to create a unique sonic landscape. “It’s a real masterpiece of production,” he said.
_The Rain Song (1973)_
Jones’ third and final choice is “The Rain Song,” a melancholic ballad from Led Zeppelin’s fifth studio album, Houses of the Holy. This song features a beautiful piano melody, a soaring vocal performance, and a poignant lyric that explores themes of love, loss, and longing.
“‘The Rain Song’ is a very emotional song for me,” Jones confessed. “I love the way the piano and guitar come together to create this incredible sense of space and atmosphere. And Robert’s vocal performance is just heartbreaking – it’s a really powerful song.”
Jones also praised the song’s innovative use of instrumental textures, citing the use of Mellotron and other keyboards to create a rich, orchestral sound. “It’s a real showcase for the band’s ability to create complex, nuanced music,” he said.
John Paul Jones’ top three favorite Led Zeppelin songs offer a unique glimpse into the band’s incredible discography and the musical genius of its members.
From the epic grandeur of “Achilles Last Stand” to the haunting beauty of “Kashmir” and the melancholic introspection of “The Rain Song,” these songs showcase the band’s incredible range and versatility.
As Jones himself noted, “These songs are just a few examples of the incredible music that Led Zeppelin created over the years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of it.”
