10 Best Self-Titled Rock Albums Of All Time

During the mid to late '60s, a new form of rock slowly developed in the clubs and small venues of London's music scene. Guitarists like Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page were part of a rotating troop of musicians who all played with, and replaced one another, in a variety of groups. When Page finally split from The Yardbirds, his next musical foray ushered in the age of hard rock.

Seasoned producer Glyn Johns was the man behind the mixing desk. Already hailed for his work with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Faces, he was the obvious choice to help fine tune the experimental recording techniques favoured by Jimmy Page.

Although the later half of the album picks up the pace with, Communication Breakdown, the majority of the songs are more atmospheric than anything else. Dazed and Confused, in particular, showcases the band's obsession with using space, echo and reverb to a create an ominous but intriguing atmosphere.

Not in the least concerned with writing succinct songs, Zeppelin explored musical texture and evolution with this record. As much as it was the start of hard rock, this was also the pre curser to prog.