Never Number One: “Led Zeppelin IV”

Led Zeppeling IV (Atlantic, 1971)

It seems impossible that one of the most popular albums of all time, one that is discovered by every new generation, one that will probably still be heard in 100 years, never made it to #1 on the American charts. But that was its fate 40 years ago this winter.

After three wildly-successful albums in two years, Led Zeppelin understood what was at stake for their fourth album, and they delivered. Call it Led Zeppelin IV or Four Symbols or ZOSO or Untitled, whatever it was zoomed up the Billboard album chart after its release in November 1971. It ended the year anchored to the #2 spot, behind There’s a Riot Goin’ On by Sly and the Family Stone. But on the chart dated January 1, 1972, Carole King Music jumped over it. Two weeks later, it was bested not just by Carole King but by American Pie, The Concert for Bangla Desh, and At Carnegie Hall by Chicago, a four-disc live set. By mid-February, a compilation album by the Rolling Stones, Hot Rocks 1964-1971, was also outperforming it. Within a month, albums by Neil Young, America, Bread, Paul Simon, Nilsson, Yes, and even Al Green would rank ahead of it in Billboard. Although the album would go on to sell something like 23 million worldwide, it would never top the national charts in America.

We all understand that chart numbers do not correspond to enduring popularity. The place in history to which Led Zeppelin IV is entitled is not diminished by its numbers. But it’s interesting to note that its place in history wasn’t assured from the moment of its release 40 years ago. That took a while.

Zeppelin was performing the songs on their fourth album long before it was released. Here’s “Going to California” from a BBC performance in April 1971.

Learn more about other songs, artists, and albums that were Never Number One.