Led Zeppelin IV - Release and Critical Reaction

Release and Critical Reaction

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic
BBC Music Favourable
Blender
Billboard Favourable
Robert Christgau A
Entertainment Weekly A+
Q
Rolling Stone Favourable
The Rolling Stone Album Guide
Spin Favourable

In the lead-up to the album's release, a series of teaser advertisements depicting each symbol was placed in the music press.

The album was a massive instant seller. It entered the UK chart at No. 1 and stayed on the chart for 62 weeks. In the US it stayed on the charts longer than any other Led Zeppelin album and became the biggest selling album in the US not to top the charts (peaking at #2).

"Ultimately," writes Lewis, "the fourth Zeppelin album would be the most durable seller in their catalogue and the most impressive critical and commercial success of their career". Music critic Robert Christgau has dubbed it "a genre masterpiece".

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