10 Forgotten Bands That Were Better Than Led Zeppelin

With their innovative sound and extraordinary musicianship, Led Zeppelin is regarded as a giant in the annals of rock history, having had an incalculable impact on the genre’s evolution. However, the rich tapestry of rock ‘n’ roll encompasses a multitude of bands that, despite not attaining the same level of fame, produced music that not only matched but even exceeded Leppelin’s influence. These bands are underappreciated treasures whose songs are waiting to be discovered again because of their distinct sounds and talents.

Of course, it’s subjective to determine what makes a band “better” than Led Zeppelin, but when listening to these obscure rock bands’ inventive songs and wide range of styles, there are times when their performances surpass even the band’s biggest moments. These bands each offered something distinctive, whether it was the scorching guitars of proto-metal or the deep grooves of boogie rock. They quietly but aggressively pushed the boundaries of rock music without the fanfare that Zeppelin’s enormous renown afforded them, earning them a position in the pantheon of rock that merits a bigger echo in the halls of music history. Let’s explore a few of these underappreciated bands that are perhaps even better than Led Zeppelin on their own.

Status Quo

Status Quo often escapes the limelight compared to giants like Led Zeppelin, yet their contribution to rock is remarkable. Known for their boogie rock style, their sound provides a straightforward, enjoyable experience that gets fans on their feet and moving with the music. Their hit “Rockin’ All Over the World” is a perfect example, offering catchy rhythms that rival some of the best.

Understanding Status Quo’s significance in the rock genre requires a look at their consistent performance and adaptability over decades. Despite changing music trends, they maintained a strong following and continued to produce hits that stayed true to their distinctive style. This longevity and consistency in delivering high-energy performances demonstrate their underrated influence in rock music.

Mountain

Mountain, often remembered for their song “Mississippi Queen,” delivered some of the most powerful and pioneering hard rock tunes of their era. Their music featured heavy guitar riffs and strong vocals that made them stand out in the crowded rock scene of the 70s. They carved a niche for themselves with a sound that was both raw and compelling.

The band’s influence is notable in the way they could captivate an audience with intense live performances, something many newer bands strive to achieve. This ability not only won them a loyal fan base but also ensured their music has remained influential, particularly for artists looking to harness a similar energy and passion in their performances.

Traffic

Traffic combined rock, jazz, and psychedelia in ways that were innovative for their time, creating a sound that was unique to them. Songs like “Dear Mr. Fantasy” showcase their skill in blending different musical styles seamlessly, resulting in a rich, textured sound. This versatility made them stand out among their contemporaries, offering a sophisticated take on rock music.

Their experimentation with various musical elements allowed them to develop a sound that was ahead of its time. The depth of their musical arrangements and the quality of their songwriting have earned them critical acclaim, but their commercial success never quite matched their artistic achievements, making them one of the most underappreciated bands of their time.

Budgie

Budgie brought to the rock scene a heavier sound that would later influence the development of thrash and heavy metal genres. Their songs “Breadfan” and “Crash Course in Brain Surgery” have been covered by Metallica, proving their lasting impact on the music industry. Their ability to create music that was both heavy and melodic set a new standard for the bands that followed.

Though they never reached the commercial success of some of their peers, Budgie’s musical innovations are undeniable. Their pioneering of heavy metal elements, combined with their ambitious musical compositions, make them a crucial, though often overlooked, part of rock history.

Nazareth

Nazareth might be best known for their hit “Love Hurts,” but their catalog is full of raw and powerful rock songs that showcase their talent. Their gritty approach to rock music, combined with charismatic vocals, established them as a formidable force in the rock music scene of the 70s. Their sound was both accessible and powerful, appealing to a wide audience without sacrificing musical integrity.

Their influence extends beyond their biggest hits, as they crafted an array of songs that explored different emotions and stories, resonating deeply with their listeners. The band’s ability to blend hard rock with emotive lyrics provided a blueprint for many rock bands that wanted to connect with their audiences on a deeper level.

The Sweet

The Sweet offered a glamorous take on rock music, with hits like “Ballroom Blitz” and “Fox on the Run” defining a generation. Their catchy tunes and flamboyant performances made them icons of the glam rock movement, but they also possessed a harder rock sound that gave their music a substantive edge. This combination of glam and hard rock elements helped pave the way for future music movements.

Despite their success in the charts, The Sweet’s contribution to rock music is often overshadowed by their more glitzy image. Yet, the depth and variety in their music deserve recognition, as they managed to balance mass appeal with innovative sounds that pushed the boundaries of the rock genre in exciting directions.

Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash is noted for their dual lead guitar approach, which was revolutionary at the time and influenced bands like Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden. This technique allowed for intricate guitar harmonies that became a hallmark of their sound. Their album “Argus” is a masterpiece of progressive rock, blending elements of folk, rock, and blues in a way that was both innovative and timeless.

The band’s commitment to musical craftsmanship and innovation is evident in their detailed songwriting and complex arrangements. Despite their technical skills and groundbreaking approaches, they have remained somewhat underappreciated in the broader history of rock music.

Savoy Brown

Formed in the mid-1960s, Savoy Brown quickly became a significant part of the British blues rock scene, contributing heavily with their gritty and earthy sound. Their influence is considerable in the blues rock genre—expertly bridging the gap between traditional blues and the rock rhythms that captivated the 70s. Albums like “Hellbound Train” and “Street Corner Talking” bring forward an electrifying mix of blues guitar riffs and rock energy, which could mesmerize any audience and rival the best of what Led Zeppelin had to offer.

Their underappreciation might be due to the frequent lineup changes or the subtleties of their music that leaned more towards blues than mainstream rock. Yet, the technical prowess of guitarist Kim Simmonds and the band’s ability to engage and evolve with their music warrants them a deserving spot in conversations about bands that stood toe to toe with Led Zeppelin in musicianship and impact on the rock music scene.

Humble Pie

Humble Pie, with Steve Marriott at the helm, combined hard rock, blues, and soul in a powerful concoction that garnered them significant acclaim. Songs like “30 Days in the Hole” are perfect examples of their robust sound and energetic performance style. Their music was rooted in traditional rock and blues but executed with a modern flair that kept it sounding fresh.

The band’s dynamic live performances are legendary and showcased their musical prowess and charismatic stage presence. Despite their impact and following, Humble Pie often doesn’t get mentioned in the same breath as some of their contemporaries, making them one of the more underrated bands of their genre.

Supertramp

Supertramp ventured beyond the conventional boundaries of rock with their progressive and art rock styles. Albums like “Crime of the Century” and “Breakfast in America” display their talent for weaving complex narratives with catchy music. Their ability to craft songs that were both commercially appealing and artistically profound is a rare feat in the music industry.

Their blend of rock with elements of classical music and jazz created a distinctive sound that was both innovative and accessible. Supertramp managed to achieve both critical and commercial success, yet they are often overlooked when discussing the great rock bands of their era. Their sophisticated approach to rock music set them apart from their peers, making them a vital part of rock history.