The Songs Jimmy Page Wishes Led Zeppelin Never Recorded

The Songs Jimmy Page Wishes Led Zeppelin Never Recorded
Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential rock bands of all time, left behind a towering legacy of powerful riffs, mystical lyrics, and genre-defining albums. But even legends have their regrets. Jimmy Page, the band’s iconic guitarist and producer, has rarely expressed dissatisfaction with his work — yet over the years, there have been subtle hints and reflections suggesting that some Led Zeppelin tracks didn’t quite meet his high standards.

Here’s a closer look at the songs Jimmy Page may have quietly wished were left off the record.

1. “The Crunge” – *Houses of the Holy(1973)
This James Brown-inspired funk experiment is perhaps one of Led Zeppelin’s most polarizing songs. Though it showed the band’s versatility, many fans and critics felt it was a jarring inclusion on an otherwise majestic album. Page admitted the track was largely improvised and recorded for fun, and while he hasn’t directly trashed it, he’s never spoken of it with the same pride as he does with songs like “Kashmir” or “Achilles Last Stand.” Its odd time signature and playful lyrics clash with the band’s hard rock image — something that may have left Page wishing they’d left it in the vault.

2. “D’yer Mak’er” – *Houses of the Holy (1973)
Pronounced “Jamaica,” this reggae-influenced song was a commercial success but a critical outlier. Its light-hearted nature and intentionally clichéd style confused fans and critics alike. Jimmy Page, known for his layered arrangements and dark, mystical textures, seemed to keep a professional distance from the track. He once referred to it as a joke — one that perhaps should’ve stayed behind studio doors. While it showcased the band’s willingness to experiment, it didn’t reflect Page’s core musical philosophy.

3. “Hot Dog” – In Through the Out Door (1979)
Written during a time when the band was drifting creatively, “Hot Dog” is a rockabilly track that stands out — not necessarily in a good way. With John Paul Jones and Robert Plant taking more creative control during this period, Jimmy Page’s influence was less dominant. Page reportedly didn’t oppose the track, but the song’s lightweight, almost tongue-in-cheek style didn’t resonate with his deeper, darker musical roots. Many fans see it as one of the weaker Zeppelin cuts, and it’s likely Page shared the sentiment in hindsight.

4. “All My Love” – *In Through the Out Door (1979)
Though emotionally poignant — written by Robert Plant for his late son — “All My Love” featured heavy keyboard arrangements and lacked the classic Zeppelin edge. Page, who favored guitar-driven compositions, was reportedly not entirely happy with how the song represented the band. In interviews, he hinted that he would have preferred more guitar presence and less keyboard dominance. While respectful of its intent, Page may have wished for a different arrangement or perhaps a different outlet for such a personal expression.

A Matter of Legacy and Control
One reason Jimmy Page might have regrets about certain songs is his role as Led Zeppelin’s chief architect. From producing their albums to crafting their signature sound, Page took immense pride in every detail. Songs that deviated from his vision — especially during the band’s later years when substance abuse and internal tensions weakened their cohesion — may stand as reminders of lost control or diluted focus.

The Power of Hindsight
It’s important to note that Jimmy Page rarely criticizes his own catalog publicly. His respect for the band, its legacy, and the fans keeps him reserved. However, reading between the lines in interviews and analyzing the band’s musical trajectory suggests that he may have preferred Led Zeppelin to stay more rooted in their hard rock and blues foundations — the core of what made their sound immortal.

Every band has its missteps, even giants like Led Zeppelin. For Jimmy Page, the rare dissatisfaction likely stems not from commercial failure but from artistic compromise or deviation. Still, even the songs he might wish were never recorded add depth to the band’s narrative — a testament to their fearless experimentation and enduring mystique. After all, sometimes even a misstep by Led Zeppelin is more interesting than perfection from anyone else.