10 Great Jimmy Page Songs After Led Zeppelin

Finding a new groove after leaving a band as iconic as Led Zeppelin is no small feat. Jimmy Page, known for his extraordinary skills and visionary approach to music, faced the challenge of carving a fresh path. The magic he shared with his Led Zeppelin bandmates was unmatched, making any follow-up efforts feel monumental.

Still, Page’s creative spark didn’t fade after the band’s disbandment. While the chemistry of Zeppelin may be impossible to replicate, his post-Zeppelin work carries a brilliance that deserves recognition. It’s a testament to his talent and relentless passion for music.

If you think Page’s post-Led Zeppelin career lacks noteworthy tracks, you’re in for a surprise. The songs he’s crafted since then reveal a musician still at the top of his game, pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable melodies.

“Radioactive” – The Firm (1985)

After Led Zeppelin split, it took Jimmy Page five years to create a new band and release a rock album. During this time, he worked on the Death Wish II soundtrack and contributed to the 1982 Led Zeppelin collection Coda.

Page teamed up with Paul Rodgers of Bad Company to form The Firm, and their debut single, “Radioactive,” showed a different side of the legendary guitarist. The track had a polished, pop-infused sound that may not have appealed to diehard Zeppelin fans, but it was undeniably infectious.

Though some fans felt the song was too sleek and commercial, “Radioactive” proved that Page still had a lot to offer outside of Led Zeppelin. It was a bold step forward, showcasing his versatility and the new musical direction he was ready to explore.

“Easy Does It” – Coverdale–Page (1993)

When Jimmy Page joined forces with Whitesnake’s David Coverdale in 1993, some, including his former bandmate Robert Plant, couldn’t help but crack jokes. The album that followed, Coverdale/Page, did have moments that seemed like a redo of Led Zeppelin’s signature sound. However, it lacked the same magic and grandeur of their previous work.

While the album occasionally feels like it’s trying too hard to recreate Zeppelin’s iconic style, there’s more to it than just nostalgia. “Easy Does It” stands out as one of those tracks that offers something fresh.

The song is a captivating blend of swirling melodies and irresistible hooks. It may have drawn comparisons to the past, but it also carved out its own unique space in Page’s musical journey.

“The Only One” – Outrider (1988)

Looking back, Jimmy Page may have regretted limiting Robert Plant to just one track on his debut solo album, Outrider. While Page’s guitar work on songs like “Prison Blues” and the instrumental “Liquid Mercury” remains impressive, none quite match the energy of his collaboration with Plant.

“The Only One” stands out as the most vibrant and dynamic track on the album. The chemistry between the two musicians is undeniable, making it feel like a redo of their glory days together in Led Zeppelin.

Though the rest of the album offers solid performances, “The Only One” shines the brightest. It’s a reminder of the magic that still existed between Page and Plant, even outside of Zeppelin’s legendary lineup.

“Someone to Love” – The Firm (1985)

“Someone to Love” is a burst of joy and energy, showcasing Jimmy Page’s classic guitar riff alongside Tony Franklin’s vibrant fretless bass. The song’s raw, ragged charm perfectly captures the synergy between Page and Paul Rodgers.

The track is a standout from The Firm, with a contagious energy that’s hard to ignore. It’s a perfect example of Page’s ability to reinvent himself, blending his signature style with fresh, exciting rhythms.

For the full experience, however, it’s best to listen to “Someone to Love” right after the preceding track, “Make or Break.” This combination brings out the song’s true power, making it a memorable moment on the album.

“Blue Train” – Walking Into Clarksdale (1998)

After reuniting for the No Quarter MTV special and a tour, Page and Plant released a new studio album in 1998, Walking Into Clarksdale. The album was a shift from what some fans might have expected, with Page not always taking center stage but instead adding subtle textures and depth.

On tracks like “Blue Train,” Page’s guitar work enhances the mood, blending perfectly with Plant’s vocal delivery. His contribution is more about enriching the sound than simply showing off his legendary riffs.

The track’s slow, sensual burn features an extended solo that didn’t get enough recognition at the time. Looking back, it’s clear that Page’s performance on “Blue Train” deserves more praise for its emotional depth and masterful restraint.

“Midnight Moonlight” – The Firm (1985)

“Midnight Moonlight,” the dramatic finale of The Firm’s debut album, draws inspiration from Led Zeppelin’s unfinished track, “Swan Song.” Despite Page’s desire to distance himself from Zeppelin’s legacy in his new band, this song couldn’t escape its roots.

The track begins with a beautiful acoustic introduction that soon gives way to a powerful surge of distorted guitars and intense backing vocals. It’s a perfect blend of Page’s signature style and the fresh energy of The Firm.

“Midnight Moonlight” effectively honors its history while forging its own identity. The combination of Page’s guitar mastery and the dynamic vocals creates a moment that stands as one of the album’s highlights.

“Pride and Joy” – Coverdale–Page (1993)

When Jimmy Page and David Coverdale teamed up in 1993, they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel to make an impact. By blending familiar elements with their own twist, they created a fresh sound without completely straying from their roots.

On “Pride and Joy,” the duo delivers a metallic delta blues fusion that feels comfortable yet exciting. While die-hard fans might predict every chord change, the track still carries a certain charm.

The song isn’t about breaking new ground—it’s about taking what works and adding their unique flair. For those willing to embrace the familiar, “Pride and Joy” offers an enjoyable ride that doesn’t require anything too revolutionary.

“The Truth Explodes” (a.k.a. “Yallah”) – No Quarter: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded (1994)

“The Truth Explodes,” also known as “Yallah,” is so striking that it earned two names—one for the original 1994 release and another for the 2010 reissue. This track stands out on No Quarter, an album full of unique and experimental tunes.

While songs like “Wonderful One” and “City Don’t Cry” are delicate and give Page minimal opportunity for his signature riffs, “The Truth Explodes” changes all that. Here, Page lets loose, offering up gritty, fuzzed-out riffs that pack a punch.

The song also showcases Page’s adventurous spirit, as he dives into his effects box, creating a wild and electrifying atmosphere. It’s a reminder of his ability to take risks and keep his sound fresh, even when revisiting old territory.

“Satisfaction Guaranteed” – The Firm (1985)

While it’s unreasonable to expect Jimmy Page to completely abandon the signature elements that made Led Zeppelin legendary, his new projects sometimes felt too close to the familiar. In some instances, the singers and style choices didn’t quite live up to the legacy of his past.

However, “Satisfaction Guaranteed” is different. Page taps into his trademark violin bow and soaring guitar orchestrations, reminiscent of classic Zeppelin tracks like “Kashmir.”

The song stands on its own, deserving its spot on our list. Despite echoes of the past, it successfully captures a fresh energy while showcasing Page’s iconic guitar style.

“Please Read the Letter” – Walking Into Clarksdale (1998)

Page’s collaboration with Robert Plant on Walking Into Clarksdale proves that his best work often comes when he’s paired with strong vocal partners. Plant’s involvement on four of the album’s tracks highlights their continued chemistry.

On “Please Read the Letter,” the duo blends youthful energy with a sense of melancholy. The song explores themes of sadness and loss, with Page’s guitar playing just as much of a narrative role as Plant’s evocative vocals.

Page’s guitar work on this track is a perfect complement to Plant’s delivery. It’s a masterclass in how music can tell a story, each note adding depth to the song’s emotional weight.