When Led Zeppelin IV became a surprise hit, the group faced the challenge of creating a compelling follow-up album. Houses of the Holy is the result of meeting that challenge head-on - it has become one of the most lauded and biggest selling albums in rock history. Despite its accessibility and commercial sound, it was also an ambitious work that demonstrated that the band had matured beyond the initial blues-influenced quartet style that catapulted them to international fame. The group, guided by producer-guitarist Jimmy Page, really started to expand its studio skills and vision after the success of Led Zeppelin II. On this album, their fifth outing, each member took a turn shining in the musical spotlight, while supported perfectly by the musicianship of the other players.