Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Southern California in the late 1960s, the Eagles weren’t just another band; they were a musical destination. Formed from a constellation of talented musicians, each member brought a wealth of experience and ambition. Glenn Frey, already tasted chart success with Bob Seger, and Don Henley, whose band Shiloh was produced by Kenny Rogers, joined forces with Bernie Leadon, a Flying Burrito Brothers alumnus, and Randy Meisner, a veteran of Poco and Ricky Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band. This wasn’t merely a band; it was a supergroup in the making, surrounded by a universe of gifted collaborators like Jackson Browne, JD Souther, and Jack Tempchin, destined for extraordinary heights.
Over their illustrious career, spanning two phases and seven largely multi-platinum studio albums, the Eagles soared to global fame, selling over 150 million records. Their Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) album remains in a perpetual contest with Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the title of best-selling album of all time. Their trophy cabinet is overflowing with accolades, including six Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock & Roll and Vocal Group Halls of Fame, and a Kennedy Center Honor. More than just awards, the Eagles became synonymous with California rock and country rock, setting the gold standard for the genre.
The passing of Glenn Frey in January 2016 could have signaled the end for the Eagles, but the band, embodying resilience, took flight once more. With Frey’s son Deacon and Vince Gill joining the lineup, they embarked on tour dates, culminating in “The Long Goodbye Tour.” (The music world also mourned Randy Meisner, who left the band in 1977 shortly after their iconic Hotel California album, who passed away in July 2023 at 77.)
Here’s a countdown of 15 essential Eagles Songs, each a testament to their enduring legacy and musical genius.
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“Doolin-Dalton” (Desperado, 1973)
The opening track of Desperado, Eagles’ second album, immediately immerses listeners in a narrative inspired by the Doolin-Dalton gang of the late 19th-century Oklahoma. This song isn’t just an album opener; it’s a thematic cornerstone, reprised twice later in the album, crafting a loose concept album more impactful in its individual tracks than as a cohesive whole. “Doolin-Dalton” masterfully sets the album’s tone, blending outlaw mystique with the Eagles’ signature harmonies.
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“Peaceful Easy Feeling” (Eagles, 1972)
A Jack Tempchin gem, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” perfectly encapsulates the Eagles’ musical DNA. It’s a blueprint for their signature sound: effortlessly flowing melodies enriched by lush harmonies and an organic warmth that invites sing-alongs from the very first verse. This track, from their debut album, became an instant classic, embodying the laid-back, harmonious vibe that defined early Eagles songs and their California sound.
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“Seven Bridges Road” (Eagles Live, 1980)
Showcasing the Eagles’ vocal prowess, this live rendition of Steve Young’s “Seven Bridges Road” is a masterclass in harmony. Performed largely a cappella, it’s a jaw-dropping display of vocal tightness and smoothness. This version, featured on Eagles Live, became a fan favorite, highlighting their ability to captivate audiences with pure vocal talent and arrangement ingenuity, making it a standout among eagles songs.
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“Tequila Sunrise” (Desperado, 1973)
One of the earliest Henley-Frey songwriting collaborations, “Tequila Sunrise” is a vivid scene-setter. While the title evokes daybreak, its mellow and reflective mood leans more towards dusk. This track, also from Desperado, is a testament to their songwriting partnership, blending evocative imagery with a gentle, melancholic melody that became a staple in the Eagles’ repertoire and among beloved eagles songs.
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“Heartache Tonight” (The Long Run, 1979)
Fueled by a collaboration with Bob Seger, who contributed to both songwriting and uncredited backing vocals, “Heartache Tonight” is a Grammy-winning, chart-topping single from The Long Run. It’s packed with the Eagles’ trademark harmonies and features scorching slide guitar work by Joe Walsh. This high-energy track injected a rockier edge into their sound, proving their versatility and solidifying its place among the top eagles songs.
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“How Long” (Long Road Out of Eden, 2007)
This single from their later album, Long Road Out of Eden, carries a distinct vintage feel. Originally performed live in the 1970s, the JD Souther anti-war song was rediscovered and revitalized over three decades later. The Eagles seamlessly resurrected “How Long,” making it sound as fresh as if no time had passed, demonstrating their timeless appeal and ability to bridge eras within their music, making it a unique addition to eagles songs.
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“Already Gone” (On the Border, 1974)
The Eagles’ take on Jack Tempchin’s “Already Gone” is a high-spirited anthem, providing Glenn Frey and then-newcomer Don Felder ample space to unleash electrifying guitar solos. Featured on On the Border, this track marked a shift towards a more rock-oriented sound, showcasing their instrumental talents and adding another layer to the diversity within eagles songs.
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“Best of My Love” (On the Border, 1974)
This Henley-sung ballad, also from On the Border, is pure melodic sweetness, devoid of saccharine excess. “Best of My Love” earned the Eagles their first No. 1 Hot 100 single and has captivated listeners for nearly half a century. Its enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt delivery and tender melody, establishing it as a quintessential love song and a standout among eagles songs.
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“Lyin’ Eyes” (One of These Nights, 1975)
Inspired by musings on infidelity observed at Dan Tana’s in Los Angeles, “Lyin’ Eyes” is a majestic ballad from One of These Nights. The song’s lush chorus harmonies soften the lyrical indictment, almost making it sound like a bittersweet acknowledgment rather than a harsh judgment. This track is celebrated for its storytelling and rich vocal arrangements, further cementing the Eagles’ reputation for sophisticated songwriting within eagles songs.
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“I Can’t Tell You Why” (The Long Run, 1979)
Timothy B. Schmit’s standout moment, “I Can’t Tell You Why,” is a soulful, atmospheric slow jam from The Long Run. The tension in the song is beautifully resolved by Schmit’s pure high tenor and a guitar solo that rivals even “Hotel California” in its emotional depth and transportive quality. This track highlights Schmit’s vocal talent and the band’s ability to create deeply moving ballads, making it a cherished piece among eagles songs.
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“Take It to the Limit” (One of These Nights, 1975)
Randy Meisner takes center stage on “Take It to the Limit,” a poignant anthem of purpose and perseverance from One of These Nights. His breathtaking falsetto elevates this Eagles song, co-written with Henley and Frey, making it remarkable even beyond its vocal fireworks. This track remains a showcase for Meisner’s vocal range and emotional delivery, resonating deeply with listeners and standing out in the collection of eagles songs.
Eagles performing Take It to the Limit live, showcasing Randy Meisner's vocals
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“Life in the Fast Lane” (Hotel California, 1976)
“Life in the Fast Lane” is undeniably the Eagles’ most potent rocker, and arguably the pinnacle of the Joe Walsh-Don Felder guitar partnership, second only to another iconic track from the same album. This high-octane song from Hotel California injects a dose of raw energy into their discography, proving their rock prowess and earning its place as a definitive eagles song for adrenaline seekers.
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“Take It Easy” (Eagles, 1972)
The song that started it all, “Take It Easy,” a collaboration between Frey and Jackson Browne, famously put Winslow, Arizona, on the map. It encapsulates a yearning for simpler times and lighter troubles. From their debut album, this track became an instant anthem, embodying the carefree spirit of early Eagles songs and establishing their signature blend of country and rock, making it an essential eagles song.
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“Desperado” (Desperado, 1973)
“Desperado,” the title track from the album of the same name, is a Henley showcase. It paints a desolate, cinematic landscape, evoking images of tumbleweeds and sunsets. This ballad is celebrated for its lyrical depth and Henley’s emotive vocals, creating a powerful and enduring impact, and stands as a cornerstone among reflective eagles songs.
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“Hotel California” (Hotel California, 1976)
“Hotel California” reigns supreme as the Eagles’ signature song, an aural masterpiece that ticks every box. Evocative lyrics, social commentary, surreal imagery, and that legendary guitar jam place it in the pantheon of epics alongside “Stairway to Heaven” and “Free Bird.” From the album of the same name, this track has become a cultural phenomenon, instantly recognizable and endlessly analyzed, solidifying its status as the ultimate eagles song and an iconic piece of music history.
