The Eagles, synonymous with the golden age of Southern California rock, weren’t just another band riding the wave of the late 1960s music scene. They were a carefully constructed collective of seasoned musicians, each bringing a wealth of experience and ambition to the table. Glenn Frey, already tasted chart success with Bob Seger, and Don Henley, with his band Shiloh produced by Kenny Rogers, arrived in Los Angeles with serious credentials. Their paths converged with Bernie Leadon, fresh from the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Randy Meisner, a veteran of Poco and Ricky Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band, during their stint as Linda Ronstadt’s backing band. This wasn’t just a band; it was a supergroup in formation, enriched by collaborations with songwriting luminaries like Jackson Browne, JD Souther, and Jack Tempchin, poised to reach extraordinary heights.
Over their illustrious career, spanning two phases and seven studio albums, the Eagles soared to become one of the best-selling music acts globally, with over 150 million records sold. Their Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) album stands as a testament to their enduring appeal, constantly vying with Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the title of the best-selling album of all time. Their trophy cabinet is overflowing, boasting six Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock & Roll and Vocal Group Halls of Fame, and a Kennedy Center Honor. More than just accolades, the Eagles are the definitive name in any conversation about California rock or country rock, their sound becoming the soundtrack of an era.
Eagles members Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit performing on stage
The 2016 passing of Glenn Frey could have signaled the end for the Eagles, but the band, resilient as ever, took flight once more. With Deacon Frey, Glenn’s son, and Vince Gill joining the lineup, they embarked on tours, including the ongoing “The Long Goodbye Tour.” (The music world also mourned Randy Meisner, who left the band in 1977, passing away in July 2023 at 77.) Their legacy continues, fueled by a catalog of timeless hits. Here’s a look at 15 of the Eagles’ greatest songs, tracks that have defined generations and cemented their place in music history.
“Doolin-Dalton” (Desperado, 1973)
Opening their concept album Desperado, inspired by the Wild West outlaws, “Doolin-Dalton” sets a cinematic stage. This track, revisited throughout the album, paints a vivid picture of the Doolin-Dalton gang’s outlaw life in late 19th-century Oklahoma. While the concept album idea might have been somewhat loosely executed across the entire record, individual songs like this one shone brightly, establishing the Eagles’ storytelling prowess right from the outset of their second album.
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” (Eagles, 1972)
A Jack Tempchin gem, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” perfectly encapsulates the Eagles’ signature sound. Effortless melodies, rich vocal harmonies, and a warm, organic feel make this track instantly hummable. It’s a quintessential Eagles song, embodying the laid-back California vibe and showcasing their knack for crafting tunes that feel both familiar and fresh from the very first listen. It became an early fan favorite and a staple on classic rock radio.
“Seven Bridges Road” (Eagles Live, 1980)
This Steve Young cover, featured on Eagles Live, is a masterclass in vocal harmony. Performed largely a cappella, “Seven Bridges Road” is a breathtaking showcase of the Eagles’ vocal precision and blend. The live rendition elevates the song to new heights, demonstrating their sheer vocal talent and solidifying their reputation as one of the finest harmony bands in popular music. It’s a testament to their ability to captivate an audience with just their voices.
“Tequila Sunrise” (Desperado, 1973)
One of the earliest Henley-Frey songwriting collaborations, “Tequila Sunrise” is pure scene-setting magic. While the title evokes the vibrant colors of dawn, the song’s mellow, reflective mood feels more like the soft hues of dusk. It’s a song of contemplation and perhaps a touch of melancholy, wrapped in a beautifully melodic package. This track established the songwriting partnership that would become central to the Eagles’ sound and success.
“Heartache Tonight” (The Long Run, 1979)
With songwriting assistance and uncredited backing vocals from Bob Seger, “Heartache Tonight” is a Grammy-winning, chart-topping single from The Long Run. It’s packed with those irresistible Eagles harmonies, but this time layered over a driving rock beat and highlighted by Joe Walsh’s scorching slide guitar work. The song injects a dose of rock and roll energy into their repertoire, proving their versatility beyond their softer ballads and country-rock anthems.
“How Long” (Long Road Out of Eden, 2007)
From their later album Long Road Out of Eden, “How Long” feels like a classic Eagles track from their early days, and for good reason. This JD Souther song, an anti-war anthem, was actually part of the band’s live setlist in the 1970s. Rediscovered and recorded decades later, it sounds remarkably timeless, bridging the gap between their classic sound and their later work. It’s a testament to the enduring quality of both the song and the Eagles’ performance.
“Already Gone” (On the Border, 1974)
The Eagles’ take on this Jack Tempchin song is a high-energy, guitar-driven anthem. “Already Gone” provided a perfect platform for Glenn Frey and new member Don Felder to unleash some fiery guitar work. It’s a breakup song with a defiant, upbeat spirit, showcasing the band’s ability to rock out while maintaining their signature melodic sensibilities. This track signaled a slightly harder-edged direction for the band on On the Border.
“Best of My Love” (On the Border, 1974)
“Best of My Love,” sung by Henley, is a beautifully crafted ballad that earned the Eagles their first No. 1 single on the Hot 100. Far from being saccharine, its sweetness is genuine and heartfelt, resonating with listeners for nearly half a century. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional honesty and melodic perfection. It cemented their status as hitmakers and showcased their softer, more romantic side.
“Lyin’ Eyes” (One of These Nights, 1975)
Inspired by observations at Dan Tana’s restaurant in Los Angeles, “Lyin’ Eyes” is a narrative ballad with a touch of wry humor. Frey and Henley crafted a story about infidelity, but the song’s lush chorus harmonies paradoxically soften the lyrical indictment, making it sound almost like a sympathetic acknowledgment of the situation. It’s a sophisticated and layered song that became another massive hit for the band.
“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 and emotionally charged slow jam. Schmit’s pure, high tenor voice perfectly conveys the song’s yearning and vulnerability. Adding to its impact is a guitar solo that, for many, rivals even “Hotel California”‘s iconic instrumental break in its emotional depth and transportive quality. This song highlights Schmit’s crucial vocal and musical contributions to the Eagles.
“Take It to the Limit” (One of These Nights, 1975)
“Take It to the Limit” is Randy Meisner’s vocal tour-de-force. This song, co-written by Meisner with Henley and Frey, is a powerful anthem about perseverance and pushing boundaries. Meisner’s soaring falsetto is the song’s defining feature, adding an emotional intensity that elevates it beyond typical ballads. It stands as a testament to Meisner’s talent and his significant role within the Eagles.
“Life in the Fast Lane” (Hotel California, 1976)
Without question, “Life in the Fast Lane” is the Eagles’ most electrifying rocker. It’s the pinnacle of the Joe Walsh-Don Felder guitar partnership, showcasing their dynamic interplay and raw energy. While Hotel California is known for its epic title track, “Life in the Fast Lane” provides a jolt of pure rock and roll adrenaline, proving the Eagles could deliver hard-hitting anthems just as effectively as their ballads.
“Take It Easy” (Eagles, 1972)
The song that started it all, “Take It Easy,” a Frey-Browne collaboration, put Winslow, Arizona, on the map and captured the carefree spirit of early 70s California. It’s an invitation to relax and not take life too seriously, perfectly embodying the easygoing image of the Eagles. This track launched their career and remains one of their most beloved and recognizable songs, epitomizing their early sound.
“Desperado” (Desperado, 1973)
“Desperado,” the title track from the album of the same name, is a Don Henley showcase. Its desolate, windswept atmosphere evokes images of tumbleweeds and vast sunsets, creating a cinematic listening experience. Henley’s emotive vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics combine to create a powerful ballad about loneliness and the yearning for connection. It’s a song that reveals the depth and emotional range of the Eagles’ music.
“Hotel California” (Hotel California, 1976)
“Hotel California” isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon. An undisputed masterpiece, it’s an aural movie that ticks all the boxes: evocative and enigmatic lyrics, social commentary, surreal imagery, and that legendary guitar jam. It comfortably resides in the pantheon of epic rock anthems alongside “Stairway to Heaven” and “Free Bird,” solidifying the Eagles’ place as rock legends. It’s the ultimate Eagles song, encapsulating their musical prowess and lyrical depth in one unforgettable track.
