The Eagles Take Flight – The 10 Best Rock Songs
After paying dues in several unsuccessful bands, Don Henley and Glenn Frey were asked to be part of Linda Ronstadt’s backing band for an up-coming tour. Also on board were the Flying Burrito Brothers guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner, who had been a member of Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band. Along the way musician and future producer John Boylan suggested the four start a group.
A meeting between Frey (with the other Eagles present) and David Geffen at a house Frey was sharing with Jackson Browne, convinced Geffen to sign the band to his Asylum Records.
While The Eagles “Greatest Hits” is the #1 selling album of all time in the U.S. the band also was top concert attraction for decades.
Eagles
– Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)
The Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) is a landmark compilation that defines the essence of 1970s rock. It is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a showcase of the band’s unparalleled ability to craft timeless songs blending rock, country, and folk influences. Each track on the album resonates with rich harmonies, evocative lyrics, and polished musicianship, creating a soundtrack that speaks to universal emotions and experiences.
Each entry on the list is followed by the parent album and year of release.
10. Victim Of Love (Hotel California – 1976)
The song was a joint effort. Don Felder, Don Henley and Gleen Fry, plus songwriter J.D. Souther composed the track with lead vocals handled by Henley.
Guitarist Felder was promised a couple of lead vocal spots on the accompanying album, including this mid-tempo hit but Henley sang instead,
9. In The City (The Long Run – 1979)
Written by Barry De Vorzon and Joe Walsh, it was first recorded by Walsh and released on the ‘”The Warriors” soundtrack in ’79. The Eagles recorded the song with Walsh again as lead singer.
8. Visions (One Of Therse Nights – 1975)
Another Felder/Henley creation with Felder singing lead with Henley, Bernie Leadon and Glenn Frey in there too,
Felder, The Eagles lead guitarist from ’74 to ’01 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in ’98 with the Eagles.
7. Heartache Tonight (The Long Run – 1979)
The track was released as a single in ’79. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA representing one million copies sold. It was The Eagles’ final chart-topping song on the Hot 100.
6. The Long Run (The Long Run – 1979)
The title track from the band’s sixth studio album which was the Eagles first full-length effort to feature bassist Timothy B, Schmit, who had replaced founding member Randy Meisner. It was also the last full studio album with Don Felder before his termination from the band.
#5. Life In The Fast Lane (Hotel California – 1976)
Written by Frey, Henley and Walsh, the song was based on an encounter Frey had with a drug dealer while they were driving at high speed to Vegas. Frey wanted the dealer to slow down. “What do you mean,” dealer responded. “It’s life in the fast lane!”
#4. Hotel California (Hotel California – 1976)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Rock songs of all time, “Hotel California” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was performed in concert well over 1,000 times.
#3. Take It Easy (The Eagles – 1972)
Jackson Browne started writing “Take It Easy” in 1971 but was having difficulty finishing the song. Frey, having heard an early version, asked Browne about it. Browne then played the unfinished second verse which Frey completed. Browne was happy with the result and suggested that they finish the song together
#2. James Dean (On The Border -1974)
Composed by Henley, Frey, Jackson Browne and J.D. Souther, “James Dean” is a song about the late actor/movie star who died in a car crash in 1955. The lyrics, “too fast to live, too young to die” referred to Dean’s life and abrupt death.
Bernie Leadon played the guitar solo.
#1. Already Gone (On The Border -1974)
The song’s creation did not involve any band member. It was written by Jack Tempchin, who had written “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” for the band, and Robb Strandlund
Frey was the lead vocalist. with new guitarist Don Felder providing the song’s solo.
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The Eagles (Original Line-Up):
Glenn Frey – Guitar/Vocals
Bernie Leadon – Guitar/Vocals
Randy Meisner – Bass/Vocals
Don Henley – Drums/Vocals
Key Additions:
Don Felder – Guitar/Vocals: 1974–1980, 1994–2001
Joe Walsh – Guitar/Vocals Guitar/Vocals: 1975–1980, 1994–2016, 2017– (replaced Bernie Leadon)
Timothy B. Schmit– Bass/Vocals: 1977–1980, 1994–2016, 2017– (replaced Meisner)
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