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 a 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. Since making music videos was not a common practice in the 1970s video clips are included of live performances taped in the 70s.
10. Victim Of Love (Hotel California – 1976)
Guitarist Don Felder, drummer Don Henley and guitarist Glenn Frey, plus songwriter J.D. Souther composed the track with lead vocals handled by Henley.
Felder came up with the idea for the song and wanted to sing it. He remembers being promised a lead vocal on the “Hotel California” album and thought this would be the one.
According to Henley, Felder record the vocal, but it didn’t meet the band’s standards.
9. In The City (The Long Run – 1979)
Written by Barry De Vorzon and guitarist Joe Walsh, it was first recorded by Walsh for the ‘”The Warriors” soundtrack in ’79.
The Eagles re-recorded the song with Walsh again as lead singer.
Although not released as a single, the track became an Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) radio favorite and a Walsh concert staple.
8. Witchy Woman (The Eagles – 1972)
The song written by Henley and guitarist Bernie Leadon it reached #9 on the Billboard pop singles chart.
The inspiration for the title and lyrics came from a number of women, although Henley had one particular woman in mind – Zelda Fitzgerald (wife of author F. Scott Fitzerald) whose biography he was reading while writing the song.
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.
“J.D. (Souther], Don and I finished that song up, remembered Frey. “No heavy lyrics — the song is more of a romp — and that’s what it was intended to be.”
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.
According to Henley, the song was written as a response to press articles that said the Eagles were “passé” with Disco dominating and Punk on the rise.
#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,” the dealer responded. “It’s life in the fast lane!”
#4. James Dean (On The Border – 1974)
Composed by Henley, Frey, Jackson Browne and J.D. Souther, the track referenced 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.
Initially, the song was partially recorded during the “Desperado” sessions but was shelved. When recording began for “On The Border,” the song was revisited and completed.
#3. Hotel California (Hotel California – 1976)
“Hotel California” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was performed in concert well over 1,000 times.
“Don Henley and Glenn (Frey) wrote most of the words,” remembered guitarist Don Felder, who composed the majority of the music. “All of us kind of drove into L.A. at night. Nobody was from California, and if you drive into L.A. at night… you can just see this glow on the horizon of lights, and the images that start running through your head of Hollywood and all the dreams that you have.
#2. 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 they finish the song together.
#1. Already Gone (On The Border -1974)
The song’s creation did not involve any band member.
It was composed 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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