RATINGS:
EAGLES:
1.EAGLES (EXCELLENT) Released in 1972, This album is the debut for what was to become the
most successful folk-rock band of all time. The album starts strong with "Take It Easy"
and does not falter. "Witchy Woman," "Take the Devil," and "Peaceful Easy Feeling" are
all strong examples of the great folk-rock music found on this album.
2.DESPERADO (EXCELLENT) Released in 1973, Desperado is a powerful follow-up to the band's
debut. The album thrives on its intentionally laid-back attitude and wild west themes. The
title track, "Twenty-one," "Certain Kind of Fool," and "Outlaw Man" are all prime
examples of the Eagles early sound.
3.ON THE BORDER (GOOD) Released in 1974, this album marked a shift in the Eagles sound from
predominately folk to predominately rock. "Best of My Love" became the band's first
Number One hit. From this point on, the band primarily continued with Frey's rockers and
Henley's ballads. While this album showcases their talents, the next Eagles album is an
even stronger example.
4.ONE OF THESE NIGHTS (EXCELLENT) Released in1975, this album provides
the best example of the Henley-Frey ballads and rockers. Not surprisingly, this album made them superstars.
The title track, "Lyin' Eyes," and "Take It to the Limit" were all Top Ten Singles. The guitar work and
song-writing were at a new high with this album as well.
5.HOTEL CALIFORNIA (EXCELLENT) Released in 1976, this album had all the flair of the last album plus one:
Joe Walsh. Walsh's aggressive guitar riffs and fast-lane style added the missing pieces to
make Hotel California the band's best album. Hotel California offers insightful, humorous
lyrics and superb musical stylings. The title track is a timeless classic. "Life in the Fast
Lane" and "Pretty Maids all in a Row" are also two the band's best. This album was the
bands foremost triumph both artistically and commercially.
6.THE LONG RUN (FAIR) Released in 1979, The Long Run was a disappointing follow-up to Hotel
California. At times, this album sounds more like pop or disco music than rock or folk.
"In the City" is the strongest song on the album. "Heartache Tonight" isn't bad either, but
for the most part, the sounds that made this band famous are conspicuously absent from
this album.
7.HELL FREEZES OVER (GOOD) Released in 1994, This album represents a reunion which was only to take place,
in the words of Henley; "When hell freezes over." Hence, the title for this album was
ready-made. This album contains four new songs and eleven live classics in an acoustic format. The four new songs sound very similar to the songs of Hotel
California. The sound lost in The Long Run is found once again on this album. As for the
live music, the unplugged sound is nothing new to this band. The live songs are peaceful,
easy, and enjoyable.
8.THE VERY BEST OF THE EAGLES (EXCELLENT) Released in 1994, this Album is truly the very best of the eagles. This
album provides a better sample of music than any of the other Eagles best-of albums. It
contains seventeen songs and covers all the hits from "Take It Easy" to "The Long Run."
© 1997 t-specht@students.uiuc.edu
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