The Eagles Greatest Hits 1971-75
The Band
Glen Frey-Guitar, Vocals
Don Henley-Drums, Vocals
Bernie Leadon-Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin
Randy Meisner-Bass
Don Felder-Guitar, Vocals(1974)
Joe Walsh-Guitar, Vocals(1975)
Ah the Eagles, images of desert valleys, lone rangers rattlesnakes and ghost towns. A real classic country rock band with harmonies to lull.
Their 5th album released in February of 1976 as a holdover to their next studio album , the Eagles Greatest Hits has become the #1 selling album in the US with 29 million copies beating Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in 1999.
It hit #1 immediately in the US to get the first ever Platinum album award introduced earlier in 1976 by the RIAA for a million copies sold.
This album consists of ten tracks from their first four albums:
Their 1972 self-titled debut album is represented by the Top 20 hits: Take it Easy, Witchy Woman and Peaceful Easy Feeling.
1973's Desperado is represented by its title cut and Tequila Sunrise.
1974's On the Border is represented by the rocker Already Gone and the #1 Best of My Love.
1975's chart-topper, One of These Nights is represented by the #1 title track and Top 5 smashes Lyin' Eyes and Take it To the Limit.
Stats aside, the Album kicks off with a true country rock classic- Take it easy has the whole package quality tell-tale vocals compliments of Mr. Glen Frey, a warm acoustic feel, relaxed rhythms and a beautiful solo layered upon banjo strumming from the hands of Bernie Leadon.
This song can be taken as an indication of what is to follow and is a good representation of the overall tempo the album will keep.
Next up, Witchy woman starts off with a simple haunting riff and follows through as Don Henley sings “Raven hair and ruby lips, sparks fly from her finger tips” The song is basically a recollection of a mans encounter with a witchy woman and again is well rounded by competent bass and drum work.
The guitar solo is brilliant as it is simple and captures the real feeling of and the mystique of the song.
Lyin’ eyes is a song about a woman who is cheating on her rich old husband and the lies she tells to do this.
A mellow guitar sound emulates throughout as the chorus “You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes and your smile is a thin disguise” sways gently in between verses. A nice soothing song overall.
Already gone is the real rocker of the album, guitar chords litter the chorus and evolve into a kicking solo as a man bids farewell to his love before she can. Shows a more mainstream side to the Eagles and is a real pleasure to listen to.
At the half way point Desperado evokes images of the lone ranger, insatiable and uncompromising, just like the song. “Desperado…why don’t you come to your senses, these things that are pleasing you can hurt you some how” a piano brings a dramatic feel as the drums link verses. This song is unlike any other on the album and just like some give you a high(take it to the limit) this one make you sad and all emotional. A killer track.
Although lacking a bit in the lyrics, “One of these nights” is a fun track to the point and sweet. The real highlight in this track would probably be Randy's bass bouncing in and between verses, the guitar solo isn't bad either!
“It’s another Tequila sunrise and this old world still looks the same” An acoustic guitar strums through some simple chords to add another mellow anthem to the disc.
Competent musicianship makes this a solid track and a real upper.
Take it to the limit- the real highlight of the record as far as I am concerned.
A ballad that takes you onto the open road and gives you wings.
Piano, Guitar, bass and drums all stand out yet none overshadow.
This is without doubt one of the greatest pieces of music the Eagles ever wrote and is a real treat to car owners if it happens to come on the radio while you are driving, it makes you feel invincible.
Peaceful easy feeling- a slow peaceful country strummer, all the band members make a contribution but this one fails to get off the ground. This is the only track on the album I don’t particularly like, listen to it and make your own opinion.
Best of my love- Another laid back contribution but has a certain charm. Don Henley sings well on this one but it is average musically and not a real highlight, but still good.
Overall this is a relaxing album that takes through a host of emotions, it is a true document to the Eagles early years and is well worth a listen.
Pros
- Quality musicianship
- Good driving music
- Never gets old
Cons
- May not appeal to most
- slower songs drag on
Ps. This is my first review so please give constructive criticism.
I hope you enjoyed it!
This Message Edited On 06.07.06
