The Eagles- The Very Best Of

Yeah yeah, another compilation from a very iconic pop/rock band. The Eagles' brand of country easy listening rock was hugely successful in the 1970s. This compilation was released in 1994.

(Since I'm one of those pretentious wankers who takes offense at "easy listening" soft rock, here's hoping this review doesn't get ugly!)

Actually, it's all about how you label it. As a rock album, I'd criticise many of the songs for lacking the venom and energy that gives rock its edge. But as country songs, they work really well as philosophical reflections on the strange lives led by both country and city folk. Case in point is Take it Easy, not the best song on the CD in my opinion, but a great way to start getting into the mood of the album.

The CD avoids getting bogged down in country ballads with a range of styles such as the husky-yet-haunting sound of Witchy Woman. Other songs keeping things varied are the funky beat of One of Those Nights, the catchy disco-rock of Life in the Fast Lane (almost sounding like a Kiss song) and James Dean (although to me this song somehow feels like a Wierd Al Yankovic parody of itself).

Hotel California is rightfully a classic song. It takes a while to build momentum, but the vivid storytelling throughout is wonderful, even after hearing it a million times. The guitar solo at the end is also a favourite of mine. Lyin' Eyes is a bit of a combination of two Eagles hits: the storytelling of Hotel California with a similar musical feel to Tequila Sunrise.

Heartache Tonight does well to seamlessly combine a raucus hedonism musical style with a depressive lyrical style. Finally, The Long Run is totally cheesy, but also very catchy.

The recording quality is very good. Special mention goes to the crisp acoustic guitar sound; also the bass guitar sound has great character, which is quite rare for a pop record.

Favourite songs

Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, Tequila Sunrise, Lyin' Eyes, Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane, Heartache Tonight, The Long Run

Would I buy it again?

Yes. The hit songs remain accessible and enjoyable to this day. And with a slight appreciation for country music, much more of the album reveals itself to be highly enjoyable.