Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) (CD - 1976)

The Eagles: Bernie Leadon (vocals, guitar, banjo); Glenn Frey (vocals, guitar, piano); Don Felder (vocals, guitar); Randy Meisner (vocals, bass); Don Henley (vocals, drums).

Producers: Glyn Johns, Bill Szymczyk.

Engineers: Glyn Johns, Bill Szymczyk, Allen Blazek.

The Eagles: Glenn Frey (guitar, vocals, piano), Bernie Leadon (guitar, vocals, banjo), Don Felder (guitar, vocals), Randy Meisner (bass, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals).

Producers: Glyn Johns, Bill Szymczyk.

Engineers: Glyn Johns, Bill Szymczyk, Allen Blazek.

Digitally remastered by Steve Hoffman (1993).

On their first four albums, the Eagles were at pains to demonstrate that they were a group of at least near-equals, each getting a share of the songwriting credits and lead vocals. But this compilation drawn from those albums, comprising the group's nine Top 40 hits plus "Desperado," demonstrates that this evenhandedness did not extend to singles -- as far as those go, the Eagles belong to Glenn Frey and Don Henley. The tunes are melodic, and the arrangements -- full of strummed acoustic guitars over a rock rhythm section often playing a shuffle beat, topped by tenor-dominated harmonies -- are immediately engaging. There is also a lyrical consistency to the songs, which often concern romantic uncertainties in an atmosphere soaked in intoxicants. The narrators of the songs usually seem exhausted, if not satiated, and the loping rhythms are appropriate to these impressions. All of which means that, unlike the albums from which they come, these songs make up a collection consistent in mood and identity, which may help explain why Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) works so much better than the band's previous discs and practically makes them redundant. No wonder it was such a big hit out of the box, topping the charts and becoming the first album ever certified platinum. Still, there must be more to it, since the album wasn't just a big hit, but one of the biggest ever, becoming one of the very few discs to cross the threshold of 20 million copies and competing for the title of best-selling album of all time. There may be no explaining that, really, except to note that this was the pervasive music of the first half of the 1970s, and somehow it never went away. ~ William Ruhlmann

Despite being a rather inconsistent act, the Eagles were one of the most successful rock bands of the '70s. Made up of five fine musicians (each with unquestionably superb vocal talent), the band blended impressive but often simple music with mellow vocal harmonies. This 1985 release attempts to collect the best tracks from the seven Eagles albums prior to this compilation. While it does succeed in compiling 13 of the finer songs, there are a few exclusions that are detrimental to the album. Greatest Hits clearly retains the Eagles magic that permeated their finer moments, however. For those unfamiliar with the Eagles' music, this release will open eyes as to why the band is so revered. Opening with the fresh sounding "Take It Easy," the album goes from strength to strength and only takes a small drop in quality over the final few tracks. Greatest Hits portrays the band's career with reasonable accuracy, dropping much of the dross that is featured on other Eagles compilations, and because of this will please those looking for a bare minimum collection. ~ Ben Davies

The Eagles are, without a doubt, one of the most influential American bands of all time. Direct from L.A., these musicians brought together various influences and melded them into a sound that established a new musical direction in both rock and country.

The songs on this "best of" compilation cover the Eagles' early years (pre-HOTEL CALIFORNIA) and they pack a wallop. From the spooky, Native American-influenced "Witchy Woman" to the mournful folk-rock gem "Desperado," the collection is almost a primer on how to write a country-rock song. Whether it's the opening guitars driving the beat of "Take It Easy" or the lilting melody of "Best Of My Love," the Eagles' tight harmonies, smooth lead vocals and masterful musicianship enable THEIR GREATEST HITS to play like a jukebox in country-rock heaven.

The songs are also stylistically diverse: The Grammy-winning "Lyin' Eyes" is pure Eagles pop; "One Of These Nights," with its slippery bass line, is a Steely Dan-like rock-jazz track; "Tequila Sunrise" has a steel guitar and Latin beat subtle enough to lull any hangover. The songs' themes range from anger to bliss, with longing in the forefront and an outlaw sensibility in the shadows. Not too traditional to turn off rock and folk fans, and not so slick that country aficionados would bolt, the Eagles' repertoire is solid, memorable and expertly produced. Lyrically ("...don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy...") and musically, these are songs that have become a vital part of the musical lexicon. minimize