Few bands embody the sun-soaked harmonies, easygoing swagger, and razor-sharp songwriting of 1970s American rock quite like the Eagles.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, the group fused country, folk, and rock into a sound that was as commercially irresistible as it was musically sophisticated. Across the decade, the Eagles evolved from breezy country-rock troubadours into sleek, arena-filling hitmakers, producing a string of records that shaped FM radio and became fixtures in countless record collections. Their blend of Glenn Frey’s laid-back charm, Don Henley’s incisive lyricism, and a revolving cast of virtuoso guitarists yielded a catalogue that’s as varied as it is iconic.
Yet the Eagles’ discography is also a fascinating study in contrasts: harmony-rich ballads set against sharp-edged rockers, laid-back California vibes counterbalanced by tales of burnout and disillusionment. From the dusty conceptual storytelling of Desperado to the polished perfection of Hotel California, each album reflects a different facet of the band’s identity – and of 1970s rock itself.
Here, we revisit every Eagles studio album, ranking them from the uneven and underrated to the truly timeless. Along the way, we’ll explore the shifts in sound, personnel changes, and cultural impact that made the Eagles both one of the most beloved and most debated bands in rock history.
Eagles albums ranked
7. Long Road Out of Eden (2007)
The Eagles’ first studio album in 28 years is sprawling, polished, and undeniably ambitious – but also bloated. Across two discs and 90 minutes, moments of sharp songwriting are diluted by overlong arrangements and a sense of self-indulgence. While it sold well, the record lacks the concision, warmth, and timeless hooks that made their 1970s output so enduring, leaving it as the weakest entry in their catalogue.
Key track: How Long – a brisk, country-rock throwback that channels the Eagles’ early charm far more successfully than most of the album.
6. The Long Run (1979)
The Long Run followed the colossal Hotel California, but its drawn-out, troubled gestation shows. While it produced some hits, the album feels uneven – its sharper moments diluted by filler and fatigue. The sense of creative strain, internal tensions, and the band’s impending split make it more a document of decline than a triumphant follow-up, lacking the cohesion and sparkle of their mid-’70s peak.
Key track: I Can’t Tell You Why. Timothy B. Schmit’s smooth, soulful ballad is the album’s standout, offering emotional depth and a fresh vocal texture amid the surrounding creative turbulence.
5. The Eagles (1972)
The Eagles’ 1972 debut is a polished blend of country-rock harmonies, tight songwriting, and West Coast charm, setting the tone for their career. Featuring early classics like Take It Easy and Witchy Woman, it’s a confident opening statement, though later albums would refine and deepen their sound. In an Eagles ranking, it sits mid-table – a vital foundation, but not yet the expansive, genre-defining heights they’d soon reach.
Key track: Take It Easy. The breezy, harmony-rich anthem that introduced the Eagles’ signature sound to the world.
4. On the Border (1974)
On the Border marks the Eagles’ transition from pure country-rock toward a more rock-oriented sound, boosted by the arrival of guitarist Don Felder. It’s an eclectic mix – from the funky edge of James Dean to the shimmering country elegance of Best of My Love. While it doesn’t have the cohesive perfection of their very best work, its adventurous blend and confident performances earn it a comfortable mid-table ranking in their discography.
Key track: Best of My Love. A tender, harmony-rich ballad that showcased their country-rock roots at their most polished.
3. One of These Nights (1975)
Their fourth album captures the Eagles at a peak of creative ambition and musical exploration. Balancing their signature country-rock sound with darker, more soulful influences, the album introduces a moodier, more polished edge. Tracks like the title song and 'Lyin’ Eyes' showcase impeccable harmonies, storytelling, and evolving musicianship.
The album’s blend of rock, soul, and country textures creates a rich, atmospheric sound that pushed the band beyond their earlier work. It also features Don Henley’s increasingly introspective lyrics and the band’s knack for crafting memorable hooks. One of These Nights represents a turning point where the Eagles matured from promising newcomers into superstars, setting the stage for their massive success with Hotel California. It remains one of their finest, most compelling records.
Key track: 'One of These Nights'. A smooth, soulful blend of rock and R&B that perfectly captures the album’s polished, mid-’70s vibe.
2. Hotel California (1976)
Hotel California stands as the Eagles’ crowning achievement and often ranks at or near the top of their discography for good reason. Released in 1976, it captures the band at their creative peak, blending rock, country, and a touch of psychedelia with exceptional songwriting and musicianship.
The album’s themes – fame, excess, and disillusionment – resonate deeply, while its polished production highlights intricate guitar interplay and rich vocal harmonies. Tracks like the iconic title song, 'New Kid in Town' and 'Life in the Fast Lane' showcase the band’s ability to craft memorable melodies layered with thoughtful lyrics. The record’s enduring influence on rock music and popular culture is immense, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Hotel California is not just an album but a defining statement of the 1970s West Coast sound, representing the Eagles at their most ambitious and artistically confident.
Key track: 'Hotel California'. The title track’s haunting guitar solos, evocative lyrics, and unforgettable melody perfectly capture the album’s dark, cinematic mood and lasting impact.
And the best Eagles album is...
1. Desperado (1973)
Yes, we've said it. Desperado (1973) deserves strong consideration as the Eagles’ best album. While Hotel California often steals the spotlight, Desperado is where the band first crafted their unique identity, blending country, rock, and folk into a seamless whole.
The album’s concept – centred around the Old West outlaw mythos – gives it a narrative cohesion that few Eagles records match. Songs like 'Tequila Sunrise', 'Desperado', and 'Doolin-Dalton' reveal a deep emotional vulnerability and storytelling prowess, capturing themes of loneliness, freedom, and regret with poetic finesse.
Musically, Desperado is more understated and intimate than their later stadium rock sound, allowing the harmonies and songwriting to shine in a raw, authentic way. It also marked the emergence of Don Henley and Glenn Frey as serious songwriters, setting the foundation for their future success. While it lacks the commercial hits of later albums, Desperado remains a critical favorite and a cult classic that showcases the Eagles’ roots and artistic depth better than any other record.
Key track: 'Desperado'. The title track embodies the album’s blend of country-rock storytelling and emotional depth, showcasing the band’s early songwriting strength and timeless appeal.
What next?
Five albums to try if you can't get enough of the Eagles soundworld...
If you love Desperado (1973), try...
Gene Clark – No Other (1974)
While Desperado is the ultimate 'outlaw' concept album, Gene Clark’s No Other is its cosmic, psychedelic cousin. Both albums are deeply rooted in the mythology of the American West, but Clark (a founding member of The Byrds) pushes the acoustic storytelling into a grander, more spiritual territory. If the dusty balladry of 'Doolin-Dalton' resonates with you, you will appreciate Clark’s lush vocal harmonies and his ability to blend the ruggedness of country-rock with a haunting, high-production wall of sound.
Key Track: 'No Other'
If you love On the Border (1974), try...
Jackson Browne – Late for the Sky (1974)
On the Border marked the moment the Eagles began leaning into a harder, bluesier rock sound while maintaining their singer-songwriter intimacy. Jackson Browne was a close collaborator during this era, and Late for the Sky captures that exact same mid-70s California transition. It features the same crisp, guitar-driven arrangements and world-weary lyrics found on tracks like "Already Gone."
It’s the sound of Sunset Boulevard at sunset: melancholy, technically flawless, and deeply rooted in the Los Angeles session-musician excellence that defined the Eagles' mid-period.
Key Track: Fountain of Sorrow
If you love One of These Nights (1975), try...
Poco – Head over Heels (1975)
This Eagles album famously blended country-rock with R&B and disco influences (think 'One of These Nights' or 'Lyin' Eyes'). Poco, the band that originally featured Timothy B. Schmit and Randy Meisner, was exploring the same territory. Head over Heels is a masterclass in 'country-soul', featuring the high-register vocal harmonies and slick, rhythmic guitar work that Don Henley and Glenn Frey were obsessed with at the time. It captures that shimmering, radio-ready transition from the ranch to the disco.
Key Track: Keep on Tryin'
If you love Hotel California (1976), try...
Warren Zevon – Excitable Boy (1978)
Hotel California is a dark, cinematic exploration of the "death of the 60s dream" in California. If you love the album's cynical bite and sophisticated rock arrangements, Warren Zevon is your next logical step. Produced by Jackson Browne and featuring many of the same session players, Excitable Boy offers a similarly gritty, literate look at the underworld of Los Angeles. Where the Eagles used metaphors about 'hotels you can never leave', Zevon used biting satire and hard-rock riffs to paint a similarly beautiful yet hollow picture of the West Coast.
Key Track: Lawyers, Guns and Money
If you love The Long Run (1979), try...
Steely Dan – Gaucho (1980)
By The Long Run, the Eagles had become studio perfectionists, trading organic vibes for meticulous, high-fidelity R&B and 'yacht rock' sensibilities. Steely Dan’s Gaucho is the ultimate destination for that sound.
Both albums are famously expensive productions that took years to finish, resulting in a cold, pristine, and incredibly groovy listening experience. If you enjoy the tight, syncopated rhythms of 'The Disco Strangler' or the slick production of 'I Can't Tell You Why', Gaucho provides the same level of obsessive, audiophile-grade musicianship.
Key Track: Babylon Sisters
Pics: Getty Images
