Top Ten Songs by the Eagles
Like I said, I don’t remember how I first heard of the Eagles, but I know that I came to love them when my big sister bought me their Eagles Live album. Even though I now own the Eagles’ boxed set, when I want to hear the Eagles, I play the live album.
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to see the Eagles live in concert in San Antonio. My husband and I splurged on the floor seats, and it was worth it. The guys could still pull off all the harmonies perfectly. I was a bit surprised because I’ve always liked Don Henley the best, probably because I’ve enjoyed his solo career. However, Joe Walsh is a great entertainer. He was pure rock ‘n roll up there on that stage.
So here it is âÂ?¦ one fan’s vote for the top 10 Eagles’ songs:
1.”Wasted Time” (1976) – This is my favorite Eagles’ song. Yes, I like it even better than Hotel California. Get over it. Don Henley sings this one, which he wrote with Glenn Frey. It’s about finding yourself alone after a break-up or two and wondering if all the time in those relationships was wasted time.
2.”The Sad CafÃ?©” (1979) – OK, so this was neck-in-neck for first place for me. I just love the melody. I’m not even sure what the song is about. Unfortunately, this one isn’t on my Eagles Live album.
3.”Hotel California” (1976) – This was probably the Eagles’ biggest hit. I’m pretty sure it’s about a religious cult, but who really cares? It’s an awesome song. But does anyone know what “colitas” are?
4.”Lyin’ Eyes” (1975) – Glenn Frey does the lead vocals on this song. It’s about a woman who marries a “rich old man and she won’t have to worry” but then heads to the “cheatin’ side of town.” It’s a great story song.
5.”Life in the Fast Lane” (1976) – Here’s another story song. This one is about a couple living a fast life of drugs and parties.
6.”Life’s Been Good” (1978) – This is actually one of Joe Walsh’s songs, but the Eagles did it together on the Eagles Live album. It’s a funny song about a rich rock star. The part about the limo is different on the live version than the studio version. In one it’s, “I have a limo, ride in the back; I lock the doors in case I’m attacked.” In the other it’s, “I have a limo, ride in the trunk: I lock the doors in case I get drunk.”
7.”Take It Easy” (1972) – When in Arizona this spring, I looked up the town of Winslow to see if it was close enough to visit. You know, “Standin’ on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see âÂ?¦” Apparently, there is now a “Standin’ on the Corner Park” dedicated to the Eagles in downtown Winslow. This song was written by Jackson Browne (not an Eagle).
8.”New Kid in Town” (1976) – Glenn Frey again does the lead vocals on this one. It’s a good one to sing along with. (Well, for someone who has listened to it a million times, it’s a good one to sing along with.)
9.”Take it to the Limit” (1975) – Randy Meisner sang this one, and it’s another good one to sing along to.
10.”Desperado” (1973) – This is a hugely popular Eagles song, but I read somewhere that it never cracked the top 40. Interesting.
That was hard to do. I must have rearranged those rankings about 30 times. Plus, I had to leave off a bunch of my favorites. So honorable mentions go to “Already Gone,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Best of My Love” and “I Can’t Tell You Why.” Oh yeah, and “Witchy Woman” and “Tequila Sunrise.” OK, so I pretty much like all of the Eagles’ songs. Hey, they have a lot more staying power than the music from my time. You don’t see any articles on the top 10 MC Hammer songs, do you?
