Disco de Eagles: “Greatest Hits [Import]”

Having sold well over 14 million copies to date, this is now the biggest selling record of all time. Not bad for a band of talented but unknown musicians who were originally gathered together by a record producer to be Linda Ronstadt's back-up band.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the "Greatest Hits" album concept, because they tend to be superficial selections of what got radio play, and often don't represent the artist's best work. Never has that been less true than it is here, though. This is a great greatest hits package because it also is representive of the best work the Eagles did between 1971 and 1975.

The Eagles recorded a total of only six studio albums before disbanding to pursue solo projects after the release of 1979's THE LONG RUN. This album draws from what is commonly noted as being the pre-Joe Walsh era--the first four albums, including THE EAGLES, DESPERADO, ON THE BORDER, and ONE OF THESE NIGHTS.

Originally, banjo/mandolin player and founding member Bernie Leadon was crucial to the band's sound. However, with the addition of Don Felder on guitar, the band moved toward a more mainstream California rock sound.

All of the songs on this collection are strong, particularly TAKE IT EASY, LYIN' EYES, DESPERADO, and the rare Eagles song from this period that doesn't feature lead vocals by either Don Henley or Glen Frey, the bassist Randy Meisner sung TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT.

I've had this album in one format or another since I was 12 years old, and I keep coming back to it for whatever you listen to music for.

The Eagles 1976's release Their Greatest Hits 1971-75 has recently become the biggest selling album of all-time topping Michael Jackson's Thriller. The album has moved a staggering 26 million copies and the fact that people are still consistently buying it 24 years after its release is a testament to the timeless nature of the songs. The songs are mostly in the country-rock vein from the wistful "Peaceful Easy Feeling" to the two-timing tale "Lyin' Eyes" to the supple number one hit "Best Of My Love". There are some harder number like the evil & dark sounding "One Of These Nights" and the smoldering "Witchy Woman". The band's success can be tied into the fact that Glenn Frey & Don Henley are extraordinary songwriters, the band are perfectionists in the studio, so their songs are painstakingly produced, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and later Don Felder all are excellent musicians and they make picture perfect harmonies. An essential album.

The eagles were one of the top bands of the seventies. No other band could blend country and rock like the Eagles. this CD contains many of theigraetest songs. Most of the songs were written by Don Henley and Glen Frye. The songs vary from the driving rock melodies of "One of these nights" to the mellow country ballads of "Peaceful easy feeling". One song , Lying Eyes, is played frequently on country stations. It is a song about a wealthy woman who tries to have an affair. Peaceful easy feeling has to be one of the Eagles prettiest ballads. Songs like "Desperado" and "take it easy" combines both rock and country.

With the new double-disc Eagles compilation out, "Their Greatest Hits 1971-75" may be pushed into the background a little bit, but it is still a great introduction to the pre-Hotel California Eagles.

The first record ever to be certified platinum, and the all-time best selling album in the US, "Their Greatest Hits" gathers the cream of the crop from the band's first four albums. The tunes are superbly melodic, and the arrangements - full of strummed acoustic guitars playing over a rock rhythm section - are immediately engaging.

Sure, "The Very Best Of The Eagles" is much more comprehensive, but this compilation pulled off a nifty trick by concentrating on big hits and substituting album track "Desperado" for "Outlaw Man", a single that didn't go anywhere, thus providing a compulsively enjoyable listen. And if you get this album and its sister volume "Their Greatest Hits vol. II", you'll have an Eagles retrospective which includes virtually all of their very best songs, and not a single weak track.

The serious Eagles fan will need to own all of the group's original albums, of course, and "Their Greatest Hits" certainly doesn't include every good song the Eagles recorded between 1971 and 1975, but their two original compilation albums remain the best purchase for the casual fan, as well as providing a terrific introduction for the curious.

I don't wanna re-hash what's been already stated, but The "Eagles Greatest Hits 1971-1975" has sold more copies than any other album in the United States. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is still the best-seller worldwide, and you could make a case for it having the title in America as well because that was a straight-formard album, whereas "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" is a compilation of previously released material.

Regardless both of these albums are remarkable, and the people who love "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" but bash "Thriller" need to broaden their musical horizons. Another pet peeve is those who say Quote: "Anyone with Good tastes knows Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors" is a better album than "Thriller". Needless to say these folks are pseudo-elitists whom I have no use for.

Please forgive my excursion, I just felt that had to be said.

I bought this album on vinyl used for 33 Cents, talk about a bargain! The cover is on my list of all-time favorites. The bird's skull over a sky blue background with the bands name in unique lettering. A classic in it's own right.

The Eagles "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" paints a near-perfect picture of what this band was all about. It embodies elements of Country, Rock and Folk. They had many great tunes that didn't catch on as hits, but "Greatest Hits 1971-1975" is a plentiful helping.

A twanging acoustic guitar and laid-back feel propel the opener "Take it Easy". "Already gone" tells the tale of breaking up a relationship and feeling happy about it, bolstered by a soaring chorus, and a superb Glenn Frey solo.

The Piano-driven "Desperado" perfectly showcases Don Henley's golden voice. And speaking of Vocals, I always thought the harmonies to "One of these Nights" sounded like the BeeGees.

On the B-Side there is less Rocking out, but the tremedous songs display their lighter side. Stand-outs include the acoustic "Tequila Sunrise", the country-western tinged "Peaceful Easy Feeling", and the sentimental, heartfelt fare of "Take it to the limit and the closer, "Best of My Love".

I'd encourage the curious to dig a little deeper, maybe seek out the albums "On the border", "Hotel California" and "Greatest Hits Volume 2". But casual fans can't go wrong with "Greatest Hits 1971-1975". I promise you won't be disappointed.