Eagles’ Famous Songs — From Signature Tracks to Hidden Fan Favorites
The Eagles, based on the West Coast and blazing through the music scene of the 1970s, achieved worldwide popularity.
From their early, breezy country-tinged numbers to the mid-to-late period where they leaned more into rock and tackled heavier themes, the songs they left behind include a long list of classics that have secured their place in music history.
In this article, we’ve picked out not only their signature tracks that almost everyone has heard at least once, but also fan favorites, hidden gems, and songs from after their reunion.
If you’ve recently become interested in the Eagles’ music, be sure to use this as a guide!
Eagles’ Masterpieces — From Signature Hits to Hidden Gems (1–10)
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles
When it comes to the Eagles’ signature songs, Hotel California is the first that comes to mind.
Released in 1976 and included on the album of the same name—which has sold over 32 million copies worldwide—it was issued as a single the following year and became a massive hit.
In Japan, it has been used as a TV drama theme and in commercials, making it widely known to the general public.
Yet it is not a song that is merely consumed as popular music; it is a masterpiece that holds significant importance in music history.
Its lyrics are rich with suggestions and have inspired many interpretations, its perfectly executed band ensemble sustains a six-and-a-half-minute structure, and the twin-guitar solo in the latter half is superb.
Listening to this song, in itself, can be called a musical experience.
DESPERADOThe Eagles
Released in 1973, this classic was also selected for Rolling Stone’s 2004 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
For many people, when they hear “an Eagles ballad,” this is the first song that comes to mind.
In Japan, it’s also widely known by its translated title, “Narazumono” (“Desperado”).
Don Henley, who wrote the lyrics, also handles lead vocals.
The song’s simple piano accompaniment, strings, and stripped-down band arrangement weave a profound sense of melancholy that can leave listeners feeling wistful.
Covered by many artists, it remains a beloved ballad that continues to be cherished across generations.
I Can’t Tell You WhyThe Eagles
Also known by its Japanese title “Iidasenakute” (“I Can’t Tell You Why”), this is a ballad with an AOR-tinged, sophisticated urban vibe.
If you only know the Eagles for their country flavor or the harder American rock of their later mid-period and beyond, you might be surprised when you hear this song for the first time.
It appears on The Long Run, the final album before their first breakup, released in 1979, and was issued as a single the following year, reaching No.
8 on the U.
S.
Billboard chart.
Timothy B.
Schmit, formerly of Poco, who joined as the bassist in 1977, takes the lead vocal—be sure to notice his beautifully wistful falsetto.
Take It EasyThe Eagles
It’s one of the Eagles’ early signature songs and their landmark debut single.
Co-written by lead vocalist Glenn Frey and the renowned singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, it’s a pop number with a strong country flavor, marked by the light touch of banjo and the resonant sound of steel guitar.
Its breezy vibe feels quintessentially American rock, and it’s interesting how the sound here gives no hint of the heavier, more elaborate band ensemble they’d develop in their mid-period and beyond.
As a side note, there’s also a version by co-writer Jackson Browne, so be sure to compare the two.
Take It To The LimitThe Eagles
Included on the classic 1975 album One of These Nights, this song was released as a single and became a major hit, reaching No.
4 on the U.
S.
charts.
It’s a fan favorite and one of the signature numbers among the tracks led by Randy Meisner—an original Eagles member and their first bassist.
Beyond their instrumental prowess, the fact that multiple members could take lead vocals shows just how extraordinarily talented the Eagles were as a group.
Meisner’s soaring high vocals on this track are crystal-clear and exquisitely beautiful—truly moving.
Be sure to check out live recordings as well.
One Of These NightsThe Eagles
This is the title track of the landmark album One of These Nights, a defining masterpiece of 1970s American rock that became a massive hit and opens the album.
Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, it features lead vocals by Henley.
Their early country flavor recedes into the background here, giving way to a clear display of their musical direction with pronounced hard rock and funky elements.
The striking quality of the bass line in the intro is also not to be missed.
It’s said that the song’s funky character was brought in by Don Felder, for whom this album marked his full-fledged entry into the Eagles’ recording process.
Best of My LoveThe Eagles
A classic ballad colored by a wistful acoustic guitar backing, steel guitar by early member Bernie Leadon, and skillful choral work.
In Japan, it might be better known by its Japanese title, “Waga Ai no Shijō” (Supreme of My Love).
Don Henley handles the lead vocals, and while he isn’t a member, J.
D.
Souther—who supported the Eagles and the 1970s West Coast rock boom—participated in the songwriting.
When this song is performed live, it’s customary for drummer Henley to come to the front of the stage and sing while playing acoustic guitar.