Eagles’ Famous Songs — From Signature Tracks to Hidden Fan Favorites

Doolin’ DaltonThe Eagles

Doolin-Dalton (2013 Remaster)

The second album, Desperado, released in 1973, is a conceptual work themed around the real-life Old West gang known as the Dalton Gang.

As the title suggests, the opening track “Doolin-Dalton” points to the brothers who were part of that gang.

It’s a tear-jerking number, with a wistful harmonica and Don Henley’s heartfelt vocals.

The excellence of the precise choral work is also noteworthy.

Given the theme, the lyrics are hard-edged and serious, so try reading them closely as if you’re enjoying a story.

After the Thrill is GoneThe Eagles

Eagles – After the Thrill Is Gone (Official Audio)

A wonderful ballad with a heartrending melody, featuring a duet by Glenn Frey and Don Henley that truly moves the heart.

It’s included on their fourth album, One of These Nights, released in 1975, which helped propel the Eagles to the top of the rock world.

The song portrays the end of a romantic relationship and a bond sustained only by inertia.

Yet it was also a time when conflicts among band members and the exhaustion from constant touring were coming to the surface, making it feel almost as if the song were about the band itself.

Ol’ 55The Eagles

Ol’ 55 (2013 Remaster)

Also known in Japan by the title “Natsukashiki ’55-nen” (“The Nostalgic ’55”), this song is a cover of a track released in 1973 by Tom Waits, the American singer-songwriter and actor.

It appears on the 1974 album On the Border, a period when the band was transitioning from their early country-rock sound to a more diverse musical direction.

Glenn Frey and Don Henley share lead vocals, showcasing exquisitely interwoven harmonies, and the pedal steel guitar by Texas-born guitarist Al Perkins is another standout highlight.

Most Of Us Are SadThe Eagles

Most of Us Are Sad (2013 Remaster)

It’s a hidden gem from their landmark debut album, Eagles.

Titled Desperado in Japanese, the song was written by Glenn Frey, but the lead vocals are handled by bassist Randy Meisner.

Built around acoustic guitar and unfolding in 3/4 time, the band’s ensemble is simple yet pleasing, and Meisner’s clear, pure vocals are truly beautiful.

The precise, quintessential Eagles harmonies are outstanding as well.

It may be overshadowed by their bigger hits, but it offers a taste of the rustic charm that defined the early Eagles.

Already GoneThe Eagles

Already Gone (2013 Remaster)

A flawless, undeniably cool number that kicks off On the Border and lets you savor the crisp charm of American rock! Also known by its Japanese title “Sugita Koto” (“Already Gone”), this track boasts an irresistibly punchy guitar riff ringing throughout, and of course a blistering guitar solo from Don Felder—who was invited during the album sessions and ended up joining the band—that absolutely tears it up.

Although it wasn’t written by the band members, it perfectly balances their early country flavor with a harder rock edge, reminding us just how exceptional the Eagles are at arranging songs.

James DeanThe Eagles

James Dean – The Eagles

This song by the Eagles—who had been centered around country rock but were moving toward a harder rock direction—appears on their 1974 album On the Border.

Jackson Browne, who co-wrote their early classic Take It Easy, also took part in the songwriting, and the result is a thrilling rock number that seems to symbolize the Eagles at a moment of musical transition.

Its straightforward title says it all, and the lyrics, which pay tribute to the legendary actor James Dean, who died young, leave you with an indescribable feeling—especially that final line.

Get Over ItThe Eagles

Get Over It

A track inspired by Don Henley’s frustration with daytime TV talk shows featuring people who cry and scream as they recount their problems and failures.

Released as a single in 1994, it became a hit in Canada, the United States, Poland, and elsewhere.