The Eagles are one of my favorite bands, so choosing just 11 songs was pretty challenging. It was a fun exercise, though! I must have reordered 5 through 11 about 20 times, but I’m happy with where everything ended up.
The songs on this list are my personal favorites, the ones that have stuck with me over the years.
You can listen to the full Best Eagles Songs Playlist at the bottom of this page.
11. “Try and Love Again”
Album: Hotel California
Lyric Sample: “One by one, the lonely feelings come.”
What it’s about: This song is about the hesitation and hope that comes when considering a new relationship after being burned in the past.
Why it’s on the list: This, like so many other Eagles songs, is such an easy listen. The highlight, though, is the bassline throughout.
10. “Peaceful Easy Feeling”
Album: Eagles
Lyric Sample: “And I know you won’t let me down, ’cause I’m already standing on the ground.”
What it’s about: This is about feeling completely at ease with someone, trusting they’ll be there for you.
Why it’s on the list: I said “Try and Love Again” is an easy listen. Well, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” is next-level easy-listening. This is my type of country rock.
Related: Best Songs About Peace
9. “New Kid in Town”
Album: Hotel California
Lyric Sample: “Will she still love you when you’re not around?”
What it’s about: This one is about being on top until the next big thing comes along and takes your place.
Why it’s on the list: Great theme for a song, and Glenn Frey’s vocals are excellent, as usual. Also, it has an awesome key change at the end of the bridge.
8. “I Can’t Tell You Why”
Album: The Long Run
Lyric Sample: “Every time I try to walk away, something makes me turn around and stay.”
What it’s about: This is about staying in a troubled relationship even though you can’t explain why you keep coming back.
Why it’s on the list: Relatable tune, but it’s really all about Timothy B. Schmit’s vocals. Wow. I tried to sing it like him one time and almost hurt myself.
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7. “Lyin’ Eyes”
Album: One of These Nights
Lyric Sample: “And your smile is a thin disguise.”
What it’s about: This is about a woman who cheats on her wealthy older husband with the younger man she actually loves.
Why it’s on the list: The classic “trophy wife” song. I know it’s not a happy tune, but that chorus makes me smile every time, even after hundreds of listens. It just sounds so good.
Related: Songs About Cheating
6. “Take It Easy”
Album: Eagles
Lyric Sample: “Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.”
What it’s about: This one’s all about not letting life’s pressures drive you nuts and finding a way to relax.
Why it’s on the list: That line in the lyric sample is right up there with my favorite Eagles’ lyrics (I believe Jackson Browne actually wrote that line). It’s an uptempo country rock song, but it always puts me in a chill mood.
Related: “Take It Easy” Song Meaning
5. “After the Thrill Is Gone”
Album: One of These Nights
Lyric Sample: “You’re not quite lovers, and you’re not quite friends.”
What it’s about: This song is about what happens when passion fades and you’re left going through the motions.
Why it’s on the list: This is another well-written, relatable song (if you’ve ever been in that type of relationship, of course). Frey and Don Henley both sound amazing on this one, and Don Felder’s guitar fills are awesome.
4. “One of These Nights”
Album: One of These Nights
Lyric Sample: “I’ve been searching for the daughter of the devil himself.”
What it’s about: This is about the hunt for a partner who can meet your exact needs, however complicated they are.
Why it’s on the list: Disco vibes! Legendary opening bassline, great lead and harmonizing vocals, and very danceable. Just a fantastic tune.
3. “Hotel California”
Album: Hotel California
Lyric Sample: “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”
What it’s about: In this classic, a traveler arrives at a luxurious hotel only to discover he’s walked into a beautiful prison with no exit.
Why it’s on the list: Besides just being a great all-around song and story, what I’ve always loved about “Hotel California” is that it has its own distinct mood. I’ve never heard another song like it. It definitely deserved its Record of the Year win.
Related: “Hotel California” Song Meaning
2. “Desperado”
Album: Desperado
Lyric Sample: “You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet.”
What it’s about: This is about trying to convince a guarded person to open up and accept love before they miss their chance.
Why it’s on the list: Lyrically, this is my favorite Eagles song. It reminds me of a couple of my old friends, and Henley sounds great throughout. It hits me just as hard now as it did when I first heard it many years ago. Some people prefer Linda Ronstadt’s version, but I’d give hers a 9.9/10 and this original a 10/10.
Related: “Desperado” Song Meaning
1. “Take It to the Limit”
Album: One of These Nights
Lyric Sample: “You can spend all your time making money, you can spend all your love making time.”
What it’s about: This one is about refusing to give up on living and striving, even as you get older and feel like you’ve seen it all.
Why it’s on the list: “Take It to the Limit” has been my favorite Eagles song for a long time. In a catalog filled with relatable songs, I think this is their most relatable. Plus, Meisner hits some crazy high notes, and those harmonies are so nice!
If you’ve never seen/heard it live, do yourself a favor and watch this:
Conclusion
What I like so much about these Eagles songs (and many of their others) is that I don’t have to be in a specific mood or situation to listen to them. They’re great for road trips, as background music while hanging out with friends, or anywhere else. It’s just well-written music and a bunch of dudes who sang really well.
Be sure to check out our Eagles Song Interpretations!
What are your favorite Eagles songs?
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