Hotel California (studio album) by Eagles

I can’t believe I almost forgot this album as a favorite, especially when this is another great album of all time. Amazing how Frey and Henley persevered through their relationship with Linda Ronstadt to form this band and how it came to be named the Eagles. I’m a fan of Joe Walsh and that is why I purchased this when it was released. Definitely a harder sound than earlier albums.

Shortlisted for album of the year at the 1978 Grammys. the winner was Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

From Squonk007 01/30/2024 19:04

I'm not a great fan of the title track, maybe I've heard it too much. But I do love Last Resort, Try And Love Again and Wasted Time. Overall a very good album but with a couple of throwaway bits.

From AAL2014 11/03/2023 02:39

One of the most overrated albums ever.

The track-list for this record is, for me, three really good songs (including of course one of rock’s absolute classics) and then just a whole bunch of diet-pop syrup that genuinely leaves me pretty bored.

I feel little to no sincerity in the ballads and find myself wishing the record would find its way out of that mode once it’s begun. While the arrangements are often pretty nice, they are also often not anything special.

And oh yeah, I nearly forgot to add that Don Henley’s presence is generally off-putting to me. On this album he tries to come off as the MVP but, for my ears, he is the biggest culprit for it sounding mostly like a nothing-burger.

I really don’t see the argument for Hotel California being a top 250 album on this site and near the top 100 of Rolling Stone’s list.

The Eagles were at the top of their game when they made this album, and it shows.

The worst album of 1976 year. Album for pensioners

A great first half is let down by an underwhelming second half that could be skipped and you would only really miss the closing track. There is no denying the quality that is on the first side however with the title track being a titan of rock music. They just seemed to get stuck in this ballad style of music and it makes this record really drag. Track 7 and 8 are the worst offenders of this as there is no reason to listen to these songs at all. Despite this, I always have a great time listening to this album and it is thoroughly enjoyable to experience time and time again. Overall, there are some highlights on here and the record is great but it isn't up to the standards some people hold it to.

Great record

Album Rating: 77.78
(700/9)

1.Hotel California. 94
2.New Kid In Town. 72
3.Life In The Fast Lane 60
4.Wasted Time. 77
5.Wasted Time (Reprise). 76
6.Victim Of Love. 73
7.Pretty Maids All In A Row. 67
8.Try And Love Again. 76
9.The Last Resort. 85

It’s difficult to make a nine song album feel bloated, but the Eagles accomplished it here. The way-too-long “Hotel California” (favorite song of quasi-artistic 10th grade girls for decades) and an actual reprise (wtf?).

I guess the album has a theme (drugs are bad, don’t trash the planet) but it sure ain’t as deep as the band thinks it is. If you like trite soft rock, this is the record for you!