51 Best Eagles Songs
The Eagles are a rock band from L.A. that has etched a legacy in American culture with songs like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.”
Besides their biggest hits, they have plenty of incredible music worth listening to. Here are the best Eagles songs ever.
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“Hotel California” by Eagles
Song Year: 1977
“Hotel California” is easily the best Eagles song ever. There have been many interpretations of the song's meaning over the years, but ultimately, Glenn Frey from the band said they wanted to make something strange. Don Henley has said it's symbolic of America in general, with various themes of contrasting elements and conflict.
“I Can't Tell You Why” by Eagles
Song Year: 1979
The Eagles had reached peak success by the time they created and recorded this song. It provides a beautiful, soft, and soulful experience that's lovely to listen to. It's a great song to play for a dinner date or just relaxing in the evening.
“Take It Easy” by Eagles
Song Year: 1972
Besides “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy” is the Eagle's most popular song and arguably more emblematic of the band. It's a cheerful, spirited song with instrumentals that appropriately match the lyrics – easygoing, smooth, and inviting.
This is the perfect song to chill out on a relaxed, sunny afternoon or while driving on a road trip with the windows down – especially because it was written by Jackson Browne when he was on a road trip himself!
“In the City” by Eagles
Song Year: 1979
With plenty of strumming, riffs, and instrumental breaks, “In the City” is a classic rock anthem that sounds like it belongs in a movie.
Plenty of songs show how exciting going to a big city is and how people want to escape their small town for bigger and better things. But this song is about escaping the tiresome, lonely, and bleak nature of living in the city.
“Hole in the World” by Eagles
Song Year: 2003
“Hole In The World” by the Eagles was released in 2003 and is a classic example of the band's evolving sound. It has heavy, emotional lyrics that focus on themes like death, mortality, and time.
The song, written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, is a tribute to the victims of 9/11 and speaks to the immense grief and sadness that resulted. However, there's some hope here – we are reminded to make the most of our lives and focus on creating a more positive future.
“How Long” by Eagles
Song Year: 2007
The Eagles are often seen as the 70s and 80s rock band, but many people don't realize that they've continued to make great tunes into the 21st century. “How Long” is a great representation of that.
“How Long” is a beautiful ballad from the Eagles' album, Long Road Out of Eden. It's one of their later songs and has a slightly different flavor from their usual sound.
“No More Cloudy Days” by Eagles
Song Year: 2007
Another Eagles song from 2007 is “No More Cloudy Days,” a sad, slow rock-country song with themes of losing someone you love but being hopeful about finding new love in the future.
The chorus is particularly beautiful, with its gentle guitar sound and lyrics about finding hope and joy in the future through a new love. Even though you may have been let down, lied to, or betrayed in the past, that doesn't mean you have to expect that with a new partner.
“Busy Being Fabulous” by Eagles
Song Year: 2007
“Busy Being Fabulous” has an upbeat country-rock sound, and the lyrics are full of sarcasm and wit. The narrator sings about how his partner was too “busy being fabulous” to care enough about nurturing the partnership.
If you've ever felt betrayed by someone you love or felt like they cared more about impressing and being with others than fostering your love and connection with them, you'll relate to this song.
“Desperado” by Eagles
Song Year: 1973
Although it may seem like the Eagles picked up country tunes in the 21st century if you only listened to “Hotel California” and more rock-like hits, “Desperado” reminds us that they were incorporating country-like sounds from the beginning of their stardom.
The song encourages someone to be more vulnerable and open to love before it's too late. It has a Western vibe that shaped and influenced country artists' music, which is why artists like Miranda Lambert and Neil Diamond covered this country-rock classic.
“Lyin' Eyes” by Eagles
Song Year: 1975
“Lyin' Eyes” is about not being fooled by someone's fake stories and lies. The narrator sings about a woman that pursues a man for his riches and big house but ends up feeling empty and lonely inside, thus deciding to cheat on him.
Meanwhile, the man knows that she's lying to him. The man she's cheating with also knows she's lying when she says she'll stay with him forever.
“Witchy Woman” by Eagles
Song Year: 1972
The Eagles' song “Witchy Woman” has a different feel than the other songs on this list. It's about a mysterious woman with a supernatural aura that the narrator can't resist.
It has a bluesy and swamp rock sound, popular in the U.S. South at the time but not anywhere else in the country. The song has an eerie and mysterious vibe that's hard to resist.
“The Best of My Love” by Eagles
Song Year: 1974
“The Best of My Love” is one of the Eagles' most popular hits. It has a classic country-rock sound, with lyrics about being ready to give someone your best, even after all the letdowns and disappointments you've suffered.
The song is simultaneously melancholic and uplifting, as even when there's no hope left, we can always find the strength to love again.
