Reviews (page 9 of 15)
It's kind of funny how the title track to this album is a departure from the rest of the album. It doesn't really set the tone or theme of the record. Which is fine. The album is really good. Hotel California (the song) is probably one of the most important rock and roll songs, and one of the most iconic and recognizable songs ever written Don Henley has a great voice. And everyone is playing amazing. I suggest that everyone watch the two part Eagles Documentary. It really shows how disfunctional they were at times and how their egos almost destroyed them. But it also showed how talented and how much of Perfectionist they each are.
3.7/5
This is the 54th album I’m rating. I’ve only heard Hotel California and I hated it so I have pretty low expectations. Adding to my Playlist - Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane, and Try and Love Again. Not Adding to my Playlist - New Kid in Town, Wasted Time, Wasted Time (Reprise), Victim of Love, Pretty Maids All in a Row, and The Last Resort. Hotel California - I don’t what young me was thinking because this is great. All in all I liked 3/9 songs. I don’t really like the Eagles. How did this album sell so well?
I can't do it
Thoughts before listening: One of the first albums I ever owned (bought for me by my aunt when she took me to the mall) and it holds a special place in my heart. The songs range from the all-time classic title track to rockers to sappy soft rock cheese...so basically the full range of the Eagles sound. It's been a long time since I've heard this. Review: This is a classic for a reason. These hits are ubiquitous with American pop culture, and the Eagles are truly one of the most important bands this country has produced. They can also be a complete bore at times. This album came out at the end of 1976 and is the antithesis of the punk rock movement that was happening in rock music at the same time...but that doesn't mean it's bad. Despite the sentiment pushed by the Big Lebowski, the Eagles are a perfectly fine band that put out some great songs (the title track, "Life in the Fast Lane"). The guitar work on this album is especially strong. 3-stars
This was fine.
Several years ago some friends and I went to a festival that happened to have The Eagles on the bill. We felt obligated to go see the legendary band simply because it would likely be the only opportunity we'd ever have to do so. They opened with Hotel California and we listened. Once the song finished we all looked at each other and, knowing the set had already peaked, we walked off to watch something interesting. That same feeling came flooding back whilst listening to this album. What a turgid pile of shit. I believe it was the great thinker of the end of the last century, Jeffery 'the dude' Lebowski who said it most eloquently: "I hate the fucking Eagles, man". Quite.
Maybe my opinion of Eagles is skewed, but I've never fully understood why they're on such a pedestal. There are some really great tracks in their discography, Life in the Fast Lane, Try and Love Again, and Hotel California being a few of those, but everything else is soooo stale. This is a super talented group of musicians, produced exceptionally well, refusing to push the letter at all. It is incredibly straight-forward pop music, and I guess that's enough sometimes. I see the novelty in this, I get why people enjoy it - I'm just not one of them. 7/10
It’s very easy to listen to and I do like a few of the songs, it does seem to lack a bit of edge though. I think it’s the vocals I’m not that into, some songs feel like karaoke
Awesome classic.
Pretty good. Weakest song is Pretty Maids all in a row.
Elements of country, 3 incredible songs and the rest are competent, but nothing overwhelming
Classic album
This sort of thing doesnt really excite me; however it's very accomplished, and easy to listen to. I enjoyed the harmonies, guitar, and bass. The title track and its cracking guitar work has stood the test of time.
The Eagles seem to be among the most popular bands ever in the United States, but they haven’t quite had the success (outside of this album’s title track) across the Atlantic. I guess they just seem to appeal to local FM radio stations in Kansas, or something. I don’t really associate this with California, funnily enough. None of these tracks, even the title track, do anything very spectacular, they’re more just background listening for a road trip somewhere down I-70. It’s more of a ‘famous’ album than a ‘good’ album. I also unfortunately can’t shake that the likely listeners of this are also the ones voting for a certain orange-faced buffoon. But that’s just me, nothing to do with the album. In all, this’d work on a road trip like I’ve mentioned. Only in deepest America though. Not here in Britain (and you’d probably be surprised by just how many American country albums translate their sound to the British countryside. It’s odd.)
A clear masterpiece. Though not my fav...
I personally think this is the best Eagles album. Amazing beginning to end.
Well of course these are great, well written songs with great voices and musicians. My only critical comment is it feels overly polished and the drums are a bit robotic
I fucking hate the eagles man
just listen to the title track and you are done with this album. 1/5
Great easy rock/ listening album
Algunos bangers pero le falta consistencia
Decent. 3/5
Epic rock album. "Hotel California" is legendary, as is "Life in the Fast Lane." "Wasted Time" comes at the right time in the record to slow things down a little bit, and the vocals are very strong in that song. The guitar on this record just shines through from start to finish, you go Joe Walsh. "Pretty Maids All In a Row" and "The Last Resort" don't quite work as well as many of the other songs on here for me on first listen, but overall great record.
Fantastic
good 7/10 tbh
5 stars.
4.5/5
"Dave, can't we just put a 'The' in our name, as that's what everyone will be doing anyway?" "No." "Seriously, why n..." "We are Legion. We are Eagle."
Moments of bite, but an ever-present overtone of boredom.
Outstanding
For me the Eagles will always be a greatest hits kind of band. Album starts out really strongly and finishes well. A bit of nonsense in the middle.
Die Lieder würde ich nicht einfach so hören, aber sie sind sehr schön und bringen nostalgische Atmosphäre. Vielleicht höre ich das Album bald nochmal
The highs on this album are really high. Unfortunately, most of the album feels forgettable and just okay. Overall it averages out to a bland listen with a few tracks I'll hear in the wild and think "oh yea that's a good song."
Yikes about this band so nope
me and Lebowski are on the same page with this band.
Classic for a reason....can't hate on it.
I was excited for the excuse to spin this on my turntable today. Not surprisingly, I first stumbled upon this album as a kid while going through my dad’s CD collection. It was my first ‘no-skip’ album so it occupied the space as my favorite for a short time. I still look upon it fondly today. Best song is Wasted Time.
Didn't like The Eagles BEFORE I knew they were responsible for Life in the Fast Lane, now I truly hate them.
Listen, I just really don’t like The Eagles. I gave this album a fair shake, but I was miserable for every single second of it.
This is one of the most revolutionary soft rock albums of all time. It is quite pleasant.
This is a protest rating, the album is fine but I would like Frank Ocean to be able to put Nostalgia ULTRA on streaming services and for the HHGTTG vinyl to be able to use the actual theme song not that shite Tomita-sounding (in a bad way) midi version
Thought it would be bad after hotel California, but it was actually a solid album from start to finish!
Pretty dang cool there buddy
Classic album - very good, title track is so good.
Pretty good album in general the title track is an all time great.
yeah was pre good, only really bopped to 2-3 songs though
The title track has been overplayed to the point where it's hard to judge. Life in the Fast Lane is great, New Kid in Town is ok, the rest weren't bad but were a bit boring.
Just like the debut, two great singles (Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane) and a middling single (New Kid in Town) surrounded by awful to middling tracks. At least this album felt like it went by quick despite multiple songs dragging on way too long. Wasted Time felt like it wasted my time, and the reprise was wholly inconsequential. Pretty Maids All in a Row had awful singing, and The Last Resort was about 4 minutes too long. The Eagles are a singles band. Don't ever bother with whole albums, just listen to their greatest hits records.
I really was going in with negative expectations on this one given how overplayed the title track is, but it really wasn't all that bad. Catchy songs, some good themes... Not bad. 3/5
Each track is 5 minutes long and for what. Ok to be fair they are good songs, they're just as inoffensive as they come and very repetitive. Makes perfect sense why they're so popular in the US. 7/10 Fave track: Life in the fast lane
I’ve been putting this off. I don’t get it. It’s out of the way now.
Pretty meh record for me, it was anything but special and hotel california itselg felt like a drag listening back to it. Overall a pretty lackluster record with no real big depth or instrumentally anything big for me, don't get me wrong its fine to listen to, but it just isn't something that imprssed me, I liked certain tracks and thats it. Favorite track: try and love again. Overall score: 4.8/10
put the två stjärnor in the bag
It sounds like some dudes were sitting around and decided to form a corporation in order to manufacture tubes of overly-saccharine rock-music goo to feed into the hot, grubby maw of the radio-listening public.
Nice bit of Americana.
jeff lebowski is correct
"Hotel California" is obviously such a classic and actually I had a lot of misgivings about it but I really like it's catchy and I love the harpsichord vibe you can have in it and with a good solo guitar. "New Kid In Town" is BORIIIIING, I mean it just sounds like every other cheesy rock songs back from those days but nothing catchy or cool in this one. "Life in the Fast Lane" is good, with a really good guitar riff which they keep during the entire song. There was also a really good bridge. "Wasted Time" again a cheesy song but this time the vocals are pretty good and the lyrics as well. The piano and the drums are working pretty nicely in together for once not too much guitars which was good. The end of the album wasn't bad but nothing really tremendous sadly. To conclude, not a bad album but not a good one either, too cheesy and boring sometimes, who am I to judge but well yeah that's not so good clearly.
Pretty cool! A few classics (Hotel california really is good), nothing STUNNING though. Would've put 3.5 stars if it was an option
4/5 sorry dad
Y'know, come to think of it, I'm not actually too sure why The Dude hates the Eagles. I don't think he ever really gives a specific reason why... Which, I mean, given the state he was in when he said he hated the Eagles, I don't think he was in too much of a mood. If I could throw out a wild guess, I suppose if you hate typical 70's rock an album like this ain't gonna do much for you. Y'know, this is no real frills 70's rock, unlike Creedence with their swamp thing, or Dylan with his folky-ness, or First Edition and their hard psych. No, this is just **the** typical sound of 70's rock, take it or leave it. And I'll take it all the way to the damn bank, thank you very much. I believe this is the first time I've found a "classical genre" album for a whole decade. Like, if I were to imagine what 70's rock sounded like without much extra added on top of it, like Queen's theatricality, Led Zeppelin's heaviness or Elvis Costello's nerdiness, I think I'd end up coming pretty close to this. That's up to and including the CSN(Y) harmonies, even, and they're my favorite part of this album next to how fuckin' hard the guitars on this thing rock. Seriously, I always knew the guitar work on the title track ripped, from the moment it starts to the twin solos at the end, but goodness me. This is just so much, at the most basic level, the shit I wanna hear from a 70's rock album. And I really wanna emphasize that, like with every other "classical genre" album I talk about, being a genre at its most basic isn't a bad thing. Sometimes all you want are meat and potatoes, no extra garnish. But I tell you, it takes a true talent to make meat and potatoes rival more gourmet dishes, and I think Eagles are chefs like that. Now, the thing for me is that I kind of didn't even expect this. See, when I think of the Eagles beyond "Hotel California" (and before now I've never heard this album beyond that song), I tend to think of, like... Soft country rock. Stuff like "Desperado" or "Lyin' Eyes" or, honestly, this one parody of the Eagles I heard called "Dead Cicada". And it's not like this country influence can't be heard across this album (particularly in those aforementioned CSN(Y) harmonies, and a little bit of slide guitar here and there), but goodness, I'unno what happened ONE OF THESE NIGHTS and here that got them to rock the hell up so much, but I sure as heck appreciate it. Well, shucks. I think I'm gonna hafta enter this album into my 70's rock album rotation then. It sure as heck proves it and then some, even just by the guitar work (to bring them up one more time) if nothing else. I always knew I was gonna give this album high marks 'coz of the title track, but it makes me very happy to know that the rest of it holds up, much like something like Rush's 2112 or Funkadelic's MAGGOT BRAIN. It's an easy, easy, **easy** 5 from me, and if I wasn't late on getting this review out and didn't need to hop over to the next album on my group's docket, shucks, I'd listen to this all over again right after I finished writing this. Well, it looks like I'm gonna hafta wait a little longer, 'coz believe me, I'll be checking in again as soon as I can.
a Classic of 70's rock, no doubt about it. Solid 5 Stars.
I’m at a 10. I always assumed this would get high marks from me whenever it came up – my dirty little secret is that I’ve never listened to the full album. Everyone on the planet knows “Hotel California”, but past that, I’ve never listened to another Eagles song ever. I know about the talents of Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and the rest of the band, and I know that a compilation album of theirs is the best-selling album of all time in the U.S., so I figured the talent had to be potent, and the hype had to make sense. I always assumed this was going to be a 4 at bare minimum. Boy, I wasn’t expecting this though – this is up there with Band on the Run for me as a seminal 70s album, and that’s on a first listen. Someone else has probably written words that could praise these compositions better than I ever could. Perhaps there’s an irony that I’ll end up writing more about Mariah Carey than I will about an album like this, but I just… ugh. The only real “eh” here is “Pretty Maids All in a Row”, and even then, I still liked that one a lot. Every other track hits like crack – there isn’t a miss among the other 8, and that includes the lovely orchestration of “Wasted Time (Reprise)”. It’s about as good of a 70s rock album as I’ve ever heard with this sort of style – it’s got a nice country lean that just attunes me even more to it, and I truly think the mixing is perfect. Every single instrument sounds more crisp than I’ve heard on almost any other 70s album, and it just makes each track feel that much better to listen to. The lyrics are great too, and the emotion gets pulled out from the vocals in a way that makes them both feel even better. I’m serious when I say that there hasn’t been a 70s rock album that’s worked this well for me since Band on the Run, and in terms of an initial impact, I feel oddly close to how Rumours absolutely blew me away. I can’t bottle up that feeling into words that can truly aptly describe my currently rattled brain, but just know that this is a high, high recommendation. I have been sleeping on the Eagles for far too long, and I need to listen to more of their stuff. They are far, far beyond just “Hotel California” as a single song, and even if most of the tracks here do qualify under “70s dad rock”, I can only hope the rest of their discography is just as good “70s dad rock”, because I’ll rock with it as long as it rocks. As far as this album goes, this is a 10, through and through – just a fantastic album.
The title track is probably one of the greatest songs ever written but the remaining album fall a little flat
Turgid album
* Liked this more when it was first released when I listened to it a lot. Still okay, but not a favourite. Maybe a few too many songs about how tough it is to be in the music business and/or living in California. That said, best tracks for me are Hotel California and New Kid in Town.
Turns out to be like a greatest hits. 50 years... wow. Makes me feel old.. recall listening to this n my 8-track. Good, classic Calif Rock
I dont care how dadrock and uncool Eagles and this record is. There only good songs on it, and both the riffing and vocal harmonizing are pure gold. Love it!
Do folks not realize this is grandpa rock now? Dad rock is like from the 90s. Either way, it's a 4. The first 3 songs are the best, the rest is just okay. 4/5
The first album by the Eagles that grabbed me. As tight and talented as they were in the past, I needed something heavier and this delivered
I thought I hated this album but I guess I've reached peak middle age cause I was feeling it now.
Yep fye
Top notch
acoustic live version of hotel California song is better
Listen to most of it (was homesick with the baby yesterday) and it was very fine.
Um the answer is always hell yes regarding the Eagles. This is an album i reserve my 5 star ratings for
Title track is one of the best ever. Didn't care for the rest of the album.
Great album. Well paced.
Not listening to this
Yeah, still holds up in the ranks of MOTR easy listening rock albums. Bit like Rumours, the classics are still classics and the rest are pretty good too. Nice background stuff.
The highs hit really high, but the rest is just sort of fine - soft rock with occasional bangers. Hotel California, obviously, and Life in the Fast Lane deserve the high rating, but the other tracks did start to feel like filler after a while.
Very pleasant music.
Essential Dadcore
Kann es sein, dass die Eagles sehr gute Anwälte haben? Bei UTube und UTube Music finde ich das komplette Album nicht. Ich glaube Rick Beato hat auch mal berichtet, dass sie sehr restriktiv sind. Na gut, nächstes Album bitte.
5/5. This is just a greatest hits album. Sometimes, a band will release an album that just includes only great, well-written songs. Each song, even the ones not well known, are just perfect. The guitar work has a good mix of heavy and soft. The vocals are beautiful and the strings in almost every song are gorgeous. The last song is not a masterpiece but it has a special place here. Just a great album overall. Best Song: Wasted Time, Hotel California, Try and Love Again
Classic but not quite 5
Did I know this album before: Yes! Had it on CD at some point. The production, the instrumentation, lyrics, vocals, are all "perfect". This is a strong contrast with yesterday's Foo Fighters, which was all muddy and grungy, with instruments played and lyrics written in a mad rush. This album you feel they must have spent months over, tweaking mixing panel knobs until they were happy with every single waveform. YES this album is over-produced. I'd be surprised if the tapes they mixed on hadn't worn through to transparency given the layers and layers of sounds we're hearing. But that's the whole point. This is the natural end point of the production train, and here they show us what is possible from some instruments and a mixing desk. But: Do I truly love it? There are great songs, but their tales of a broken American Dream doesn't quite tug at me in the same way some other albums do. So maybe this is around 4.4*, missing out on a top score by a whisker.
How can you be this slow and this boring and be on that much cocaine.
Hotel California is a great song. One of the best, in my opinion. After that, I really lost interest in this album.
Classic
Parents didn't listen to (much) secular music but they did listen to this album. Man I loved this thing.
This album smells like chlorine and piss.
I made enough bald dad jokes during the stream. Thankfully I only made it halfway through before getting pulled away. It's hard to appreciate something that's been overplayed since before you were born, and the country influence doesn't make it any easier. I'd give it a 2 or 3 if Joe Walsh wasn't such an incredible guitarist.
This was probably super hip, young and fresh for Grandma and Grandpa, but its just ok for my modern music ears.
Hotel California- This shit is so funny. People in 1976 were irreversibly changed hearing this New Kid in Town- pretty comfortable and very self-pitying Life in the Fast Lane- xbox racing game tutorial music Wasted time- lol Wasted time (reprise) -LOL YOU THOUGHT Victim of Love- i forgot to write something Pretty Maids All in a Row- women break his heart frequently Try and Love Again- going back for more women Last Resort- It was a different time but man. My gf moving to Colorado is just like the Native Americans. I do like the little minor note he hits but this is not it. Kind of a strange note to end the album on It's dramatic and comes across full of itself, which in the first few songs I can enjoy but the rest of it doesn't do much for me. I can see the appeal, but can't help but find the lyrics a bit insufferable and the sound itself unimpressive Read on the wiki that apparently they had to stop recording this album because Black Sabbath was in the next room (also funny)
I expected to not like this that much, but I mostly enjoyed it. Probably will listen again sometime
Ultimately this is a miss, but this album is REALLY funny. Like "Wasted Time" is such a dull, interminable song, but then they begin the B-side with a string reprise of it? That's funny. There's also some good instrumentation, mostly on the title track but here and there on other tracks
Hotel California is popular for a reason, but it doesn't speaks to me wholly. The singles bang, victim of love verses are alright, but the chorus falters. The rest were okish but without a low light. 7/10
This shit is trash. Always has been trash, always will be trash. How about they go extinct instead of Bald Eagles? please and thanks. I ALSO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO BURN THIS CD AND GIVE IT TO YOUR FAVORITE BOOMER FOR FREE. 0 out of 5
this album is like learning a villain's origin story and then you feel bad for them
Hotel California by Eagles is an album carried almost entirely by its iconic title track. While the song "Hotel California" is a masterpiece of storytelling, musicianship, and atmosphere, the rest of the album feels disappointingly average by comparison. It’s not that the other songs are bad, but they simply don’t reach the same level of greatness, leaving the album feeling uneven. There’s no denying that the song “Hotel California” is the star of the show. From the haunting opening acoustic riff to the legendary dual guitar solo at the end, it’s a masterclass in rock composition. The lyrics are mysterious and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a surreal, almost purgatorial place. Don Henley’s vocals carry just the right mix of detachment and longing, making it an unforgettable track. It’s one of those rare songs that transcends its genre, becoming a cultural touchstone. Musically, the album as a whole is polished and well-produced. The Eagles are undeniably talented, and their blend of rock, country, and soft rock is smooth and accessible. Tracks like “Life in the Fast Lane” have energy and attitude, and “New Kid in Town” is a pleasant listen with its warm harmonies and polished arrangement. Even the more energetic tracks, like “Life in the Fast Lane,” feel like they’re trying too hard to be edgy, without achieving the same depth or intrigue as “Hotel California.” By the time you reach the second half of the album, the songs begin to blur together, leaving little to truly grab your attention. Hotel California is an album that peaks too early. The title track is so good—so iconic—that it overshadows everything else on the record. While there are moments of solid musicianship and a few enjoyable tracks, the majority of the album feels like filler in comparison. For me, it’s hard to recommend the entire album when “Hotel California” alone delivers everything you need. It’s a must-hear track on an otherwise average album. If you’re a die-hard Eagles fan or love classic rock, you might appreciate the album more, but for me, it’s a 3.2/5 at best. Great opener, forgettable rest.
No one wants to admit it anymore because this is one of the most popular selling albums of all time by one of the most boring rock groups of all time, but it's honestly not bad at all. Hotel California the song will always be impressive and Life in the Fast Lane is a banger fuck all y'all. New Kid in Town was fun and the secret best track is actually Try to Love Again. Oh yeah fuck the Eagles for the copyright BS . 6/10 maybe almost a 7.
This is an attack
Can't really find fault with it, what was Lebowski talking about? Closer to an 8 than a 6.
5/10 https://youtu.be/-JlmvtAHhnc?si=dREm-vFXzf1y500a
Baffling decision to follow up one of the best songs ever written with music that sounds like it was written to be in the background of barbecue YouTube videos. Last song is good though.
It’s the Eagles so it was a classic. Really good music
Another classic
Хотел Калифорния песня это моя римская империя, остальные песни плюс вайб, чилловые для фона, добавила себе
1976. Rock. 9/10 Hotel California / New Kid in Town / Life in the Fast Lane / Wasted Time / Wasted Time" (Reprise) / Victim of Love / Pretty Maids All in a Row / Try and Love Again / The Last Resort
La verdad no me gusta Eagles, tiene algun que otro buen tema nomas.
Well, well, well—it’s the greatest rock song countdown stalwart, Hotel California! On the Jersey/Philly radio stations, it always seems to rank #4 all-time behind Stairway to Heaven, Freebird, and … something much less memorable, evidently. The commentary is resonant, the metaphors incisive. Then the guitar solo! Hotel California earns its berth. Wasted Time sounded a bit like Elton John—nice. Try and Love Again was my other favorite; these guys really make the most out of harmony.
This album definitely made me remember how much I loved when they would play The Eagles on 106.7 Lite FM growing up. It was easy listening, something to bop along to, songs I could belt out to while driving around suburban NJ. And alas...the older version of me enjoyed this music just the same - for what it is and what it's not. Did I expect to be blown away by this album? Absolutely not. Did I find myself tapping my foot to the beat while listening and genuinely enjoying myself? You bet. I'm giving this a 3. There weren't any songs I really disliked, but in the same vein, no songs on this album will have staying power with me (and Hotel California is just too overplayed).
What a fascinating album. Arguably each song is worse than the one before it (depending how you rate Wasted Time and Victim of Love), which is unusual—usually a band tries to spread out the best songs, but this is super front-loaded. Which is not to say it's a bad album! More on that later. I was also struck by how much the ballads seem to foreshadow a lot of what was to come with 80s hair metal, musically speaking. 1. Hotel California — On the Mt. Rushmore of classic-rock epics, up there with Stairway to Heaven and Don't Fear the Reaper. It doesn't hit the same on the thousandth listen, but that's not the Eagles' fault. If you claim not to like this song you're a pretentious dweeb who took the wrong lessons from The Big Lebowski. (I do think that movie single-handedly tanked the Eagles' reputation among college-educated Millennial men.) 2. New Kid In Town — Not the most amazing composition ever, but it's a nice little melody and Glenn Frey sings like an absolute angel. 3. Life In the Fast Lane — A little cheesy, but that guitar hook absolutely rocks. 4. Wasted Time — Here's where things start to descend into dreary non-powerful power ballads. This is the best of the bunch. The lyrics are actually decent. 5. Reprise — okay fine 6. Victim of Love — You could argue this is better than Wasted Time. It rocks decently hard. But the title is so fucking cheesy, it taints it. 7. Pretty Maids All In a Row — Boring proto-power ballad 8. Try and Love Again — On repeat listen, this might actually be kind of good? There's one part at the end of each verse that really hits, musically. Where he sings "day by day" the first time through. 9. The Last Resort — Another shitty ballad, but I give it a little bump because it turns out they're writing about American consumerist decadence and the spoliation of the West ... points for getting political.
I had a rough night and I hate the fuckin Eagles, man
Can’t believe it buuut…I liked this album a lot. I’ve always been a hater of the title track. Always. Was prepared w a Big Lebowski joke etc etc. But with good headphones on a plane with my eyes closed, the production sounds so dense and chill and inventive……I like the Eagles?
Love the title track. A couple of others are strong. But this is the dad rock album to rule all and I became bored by the end. 3/5
i like this
Good musicians from a technical perspective but they are painful to listen to. I could not make it through the whole album.
OK! I get the idea. I can't really say there's anything wrong with the music itself, but it all starts to feel familiar, except for the title track, which is of course unique and landmark for a reason...
Love the eagles
One of the best opening tracks there has ever been in my opinion. Magic from the first second to the last. Then New Kid in Town - a beautiful, brilliant, subtle song. And then the album starts to go downhill. Life in the Fast Lane is decent - good riff, good hook, but not a top Eagles song like the two tracks before it. The rest of the album I find practically soporific. Pleasant enough sometimes (Try to Love Again) and absolutely dire at others (the embarrassingly tacky orchestral reprise to Wasted Time). I know not everyone will agree but for me the real failure of the album is The Last Resort. A huge chunk of running time is dedicated to this self-regarding dirge and it just isn’t good enough to justify its place. It beats you over the head with that same stupid snippet of melody for an absolute age and the lyrics are rotten. Those two opening tracks though….
Rock, Pop, 1976 -> 4
Alright - sentimental value
Yeah, The title track is obviously iconic. The whole album is filled with great songs. With Life in the Fast Lane and New Kid in town pulling the peloton ahead.
Hotel California is one of the all time classic songs. The rest of the album is pretty middle of the road. I'm going to give this 3/5 and one of those stars is solely for the title track.
I'm with The Dude on this one.
Plenty of room at the Hotel California Any Time of Year You can find me here Overplayed Overjoyed That penultimate song always throws me off
The A side is seriously good - Hotel California has one of the great guitar solos and Life in the Fast Lane has one of my favourite riffs. They feel like a middle class version of Lynyrd Skynyrd, not quite got the bite I’d want but still enjoyable. B side gets a bit tedious but gets 4 because of the first few songs 3.75/5
Baffling to see the hate for this. Wasted time was such a great interlude. Probably wouldn’t rush back to this but lovely listen
The Eagles are shitty, but there are a few good songs here. "Last Resort" was surprisingly so. Too much Henley lead vocals.
this sure do be an eagles album. 2.45 stars
Great! Of course heard the song hotel California but not the whole album! Want to listen to more eagles
I don't hate the Eagles quite as much as the Dude does, but their main value is as parody fodder with such classics as Life on the Fault Line. And who could forget that they made the song Hotel California so that the Moog Cookbook could give the world the most brilliantly demented cover of all time.
Listening to Hotel California is my Hotel California. I feel trapped and unable to leave. They are undoubtedly good musicians. But this is cheesy and the music is overplayed. If I never heard the song Hotel California again in my life I could die happy.
Classic album with a 70's sound that still fresh and relevant in the here and now
Good stuff
The Eagles have several jams (Lyin Eyes, I Can’t Tell You Why, etc.); alas, they are not to be found on this album. Love a singing drummer, although Don is a prick.
Το μεγκα χιτ ,3 ωραια catchy κομματια, 4 βαρετες folk rock μπαλαντες. Ο ορισμος του mid αλμπουμ αλλα valid.
Good lord it's full of hits.
mediocre dad rock at his best. Huge L for them for sabotage american wedding by frank ocean... few songs were pretty likeable but on full album length there is also ah bunch of crap hiding.
who HASNT heard this fucking album what the hell.
Even if you aren't a fan of this band you can't deny these are some great songs
It’s become fashionable to hate the Eagles, and some of them don’t seem to be particularly likable people, the current touring version of the band is a cynical money grab. The truth is, in the 1970s, they were very good at what they did. I still listen to Desperado on a fairly frequent basis but I haven’t listened to Hotel California for a good few years. It’s an excellent album. There isn’t a bad song on it. It’s well played, it’s incredibly well produced, and Don Henley, no matter that he appears to mime certain songs these days, was an excellent singer. Meisner and Frey were good too but Henley was top drawer.
The 3 piano ballads put my ass to sleep…. bitch
Ballads are straight 70s cheese, hits are good but hard to listen with having heard them 10000 times. Still, undeniable talent and quality music. Would be better with Screaming Man Chorus.
Surprisingly pretty good. I still hate the fuckin Eagles though.
Some absolute classics on the album and some great guitar but the not well known songs feel a bit slow
This is funny. Of course I know the title track. One of the most famous rock songs ever. Couldn’t name a single Eagles song outside of that. Let’s see. It’s interesting that the album opens with the title track and its most famous song. It then goes into “New Kid in Town” which is also quite a hit in its own right. I have to say it drops off pretty quickly then. I mean, the songs are still fine, and the playing is great and everything, but it’s not like there are ten hidden Hotel California’s here. There isn’t even one. The title track alone is enough to merit inclusion on this list, but I wish the album tracks were stronger.
Westcoast music at its best
I don't see why it's so well received, but not bad either. Most songs are forgettable.
Such a lovely place, such a lovely face Why are all entries with 'California' in it sad? Hotel California delivers a lot of solid songs, not all of them on the same level, but I was quite aware of some singles from here. The lows aren't as low as I've expected of Eagles, The highs are pretty high, as this one includes their most popular work. The instrumentation is nice, although I wish it was just a tiny bit more cohesive song-to-song. Overall, I'd hesitate to give it a 5/5, but it definitely deserves at least a 4/5 out of me.
Come on, man. I had a rough night and I hate the fuckin' Eagles, man!
Was lukewarm on their self-titled but I just don’t care one iota about this one.
Banging title song, rest of the album seems pretty good
3 out of 5. Other than the hits there are some good songs on this album.
I've only heard one song from this album before (you can guess which one) so I knew what sort of vibe it will have. The album was alright but also nothing stood out to me. Didn't have a bad time listening to it though, so I can't say it was bad. Just not spectacular. 2/5
overall a really good album. majority of the songs didn't hit as hard as wasting time and hotel california, i thought this was a definite great listen.
A classic classic. Even though I own the album this is the first time I think I’ve listened to the whole thing and certainly all in a row. I was very impressed by the final song and wish it got more play possibly in place of the title song because admittedly if you listen to the right (wrong?) radio stations it can get tedious with overplaying.
I did not expect this album to be that good (people online said it was overrated). Surprisingly Hotel California is NOT my favourite song on the album (that honour goes to Try and Love Again).
First 3 songs are bangers Wasted time and victims of love are good Pretty maids all in a row weakest song so far Try and love again good The last resort fine Another album I would actually give a 7 More consistent than led Zeppelin 4, but not the same high points Easy listening
Hard to beat the first three songs out of the gate. Earlier releases were more about harmonization and collective sound; this album gives the individuals a little more room to show their talents. The bass line in "Hotel California"; the lead guitar in "Life in the Fast Lane"; the drums in "Victim of Love" -- these guys were in their prime.
The Eagles at their best, so many great lines from this album
Such a lovely place. Such a lovely face.
Always felt an irrational hate for the Eagles, not really sure where it came from. And upon seeing this album today, I was sorta hoping for it to be worse so I could rate it down a bit… however, the production was phenomenal, masterful instrumentals, soulful clear vocals, this really is a great album. 4.5/5
My mom once told me that this was a great make-out album, and it ruined both the album and the song "Hotel California" for me. Regardless of it's alleged impact on my parents' sex life, this is a fairly underwhelming album. The singles off it ("Hotel California", "Life in the Fast Lane") are definitely the best part. There are a lot more slow songs than I expected on it, and they're mostly unmemorable. I generally think most Eagles songs should be on average at least 2 minutes shorter than they actually are. I don't hate it, I don't love it, it's fine.
This record reminds me of my father, who introduced me to this album, and The Eagles, at a very early age. "Hotel California", for as outplayed as it is, it's a timeless piece in music history. This is a band I typically hear played by white people that don't know anything about music, but all in all, it's not that bad of an album.
4?
Did the song Hotel California propel this into the talk of best album of all time? This album is a lot weaker than I thought it was going to be. I thought banger after banger was going to finger bang my ears when I pressed play. It’s been the complete opposite actually. The album just plods along with mostly half slow tempo songs. I take nothing great out of this album. Maybe this is the Eagles and I just haven’t realized that until now but if you take their hits and compare it to this album, you’d be very disappointed. Choice cut: Hotel California
Hotel California is the fifth studio album by Eagles, originally released in 1976. Ah, the band everyone loves to hate. They're honestly not bad. Very poppy, yes. But this is not a bad album. It's produced very well and that title track is so damn catchy. Sure there may be some fluff but this album does its job in being easy listening 70s soft rock.
Nice memories...
I have not really listened to Eagles much. Hotel California is still sounds strong even after repeated exposure. The rest of the album is pretty bland nostalgia tinged American dad rock that did not float my boat.
Hotel California One of those albums where everything on it sounds just right, both sonically and thematically. Each track works individually but they all contribute to the coked out, unsettling, sunshine drenched, harmony ridden, end of the hippy era vibe. The first side in particular is excellent, the title track of course is fantastic, New Kid in Town’s and Wasted Time’s harmonies are so so good, and the song reveals itself as an absolutely superb ballad on repeat listens. And Life in the Fast line is their most convincing riff driven rocker, benefitting from the lack of Bernie Leadon’s country influence and Joe Walsh’s more rock approach. The second side does perhaps dip a little with Victim of Love and Pretty Maids All in a Row, but only in comparison to that first side and the superb final two tracks, particularly the Last Resort. I do also like the Martin-esque Wasted Time string reprise, it gives a nice sense of sad grandeur. A classic for a reason, the songs are great, the harmonies are superb, it sounds fantastic and it nails it’s thematic concept of ‘loss of innocence, the cost of naiveté, the perils of fame, of excess; exploration of the dark underbelly of the American dream, idealism realized and idealism thwarted, illusion versus reality, the difficulties of balancing loving relationships and work’ - it sounds sunny and hopeful on the surface but is undercut with despair and seediness. Easy 5. 🏨🏨🏨🏨🏨 Playlist submission: Obvious, but Hotel California
I'm really in two minds about this album. I find some of it, like Life in the Fast Lane or Victim of Love, gets too lost up its soft rock fundament and actually sounds very 80's ZZ Top-rock. Elsewhere they seem to be actively chasing the anthem - such as Wasted Time reprise which is Disney levels of trying to be meaningful. Aside from that it is consistently excellent. Title track, the country style licks harking back to previous albums, such as New Kid or Try and Love Again.
Dad rock at its finest
This album is such a good listen! I especially have to mention the track New Kid in Town. I really do think they should’ve had Glenn Frey sing more songs on this album. Nonetheless, it’s fantastic and well worth the listen. 10/10 !!!
Enjoyed this more than I expected to. I enjoyed it all, in addition to the hits I was already familiar with.
Classic. Excellent.
- Very good Notable tracks: - Title track - Life in the Fast Lane - Wasted Time - Victim of Love - Try and Love Again - The Last Resort
I fucked with this waaay more than expected honestly hotel california is the worst song on the album I can’t believe it’s their biggest hit bc the rest of it is fireeeee . love the instrumentals too
Not terrible but not great either
The more rocky songs were decent, but the slower ballady are very boring and by the end that’s all that’s left.
Bad
Amazing album with rich instrumentals that fill the room, along with the vocals that play like an instrument and guide the songs fluctuations. Loved the story telling in the songs, and will be listening to the Eagles much more often.
Favorite Track: Life In The Fast Lane
Not really the biggest fan of Eagles by any sense. But I can't really deny that this is a good album.
I guess this is a classic but for me is a bit dull. And yes, I'm biased by the Dude.
I like the tone of this one, it’s not spectacular except for the first few songs but Hotel California is too nostalgic for me to not bump the rating up.
OFCCCC
3/5
Great album front to back, no complaints.
A lot of classics on this album. Solid Eagles all the way down.
Hotel California is still an unbelievably good song. Like really, really great. Going into this, that was the only Eagles song I really knew. The rest of this album really suffers from not being Hotel California. It's also tonally all over the place. New Kid In Town is actually quite good as well, but then there's the disco Life in the Fast Lane and the (dad) rocking Victim of Love and I don't think they make the album greater than the sum of its parts. And the largest part is undoubtedly the Hotel itself.
I know the Eagles aren’t exactly the coolest band in the world, but I really dig this record.
I lowkey wasn't listening because I was coding. Hotel California lmao.
Good, but not as great as they'd become.
A good album by the Eagles, loved the classic song Hotel California. I also liked New Kid In Town, Try and Love Again and The Last Resort.
I didn’t hate this, but it’s the first Eagles album I’m listened to and the orchestral elements took me by surprise. Obviously there’s two or three songs I knew, and those are pretty solid. But nothing else really grabbed me and I doubt I’d listen to this again as an album.
The ultimate dad rock album, there's not a single person born in the 70s or 80s who's dad did not own this on either vinyl or cassette. This was the soundtrack to road trips, always was, always will be... Opens up with 3 huge all time songs in "Hotel California", "New Kid In Town", and "Life In The Fast Lane" before settling into a deep groove like the slow sad vibe of "Wasted Time" and its reprise and the straight up rock and roll of "Victim of Love", the rest kind of follow what came before. A victim of its own monster success often leads to people turning on it, but this is an easy 5 star album.
Album 620 of 1001 Eagles - Hotel California (1976) Rating : 5 / 5 A long time favorite. I once wore Side 1 out but rarely gave Side 2 the time of day, especially the last 2 songs. Giving a closer listen, after so much time, I'm happy to say I was wrong to basically ignore Side 2, while in my teens. Awesome album.
I liked it a lot, the songs are beautiful and perfect for a walk. Although for my taste they are quite soft, I still think it is a great album and highly recommended.
It’s ok although not really that interesting, except for the title track. I never knew these guys are so hated among music nerds, I’m not American. I guess the hate these guys get is due to them being so popular while there’s plenty of other much better artists and I think I get that. Still it’s not that bad. A perfect 3
Great album
Heard a lot of Eagles growing up from my dad. Of course they're some great songs on here but I'm giving this album a little bump due to nostalgia.
Die Lieder würde ich nicht einfach so hören, aber sie sind sehr schön und bringen nostalgische Atmosphäre. Vielleicht höre ich das Album bald nochmal
There are a few great songs on this and a few very good ones. I remember seeing the Eagles warming up for Procol Harem - we left after the eagles.
Classic, but I realize now is an adult that every single song is kind of sad.
Parts of the album are not great, but it's a great sound overall.
It's hard to be subjective when listening to Hotel California. The whole thing is so overplayed. It could be a work of genius. I'm just sick of hearing it. I still like Joe Walsh though.
This was the definition of chill. Not a bad song in this album. Stand-outs: New Kid in Town, The Last Resort
Eagles are timeless. Hard not to get exposed to them when your parent's coming of age years were in the late 70's. For this album specifically, a lot of the talk can be on the ubiquitous title track, but I think focusing on the unit as a whole is a good start. The majority songwriters here, Henley and Frey use their home state of California as a representative of the USA and the realities of the "American Dream". Their soft vocals make the listener feel comfy, yet attentive. Backed by Meisner, Felder, and Walsh on harmonies and bass/guitar, tracks such as "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Victim of Love" give us more of the straightforward rock n' roll sound that many are used to hearing from the Eagles. A majority of the album does follow in the path of the title track, more tender and cinematic as it nears its end, maybe losing its momentum a bit in my eyes but nothing to nitpick too much about. Still a strong and concise album from one of the dream teams in rock at the time.
Own this. There are a few tracks I regularly listen to (Hotel California, The Last Resort) but I don't listen to the whole album very often. Listening to it now reminded me that the rest of the album is also very good. Not good enough for 5 stars but it is very close.
Kokonaisuudessaan oikeinkin kiva albumi. Mukavata kuunneltavaa. Tykkäsin chilleistä viboista.
1976 was something of a musical wasteland - the excitement of glam rock was gone, leaving only pomp rock, seedy disco and novelty songs while we waited for punk. This album is solid Dad Rock, and the first 3 tracks will be familiar to anyone who has ever heard one of those Jeremy Clarkson’s Driving Songs compilation tapes that you used to see in garages in the 80s. The hits are too well worn and the non hits aren’t that thrilling either. Snooze-tastic!
I actually knew only the title track, that is not that bad but too well worn. The rest of the album is lenghty dad rock. This album by itself is a good justification of punk rock; I would gladly have smashed their disc with my Dr Martens out of boredom.
Out of the usual comfort zone. A chill Saturday morning album to listen through.
Generally inoffensive, but not my style. Too radio-friendly American 'rock'.
Ooooh, Witch-ay Woman!
A hotel you can't check out of isn't a hotel, dude. That's like some other thing.
норм, подойдет для роудтрипа или можно включить как фон на вечеринке
This is just... how do I rate this?! It feels like it transcends rating.
Hotel California carries this album.
+ d eskalation vo hotel california isch für immer legendär + immer guet wenn mir öpper es gschichtli verzellt + guets verhältnis vo upbeat/chill + mir gfallt s zemespiel vode instrument
Gute 4. Schöne Einzelstücke und auch als Album durchwegs stimmig.
very good 4/5
Timeless, of course not everyone’s cup of tea due to its length. But you can feel passion, you can feel love, you can feel gratitude and rebellion. It’s spirit, it’s the embodiment of freedom up until now.
Best Song: Hotel California. Despite being overplayed, this song still feels like a perfect match of interesting storytelling, great lyricism, and wonderful guitar work. Worst Song: The Last Resort. A cringe finale to end it all off. Overall: Nothing in the rest of the album comes anywhere close to approaching the heights of the opening track. Technically proficient, but it still feels soulless to me.
Not The Eagles, man! But this was actually OK: it turns out the title song has been overplayed, but the rest has been underplayed.
hotel california and a bunch of mid shit
The album matches the Hotel California vibe but is pretty much eclipsed by such a great song. Though Life in the Fast Lane was a nice discovery. Great songwriting as always from these guys
Hotel California is one of the most overrated albums in the pop/rock canon. One masterpiece track and two other pretty good songs do not make up for the other severely self-indulgent destinations of drivel the band decides to go. This record is pompous without having anything to back that attitude up. The most memorable things about this record for me would be that it feels remarkably plastic and repulsively unsexy (especially when Don Henley actively tries to make things “sexy”). Undeserved, self-aggrandizement and self-bloviation. Oh, and some DAMN good vocal harmonies too. 4/10
classic
I believe in 70s supremacy
Jugamo fuimo al frente, ganamo y a otra cosa
It contains my favorite eagles song Pretty Maids. But outside of that just ‘classic’ Eagles *IF* you’re into them. I had heard it all before. Solid album.
I mean, do people really hate the f*cking Eagles? This is an iconic album that sold like a zillion copies and sneaks in a few slick riffs in between the soft rock. You can't hate that.
It’s okay actually. Definitely a few duds but also a couple cool songs
General impression: Everyone’s saying it: “I just fuckin’ hate the Eagles, man.” Detailed review: This gets one star and it’s entirely due to the riff on “Life in the Fast Lane.” That’s a good riff. Not good enough to elevate any of the rest of the material, though. And as much as I hate the Eagles in general, I hate “Hotel California” (the song) the most. Fuck that song. Fuck this album. Deeper thoughts (context): This is one of my most biased reviews. Sorry not sorry. Read the general impression line again. Score: 1 Number of albums left to review: 948 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 30 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 23 (including this one)
Somewhat too much balladry for me. But excellent music overall.
The title track is one of the most overplayed, overrated popular songs in history. The rest of the album isn’t much better.
classic, but a lil boring highlights: hotel california, wasted time, pretty maids all in a row
die gross dualität vo lugerdawg. ich lieb big lebowski und ich lieb d eagles. würkli ich check wiemer die buebe hasst aber sie sind SO GUET. so schnulzig aber ihri songs sind unglaublich guet komponiert sie singed alli unglaublch guet. ich mues s solo wieder lerne. ich ha e ziit lang bew kid in town zum ipenne glost wells so beruhigend isch ich LIEBS. boooah tuet das guet. jedes lick isch gnaaau am richtige ort und perfekt. de glenn frey het d idee für life in the fast lane gha wo de satz sin koks dealer gseit het im cabriolet irgendwo in kalifornie (californiaaa). nöd so cool aber au mega cool. hui wasted time hittet gad hüt (ich bin sit gester single) meeega hert. d reprise hani vergesse. wer het das arrangiert? ok de ed norman. victim of love goht jo huere blöd die zweit siite kenni viel weniger guet. aber recht geil und s slide solo geeeil. pretty maids all in a row isch en scheisstitel eagles hahaha. aber ich mag de joe walsh er singt eigentli guet.
DIE IGEL ja hotel kalifornien isch halt en riese banger. es isch gsanglich so simpel aber d gitarre mmmh hahahah ok ab jz kenni glaub keis lied meh new kid in town isch megaa schön wenn au chli uf de schnulzige siite ahh life in the fast line kenntmer ja au hahahaha es isch chli ruhigers aerosmith? also s riff vo fast lane erinneret mich mega ah walk this way hahahaha wasted time findi mega e typischi schnulze für die ziit hahahaha git besseri aber han schochli en soft spot für so züg s reprise isch cute I guess victim of love arsch I'm sorry he chönnt da wiedermal öppis mot chli dampf underem füdli cho oh gott try an live again gitmer als titel nöd so d hoffnig CUT MY LIFE INTO PIECES ah nöd de last resort ja noaml nomal schnulze hey ich bin da mit echli höchere erwartige ihstige als schlussendlich gliferet worde isch, ich bin ja eig offizielle schnulze-enjoyer™️ aber das sind jz gfühlt 70% vom album gsi. hotel california isch en riiiese banger und d musig an und für sich isch sehr schön aber eifach nacheme ¼ gfühlt isches nurno seicht? mal luege wieni mi mirn fühl aber bin zwüscheme 3 und 4, sorry lugr
Я знал, кто такие Eagles до того, как узнал про Джизаса. Главный хит группы я слышал раньше песен местной эстрады. И как бы я не хотел сказать "хуйня и кринж", это песня несется через всю мою жизнь и дает комфорт и постоянство, которого иногда очень не хватает. Альбом норм, но это не моя музыка. Лучшая песня - Hotel California.
3.3, Hotel California saves it
I can't deny that the title track, though overplayed, is a very good song and probably the highlight of the album along with 'Try and Love Again'. 'Life In The Fast Lane' is a catchy song with a really cool riff. A proper toe tapping driving song. 'Pretty Maids All In A Row' is quite a nice ballad. It's not all good though. 'Wasted Time' dragged a bit and the reprise directly after it seemed unnecessary. The next track 'Victim of Love' is thumping with its verses, but the chorus brings it down to be quite forgettable. Overall I would say that it's better than the previous Eagles album I reviewed. It's just better songwriting. But I'm still not an Eagles fan by any means.
I don't like the Eagles but this album is flawless. It's as if they put together their greatest hits and decided that a whole album should sound that good.
I was raised on the Eagles, so I guess they bring out the defensive side of me. It's perfectly valid to like or dislike them. I've decided, however, that hating them excessively is the most boring opinion in music. No, they're not cool. Yes, The Dude hates them. Yes, Henley and Frey are/were assholes. So are at least 2/3 of YOUR favorite artists. But I feel like the performative hate they receive comes from people who feel like they need to take the default "cool guy" position. What is so hateable about them? That they're really good at their instruments? That their harmonies are just "too clean"? I feel like any criticism of the actual music boils down to broad, purely subjective adjectives like "soulless". Well, Mr. Eagles Hater, I think you're a poseur. Quoting The Dude in your review does not make you The Dude. Anyway, this album rips. Not a weak track among them.
Hotel California is one of the most overplayed songs ever, in my opinion. It is well written though. I always found something a bit lame about New Kid In Town. Not a fan of The Last Resort. I think the melody is a bit too predictable. The rest is decent.
Very well put together record. Unfortunately falls into a category/ age relative to when I was I a teen that put it in a lame old person’s music category. For that reason I will likely never fall in love with the record. But listening to it I can hear why it is one of the all time best selling albums. Played it properly through my full stereo and was a great sounding record. Might have been a five if I didn’t have the history with it that I do. But as it is I’ll put it as a four.
Pure quality
This album has maybe 3 great songs and the rest are not even as good as the time period’s other AOR that the band was trying to emulate.
Classic!
‘You can check out any time you like but you can never leave’ just makes me happy every time I hear it
What a bop.
The title track meant a lot to me when I was younger, like Stairway to Heaven and Comfortably Numb. Gave me all the feels. Listening to it now, I still like it but probably wouldn’t reach for it very often. The rest of the tracks are ok, I prefer the mellow ones. It has that warm sunset or early evening feel, somewhere near a beach, when I have it all.
I feel bad about this review because I couldn’t hear it very well.
A great start to any album and life in the fast lane a classic
mir gefällt der übergang von 5 nach 6: ruhige streicher hin zu schlagzeug, das abgeht und aufweckt. vielfältig: sowohl unterschiedliche lieder als auch innerhalb der lieder. mir gefallen die stimmen (mehrstimmigkeit, harmonien) und wie bass, gitarre und schlagzeug zusammen spielen und sich gegenseitig verstärken. verlauf vom album: zuerst wachere songs, die mehr abgehen, danach ruhigere songs mit mehr wiederholungen desselben schemas.
equvilent to white noise, good for working too!
The titular first song Hotel California is a classic: over 1.7 *billion* streams on Spotify alone. That being said, I've never listened to the whole album, and I'm excited to do so When Life in the Fast Lane's opening riff came on, I let out an audible "Yes...". The song before, New Kid In Town, was a little slower, calmer, but when the "Wolf mother's Black Betty"-esc sorta-country riff came on, man it was good. After listening to the rest, classic album, bit slow and chill for me at the time. I got pretty bored. Pretty much exclusively held up by Life in the Fast Lane and Hotel California for me. Glad I've heard it though
Boring rock. :)
Love some of these songs, but now realise that it's only the 1st half of the album. Not so fussed about the 2nd half. But the 4 stars anyway because the good tracks are awesome :D
Classic.
sanded balsa
eh
Title track is a classic for a reason. Of course it has been played to a pulp, but that doesn't really detract from its many qualities. But the rest is not interesting enough at all. Ballad after ballad starts to feel like eating sugar cubes; sickly sweet but lacking any contrasting flavour. I mean, it's not technically bad but sometimes uninteresting is worse.
Stone cold classic with amazing songwriting and musicianship
Another band where I don't understand the extremity of the reactions to them. It's OK. Maybe if I'd had to hear everywhere all the time growing up I'd feel different.
Good mix of country and rock and roll, fun time
Nowhere near as good as their self titled debut in my opinion, but also still mid. The only song I really resonated with and enjoyed was Try and Love again. I get the hype behind this album, but honestly I think there's better Eagles records out there. This just feels like it blew up because of the lead track (which is a banger, let's be honest here). If Eagle's debut was a 3.5, this is just a 3. Pretty generic country-dadrock.
Front-loaded to a comical degree. I don't think I am going to ruffle anyones feathers saying that the first few songs were probably my favourite. It's also not to say that the latter half of this is bad. In fact songs like The Last Resort and Pretty Maids are still really good. Just a bit more standard. Especially when compared to how much the first half of the tracks here blew up in popularity. It's more comparable to hitting consecutive home runs back to back, then spending the rest of the time taking walks. Instead of striking out after a few initial successes. idk man, I had a rough night, and I still feel mostly indifferent towards the Eagles. Great album at the end of the day
Better than their titular album and front loaded as a nursing Khazar mother. This is music you listen to while drunk and probably also indulging in a borrowed cigarette.
A competently made album that just ain't for me. 5/10 Fav tracks - none really Least Fav - none really
Possibly the most front loaded album of all time? Hotel California, New Kid In Town (one of my favourite songs of all time), Life In The Fast Lane really sweep you off your feet on this album until they totally change gears with Wasted Time. After this, all the songs work together cohesively as an album but individually don't hold a candle to the opening 3 tracks. When I first listened to this album in its entirety last year, I was a bit let down with how the B side slows down compared to the first but with repeat listens I have greatly grown to appreciate it. Special mention to Pretty Maids All In A Row, Walsh kills it on vocals and lyrics. The instrumentation and vocals here are much better developed than the Eagles' debut album, each band member is allowed their time in the spotlight. I will never stop glazing New Kid In Town, Frey's vocals, the instrumentation, the lyrics, everything works together and fits the theme of the album. Though I'll never be able to relate to the feeling of being yesterday's big thing/hasbeen in the music industry, the feeling that's cultivated in this song of being over the hill and past your prime is something that really moves me. I don't think I need to say anything at all about the title track. Every song is a highlight. I've had a great day and I love the fuckin' Eagles, man.
it sucks
Wouldn’t purposefully listen to this album ever again. Mostly boring. The songs I already knew weren’t necessarily welcome because I’d never really liked them. The songs I didn’t know all sounded the same.
Förvånad över hur mycket jag diggade det här
this is straight elton john
It's one of those albums that is in popular culture because it is up there as a great piece of work. Musically interesting, good songs. I mean it's not going to start a revolution but everything has its place.
Do not particularly like the title song. Love "New Kid in Town." Feels like the album jumps around with energy level, which isn't bad. Just feels like different vibes.
they were inspired
Fine music as always
I enjoyed the album. Easy-country-light rock. I look forward to more Eagles albums.
Mixed bag here. Hotel California and Life in the Fast Lane are 5 stars. The rest is fairly mediocre. I can't give it less than 4, though.
Hotel California the song is a classic, but the rest of this album is rather unspectacular, moderately enjoyable radio-tier soft rock. I'm not feeling very eager to explore this album further than once, aside from maybe touching some more on a single someday, which is very interesting as a sentimental piece about California and perhaps the American dream, something I feel they are definitely qualified to talk about as people not originally from California. It has a rather fascinating personal tinge to it.
****great album, good variety
Fantastic album. The reprise for wasted time is beautiful.
yes the title track bangs but everything afterwards is so bland
Último viernes de octubre con Hotel California de Eagles, otra banda que se suma a aquellas que sólo ubico por sus hits, en éste caso, por la canción homónima al disco: clasicazo eterno que he escuchado hasta el hartazgo por la radio y por compilados en casettes y CDs y que me recuerda a mi mamá, subiéndole el volumen y cantándolo en el inglés que todos inventamos por fonética. El disco arranca con la canción que le da nombre, de la cual está de más entrar en detalles: imposible no conmoverse por la guitarra y no recordar con gracia el odio de The Dude por los Eagles. Luego, va intercalando entre pistas más relajadas, tipo baladas, y otras más rockeras, sin ser ninguna tan explosiva como el tema que da inicio a todo. ¿Es algo de las bandas de esa época? ¿O tal vez la dificultad para mantener algo arriba y cerrarlo bien es propio de lo humano? Hasta el lunes.
It was as if Joe Walsh was like, “hey check out all the cool stuff I can do” but then Hotel California ended and they decided, let’s play Life in the Fast Last and a bunch of boring slow jams. 2 stars
It was only two days ago that I was served up the American Pie album and I suggested that the title track was one of the most famous songs ever. Then today I get Hotel California and it could be argued that this albums title track is equally popular. There can’t be many who don’t know this song. My own personal view of the album is that I never liked it enough to go out and buy on release but as time as passed by I have begun to appreciate its worth and I have since purchased it. No self respecting record collection should be without this album given its now iconic standing and the fact it is one of the best selling ever. Having said that it’s not an album I ever reach for in its own right but happy to hear tracks randomly on shuffle. When I hear the title track, which is often, I now always relate it to the UK’s Brexit problem. “You can check out anytime but you can never leave” I also think that those immortal lyrics can be applied to a lot of other life situations but unlike American Pie those are the only lyrics I immediately recall so on that basis alone when considering the battle of the Dons it is McLean who beats Henley. 4/5 25/10/24
I'm an Eagles fanboy so no surprises here. Life In The Fast Lane is one of my favorite tracks ever
Great first three songs. Next two were average and bloated. Three maids in a row was great, rest of the album ok. 3 out of 5 stars
Except for the title track (excellent), it’s a middle of the road snore-fest that drags and drags and drags. Felt like hours long.
**Hotel California** by Eagles is a landmark album in rock history, released in December 1976. As their fifth studio album, it marked a turning point for the band, blending rock with country and folk influences. Here’s an in-depth review, focusing on the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of the album, along with a balanced look at its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Hotel California* delve into themes of excess, disillusionment, and the search for meaning. The title track, "Hotel California," serves as a metaphor for the hedonism and moral decay associated with the Californian lifestyle of the 1970s. Phrases like "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave" suggest an inescapable trap, with the hotel acting as a symbol for fame, addiction, or a dangerous allure. Other songs continue this exploration of darker themes. "Life in the Fast Lane" narrates the tale of a couple living recklessly, portraying a life fueled by drugs and materialism. In contrast, "New Kid in Town" reflects on the fleeting nature of success and fame, warning about how quickly people can be replaced and forgotten. Although some tracks, such as "Wasted Time," take a more introspective approach, exploring personal loss and regret, the album predominantly addresses the costs of the rock-and-roll lifestyle. The lyrical content is often poetic, layered with symbolic meaning, yet retains accessibility. Occasionally, however, the lyrics risk coming off as overly preachy, especially when moralizing about the pitfalls of excess, potentially limiting their appeal to some listeners. ### Music Musically, *Hotel California* is a mix of rock, country, and folk elements, showcasing Eagles' versatility. The band's signature harmonies and guitar work shine throughout. The title track is a masterclass in musical arrangement, starting with an iconic 12-string acoustic guitar riff that builds into a dynamic, multi-section composition. The guitar solo, performed by Don Felder and Joe Walsh, remains one of rock music's most celebrated moments due to its melodic quality and technical skill. "Life in the Fast Lane" leans more towards hard rock, driven by a heavy guitar riff and tight rhythm section, providing a gritty contrast to the more relaxed sound of earlier Eagles albums. Meanwhile, "New Kid in Town" features a smoother, more melodic approach, highlighting Glenn Frey's lead vocals and harmonizing with soothing backing. Other tracks, like "Wasted Time" and "The Last Resort," show the band's ability to integrate orchestral arrangements, which add depth to the compositions. However, the album’s tendency towards mid-tempo tracks can sometimes feel repetitive, with a few songs blurring together due to similar pacing and arrangements. ### Production Bill Szymczyk's production on *Hotel California* is a significant factor in its success. The album is immaculately produced, with each instrument occupying a distinct space in the mix, allowing the intricate harmonies and guitar parts to shine without overwhelming each other. The engineering ensures clarity and depth, enhancing the overall listening experience. The layering of guitars is especially notable; for instance, in the title track, multiple guitar parts interact seamlessly, creating a rich sonic tapestry. The production quality brings out the subtleties in the music, from the twang of the guitars to the nuances in the vocal harmonies. Despite its strengths, the album’s production could be critiqued for being too polished at times, lacking the raw edge that some rock fans might prefer. While the clean production fits the sophisticated sound Eagles aimed for, it may seem too controlled, detracting from the gritty spontaneity that characterizes other rock albums of the same era. ### Themes Thematically, *Hotel California* delves into the darker aspects of the American Dream, particularly as it relates to California's culture in the 1970s. The album questions the pursuit of fame and fortune, often suggesting that such ambitions can lead to hollow and unfulfilling lives. The title track embodies this critique, portraying a luxurious setting that ultimately becomes a prison for those who are seduced by its allure. This theme recurs throughout the album, with "Life in the Fast Lane" depicting the dangers of living recklessly, and "Wasted Time" addressing the emotional toll of broken relationships. In "The Last Resort," the closing track, the band broadens its scope to critique the environmental destruction and spiritual bankruptcy brought about by Western expansion. It is a powerful condemnation of materialism, lamenting the loss of innocence and natural beauty in the face of progress. The song encapsulates the album’s themes, suggesting that the pursuit of the American Dream can lead to the destruction of what made it desirable in the first place. However, while the themes are poignant, some may argue that the band's critiques are occasionally heavy-handed or moralistic. The focus on disillusionment and critique of fame might seem overly pessimistic, lacking the nuance or diversity of subject matter found in albums that explore a broader range of experiences. ### Influence *Hotel California* has left an indelible mark on rock music, influencing countless artists with its blend of rock, country, and folk. The album's sophisticated guitar work, vocal harmonies, and production standards have been emulated by musicians across genres. The title track, in particular, has become an enduring classic, frequently cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, both for its musical composition and lyrical depth. The album's success also solidified Eagles' place as one of the premier rock bands of the 1970s, setting a benchmark for subsequent bands. Its exploration of themes such as disillusionment and excess influenced the lyrical direction of other rock albums in the late '70s and '80s, resonating with listeners who were skeptical of the glamorous image often associated with rock stardom. However, the album's polished production and thematic focus on excess can also be seen as a precursor to some of the excesses in the rock music industry that would emerge in the following decades. The album has been critiqued for contributing to the corporate rock trend, where music became more about production quality and less about raw, unfiltered expression. ### Pros 1. **Iconic Songwriting:** The title track, "Hotel California," is one of the most memorable songs in rock history. Its lyrics, arrangement, and iconic guitar solo contribute to its timeless appeal. 2. **High-Quality Production:** The immaculate production ensures that every musical element is clear and well-balanced, with meticulous attention to detail. 3. **Musical Versatility:** The album demonstrates Eagles' ability to blend rock, country, and folk, creating a diverse yet cohesive sound. 4. **Thematic Depth:** The exploration of fame, excess, and the American Dream adds layers of meaning to the songs, giving the album a conceptual unity that many albums lack. 5. **Influence on Subsequent Music:** The album set a high standard for production and songwriting in rock music, influencing many artists. ### Cons 1. **Overly Polished Sound:** Some may find the production too clean, lacking the raw energy associated with rock music. 2. **Repetitive Tempo:** The mid-tempo pacing of most tracks can make the album feel monotonous in places, as there is little variation in the energy levels. 3. **Heavy-Handed Themes:** The critique of fame and excess can sometimes come across as moralistic or lacking in subtlety. 4. **Predictable Song Structure:** While the songwriting is strong, several tracks follow a formulaic structure, which might diminish the sense of spontaneity. 5. **Limited Exploration Beyond Themes:** The album's narrow thematic focus on disillusionment and excess might leave some listeners wanting a broader range of subject matter. ### Conclusion *Hotel California* remains a landmark album that captures the spirit and contradictions of the 1970s California rock scene. With its blend of rock, country, and folk, it showcases Eagles' strengths as musicians and songwriters, particularly in the title track, which has become one of the definitive songs in rock history. The high-quality production, layered guitar work, and rich harmonies elevate the music, even if the polished sound may detract from the raw energy that some listeners seek. The album's thematic exploration of fame, excess, and the American Dream adds a sense of conceptual unity, though the moralistic tone and repetitive pacing may not appeal to everyone. Despite these criticisms, the album's influence on rock music is undeniable, setting a benchmark for both production quality and thematic ambition. Ultimately, *Hotel California* is an album that encapsulates the triumphs and pitfalls of the rock-and-roll lifestyle, resonating with audiences for its profound messages and enduring musical appeal. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a classic that continues to resonate decades after its release.
AMAZING ALBUM!! Better then I expected
I love this album so much, hotel california has been one of my favourite song ever for a long time and the rust of the album is all such a vibe! Definitely deserves a 5 star rating
it's ok i guess
Of course the title track is a classic and pretty great - the rest is just fine.