Fifty Years of the Eagles "One of These Nights"
June 10, 1975. The Eagles released their album, “One of These Nights.” When a classic album hits a milestone anniversary mark, I like to give it another listen to see how it has held up over the years. On this five-decade day, let’s see how this record is doing.
“One of These Nights” was the band’s fourth album and their sound was already changing. The first two records had a distinct country-rock sound. But band leaders Glenn Frey and Don Henley wanted to move into a more edgy rock and roll style. That began with their third album, “On the Border.” It pushed even further with this record. The change in style led to one of the founding members, Bernie Leadon, leaving the group—this was his final album with the Eagles.
“One of These Nights” is a mix of classic songs and much more obscure tunes. The title track, “Take it to the Limit” and “Lyin’ Eyes” are regularly played on every classic rock station. Plus, they are still a big part of the Eagles’ live setlist. I heard two of them earlier today. There are also three or four songs that I forgot existed. It also includes the song “I Wish You Peace”, written by Leadon and his girlfriend at the time, Patti Davis, daughter of the future President Ronald Reagan. Frey and Henley have said it is their least favorite of the band’s entire catalog.
I want to focus on two of the big hits….
However many times you hear “Take It to the Limit”, it’s hard not to get engrossed in Randy Meisner’s beautiful vocals. The story has been told many times about how he didn’t want to sing it in concert because of the toll it took on his voice, but that will never take away from what he did on the recording. It’s still stunning after fifty years.
“Lyin’ Eyes” has always been my favorite Eagles song. I think it’s the greatest cheating of all time. It’s up there with anything done by any country musician. When I heard it this afternoon, I circled the block a few times to catch the end of the song. It’s not the first time I’ve done that and certainly won’t be the last.
“One of These Nights” was the Eagles’ first number-one album. It was certified as quadruple-platinum, meaning it sold more than four million albums in this country. So, how’s it holding up after this long a time? Hmm…that’s a tough one. The songs I love, I always will love. I can do without a lot of the filler. As much as I love the Eagles, I doubt I’ll ever listen to the album in its entirety again. But, it did pave the way for Joe Walsh joining the band and their next album, “Hotel California.” That one hits fifty next year. I can’t wait to review it.