The Eagles - Long Road Out Of Eden

Checking back in to the Hotel California

Long Road Out Of Eden marks The Eagles’ first full studio work together in 28 years, and on first listen sounds as if they’ve been frozen in time since the late 70s. Lead single How Long first appeared on longtime collaborator JD Souther’s 1972 debut solo album, and is typical of their early breezy style. Equally, the generic ballad What Do I Do With My Heart? offers few surprises, and could have come from Westlife. The above feature on Disc One, as if easing us gently into having one of the all-time biggest-selling bands back. Disc Two is more adventurous, Don Henley in particular stretching himself and continuing the social commentary of some solo hits. The 10-minute title track, packed with Biblical imagery and other scenarios of gloom, spotlights an America that’s lost its way, something explored again on the venomous Frail Grasp On The Big Picture. Joe Walsh’s gutsy Last Good Time In Town reminds us that The Eagles are a dab hand at the second half of the phrase “country-rock”, while Henley gets to grips with his funny bone on the sneering-at-celebs singalong Busy Being Fabulous. A mixed bag, highlighting the band’s strengths and exposing their occasional soft-option weaknesses.

Polydor | cat no tbc

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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