12 Essential Joe Walsh Eagles Tracks

The Eagles are one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, with a career spanning over five decades. One of the key factors in their success was the addition of Joe Walsh to the band in 1975. Walsh's unique guitar playing style and songwriting abilities brought a new dimension to the Eagles' sound, and he played a crucial role in shaping their music during his tenure with the band. In this article, we'll take a look at 12 essential Joe Walsh Eagles tracks that showcase his contributions to the band.

Introduction to Joe Walsh’s Eagles Era

Joe Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975, replacing founding member Bernie Leadon. At the time, the band was looking to expand their sound and explore new musical directions. Walsh’s arrival marked a significant turning point in the Eagles’ career, as he brought a new level of creativity and experimentation to the band. With his expertise in rock, blues, and country music, Walsh helped the Eagles to craft some of their most iconic and enduring songs.

Early Contributions: “Hotel California” and Beyond

One of Walsh’s earliest contributions to the Eagles was the iconic song “Hotel California.” While he didn’t write the song, his guitar work and solo on the track are widely regarded as some of the greatest in rock music. The song’s haunting guitar riff, combined with Walsh’s soaring solo, helped to establish the Eagles as one of the leading rock bands of the 1970s. Other essential tracks from this era include “New Kid in Town” and “Life in the Fast Lane,” both of which feature Walsh’s distinctive guitar playing and vocal harmonies.

The “Long Run” Era: 1979-1980

The Eagles’ 1979 album “The Long Run” marked a new era for the band, with Walsh playing a central role in the songwriting and production process. The album features several essential tracks, including the title song “The Long Run,” “I Can’t Tell You Why,” and “Heartache Tonight.” These songs showcase Walsh’s ability to craft catchy, memorable melodies and lyrics, as well as his skills as a guitarist and vocalist.

Late-Era Highlights: “The Long Run” and “Eagles Live”

In addition to the studio tracks mentioned above, the Eagles also released a live album in 1980, titled “Eagles Live.” This album features several essential performances, including a blistering version of “Life in the Fast Lane” and a soulful rendition of “Saturday Night.” Walsh’s guitar work and vocals are prominently featured throughout the album, and it’s a testament to his enduring chemistry with the other band members.

• The Long Run (1979)
• I Can't Tell You Why (1979)
• Heartache Tonight (1979)
• Life in the Fast Lane (live) (1980)
• Saturday Night (live) (1980)

Legacy and Reunion

After the Eagles disbanded in 1980, Joe Walsh went on to pursue a successful solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other artists. However, in 1994, the Eagles reunited and released the album “Hell Freezes Over,” which featured several new tracks and re-recorded versions of classic songs. The album was a major commercial success, and it marked a new era for the band. Since then, the Eagles have continued to tour and release new music, with Joe Walsh remaining an integral part of the band’s sound and legacy.

Essential Tracks: 1994 and Beyond

Some essential tracks from the Eagles’ reunion era include “Get Over It,” “Love Will Keep Us Alive,” and “Center of the Universe.” These songs showcase the band’s continued ability to craft memorable melodies and lyrics, as well as their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. Joe Walsh’s guitar playing and vocals are once again prominently featured, and his contributions to the band’s songwriting process are evident throughout the album.