Eagles – Desperado (1973)
Desperado is the second studio album by the Eagles, released in April 1973. While it didn’t achieve immediate commercial success, the album cemented the band’s reputation for storytelling, harmony-driven vocals, and the development of their signature country-rock sound. Centered around themes of the American West and the outlaw archetype, Desperado is often considered a concept album, blending cinematic imagery with melodic craftsmanship.
Album Overview
Title: Desperado
Release Date: April 17, 1973
Label: Asylum Records
Producer: Glyn Johns
Genre: Country rock, soft rock, folk rock
Length: 36:25
Format: Vinyl, cassette, CD
Sales: Over 2 million copies, certified 2× Platinum
The album explores outlaw themes, personal reflection, and romanticism of the American frontier, while highlighting the Eagles’ growing mastery of harmony and instrumentation.
Tracklist
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Doolin-Dalton – 3:12
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Desperado – 3:34
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Twenty-One – 3:43
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Outlaw Man – 3:31
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Tequila Sunrise – 2:54
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Certain Kind of Fool – 2:36
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Saturday Night – 2:48
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Bitter Creek – 4:10
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James Dean – 3:36
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Outlaw – 5:00
Mini Review
Desperado showcases the Eagles’ evolution from a country-rock band into a sophisticated storytelling group.
The title track Desperado has become one of the band’s most iconic ballads, blending emotional lyrics with soaring harmonies. Tequila Sunrise and Outlaw Man exemplify the album’s smooth country-rock grooves, while tracks like Bitter Creek and Doolin-Dalton emphasize the outlaw theme and cinematic narrative. Glyn Johns’ production enhances the acoustic textures and vocal harmonies without over-polishing, giving the album a warm, intimate feel.
Album Credits
Glenn Frey: vocals, guitar, keyboards
Don Henley: vocals, drums, percussion
Bernie Leadon: vocals, guitars, banjo, mandolin
Randy Meisner: vocals, bass
Guest Musicians: None officially credited
Engineering: Glyn Johns
Photography: Tom Wilkes
Album Design: Gary Burden
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The album was intended as a concept album based on the lives of famous outlaws like Billy the Kid and Jesse James.
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Desperado was co-written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley and remains one of the Eagles’ signature ballads.
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Tequila Sunrise inspired the title of the 1988 film starring Mel Gibson and Michelle Pfeiffer.
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Bernie Leadon’s banjo, mandolin, and guitar work give the album a strong country influence.
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Despite its iconic songs, the album initially peaked at only No. 41 on the Billboard 200, gaining fame over time.
Did You Know?
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The concept of Desperado influenced the band’s image, solidifying their connection to Americana and the outlaw mythos.
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Don Henley’s drumming and vocals contributed heavily to the cinematic, dramatic feel of the album.
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Desperado and Tequila Sunrise became live staples for the Eagles for decades, beloved by fans for their storytelling and harmony.
Cultural Impact
Desperado helped define the Eagles’ identity as harmony-driven storytellers rooted in the American West. Songs from the album have become cultural touchstones, inspiring covers, film references, and enduring radio play. Its cinematic storytelling and melodic richness helped elevate the Southern California country-rock scene and paved the way for the band’s massive mid-1970s success.
Conclusion
Desperado (1973) solidifies the Eagles’ place as masterful storytellers and harmony-driven musicians. From the timeless title track to narrative gems like Outlaw Man and Bitter Creek, the album blends Americana, country-rock, and melodic sophistication. It remains essential listening for fans of narrative-rich rock and the classic Eagles sound.
