Album Review — The Very Best Of The Eagles (1994) — Eagles
The Very Best Of The Eagles is a greatest hits compilation by the iconic American rock band Eagles, released in 1994 through Geffen Records. The album coincided with the band’s reunion for the Hell Freezes Over project, providing both longtime fans and new listeners with a carefully curated overview of the band’s 1970s hits.
This compilation showcases the Eagles’ signature blend of rock, country-rock, and soft ballads, highlighting their multi-layered harmonies, storytelling lyrics, and guitar craftsmanship.
🎶 Tracklist
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Take It Easy – 3:34
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Witchy Woman – 4:13
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Lyin’ Eyes – 6:22
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Take It to the Limit – 4:49
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Desperado – 3:33
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One of These Nights – 4:51
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Tequila Sunrise – 2:58
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Already Gone – 4:14
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New Kid in Town – 5:04
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Hotel California – 6:31
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Life in the Fast Lane – 4:46
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The Long Run – 3:42
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I Can’t Tell You Why – 4:56
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Heartache Tonight – 4:25
Total length: ~63:18
The compilation emphasizes the band’s chart-topping hits from albums ranging from Eagles (1972) to The Long Run (1979), offering a concise yet representative overview of their most enduring songs.
🧑🎤 Album Credits
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Artist: Eagles
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Title: The Very Best Of The Eagles
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Released: 1994
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Label: Geffen Records
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Producer(s): Glyn Johns, Bill Szymczyk, Eagles (various tracks)
Band Members Across Tracks:
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Glenn Frey – vocals, guitar, keyboards
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Don Henley – vocals, drums
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Don Felder – guitar, vocals
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Joe Walsh – vocals, guitar, keyboards
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Randy Meisner – vocals, bass (early tracks)
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Timothy B. Schmit – vocals, bass (later tracks)
The album compiles songs from multiple recording sessions and producers, reflecting the evolution of the band’s sound over the 1970s.
🎸 Musical Style & Highlights
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Rock & Country-Rock Fusion: Tracks like Take It Easy and Already Gone demonstrate the band’s early fusion of rock rhythms with country storytelling.
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Ballads & Harmony: Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes, and I Can’t Tell You Why highlight the Eagles’ soaring vocal harmonies and melodic sensibilities.
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Hard Rock Edge: Life in the Fast Lane and Heartache Tonight add a harder rock dynamic, showcasing Joe Walsh and Don Felder’s guitar interplay.
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Epic Rock Statement: Hotel California remains the band’s signature track, blending storytelling, haunting atmosphere, and iconic guitar solos.
This compilation demonstrates the versatility of the Eagles, moving seamlessly from soft ballads to arena rock anthems.
📈 Reception & Commercial Performance
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The album was a commercial success, particularly in Europe and Australia, where it became a top-selling compilation, introducing the Eagles to a new generation.
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It reinforced the band’s legacy as one of the most successful American rock acts, capitalizing on the Hell Freezes Over reunion buzz.
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While it did not introduce new material, critics praised it for its cohesive sequencing and selection of hits, making it an ideal entry point for new listeners.
🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia
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Reunion Tie-In: Released in the same year as Hell Freezes Over, this compilation capitalized on renewed fan interest after 14 years of inactivity.
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Single-Disc Convenience: Unlike earlier box sets or double-disc compilations, it presents key hits on a single CD, making it accessible for casual fans.
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Covers All Eras: Tracks include songs featuring both Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmit, reflecting the transition in the band’s lineup.
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European Popularity: The album achieved platinum status in multiple countries, including the UK, Germany, and Australia, proving the Eagles’ international appeal.
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Title Choice: The phrase The Very Best Of signals a curated selection, distinguishing it from other greatest hits packages.
💡 Did You Know?
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Many of the songs on this compilation were reissued live versions in later albums, including Hell Freezes Over (1994), but this release primarily features original studio recordings.
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Hotel California continues to be one of the most streamed classic rock songs worldwide, and its inclusion here helped drive the album’s popularity.
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The compilation is often used as a gateway for younger listeners to discover the Eagles’ extensive catalog without committing to multiple studio albums.
Conclusion
The Very Best Of The Eagles is a timeless greatest hits collection, effectively summarizing the band’s 1970s peak. Featuring chart-topping singles, harmonically rich ballads, and rock classics, it’s a perfect entry point for new fans and a concise collection for longtime listeners. From the soaring guitars of Hotel California to the catchy rhythms of Heartache Tonight, this compilation solidifies the Eagles’ enduring legacy in rock music history.