11 Underrated Eagles Songs: Beyond the Hits

Hello music lovers and fellow DJs, it’s TBone here from Level Tunes, bringing you something special today.

As a passionate DJ and a die-hard music enthusiast, I’ve always believed in the power of underrated gems to create unforgettable moments.

That’s why I’ve decided to dive deep into the discography of the legendary Eagles, a band that has touched the hearts of many but still holds some unexplored treasures. In this list, I’m excited to share with you 11 Eagles songs that don’t always make it to the top charts but deserve your undivided attention.

These tracks showcase the band’s versatility, lyrical depth, and musical genius that often go unnoticed. Join me in rediscovering the magic of Eagles through these underrated classics. Get ready to add some amazing tunes to your playlist!

Here are the underrated Eagles songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Eagles Songs

Underrated Eagles songs in a list format:

“Wasted Time” (from “Hotel California”, 1976, Asylum Records)

Author: Don Henley, Glenn Frey
Why I Love It: “Wasted Time” closes the first side of the Eagles’ iconic “Hotel California” album with a melancholic yet beautiful ballad. Henley’s soulful vocals and the poignant piano work intertwine perfectly, capturing the essence of lost love and the passage of time. Released in 1976 under Asylum Records, this song is a testament to Henley and Frey’s songwriting prowess, often overshadowed by the album’s more famous tracks. The orchestral arrangement in the reprise version adds a cinematic depth, making it a masterpiece often overlooked.

“The Last Resort” (from “Hotel California”, 1976, Asylum Records)

Author: Don Henley, Glenn Frey
Why I Love It: Often hailed as Henley’s favorite Eagles song, “The Last Resort” is a profound narrative about the American Dream and environmental degradation. This closing track of the “Hotel California” album is a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving history and social commentary with haunting melodies. The song’s layered instrumentation and poignant lyrics showcase the Eagles’ ability to transcend rock music into the realm of thoughtful art. It’s a reflective and powerful piece that resonates more with each listen.

“On The Border” (from “On The Border”, 1974, Asylum Records)

Author: Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Glenn Frey
Why I Love It: The title track from their 1974 album, “On The Border,” showcases the Eagles’ foray into a harder rock sound. With Bernie Leadon’s fiery guitar work and Henley’s compelling vocals, the song delves into themes of political awareness and personal integrity. Its edgy sound marked a departure from their earlier country-rock style, reflecting the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment. This song is a hidden gem that captures a pivotal moment in the Eagles’ musical journey.

“Bitter Creek” (from “Desperado”, 1973, Asylum Records)

Author: Bernie Leadon
Why I Love It: “Bitter Creek” is a lesser-known track from the “Desperado” album, but it’s a testament to Bernie Leadon’s songwriting talent. This acoustic-driven song, with its intricate guitar work and harmonious vocals, narrates a poignant tale reminiscent of old Western folklore. Its understated elegance and storytelling prowess make it a standout track in the Eagles’ catalog. The song’s gentle, melancholic melody invites listeners to delve into a bygone era, showcasing the band’s ability to craft evocative musical narratives.

“No More Cloudy Days” (from “Long Road Out of Eden”, 2007, Lost Highway Records)

Author: Glenn Frey
Why I Love It: From their 2007 album “Long Road Out of Eden,” “No More Cloudy Days” is a soulful ballad written and sung by Glenn Frey. This song stands out for its smooth, laid-back vibe and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Frey’s maturation as a songwriter. The blend of Frey’s warm vocals with the soothing saxophone creates a nostalgic and comforting atmosphere. It’s a hidden gem that resonates with a sense of hope and renewal, making it a timeless addition to the Eagles’ repertoire.

“Those Shoes” (from “The Long Run”, 1979, Asylum Records)

Author: Don Felder, Glenn Frey, Don Henley
Why I Love It: “Those Shoes” from the “The Long Run” album is an edgy and gritty track, highlighting the Eagles’ ability to rock. The song features one of the earliest uses of the talk box in rock music, adding a unique and funky texture. The combination of Felder’s guitar work and Henley’s raspy vocals creates a hard-hitting sound, showcasing a different side of the Eagles. It’s a track that often gets overshadowed but is a must-listen for its innovative approach and raw energy.

“Pretty Maids All in a Row” (from “Hotel California”, 1976, Asylum Records)

Author: Joe Walsh, Joe Vitale
Why I Love It: This Joe Walsh-led song from “Hotel California” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad. Walsh’s tender vocals and emotive keyboard work create a dreamy and introspective atmosphere. The song’s introspective lyrics and serene melody offer a moment of calm amidst the album’s rockier tracks. “Pretty Maids All in a Row” is a testament to Walsh’s songwriting skills and adds a unique flavor to the Eagles’ sound, often overlooked in favor of the album’s hits.

Fun Facts: Underrated Eagles Songs

“Wasted Time”

• Fact 1: The reprise version of “Wasted Time” at the end of the B-side of the “Hotel California” album features a full orchestral arrangement by Jim Ed Norman, adding a cinematic feel to the album’s narrative.
• Fact 2: “Wasted Time” was never released as a single, yet it remains a fan favorite for its emotional depth and poignant lyrics, showcasing Henley’s powerful vocal delivery.

“The Last Resort”

• Fact 1: Don Henley considers “The Last Resort” as one of his best works, describing it as a song that captures the “darker side of the American dream.”
• Fact 2: The song’s narrative about environmental and cultural degradation reflects the Eagles’ social consciousness, a theme that was quite progressive for its time in the rock genre.

“On The Border”

• Fact 1: The song “On The Border” was part of the Eagles’ shift towards a harder rock sound, influenced by the addition of guitarist Don Felder to the band during the album’s recording.
• Fact 2: This track showcases a blend of rock and country elements, a signature style that the Eagles became known for, and reflects the band’s versatility in bridging different musical genres.

“Bitter Creek”

• Fact 1: “Bitter Creek” is a tribute to the traditional storytelling found in folk and country music, and is one of the few Eagles songs written solely by Bernie Leadon.
• Fact 2: The song’s intricate guitar work and harmonies are a highlight, showcasing the musical talents of the band members beyond their more commercially successful hits.

“No More Cloudy Days”

• Fact 1: “No More Cloudy Days” was part of the Eagles’ comeback album “Long Road Out of Eden,” their first studio album in 28 years, and it helped reintroduce the band to a new generation of fans.
• Fact 2: The song features a memorable saxophone solo, which adds to its smooth, classic soft-rock feel, a signature sound of the Eagles in their later years.

“Those Shoes”

• Fact 1: “Those Shoes” is notable for its use of the talk box, an effect that allows a musician to modify the sound of an instrument by shaping the frequency content with their mouth. This was a relatively new and experimental sound in rock music at the time.
• Fact 2: The song’s heavy and gritty sound is a contrast to the Eagles’ more well-known country-rock style, demonstrating the band’s ability to explore and excel in different musical genres.

“Pretty Maids All in a Row”

• Fact 1: This track is one of Joe Walsh’s first major contributions to the Eagles after joining the band, showcasing his skills as not just a guitarist but also a vocalist and songwriter.
• Fact 2: The song’s serene and contemplative nature offers a contrast to the rest of the “Hotel California” album, highlighting the Eagles’ range in both musical and lyrical content.

“Try and Love Again”

• Fact 1: “Try and Love Again” was one of the last major contributions from bassist Randy Meisner before he left the Eagles in 1977, making it a significant track in terms of the band’s history.
• Fact 2: The song reflects Meisner’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with a melodic soft-rock sound, a style that was integral to the Eagles’ overall musical identity.

And there you have it, fellow music aficionados! We’ve journeyed through some of the Eagles’ most underrated but absolutely mesmerizing tracks. Each song is a hidden gem that deserves a spot in your playlist. Keep exploring and sharing the love for great music. Until next time, this is TBone, signing off.

Thanks for reading.

TBone