Eagles Greatest Hits: The Best-Selling Album Collection That Conquered Music History
Eagles Greatest Hits stands as the best-selling album of all time in the United States, certified 38 times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America with over 38 million copies sold.
When the Eagles’ first greatest hits compilation hit stores on February 17, 1976, the band members themselves dismissed it as nothing more than a record company cash grab. Don Henley openly criticized the project, calling it a ploy to sell product without production costs. Yet this album nobody wanted became the most commercially successful release in American music history, surpassing even Michael Jackson’s Thriller in 2018.
Whether you discovered the Eagles through classic rock radio or you’re exploring their catalog for the first time, understanding why Their Greatest Hits Volumes 1 and 2 dominated the charts for decades reveals fascinating insights about American music, cultural shifts, and the enduring power of California country-rock.
The combined collection spans the Eagles’ evolution from harmony-driven country-rockers to arena-filling superstars, capturing the sound that defined 1970s California and influenced generations of musicians. From the laid-back perfection of “Take It Easy” to the dark majesty of “Hotel California,” these compilations showcase a band at the peak of their creative powers.
This comprehensive review explores both volumes, examining the tracks that made history, the stories behind the records, and why these albums continue to resonate with listeners nearly five decades after their release.
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📋 Table of Contents [+]
Eagles Greatest Hits Overview: The Album Nobody Wanted
The story of the Eagles’ greatest hits compilations is one of music history’s greatest ironies. Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) was released against the band’s wishes in February 1976, becoming the first album ever to receive RIAA platinum certification. Six years later, Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2 arrived after the band had already broken up, yet it too achieved massive commercial success with over 11 million copies sold.
Manager Irving Azoff’s rationale was simple: “We decided it was time to put out the first greatest-hits because we had enough hits.” However, guitarist Don Felder revealed that band members had no say in the decision. The musicians viewed the compilation as a transparent attempt by Asylum Records to maximize profits without investing in new production costs.
Don Henley’s criticism was particularly pointed. He objected to songs like “Tequila Sunrise” and “Desperado” being removed from their original album contexts, arguing this undermined the artistic integrity and meaning of the music. “All the record company was worried about were their quarterly reports,” Henley stated. “They didn’t give a shit whether the greatest hits album was good or not, they just wanted product.”
Despite their resistance, the band recognized one silver lining: the compilation’s success gave them breathing room to perfect Hotel California, which arrived later in 1976 and became their masterpiece.
The compilations captured the Eagles at distinct phases of their career. Volume 1 documented their transformation from country-rock newcomers to chart-topping hitmakers. Volume 2 showcased their evolution into rock icons, driven by the addition of guitarist Joe Walsh and culminating in their signature song “Hotel California.”
Volume 1: Birth of a Phenomenon (1976)
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) compiled nine singles released between 1972 and 1975, plus the album track “Desperado.” Every single except “Tequila Sunrise” had charted in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40. Five reached the top ten, with “One of These Nights” and “Best of My Love” both hitting number one.
The album’s cover became iconic despite its controversial origins. Artist Boyd Elder, also known as “El Chingadero,” created a painted plastic cast of an eagle skull against a light-blue silver mylar background. The bumpy texture sparked persistent rumors that it depicted cocaine powder the band snorted after the photo shoot. The Eagles never debunked this myth, and Glenn Frey reportedly told Elder the background reminded him of “a field of blow.”
Released in the midst of the bicentennial year, the album captured America’s fascination with California’s laid-back lifestyle and the country-rock sound that dominated mid-1970s radio. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, holding that position for five weeks and ranking fourth on Billboard’s year-end chart for 1976.
Volume 2: Post-Breakup Success (1982)
Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2 arrived in November 1982, after the band’s acrimonious breakup following their 1980 tour. The timing was deliberate: both Don Henley and Glenn Frey had released debut solo albums that same year, and the compilation served to capitalize on remaining Eagles catalog.
Volume 2 featured eight tracks from Hotel California and The Long Run, plus “After the Thrill Is Gone” from One of These Nights and “Seven Bridges Road” from Eagles Live. The placement of “After the Thrill Is Gone” as the final track was strategic, its title summing up the band’s state at the time of their dissolution.
The album showcased the harder-edged sound the Eagles developed after Joe Walsh joined in 1975. His guitar work brought a decadent swagger to rockers like “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Heartache Tonight,” while the band’s pristine harmonies remained intact on ballads.
Track-by-Track Analysis of Both Volumes
The Eagles’ greatest hits compilations showcase meticulous sequencing that mirrors the band’s artistic evolution. Volume 1 flows chronologically through their early country-rock period, while Volume 2 highlights their transformation into stadium rock giants. Together, these 20 tracks represent the pinnacle of 1970s California music.
Volume 1 Tracks: 1971-1975
“Take It Easy” – The song that launched the Eagles opens Volume 1 with its iconic ascending guitar riff. Co-written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, this 1972 single peaked at number 12 and established the band’s signature harmonies. The track’s laid-back philosophy and California imagery defined the country-rock sound that would dominate the decade.
“Witchy Woman” – Don Henley’s mysterious composition, inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald and influenced by New Orleans R&B, climbed to number nine in 1972. The song’s distinctive tremolo guitar work and atmospheric production showcased the band’s willingness to experiment beyond traditional country-rock formulas.
“Lyin’ Eyes” – This 1975 narrative masterpiece tells the story of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage. The song’s acoustic guitar intro and vivid storytelling earned it a Grammy Award and topped out at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Many critics consider it among the finest examples of country-rock songwriting.
“Already Gone” – Jack Tempchin and Robb Strandlund wrote this driving rocker, which the Eagles transformed into a top 40 hit in 1974. The song’s prominent guitar work hints at the harder edge the band would embrace with Joe Walsh’s arrival.
“Desperado” – Though never released as a single, this Bernie Leadon and Don Henley ballad became one of the Eagles’ most beloved songs. Its inclusion on the compilation demonstrated the track’s cultural impact despite its lack of chart success. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a concert staple.
“One of These Nights” – The title track from their 1975 album became the Eagles’ second number-one single. Don Felder’s distinctive guitar riff and the song’s R&B-influenced groove marked a departure from pure country-rock, signaling the band’s evolution toward a more diverse sound.
“Tequila Sunrise” – This melancholic ballad from the Desperado album showcases Glenn Frey’s tender vocals and the band’s impeccable harmonies. Though it only reached number 64 on the charts, its quality and popularity with fans justified its inclusion on the compilation.
“Take It to the Limit” – Randy Meisner’s soaring vocal performance on this 1975 single demonstrated the band’s range beyond Henley and Frey’s lead vocals. The song peaked at number four and became a concert highlight, though the demanding vocal would contribute to tension within the band.
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” – Jack Tempchin’s composition, delivered with Frey’s warm vocals, epitomizes the California country-rock vibe. Released as a single in 1972, it reached number 22 and remains one of the band’s most recognizable tracks.
“Best of My Love” – The Eagles’ first number-one single arrived in 1974 with this gentle ballad. Its soft-rock approach and romantic lyrics broadened the band’s appeal beyond country-rock purists, helping establish them as crossover stars.
💡 Did You Know?
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) holds the distinction of being the first album ever to receive RIAA platinum certification. The certification system was introduced in 1976, and this compilation received its first platinum award just one week after release on February 24, 1976.
Volume 2 Tracks: 1976-1980
“Hotel California” – The Eagles’ signature song opens Volume 2 with its instantly recognizable dual-guitar intro by Don Felder and Joe Walsh. The 1977 number-one hit’s dark themes and extended instrumental section marked a dramatic departure from their earlier work. Its enigmatic lyrics about American excess have spawned countless interpretations.
“Heartache Tonight” – This 1979 rocker showcased the Eagles at their most energetic, driven by Joe Walsh’s guitar and the band’s tight harmonies. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and demonstrated the band could compete in the harder-edged rock landscape of the late 1970s.
“Seven Bridges Road” – Recorded live and released as a single in 1980, this Steve Young cover highlighted the Eagles’ extraordinary vocal blend. The a cappella opening gives way to gentle acoustic accompaniment, recalling the band’s country-rock roots while demonstrating their matured harmonies.
“Victim of Love” – Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and J.D. Souther collaborated on this 1976 album track. Its funky groove and layered guitars illustrated the band’s increasingly sophisticated production approach under the guidance of Bill Szymczyk.
“The Sad Cafe” – This reflective track from The Long Run contemplates the end of an era, both musically and personally. The song’s melancholic tone and references to the Troubadour club where the Eagles got their start added poignancy to Volume 2’s release after the band’s breakup.
“Life in the Fast Lane” – Joe Walsh’s snarling guitar riff drives this 1977 cautionary tale about Los Angeles excess. The song peaked at number 11 and became synonymous with the decadent lifestyle the Eagles both chronicled and experienced during their peak years.
“I Can’t Tell You Why” – Timothy B. Schmit’s smooth bassline and lead vocals gave the Eagles a number eight hit in 1980. The R&B-influenced ballad demonstrated the band’s continued evolution and Schmit’s value as Randy Meisner’s replacement.
“New Kid in Town” – This 1977 number-one single explored themes of fame’s fleeting nature with prescient lyrics about being replaced by the next sensation. The sophisticated arrangement and bittersweet melody showcased the Eagles at their most musically ambitious.
“The Long Run” – The title track from their final studio album before breaking up became a top ten hit in 1979. Its examination of commitment and perseverance took on additional meaning given the band’s internal tensions and imminent dissolution.
“After the Thrill Is Gone” – Closing Volume 2, this Don Henley and Glenn Frey composition from 1975’s One of These Nights served as an epitaph for the band. Its placement as the final track was deliberate, with the title perfectly capturing the emotional state that led to the Eagles’ 1980 breakup.
Critical Reception and Chart Performance
The critical and commercial reception of the Eagles’ greatest hits compilations tells a story of unprecedented success that confounded even the harshest skeptics. While music critics initially dismissed compilation albums as artistic cop-outs, the undeniable quality of the Eagles’ material forced a reassessment of both volumes.
Initial Reviews and Contemporary Reactions
When Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) arrived in February 1976, rock critics were conflicted. Rolling Stone acknowledged the strength of the individual tracks while questioning whether a compilation could represent genuine artistic achievement. Critics noted that songs like “Desperado” and “Lyin’ Eyes” demonstrated sophisticated songwriting that transcended typical radio fare.
The band’s existing fanbase embraced Volume 1 immediately, appreciating the convenience of having their favorite tracks in one place. Radio stations, already heavily programming Eagles songs, found the compilation perfect for album-oriented rock formats. The cohesive sound across all tracks, despite coming from four different albums, demonstrated the Eagles’ remarkably consistent vision.
Volume 2 received more enthusiastic critical reception in 1982, partly because the Eagles’ artistic evolution was complete and their influence undeniable. Critics praised the collection for documenting the band’s transformation from country-rock harmonizers to arena rock giants. The inclusion of “Hotel California” as the opening track gave the compilation immediate gravitas.
Fans who had followed the Eagles through their tumultuous final years appreciated Volume 2’s narrative arc. The strategic placement of “After the Thrill Is Gone” as the closing track provided emotional closure to the band’s story. Contemporary reviews noted the compilation served as both celebration and eulogy for one of the decade’s most important bands.
Commercial Success and Certifications
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in February 1976, maintaining that position for five weeks. It ranked fourth on Billboard’s year-end album chart for 1976 and launched an unprecedented commercial trajectory that continues to this day.
The album received its first platinum certification on February 24, 1976, making it the inaugural recipient of the RIAA’s newly created platinum award for albums shipping one million copies. By August 1990, it had achieved 12 times platinum status. A 1994 audit retroactively added eight million units, increasing certification to 22 times platinum despite Nielsen SoundScan recording only about one million new sales during that period.
The most significant certification update came in August 2018, when Warner Music conducted a comprehensive audit of the Eagles’ sales history dating back to 1976. This reassessment added nine million units and certified the album 38 times platinum, surpassing Michael Jackson’s Thriller to become the highest-certified album in U.S. history. The new methodology incorporated streaming data and digital downloads alongside traditional album sales.
Worldwide sales of Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) exceeded 45 million copies as of 2020, making it not just the best-selling greatest hits album but the third best-selling album of all time globally. In September 2025, it surpassed the 500-week mark on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating remarkable longevity across five decades.
Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2 achieved impressive commercial success in its own right, selling over 11 million copies in the United States. Released in November 1982, it benefited from continued interest in the Eagles despite their breakup and from fans’ desire to own “Hotel California” and other post-1975 hits in compilation format.
The singles from both volumes performed exceptionally well. “Best of My Love,” “One of These Nights,” “Hotel California,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight” all reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Multiple tracks became staples of classic rock radio, ensuring the compilations maintained cultural relevance across generations.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Eagles’ greatest hits compilations transcended their role as mere collections of popular songs to become cultural touchstones that defined American music in the 1970s and influenced countless artists across multiple genres. Their impact extends far beyond sales figures into the fabric of American popular culture.
Influence on Country-Rock and Future Artists
The Eagles’ synthesis of country and rock elements on these compilations established a template that shaped commercial music for decades. Artists from Garth Brooks to Keith Urban to The Lumineers have acknowledged the Eagles’ influence on their approach to blending genres. The impeccable harmonies showcased on tracks like “Seven Bridges Road” became a gold standard for vocal groups.
Country music’s evolution toward a more rock-oriented sound in the 1980s and 1990s drew heavily from the Eagles’ blueprint. Artists like Alabama, Restless Heart, and later acts like Lady A built careers on similar foundations of tight harmonies, strong melodies, and rock instrumentation with country sensibilities. The Eagles demonstrated that country-rock could achieve massive commercial success without compromising artistic integrity.
Classic rock radio formats emerged in the 1980s with the Eagles’ greatest hits as cornerstone programming. Songs like “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado” became definitional tracks that helped establish what “classic rock” meant to American audiences. Their ubiquity on radio ensured generational transmission of the music, introducing new listeners decades after original release.
The Eagles’ influence extended beyond country-rock into mainstream pop and soft rock. Artists like The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and Jackson Browne were part of the same Southern California music scene, but the Eagles’ commercial success helped legitimize the entire genre to major labels and mainstream audiences.
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The Thriller Battle and Retrospective Evaluation
The rivalry between Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) and Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the title of best-selling album became one of music history’s most fascinating stories. For years, Thriller held the crown as the highest-certified album following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009. The 2018 recertification that elevated the Eagles’ compilation to 38 times platinum sparked debate about methodology and what constitutes “sales” in the streaming era.
RIAA’s decision to incorporate streaming data and digital downloads into certification levels changed the landscape. Under this methodology, 1,500 streams equal one album sale, and ten individual track downloads count as an album purchase. Critics argued this favored older albums with extensive radio play and catalog streams, while supporters noted it reflected actual consumption patterns in the digital age.
Documentarian Alison Ellwood, who directed the 2013 miniseries History Of The Eagles, expressed pride in the achievement: “I’m thrilled for them that they’ve beaten Thriller out and hopefully more people will listen to the music as a result. Those songs came to define moments in our lives. They evoke memories. That band had something very magical and the music captures it.”
Retrospective evaluations of both volumes have been overwhelmingly positive. While initial critical response dismissed compilations as commercial products, modern assessments recognize these collections as essential documents of 1970s American music. The sequencing, song selection, and overall cohesion demonstrate more thought than typical greatest hits packages.
Cultural critics note that the Eagles’ greatest hits compilations capture a specific moment in American history. The 1970s saw the country grappling with post-Vietnam disillusionment, Watergate cynicism, and economic uncertainty. The Eagles’ music provided both escapism through California dreaming and commentary on American excess and moral decay, particularly evident in songs like “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”
Don Henley reflected on the compilations’ success with characteristic ambivalence: “We are grateful for our families, our management, our crew, the people at radio and, most of all, the loyal fans who have stuck with us through the ups and downs of 46 years. It’s been quite a ride.” His acknowledgment came decades after his initial objections to Volume 1’s release, suggesting even the skeptical band members eventually appreciated what the compilations represented.
The enduring popularity of both volumes demonstrates that great songwriting and meticulous musicianship transcend generational boundaries. Young listeners discovering the Eagles through streaming platforms find the same connection that drove sales in 1976 and 1982. The songs address universal themes—love, loss, ambition, disillusionment—in ways that remain relevant regardless of when they’re heard.
Production Credits and Album Personnel
Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) Band Members:
Glenn Frey – Vocals, guitar, keyboards
Don Henley – Vocals, drums, percussion
Bernie Leadon – Vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, steel guitar
Randy Meisner – Vocals, bass guitar
Don Felder – Guitar (joined 1974, appears on later tracks)
Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2 Band Members:
Glenn Frey – Vocals, guitar, keyboards
Don Henley – Vocals, drums, percussion
Don Felder – Guitar, vocals
Joe Walsh – Guitar, vocals, keyboards (joined 1975)
Randy Meisner – Vocals, bass guitar (appears on earlier tracks)
Timothy B. Schmit – Vocals, bass guitar (replaced Meisner in 1977)
Production Team:
Glyn Johns – Producer (early albums)
Bill Szymczyk – Producer (later albums including Hotel California and The Long Run)
Various engineers – Recording and mixing engineers across multiple studios
Volume 1 Recording Details:
Recorded: Various sessions 1971-1975
Studios: Multiple locations including Olympic Studios (London), Record Plant (Los Angeles), Criteria Studios (Miami)
Label: Asylum Records
Released: February 17, 1976
Volume 2 Recording Details:
Recorded: Various sessions 1975-1980
Studios: Criteria Studios (Miami), Record Plant (Los Angeles)
Label: Asylum Records
Released: November 13, 1982
Cover Art:
Boyd Elder (aka “El Chingadero”) – Album artwork for Volume 1
🎧 Listen to the Story Behind the Album
Want to dive even deeper into the Eagles’ greatest hits? Listen to our comprehensive audio deep-dive “The Album Nobody Wanted” that explores the fascinating story of how a compilation the band opposed became the best-selling album of all time.
🎙️ Listen to the Audio Deep-DiveFrequently Asked Questions About Eagles Greatest Hits
Conclusion: Why Eagles Greatest Hits Still Matters Today
The Eagles’ greatest hits compilations represent more than commercial success stories—they document a crucial period in American music history when country-rock achieved mass acceptance and California’s musical vision captured the national imagination. These albums showcase songwriting, musicianship, and production that set standards still referenced today.
Their enduring relevance stems from the universal themes explored in songs like “Desperado,” “Hotel California,” and “Take It Easy.” These tracks address ambition, disillusionment, freedom, and compromise in ways that transcend their 1970s origins. New generations continue discovering the Eagles through streaming platforms, finding connections that drive the albums’ certifications ever higher.
The irony that the album the band initially rejected became their most commercially successful release adds a fascinating layer to the Eagles’ legacy. Don Henley’s concerns about artistic integrity proved somewhat unfounded—the quality of the material ensured the compilations became essential listening rather than mere product. The careful sequencing and inclusion of non-single tracks like “Desperado” elevated both volumes above typical greatest hits packages.
As the best-selling album in U.S. history, Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) stands as a testament to the power of great songwriting and meticulous musicianship. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the Eagles for the first time, these compilations provide the perfect entry point into one of America’s most important bands and an era of music that continues to resonate decades after its creation.
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