Striving for Excellence: The Eagles' Musical Journey from 'On the Border' to Evolution
The Eagles, a band known for their numerous hits, always strived for quality in their music. Don Henley and Glenn Frey were determined to make every track count, ensuring no filler material made it onto their albums. Despite their initial doubts, the Eagles impressed producer Glyn Johns with their harmonies and went on to create their successful debut album, featuring beloved tracks like ‘Take It Easy’ and ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’.
While the Eagles initially aimed for a concept album about outlaws with ‘Desperado’, the idea didn’t resonate with the public. However, their follow-up album ‘On the Border’ found success with hits like ‘Already Gone’ and ‘Best of My Love’. The title track of the album, inspired by the Watergate scandal and President Nixon’s resignation, showcased the band’s willingness to tackle political themes.
Despite their ambition to blend R&B influences with their country sound, Don Henley felt that ‘On the Border’ fell short of its potential. The clash of styles and influences in the song left him feeling that it never fully realized its musical vision. However, the album marked a significant turning point in the Eagles’ career, setting the stage for their evolution as a band.
Don Henley’s critical eye towards the Eagles’ music, including his own, highlights the band’s commitment to excellence. While ‘On the Border’ may have had its shortcomings, it showcased the Eagles’ willingness to experiment and grow as musicians. The album’s departure from their traditional sound foreshadowed the changes that would come with the addition of Joe Walsh and the band’s evolution in the years to come.