“Hotel California” is the Eagles’ fifth album in five years, faithfully releasing an album a year up to this point.

You might consider how that would imply some continuity, but this album has almost nothing in common with their modest debut album, and it pushes the boundaries of ‘classic’ rock to a point that was hitherto unknown or, at the very least, unexpected from a ‘country-rock’ band. While the album proves itself to be a remarkable piece of work, it can also be off-putting. In some ways, this album pushes a lot of buttons that can be almost insulting, because there is a pompous attitude that runs through it, as though the band was far too aware of their status as rock gods and so were completely unable to hide their self-important arrogance.

The album’s title song is perhaps the most played song on ‘classic’ FM radio, and regardless of its oversized acceptance by the world at large, it paints a portrait of incredibly rich, pampered musicians who cannot hide the ennui that so exquisitely bores them. I should be careful, though, to state that my ire was intended solely for the two principal writers, Don Henley and Glenn Frey, not the poor underlings who had to suffer their egotism.

Bassist/vocalist/songwriter Randy Meisner, a founding member, would leave the band under pressure after this album and lead guitarist Don Felder would also find himself dismissed in a few years’ time. Joe Walsh joined the Eagles for this album, and his easygoing nature allowed him to retain his position to the end.

In essence, “Hotel California” represents a historic marker where ‘70s hedonism managed to serve as the album’s theme. It was palpable, even for an eighteen-year old kid like me, but over time their sense of self-indulgence proved to be the most interesting characteristic of “Hotel California”.

Featured tracks

Hotel California

New Kid in Town

Life in the Fast Lane

Wasted Time

Wasted Time (reprise)

Victim of Love

Pretty Maids all in a Row

Try and Love Again

The Last Resort

December 1976- Billboard Charted #1