Even legendary bands have their missteps, and for the Eagles, one album, in particular, left a feeling of disconnect. Despite their iconic status as one of rock's all-time greats, not every album resonated perfectly with their audience. While classics like Hotel California and On The Border were instant hits, some releases initially received a lukewarm reception, only to be re-evaluated over time. But here's where it gets controversial...
Looking back, the Eagles' discography is remarkably strong, with a consistent thematic approach across many albums, a point of pride for the band. However, even they have elements they'd approach differently if given the chance.
In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Don Henley offered a candid assessment of the band's work. He didn't shy away from critiquing even their most beloved albums. He wasn't entirely satisfied with their self-titled debut, feeling it didn't achieve their goal of eliminating filler tracks. He also expressed mixed feelings about their first number-one hit, 'Best of My Love'.
Then came his brutally honest take on Desperado, an album he felt didn't quite hit the mark. The band envisioned it as their breakthrough, a more cohesive and conceptual work than their debut. However, Henley wasn't convinced they fully succeeded, and the album didn't live up to expectations.
The album's concept tied the band's experiences to the lives of 19th-century outlaws. But did it work? Henley believed his bandmate, Glenn Frey, may have pushed the premise too far.
"Glenn always said that there were a number of connections, although in retrospect, I think that some of them were tenuous at best," Henley admitted. He explained the basic premise: rock bands, like outlaws, existed outside societal norms, traveling from town to town, earning money and attracting attention. The key difference? The band earned their rewards through their music, not through violence.
Even though Henley felt the concept didn't fully connect with the audience, and the thematic links were strained, the songwriting on Desperado remains exceptional. While it may not be everyone's favorite, it marked a significant step toward the musical heights they would later achieve.
What do you think? Do you agree with Henley's assessment of Desperado? Does the concept work for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
