Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner, founding members of The Eagles, began performing on stage in the 1970s after Linda Ronstadt and her then-manager John Boylan persuaded them to join her for a few gigs. As a result, their offer sparked the formation of a band known as The Eagles. They rose to international renown and economic success thanks to their hit recordings.
The Eagles wrote several songs that became extremely successful. Millions of people listened to them regardless of age or nationality. The most well-known include ‘Take It Easy,’ ‘Witchy Woman,’ ‘Lyin’ Eyes,’ ‘Take It to the Limit,‘ and ‘Hotel California’. All of these are popular among their fans. However, the band’s co-lead singer Glenn Frey had a different idea.
Which Song did Glenn Frey Choose?
The Eagles’ debut studio album ‘Eagles’ was published on June 1, 1972, and it has played an important role in the band’s recognition and success since then. It appeared in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 best albums of all time, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. The album’s tracks ‘Take It Easy,’ ‘Witchy Woman,’ and ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’ all made the top 40 on various charts.
Many music journalists and rock music fans regard ‘Take It Easy’ as the band’s trademark song because of its country-rock sound. Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey wrote the song, with Frey leading as vocalist. As a result, the singer’s unique method of playing the song made his voice unforgettable to audiences. However, this would not be the only classic song written and recorded by the Eagles.
In addition to ‘Take It Easy,’ The Eagles’ other milestone piece is ‘Hotel California’. This was published on the band’s fifth studio album of the same name on December 8, 1976. Almost everyone, including those who have never heard of the band, knows the song’s tune and lyrics. It earned a Grammy for Record of the Year, and it became an irreplaceable part of The Eagles’ everlasting legacy.
However, Glen Frey, the Eagles’ hero, revealed his all-time favorite song, ‘One of These Nights,’ from the band’s fourth studio album, in the liner notes of ‘The Very Best Of’. Don Henley and Glenn Frey penned the song, which Henley sang while Frey provided backing vocals. He added that the song highlights their career progress, ‘quantum leap,’ and breakthrough. This is why he chose it over ‘Hotel California’ and ‘Take It Easy.’
Frey stated the following:
“We had Don Henley’s voice, which allowed us to take a more soulful approach, which made me very delighted. ‘One Of These Nights’ brought a lot of things together, including our love of the studio, Don’s dramatic progress, and my songwriting. We took a tremendous leap with ‘One Of These Nights.’ It was a groundbreaking tune. This is my favorite Eagles record. If I had to pick one, it wouldn’t be ‘Hotel California’ or ‘Take It Easy’. “It would be ‘One Of These Nights.'”
As a result of Frey’s comments regarding The Eagles’ renowned songs and his choice of a lesser-known one, the singer’s musical tastes differ from those of the majority of the band’s fans. Despite its popularity and success, ‘One Of These Nights’ was an underestimated effort considering the popularity and success of the other two songs.
