Exploring the Underrated Solo Albums of the Eagles

The Eagles, one of the most iconic bands in rock history, have had many celebrated solo moments. Most of these highlights emerged during the period of separation between 1979’s The Long Run and 1994’s Hell Freezes Over, when the group was not actively working together. This era marked a time of intriguing experimentation for the band’s core members, Glenn Frey and Don Henley. Frey showcased an unexpected affinity for saxophones, while Henley ventured into the realm of synthesizers, appealing to a new generation of music fans, if only briefly.

Why Are Some Eagles Solo Albums Overlooked?

Several solo projects from Eagles members were released during challenging times for the music industry. For instance, Frey’s most underrated album followed a string of three consecutive gold-selling Top 40 hits but failed to chart amid significant shifts in the industry landscape. Similarly, other Eagles members faced their own struggles in establishing successful solo careers.

Don Felder, who enjoyed early success with the hit “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)” in 1981, didn’t concentrate on his solo career until the 2010s, long after the Eagles had peaked. Bernie Leadon, known for his integral role in the Eagles’ rootsy sound, would not release his most comprehensive solo effort until 2025’s Too Late To Be Cool.

Timothy B. Schmit, who had already made a name for himself with Poco, found that his solo efforts often went unnoticed, with several albums failing to chart. His most commercially successful release, Timothy B, peaked at a disappointing No. 106 on the charts.

Early Chart Success Can Sometimes Be Forgotten

The designation of “underrated” does not always imply that these albums were commercial failures. Some were simply overshadowed by more significant hits. For example, how does a gold-selling Top 25 album by Don Henley featuring the memorable No. 3 single “Dirty Laundry” become underrated? This is especially true when Henley’s subsequent two albums achieved nearly 10 million sales in the U.S. alone, leaving earlier works in the shadows.

Randy Meisner’s follow-up to an unremarkable solo debut was a notable album that featured a hit single reaching No. 19, yet it remains largely forgotten. After his initial successes, Meisner opted to release only two more solo albums before his passing in 2023, with the last one dating back to 2001.

Joe Walsh’s most underrated album enjoyed a respectable chart run, achieving gold status and reaching No. 11, but its leading single only managed to peak at No. 93. Walsh eventually found greater commercial success with his 1978 release, But Seriously, Folks….

The Most Underrated Eagles Solo Albums

Despite the challenges faced by the Eagles members in their solo careers, each one has produced albums that deserve more recognition. Here, we delve into the most underrated solo albums from all seven key members of the Eagles.

Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso

Conclusion

The solo careers of the Eagles members are a testament to their individual talents and the diverse musical landscapes they navigated. While many of their albums may not have achieved the commercial success they deserved, they remain an integral part of the band’s legacy. Revisiting these underrated gems allows fans to appreciate the depth and breadth of the Eagles’ musical contributions beyond their collective work.

FAQs

What are some of the most underrated solo albums by Eagles members?

Some notable underrated solo albums from Eagles members include Don Henley’s I Can’t Stand Still, Glenn Frey’s The Allnighter, and Timothy B. Schmit’s Timothy B.

Why did some Eagles solo albums fail to chart?

Many solo albums were released during transitional periods in the music industry or were overshadowed by the artists’ more successful projects, leading to diminished visibility and sales.

How did changes in the music industry affect Eagles solo careers?

Shifts in musical trends, the rise of new genres, and changes in listener preferences often made it difficult for established artists like the Eagles to maintain their earlier success during their solo endeavors.