Album of the Day

Co-founder Bernie Leadon had just checked out and guitarist Joe Walsh had just checked in as Eagles were preparing their fifth studio album. Following the massive success of THEIR GREATEST HITS (1971-1975), the quintet understandably took their time on HOTEL CALIFORNIA, and the eight months in the studio paid off with Eagles' best album ever. The title track and “New Kid In Town” were both No.1 hits and Grammy winners, and another single from the set, “Life In The Fast Lane,” also sped into the Top 20. For all of its professional sheen and success – more than 16 million copies sold in the U.S. alone – the album largely looks beyond the Golden State's sunshine to peer into its shadows. That's one reason HOTEL CALIFORNIA still endures, and we'll cue up the collection again in memory of Glenn Frey, who passed away a year ago today.