The Very Best Of cover

The Very Best Of

Eagles · 2003

145 min · 33 tracks · folk rock

A curated collection of smooth harmonies and laid-back melodies that epitomizes the golden age of California rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hotel California — As perhaps the band's most iconic song, it encapsulates their intricate storytelling and rich instrumentation, becoming an anthem of the era.
  • →
    Take It Easy Start here — This track's catchy melody and easygoing lyrics perfectly exemplify the Eagles' signature blend of country rock and folk influences.
  • →
    Desperado — The poignant lyrics and haunting melody highlight the band's emotional depth, showcasing their ability to convey vulnerability in their songwriting.
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    Life in the Fast Lane — This song's driving beat and sharp lyrics reflect a more rock-oriented side of the Eagles, illustrating their versatility across genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

This compilation captures the essence of the Eagles' sound but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks are live recordings, such as 'Seven Bridges Road', which adds a different energy compared to studio versions.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
  • easygoing vibes for road trips
  • wave-like pacing for relaxed evenings
  • celebratory anthems for gatherings
  • reflective moments on quiet nights

Maybe skip if you

  • need for constant high energy
  • prefer experimental and avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive collection of hits ideal for new listeners to the Eagles.
Themes
California sunsets· 1970s rock nostalgia· desert highways· easygoing Americana
Career context
Released in 2003, The Very Best Of serves as a retrospective compilation amid the Eagles' resurgence following their reunion in 1994. At this point, the band had solidified their legacy with classics from the '70s and '80s while reestablishing their presence through tours and new music.
Stylistic neighbors
Fleetwood Mac· The Doobie Brothers· America

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Take It Easy Start here 3:30
  • 2 Witchy Woman 4:11
  • 3 Peaceful Easy Feeling 4:16
  • 4 Desperado 3:33
  • 5 Tequila Sunrise 2:52
  • 6 Doolin‐Dalton 3:26
  • 7 Already Gone 4:15
  • 8 The Best of My Love 4:34
  • 9 James Dean 3:38
  • 10 Ol’ 55 4:22
  • 11 Midnight Flyer 3:58
  • 12 On the Border 4:22
  • 13 Lyin’ Eyes 6:20
  • 14 One of These Nights 4:50
  • 15 Take It to the Limit 4:47
  • 16 After the Thrill Is Gone 3:56
  • 17 Hotel California 6:30

Disc 2

  • 1 Life in the Fast Lane 4:45
  • 2 Wasted Time 4:54
  • 3 Victim of Love 4:10
  • 4 The Last Resort 7:28
  • 5 New Kid in Town 5:05
  • 6 Please Come Home for Christmas 2:58
  • 7 Heartache Tonight 4:25
  • 8 The Sad Café 5:33
  • 9 I Can’t Tell You Why 4:53
  • 10 The Long Run 3:41
  • 11 In the City 3:44
  • 12 Those Shoes 4:56
  • 13 Seven Bridges Road (live) 3:04
  • 14 Love Will Keep Us Alive 4:02
  • 15 Get Over It 3:30
  • 16 Hole in the World 4:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata