Following no trends, the Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden was an impressive comeback

Long Road Out of Eden, the Eagles’ first release of all new songs in 28 years, played to all their strengths.

Released on October 30, 2007, the album featured crisp songwriting from the partnership of Glenn Frey and Don Henley (“I Love To Watch A Woman Dance” is drop dead gorgeous), simple but precise musicianship and gorgeous harmonies. In fact, the harmonies sound even better than during their heyday. We’re talking CSNY good, people.

Just as Henley promised at the time, Long Road Out of Eden wasn’t a record that bothered in the least to follow any trend. It was unabashedly an Eagles record. Like another prominent ’70s band who avoided creative fallout over the subsequent two decades simply by not releasing new material during that time, Long Road Out of Eden provided the Eagles with a Steely Dan-style comeback.

At one point, Don Henley sings, “I’ve been waiting in the weeds.” The Eagles did just that, surprising many with the enduring power of their special blend of country, rock and folk. Hopefully, it won’t take another 28 years for the next one.

S. Victor Aaron

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