eagles hotel california torrent 320 main

It was a band that could be bombastic, but also one that made music worthy of the later tag of 'classic rock,' music appropriate for the arenas and stadiums the band was playing. In the early part of their career, the Eagles never seemed to get a sound big enough for their ambitions after changes in producer and personnel, as well as a noticeable growth in creativity, Hotel California unveiled what seemed almost like a whole new band. Early on, the group couldn't rock convincingly, but the rhythm section of Henley and Meisner has finally solidified, and the electric guitar work of Don Felder and Joe Walsh has arena-rock heft. Of course, the lyrics kick in some time after one has appreciated the album's music, which marks a peak in the Eagles' playing. On the six songs to which he contributes, Henley sketches a thematic statement that begins by using California as a metaphor for a dark, surreal world of dissipation comments on the ephemeral nature of success and the attraction of excess branches out into romantic disappointment and finally sketches a broad, pessimistic history of America that borders on nihilism.

An even more important aspect, however, is the emergence of Don Henley as the band's dominant voice, both as a singer and a lyricist. As a result, the album marks a major leap for the Eagles from their earlier work, as well as a stylistic shift toward mainstream rock.

The album was also their first to be made without Bernie Leadon, who had given the band much of its country flavor, and with rock guitarist Joe Walsh. The Eagles took 18 months between their fourth and fifth albums, reportedly spending eight months in the studio recording Hotel California.

Eagles hotel california torrent 320 main