One Of These Nights, issued in June of 1975, would be one of the Eagles strongest and most consistent albums, proving to be their commercial breakthrough. It would sell over four million copies in the United States, produce three top five singles, and top the American charts for over a month.
1975 found the Eagles producing the type of polished pop/rock that would serve them so well for the rest of their career. While they would receive some criticism for their sound being a little too slick and technically correct, it would be popular and enduring regardless.
As with many of their releases, the group and producer Bill Szymczyk had a knack for choosing the best songs to release as singles, which was important for radio airplay in the mid-seventies. “One Of These Nights” was their second Number One single, containing memorable dual-lead vocals by Don Henley and Randy Meisner and featuring Don Felder providing one of the better guitar performances of his career. “Lyin’ Eyes” is smooth country/rock with tight harmonies in support, which would win the group a Grammy Award. “Take It To The Limit” was Randy Meisner’s most famous vocal performance, proving that he was integral to the Eagles' success and sound during his tenure with the group.
One of the more interesting songs in the Eagles catalog was the instrumental, “Journey Of The Sorcerer.” This nearly seven-minute extravaganza would feature contributions by all group members but Bernie Leadon, who wrote the song. It would be one of the quirkiest tracks of the group's career yet, in its own way, it was also mesmerizing.
Several other tracks of note would include the rocker “Visions” which contained the only lead vocal that Don Felder would ever provide; “Hollywood Waltz,” which was a mid-tempo ballad with a smooth lead vocal by Don Henley; and “After The Thrill Is Gone,” a song about love lost which would be a part of their stage act for years.
The album would conclude with “I Wish You Peace.” This gentle song of good wishes would be Bernie Leadon’s swan song as he would shortly depart.
One Of These Nights was one of the better albums of the seventies. Commercially and artistically, the Eagles would never look back. It remains essential not only to their catalog but to the decade as well.
Article comments