Not ‘Already Gone’

Classic album leaves lasting impressions following musician’s death

Senior+Ryleigh+Thompson+holds+the+Eagles+vinyl+album+Their+Greatest+Hits+%281971-1975%29.+The+album+can+be+purchased+online+and+in+local+music+stores.

Laura Smith

Senior Ryleigh Thompson holds the Eagle’s vinyl album “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)”. The album can be purchased online and in local music stores.

Glenn Frey, age 67, died Monday, Jan. 18. As the founding member of the Eagles, Frey made an enormous impact in the world of music. From “Desperado,” to “Hotel California,” Frey’s voice has carried through the decades and will be greatly missed by fans far and wide. This review of the album “Their Greatest Hits,” is a tribute to Glenn Frey and the wonderful music brought about by the band in their early days.

The Eagles have the best of their songs all in one smooth record. The album begins with the lovely static of the record player, with the hush and calm suddenly disrupted by the beautiful sound of an acoustic guitar. “Take it Easy,” performed by Glenn Frey, is a perfect preface to the entirety of the album, bringing a nostalgic warm feeling to any Eagles’ fan listening.

This album is carefully aligned to keep one wanting more with each song.

— Ryleigh Thompson

I came across this album by accident and quickly fell in love with the smooth, real and wonderful sound produced by these talented artists. These songs came about early in the band’s career and truly defined the era in which they were produced. This album is carefully aligned to keep one wanting more with each song.

While these songs play, it is impossible to think about shutting down the player without listening until the end. Don Henley and Glenn Frey have historic voices. When “Witchy Woman” begins to play, the clear, looming harmonies create a wonderful environment in any atmosphere. “Lyin eyes” brings you into a heartfelt story about the struggles of various people. Soon, spirits are lifted with the freeing and uplifting “Already Gone,” a song that makes a listener crave a long drive. The memorable song “Desperado” brings tears to my eyes as I hear the story of a man seeking love, brought to life by a guitar.

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Side B of the record certainly does not disappoint, beginning with the heavy guitar of “One of These Nights,” a song that spins a story to make a listener sway. “Tequila Sunrise,” a soft drowsy sound, fills the ears with satisfaction. When “Take It to The Limit” introduces itself, it is easy to rise and fall with the voice of Henley telling a tale of love. “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” a song that certainly gives the same feeling as the name describes, helps to slow down the album and give new tone leading to the last song. Finally, the soft strums of “Best of My Love” starts with a tug at the heart strings. A soft break up song ties up the record, and with the last strum, brings back the static that brought us to the beginning. This surely will be a record old fans with flip over again and again. Lasting around 30 minutes, this album perfectly defines the early career of the Eagles.

Surely, the memory of Glenn Frey will live on through his music, his life recorded in the grooves of vinyl. A musician, a producer and a true artist, Frey will certainly be remembered.