How the Eagles returned after nearly three decades to claim the top of the charts
In short: In 2007, the Eagles released Long Road Out of Eden, their first studio album since 1979. The double album defied industry norms by bypassing traditional retail for a year, yet it still became the year's highest-selling record and secured the band's sixth consecutive number-one debut on the US charts.
The production of Long Road Out of Eden spanned nearly six years, marking a significant return for a band that had not released a full studio project since The Long Run. By the time of its release, the group had undergone major personnel changes, most notably the 2001 dismissal of Don Felder. It also stood as the final studio effort featuring Glenn Frey, who passed away in 2016. Despite the long hiatus, the band members had evolved into their own producers, relegating longtime collaborator Bill Szymczyk to a role Henley described as a mediator or ringmaster.
The album's commercial performance was bolstered by a strategic distribution model. For its first year, the record was sold only through the band's website and specific retail outlets like Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. This exclusivity did not hinder its success; a last-minute adjustment to Billboard's ranking criteria helped the album debut at number one, effectively preventing Britney Spears' Blackout from reaching the top spot. The project was eventually recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America with a seven-times platinum certification, reflecting 3.5 million units shipped.
Musically, the project drew on both new and familiar sources. The single 'How Long' was written by JD Souther, a frequent collaborator who had worked on hits like 'Best of My Love' decades earlier. The band had performed the track live in the 1970s but refrained from recording it at the time. Other tracks showcased diverse influences, such as 'No More Walks in the Wood', which utilized text from a poem by John Hollander. While the band achieved significant accolades, including two Grammy awards, members remained cautious about the future, with Henley suggesting in 2007 that it might be their final studio album.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Long Road Out of Eden
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