The Long Run

The pressure of delivering a follow up to such an incredibly successful album as Hotel California was always going to prove a difficult thing to overcome, which may explain why it took Eagles three years to deliver The Long Run.

Critically panned at the time of release and harshly critiqued ever since, it's more of an indication of the band's internal struggle rather than a reflection of the music itself. Sounding more FM-oriented than the Californian country-rock of their previous works, it would be fairer to compare the album to those of contemporaries like Steely Dan or Doobie Brothers than their own back catalogue.

Ballad's "I Can't Tell You Why" and "The Sad Cafe" were perfect for soft-rock radio while the title track and "Heartache Tonight" have more of a rock n roll edge. While not considered an essential Eagles record, it is more than worthy of a considered listen and certainly captured the prevailing trends the new decade would usher in.