Long Road Out Of Eden Review

Release Date: Oct 30, 2007
Label: Polydor
Genres: Pop/Rock, Soft Rock, Country-Rock
Number Of Tracks: 20
Long Road Out Of Eden provides is an album meticulously crafted to fit within the band's legacy without tarnishing it.

Sound:	8
Lyrics:	7
Impression:	7.3
Overall rating:	7.4
Users rating:	8.9
Comments:	27

overall: 4

Featured review by: UG Team, on november 29, 2007

Sound: Well, it’s only taken the Eagles 28 years -- during which time they’ve loosened their loads, stopped letting the sound of their own wheels from driving them crazy, checked out of the Hotel California, and ditched a whole bunch of witchy women -- to record a follow-up to their last studio album, The Long Run, and with this long-awaited double-disc, Long Road Out Of Eden, the one-time new kids in town are definitely taking it easy. Too easy -- the peaceful, easy feeling is now a coma. With almost clinical precision, the band (now down to a quartet; they booted longtime guitarist Don Felder in 2001) Xeroxes the sound and spirit of its biggest hits. So we have here what amounts to a great Eagles covers band: the impeccable vocal harmonies (rendered a cappella on the overwrought opening cut “No More Walks in the Woods“), the tight-fisted guitar riffs that sound this-close to “Life in the Fast Lane,” topped off with the occasional slide guitar screech from Joe Walsh. While such stasis may be precisely the point -- why alienate the millions upon millions of fans who made their Greatest Hits, Volume 1 set the biggest-selling album in history? -- it begs the questions: Why? And why did it take so long? // 5

Lyrics and Singing: Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and frequent collaborator J.D. Souther know their way around a melody, but where they used to create chilling, modern-day vistas of decadence and avarice, now they merely dabble in paint-by-numbers parables and protestations. In the Seventies and during the much of the Eighties as a solo artist, Henley’s pencil was a blood-soaked dagger, but lines like “You were just too busy being fabulous/ too busy to think about us” sound like they were scrawled by a man leafing through People magazine while killing time in a doctor’s waiting room. // 3

Impression: Already a smash in the United States where it’s on sale at Wal-Mart and via the Eagles’ website, Long Road Out of Eden is pleasing the faithful, those throngs who have packed the band’s never-ending farewell tours and corporate concerts. But by crafting an album that replicates the group’s classic recordings without offering any new light or shade, the Eagles operate as if they’re stuck in a time-warp, and on two discs that’s something of a Long Rut. // 4

overall: 10

Reviewed by: belavista man, on november 29, 2007

Sound: No matter what anyone else says, you can't fault the greatest American rock band for sound. It can't be done. As soon as the first track of the album kicks in ('No More Walks In The Wood'), you are overcome by how un-Eagles it is. The only thing playing in this track is a Mandolin, the rest is just the famous harmonies of every member of the band. If that isn't enough to take your breath away, then just wait for the rest of the album to unfold. The second and third song ('How Long' and 'Busy Being Fabulous') are laden with that classic Eagles sound that stole the hearts of a generation over 30 years ago. 'How Long' holds the key to everything that gets your foot tapping; with the boogie-shuffle and catchy lyrics, you're trapped from start to finish. 'Busy Being Fabulous' continues the Eagles' style but uses a lot of the other 'Eagles' charms that have been honed over the years. So, the album starts with a Mandolin based track, moves on to a real rocker, then an almost-ballad, what could be next? An 80's style power-ballad, perhaps? Got it in one, 'What Do I Do With My Heart' sounds so "80's rock" that it's hard to believe that any band can get away with having it side by side with a classic, rock n' roll style track. Only the Eagles. That sums up how the album goes. Impossible combinations, most styles covered, amazing guitar playing, catchy piano/keyboard playing, tightest drum playing you can find. Again, it can only be the Eagles. What's that? You want a summery of the tracks? I'm nice enough for that, I think:

Disc 1:
01. No More Walks In The Wood - mandolin based track. A purely amazing opening to a purely amazing album.
02. How Long - classic style rocker, boogie-shuffle, what more could you ask for?
03. Busy Being Fabulous - breath-taking ballad. Beautiful.
04. What Do I Do With My Heart - '80s style ballad. Again, beautiful.
05. Guilty Of The Crime - another rocker; True Eagles class.
06. I Don't Want To Hear Anymore - cover of a classic Paul Carrack song. The Eagles definitely make it their own, as ever.
07. Waiting In The Weeds - nice little acoustic/piano based song. Well, I say "little", it's actually 7:47 long, so "little" is the wrong word. Still, amazingly breathtaking. I wish I knew how they did it.
08. No More Cloudy Days - classic country-ish tune. Typical Eagles style. Love it.
09. Fast Company - extremely funky. Totally not-Eagles. Totally amazing. Could probably dance to this at a disco if I could dance.
10. Do Something - more acoustics from the guys. Very Desperado-ish, this one. Isn't it lovely?
11. You Are Not Alone - the last track is another acoustic song. Nice track to finish off the first CD with.

Disc 2:
01. Long Road Out Of Eden - longest track on the album, and what a track it is. This has to be the modern "Hotel California" for sure. Combining acoustics, amazing guitar solos and some odd Arabian style music before and in the middle of the song, this track alone has the ability to knock you dead.
02. I Dreamed There Was No War - a short instrumental track. People who say that songs need lyrics to have an impact on you need shooting.. they need to listen to this track!
03. Somebody - this sounds like a song that I've heard before, but I'm not quite sure what. Still, I can't fault it. Very up-beat but still very country.
04. Frail Grasp On The Big Picture - another funky piece. Just wow!
05. Last Good Time In Town - I can't really place a genre on this song. Sounds very classic Eagles to me though.
06. I Love To Watch A Woman Dance - again, another acoustic/piano song. Very Country-Venetian; beautiful combination.
07. Business As Usual - generally rocky. Very nice chords in this one. Nice reverb on the voice too. Another great piece.
08. Center If The Universe - more acoustics. Not as good as the other acoustic songs, I don't think. Still, a good listen.
09. It's Your World Now - another venetian/spanish-country song. Just as beautiful as the last.
10. Hole In The World - the UK bonus track, nice piece. Very '80s, I think. It's a shame that the rest of the world don't get this track too. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The harmonies on here are literally unbelievable. I have never come accross a band who were so accurate with vocal melodies/harmonies. I suppose it helps that every member of the band sings (even the drummer). There's a lot of lyrics on here that grab you by the balls straight from the off. Especially in 'Long Road Out Of Eden', 'I Love To Watch A Woman Dance' and 'Busy Being Fabulous'. Listen to this and tell me that those lyrics don't grab you by the privates! Anyway, truly brilliant, I've got to say. You don't find many bands who can produce lyrics and harmonies like these guys do (if anyone says FOB or Panic! At The Disco do, then I'm going to personally shoot them. Hate Panic!, like FOB, but they'll never even get close to what The Eagles have). Speaking of producing, the band produced the album too. Just a little fact for you. // 10

Impression: Definitely one of the highlights of 2007 for me. What an ending to my musical year! I doubt anything good will turn up in December - nothing ever does. Anyway, the point is that there's something for everyone on here and the lyrics are perfected, down to the letter. You want to find something that will stay as a favourite for months and months and months to come? Buy this! If it was stolen? It's not going to get stolen! If it was, I'd definitely buy it again. Nice going, guys. Fantastic comeback! // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: TheConManTAKEN, on january 07, 2008

Sound: I Dreamed There Was No War is a rich instrumental, implying that there should be no war. The guitar and (I believe) synth blends into each other perfectly. Long Road Out Of Eden is a 10 and a half minute frenzy, Led Zeppelin knockoff, made perfectly. Somebody is another great song. The CD is full of inspiration and fullness by the sound itself. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Not much to say. The lyrics have a lasting impression on me, and Frey and the rest of the band sounds good, but I don't find the much of the lyrical content strong. It's really good, just not great. Somebody and Fast Company (in my opinion) the lyrical strong points. // 8

Impression: The Eagles have came a long way since their first album (I'm not a big fan of the Eagles, correct me if I am wrong), Desperado. Their music has evolved, the style has changed, and for some reason, the actual quality. Now, I've liked their music (hey, I'm 13, who can blame me) a whole lot more than before. I was on the fence to rate this a 8 or a 9. Against other bands of their genre, they are near the top of the game. This new albums shows how good they can play, and it shows. Against bands in other styles, this album holds out OK, and for a big band like them, that's fine. I always thought I Dreamed There Was No War was the best. That song is what America should hear. A national, slow, beautiful song that showcases peace in all it's glory. Long Road Out Of Eden is kind of a Stairway To Heaven knockoff, but darn it, it's a good one. And Somebody sounds like Dire Straits made the music and gave it to them. But if the knockoffs are good, then their other songs are masterpieces. Granted, I haven't listened to You Are Not Alone, but if my expectations are correct, than this songs should be another masterpiece. So really, why wouldn't you pick this up? Well, unless you hate Eagles. In which case, pick up this album and reconsider yourself. Don't take it from my review (why would you?); listen to it yourself. // 8

Comments

[darksauce]

man i bought this album the other day. was NOT dissapointed. I loved this album to bits, and im only 15 years old. Ive heard their old classics, hotel california, tequila sunrise, desperado, take it easy and many more. The Eagles rock!

btw 1st woo lol

[acdcrock2000]

awsome second!!!

this album rocks some serious ass.

[BFMV_OWN]

got this album - it rocked

[5_Strings]

Nope .. it didnt ... sorry

[mrrman]

album sucked...glad I didnt pay for it

[areese82]

They've done so much reunion stuff, really bad one shot singles, and more greatest hits crap in the past 12 or 13 years i'm surprised anyone even cares about this album.

[Stuminton]

mrrman wrote:

album sucked...glad I didnt pay for it

rofl i like your style

[tbone1138]

http://www.blogwarz.com/2007/11/11/meet-the-new-edgeless-eag les/

[badlobster]

This is a great review. Very funny and insightful. I bought the record and was very disappointed. This review really pointed out where the Eagles went wrong on their new album

[badlobster]

I just want to add that I'd give this record a 5 rating overall. Not a great efort by these guys at all

[tbone1138]

Sorry - remove the space in the link above after the G in eagles.
http://www.blogwarz.com/2007/11/11/meet-the-new-edg eless-eagles/

Thanks for the comment on the review.
I think maybe I'll submit it here?

[brianmay1966]

Yawn

[JimPrenier_11]

I like this albumn but I like their older stuff better

[eewawoowa]

This is one awesome album. You guys are probably thinking that i'm one of those people who were around when the eagles were big, but nope. I'm a 13 year-old who somehow got into the eagles. My rating: ***** (5 star, not a bad word )

[therealtater]

I didn't really like this abulm at all, big fan of their old stuff though

[kirkadolph]

whats with all the song puns?
hahaha

[kirkadolph]

Anyone else notice that in "I Don't Wanna Hear Anymore" Timothy B. Schmidt kinda sounds like Michael Jackson?

[Seymore190]

I bought this album and I think that it is terrible. All the songs are one-dimensional and really predictable, and some of the cliches in the lyrics make me want to cry for mercy. When I listened to the album, I made it through the first 5 tracks of the first disc, had to stop and take a break, then listened to the rest of the first disc a week later. I listened to the second disc all in one sitting and regretted wasting so much of my time. I really dislike the album, some bands should just say farewell and actually mean it.

[jaymz_hammett]

awesome album by an awesome band.
hope they come back to australia!!

[jfsj123]

its not bad but by now means amazing

[Andy Jarvis]

Not their best work by a long way but very listenable, instrumentaly it's great but some of the lyrics suck

[ragepoppa]

I'm too afraid to listen to it.....

[jemil]

to ragepoppa-why you afraid listening eagles songs are you nuts?

[jemil]

to bryanmay66-sleep ka na lang all your life but for me eagles is the best band.

[turzk10]

i don't know them...

[turzk10]

i rather listen to the crrying ladies....

[BottomsUp]

I hate ****in' critics. Most of them aren't even musicians. Maybe half ass wannabees. This album was just as good their past stuff. And they still play perfect live. True musicians. I kinda miss Don Felder though. This album was a long time coming. Wish there could be more.