America is a land of division—a fact made clear not just in its politics but also in its musical preferences. The reaction to Glenn Frey’s death, a member of the Eagles, put this division in the spotlight. Instead of a unanimous moment of silence, there was a quick pivot to critique, highlighting a deep-seated disdain for the band’s music and legacy.
Unraveling the Eagles’ Polarizing Legacy
This disdain is interesting, given the Eagles’ success. Their album “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)” is one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. Yet, despite their achievements and a songbook many admire, the band has been a lightning rod for criticism.
The dislike for the Eagles can trace its roots to several causes. To start, there’s the geographical bias—East Coast vs. West Coast. For those on the West Coast during the 1970s, the Eagles were celebrated, with the Los Angeles Times’ Robert Hilburn praising them as among the best for quality hits in America. Yet, Robert Christgau expressed a different view in Newsday in 1972, emphasizing his disdain for what he considered their unrealistic portrayal of life, which he felt was only authentic to the hip suburbs of California.
Chuck Klosterman echoed this sentiment years later, describing the Eagles as the ultimate symbol of Californian unpopularity. According to him, they represented everything people disliked about Malibu.
Lifestyle and Genre Clash
Another point of contention was the Eagles’ seemingly serious demeanor, as noted in a Salon article. Their music, their lifestyle—everything about them was perceived with a solemn tone, lacking any hint of jest about themselves or their work.
Their indulgence in the excesses of the 1970s—drugs and hedonism—did little to endear them to critics who preferred the more abstinent reputations of other rock stars. Despite recording songs that critiqued this lifestyle, such as “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Hotel California,” the Eagles didn’t shy away from living it, which critics found hypocritical.
The rise of punk marked another turn against the Eagles, with their style of music being characterized as too soft, the kind that parents would approve of. This contrasted sharply with the raw energy and rebellion of punk music, illustrating a generational shift in musical tastes.
Generational Divides and the Enduring Debate Over the Eagles’ Artistry
Generational differences played a significant role, as well. Some from Generation X and beyond felt an almost inherited obligation to reject the Eagles. Chuck Klosterman admitted to disliking the band, influenced by the media and popular culture, such as “The Big Lebowski.” However, he later revised his opinion, recognizing the music’s significance and craftsmanship.
This schism between detractors and supporters reaches beyond personal preferences, touching on debates about musical styles, authenticity, and the changing tastes over generations. Despite selling over 150 million records, the Eagles’ music and legacy remain polarizing.
Even their lyrical content and musical polish, which some admire, have been sources of criticism. For critics, the band’s smooth sound seemed to gloss over the depth and complexity of the lyrics, leading some to dismiss their songs as background noise. Yet, the emotional complexity in songs like “New Kid in Town” and “The Best of My Love” tells a different story—one of loss, love, and the elusive American Dream.
In the face of such division, the act of embracing the Eagles could be seen as distinctly rebellious. The band’s music, spanning six albums, captures a wide range of emotions and stories, from the highs of carefree days to the lows of disillusionment.