The album marks a major leap for the Eagles from their earlier work, as well as a stylistic shift toward mainstream rock. It sketches a thematic statement that begins by using California as a metaphor for a dark, surreal world of dissipation, comments on the ephemeral nature of success and the attraction of excess, branches out into romantic disappointment and finally sketches a broad, pessimistic history of America that borders on nihilism. The result was the Eagles' biggest-selling regular album release and one of the most successful rock albums ever. 
File under: Rock, Country/Label: Asylum/Original Release Year: 1976