"Long Road Out of Eden" marked a significant moment for the American rock band the Eagles, released on October 30, 2007. This album was their first studio effort since 1979's "The Long Run," making it a highly anticipated return after nearly three decades. It was also notable as the band's first-ever double album, showcasing a substantial body of new work. The album's production spanned six years, from 2001 to 2007, culminating in a total length of 90
minutes and 46 seconds. Its release on Lost Highway Records signaled a new chapter for the iconic group.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
The period between "The Long Run" and "Long Road Out of Eden" saw the Eagles release some original studio tracks, but not a full album. They recorded four original songs for their 1994 live album "Hell Freezes Over," and contributed "Hole in the World" to "The Very Best Of" in 2003. Joe Walsh's "One Day at a Time" appeared on the "Farewell 1 Tour: Live from Melbourne" DVD in 2005, a song he later re-recorded for his 2012 album "Analog Man." These scattered releases only heightened the anticipation for a comprehensive new studio album, which "Long Road Out of Eden" finally delivered.
Don Henley, a band member, described the role of Bill Szymczyk, who had produced their previous albums, as a "mediator, a consigliere, a ringmaster" for "Long Road Out of Eden." Henley noted that he and Glenn Frey had already learned how to produce records themselves, indicating a mature and experienced approach to the album's creation. This collaborative and seasoned production environment likely contributed to the album's polished sound and critical reception.
Commercial Triumph and Critical Acclaim
"Long Road Out of Eden" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S., a significant achievement that solidified the band's enduring popularity. This success was partly due to a last-minute rule change by Billboard, which also impacted Britney Spears' album "Blackout." The album became the Eagles' sixth consecutive number one album and was the highest-selling album of the year. It has since sold 3.5 million copies in the U.S. alone, earning a 7x Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of 3.5 million albums, a testament to its double-album status.
Beyond its commercial success, the album also garnered critical recognition, winning two Grammy Awards for the song "How Long" and the instrumental track "I Dreamed There Was No War." It was nominated for three additional Grammy Awards in 2009: Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for "Waiting in the Weeds," and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for "Long Road Out of Eden." The album's initial release strategy was unique, being available exclusively via the band's website or through Wal-Mart and Sam's Club retail stores in North America for its first year, making it the first account-exclusive album to reach number one.
Charting Singles and Lasting Impact
The album produced several successful singles across different charts. "How Long," a cover of a JD Souther song, and "Busy Being Fabulous" both reached the Top 30 on the Hot Country Songs charts and the Top 20 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks charts. The album continued its success on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks charts with five consecutive hits: "How Long," "Busy Being Fabulous," "No More Cloudy Days," "What Do I Do With My Heart," and "I Don't Want to Hear Anymore." The deluxe collector's edition, released on November 20, 2007, included bonus tracks "Hole in the World" and "Please Come Home for Christmas," further enhancing its appeal to fans.
