The Eagles had several vocalists in their ranks. They were one of those special bands that were able to swap out duties effortlessly. Today, we’re shining a light on one of the lead singers of the group: The late, great Glenn Frey. Frey lent his vocals to many of the band’s biggest hits. Find what I consider Frey’s three best vocal moments below.
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“Take It Easy”
“Take It Easy” is arguably the Eagles’ creed. The band’s West Coast, breezy sound was born here, with this ode to the easy life. Frey takes on lead vocals here. His comforting timbre only adds to the soothing nature of “Take It Easy.” It remains one of the Eagles’ biggest hits–and for good reason. It’s hard to get tired of a song this easy on the ears.
Take it easy, take it easy
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
Take it easy
“After The Thrill Is Gone”
Next up on our list of Frey’s best vocal moments, we have “After The Thrill Is Gone.” The simple instrumentation in this track leaves plenty of room for Frey’s vocals to shine. He wows as a balladeer in this melancholy track about the fickle friend time can be in a relationship. It’s undoubtedly one of Frey’s most impressive moments behind the microphone.
Same dances in the same old shoes
Some habits that you just can’t lose
There’s no telling what a man might use
After the thrill is gone
The flame rises, but it soon descends
Empty pages and a frozen pen
You’re not quite lovers, and you’re not quite friends
After the thrill is gone, oh
After the thrill is gone
“Tequila Sunrise”
“Tequila Sunrise” was a powerful ballad in Frey’s disposal. Like “Take It Easy,” this track is one of the most famed in the Eagles’ catalog. It is also equally as relaxing. Though the sentiment behind these lyrics aren’t quite as chipper as that earlier track, Frey’s vocals do wonders in soothing the soul. It is arguably Frey’s best vocal moment throughout his tenure with the Eagles.
It’s another tequila sunrise
Starin’ slowly ‘cross the sky
Said goodbye
He was just a hired hand
Workin’ on the dreams he planned to try
The days go by
(Photo by Niels van Iperen/Getty Images)
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