While Glenn Frey may not have been the most prolific member of the Eagles, his contributions were undeniably significant. In fact, his long-time collaborator Don Henley managed to nearly match Frey’s lead vocals during the 1970s, showcasing the dynamic talent within the band. Frey, widely recognized as the group’s driving force, surprisingly had only one lead vocal on the iconic 1976 album Hotel California and another on 1979’s The Long Run. However, he certainly made those moments memorable, with chart-topping hits like “New Kid in Town” and “Heartache Tonight,” both soaring to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, Frey’s two standout tracks on the 1975 album One of These Nights included the hugely popular “Lyin’ Eyes,” which reached No. 2 on the charts, further cementing his legacy.

EXPLORE MORE: Discover Our Comprehensive Ranking of Every Eagles Solo Album

In this detailed ranking of every song featuring Glenn Frey as the Eagles’ lead vocalist, we focus solely on tracks where he showcased his singing talent, deliberately excluding the numerous songs where he played a significant co-writing role but did not lend his voice. However, we do include notable duets where Frey was a key participant. Despite the seemingly limited number of songs to consider, the challenge lies in evaluating Frey’s extraordinary consistency and the quality of his contributions. The best of his songs combine exceptional craftsmanship with widespread popularity, creating timeless classics.

25. “I Love to Watch a Woman Dance”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

This sentimental track, originally penned by Larry John McNally, had been in circulation since the Eagles’ early days, long before the 1994 reunion album Hell Freezes Over. By the time they recorded it, Henley had already released a cover of McNally’s song “For My Wedding” on his 2000 solo album Inside Job, which made it clear that “I Love to Watch a Woman Dance” was essentially a reimagined version of the same tune. Interestingly, McNally also wrote Rod Stewart’s 1990 Top 10 hit “The Motown Song,” which thankfully has a different sound altogether.

24. “Chug All Night”
From: Eagles (1972)

Glenn Frey once quipped to film director Cameron Crowe, “the only difference between boring and laid-back is a million dollars.” At this time, the Eagles were still striving for success and weren’t quite millionaires yet. Reflecting this reality, “Chug All Night” features a languid, sleepy riff paired with an equally lackluster theme. Frey sings, “And I’ve been meaning to tell you, baby, that it makes no sense.” His observation resonates deeply, capturing the essence of the song’s vibe.

23. “Outlaw Man”
From: Desperado (1973)

This cover of a David Blue song signifies a point where the Eagles strayed a bit too far into the cowboy theme that permeated this album. Henley later admitted that the metaphor behind “Outlaw Man” was a bit dubious, acknowledging the band’s true lifestyle at the time. “We were in L.A., staying up all night, smoking dope, living the California life,” he revealed, highlighting the contrast between their music and their actual experiences.

22. “I Dreamed There Was No War”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

This beautiful interlude showcases Frey’s vocals, offering a poignant moment on the album. However, it still functions primarily as a brief respite rather than a standout feature among the other tracks.

21. “What Do I Do with My Heart”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

Frey’s ability to deliver this kind of semi-R&B ballad is remarkable, almost effortless. In this case, it seems as though he could perform this style in his sleep, reflecting his incredible talent and comfort within the genre.

20. “It’s Your World Now”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

The lyrical sentiment of this song gained an unexpectedly poignant significance following Frey’s passing, creating an emotional connection with listeners. However, the overall impact of the song is often overshadowed by its musical arrangement, which many describe as reminiscent of a “family-restaurant mariachi band,” leading to mixed reviews.

19. “You Are Not Alone”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

This intricately orchestrated piece, “You Are Not Alone,” reflects Frey’s lighter songwriting style, which would later resurface in his 2012 album After Hours. The song’s gentle melody and comforting lyrics provide a soothing experience for listeners.

18. “Somebody”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

In collaboration with Jack Tempchin, Frey brought forth “Somebody,” yet this track lacks the deep-rooted essence of classics like “Peaceful Easy Feeling” or the bold attitude found in “Already Gone.” It serves as a solid showcase but doesn’t quite reach the heights of his more iconic works.

17. “The Girl From Yesterday”
From: Hell Freezes Over (1994)

Frey and Tempchin’s collaborative effort “Girl From Yesterday” captures the essence of the nostalgic country lament found in “Lyin’ Eyes,” but it is distinctly updated to reflect the jet-set lifestyle of the 1990s. The song resonates with themes of longing and reflection.

16. “Good Day in Hell”
From: On the Border (1974)

This track marks a significant moment in Eagles history, as guitarist Don Felder was invited to contribute slide guitar to this album cut featuring Frey on vocals. Following this electrifying performance, the band quickly extended an invitation for Felder to join the Eagles, solidifying their lineup.

15. “Out of Control”
From: Desperado (1973)

The Eagles’ transition away from their country roots was gradual, and “Out of Control” bursts forth with energy just three tracks into Desperado. This powerful track demonstrates their evolving sound while still reflecting their foundational influences.

14. “King of Hollywood”
From: The Long Run (1979)

This track resonates with echoes of Steely Dan’s Walter Becker, particularly in its low-voiced foreboding and thematic connection to Los Angeles. However, it lacks the ironic humor typical of Steely Dan, ultimately offering another impressive guitar showcase.

13. “Get You in the Mood”
From: “Take It Easy” B-side (1972)

This intense love declaration from Frey possesses a menacingly dark groove, which is likely why “Get You in the Mood” found its place as a B-side on their debut single rather than being included in the primary album track listing.

12. “Ol’ ’55”
From: On the Border (1974)

While the Eagles certainly smooth out the rough edges of Tom Waits’ opening track from his 1973 album Closing Time, they also reveal a heartfelt chorus that resonates deeply, uncovering the emotional core of the original song.

11. “No More Cloudy Days”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

With Frey’s absence now felt so profoundly, “No More Cloudy Days” carries an indescribable sense of melancholy. The song reflects on loss and nostalgia, inviting listeners to reminisce about brighter moments.

10. “How Long”
From: Long Road Out of Eden (2007)

“How Long” stands out as a track that closely captures the essence and emotional weight of the Eagles’ earlier works. Frey and Henley bring back songwriter J.D. Souther, a key figure from Frey’s past, and they interchange lead vocals seamlessly. This collaboration invokes a sense of nostalgia while maintaining the band’s signature harder-edged attitude.

9. “After the Thrill Is Gone”
From: One of These Nights (1975)

This reflective piece examines the aftermath of a lost relationship, a theme that Frey and Henley had already explored extensively. Perhaps due to its early release, “After the Thrill Is Gone” hasn’t received the broader recognition it deserves. The song shines through with Felder’s solo, which injects a simmering anger into the narrative.

8. “James Dean”
From: On the Border (1974)

The Eagles initially developed “James Dean” during the sessions for Desperado before they fully embraced a cowboy narrative. This song, carried over to the next album, marked a pivotal point in their evolution, showcasing a more robust and assertive sound. This led to a significant shift in their production team, as they parted ways with Glyn Johns to work with the more accommodating Bill Szymczyk.

7. “Peaceful Easy Feeling”
From: Eagles (1972)

Only a week after forming, the Eagles were introduced to Jack Tempchin’s composition “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” Written during Tempchin’s days of girl-watching in San Diego, this track became a defining moment in their debut album. With stunning backing vocals from early band members Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, it captures a timeless message about fate and discovery, emphasizing that often, what you seek comes to you when you least expect it.

6. “Tequila Sunrise”
From: Desperado (1973)

This collaborative effort between Henley and Frey nearly didn’t happen. Frey initially dismissed the concept for being too predictable, but Henley urged him to view it differently. “Imagine you’ve been drinking tequila all night and the sun is rising,” he suggested. This perspective led to the creation of a truly remarkable song that resonates with many, even drawing from their personal experiences of gathering the courage to approach women.

5. “New Kid in Town”
From: Hotel California (1976)

Originally inspired by discussions about aging, “New Kid in Town” evolved into a reflection on deeper insecurities. As Henley admitted, “We were chronicling our own demise.” The song captures the bittersweet nature of fame, acknowledging the inevitable arrival of new talent that could overshadow their current success. Frey and Henley built upon an idea from J.D. Souther, resulting in yet another chart-topping hit for the Eagles.

4. “Lyin’ Eyes”
From: One of These Nights (1975)

This crossover success was crafted in a whirlwind of creativity, penned over just two days. Every aspect of its clever narrative about a gold digger’s hollow existence is articulated with remarkable attention to detail. Frey skillfully shifts perspectives, ensuring that every word contributes to the broader story. Inspired by a real-life encounter at their favorite watering hole, Frey and Henley rushed back to the studio to perfect the song, demonstrating their commitment to quality with multiple takes to nail the iconic opening line: “City girls just seem to find out early.”

3. “Already Gone”
From: On the Border (1974)

The split with producer Glyn Johns during the recording of this album can partially be attributed to the band’s desire for a more dynamic sound. Frey remarked in 1973: Rock at the Crossroads, “We’re taking a beating opening for Jethro Tull, and we needed some kick-ass songs.” “Already Gone” set the tone for this new direction, as they transitioned to the Record Plant in Los Angeles with new producer Bill Szymczyk. Felder’s addition brought a fresh energy to the sessions, and Frey relished the opportunity to channel this newfound positivity into their music.

2. “Heartache Tonight”
From: The Long Run (1979)

The creative process behind “Heartache Tonight” was lengthy and complex, much like the entirety of The Long Run. Frey’s initial inspiration stemmed from his love of classic Sam Cooke records, which he explored during loose jam sessions with J.D. Souther. However, progress was slow, and it took input from his mentor Bob Seger to breathe life into the track. With Henley’s collaboration, they crafted a Grammy-winning hit, with Seger ultimately providing the pivotal title line that solidified the song’s identity.

1. “Take It Easy”
From: Eagles (1972)

The opening track of the Eagles’ debut album encapsulates their early country-rock essence so perfectly that Frey described its jangly guitar strums as an announcement: “And now … the Eagles.” However, the creation of “Take It Easy” stemmed from a collaboration with Jackson Browne, who was struggling to finish a song. Frey’s idea transformed the incomplete lyric into a memorable classic, with Winslow, Arizona, now immortalized through the song’s iconic imagery. There is even a statue celebrating the famous line, accompanied by a charming painting of a girl in a flatbed Ford, reflecting the lasting impact of this beloved track.

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