The Eagles’ “Best of My Love”: A Heartfelt Classic That Soared to the Top
In the rich tapestry of the 1970s rock scene, few songs stand out as brilliantly as “Best of My Love” by The Eagles. Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and J. D. Souther, this timeless track encapsulates the emotional depth and melodic sophistication that defined the band’s early years. Originally recorded for their 1974 album On the Border, “Best of My Love” was released as the third single from the album, and it went on to achieve remarkable success. In March 1975, it became the Eagles’ first Billboard Hot 100 number one single, a testament to its widespread appeal and enduring charm. The song also topped the easy listening (adult contemporary) chart for one week a month earlier and was ranked by Billboard as the number 12 song for 1975.
The genesis of “Best of My Love” is a fascinating story of serendipity and creative synergy. According to J.D. Souther, the tune emerged somewhat spontaneously, with Glenn Frey discovering it on a Fred Neil record. The songwriting process took place under the pressure of a deadline while the band was in London working on On the Border. Glenn Frey recalled a moment of inspiration while playing acoustic guitar in Laurel Canyon, experimenting with a tuning shown to him by Joni Mitchell. This serendipitous exploration led to the distinctive guitar tuning that would become the backbone of “Best of My Love.” Henley, who penned most of the lyrics, found his muse in a booth at Dan Tana’s Restaurant near the Troubadour, with the ambiance of the venue and personal experiences infusing the lyrics with poignant authenticity.
Recording “Best of My Love” was equally eventful. The Eagles began the process at Olympic Studios in London with producer Glyn Johns, who had previously worked on their debut album and its follow-up, Desperado. Despite the success of these albums, the band, especially Frey, was dissatisfied with Johns’ inclination towards country rock, which clashed with their rock aspirations. This discord led to a split with Johns after six weeks, during which they managed to record “Best of My Love” and one other track, “You Never Cry Like a Lover.” The Eagles then resumed recording at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, with Bill Szymczyk taking over production duties. Szymczyk’s remix of “Best of My Love” ultimately shaped the version that captivated listeners.
The single’s release is a tale of hesitation and eventual triumph. Frey was initially reluctant to release “Best of My Love” as a single, but persistent airplay on WKMI-AM in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by DJ Jim Higgs, who favored the track over official singles like “Already Gone” and “James Dean,” changed the tide. Encouraged by the positive response, Asylum Records gave the track a limited single release, which led to a broader release on November 5, 1974. The band, however, was dismayed to find the song truncated for radio-friendliness without their consent, leading to considerable frustration. Despite this, the song’s success was undeniable, becoming the Eagles’ first number one single and earning a unique accolade from their manager, Irving Azoff, who sent Asylum Records a gold record with a piece cut out, dubbed “The Golden Hacksaw Award.”
Critics praised “Best of My Love” for its tender harmonies and acoustic beauty. Cash Box lauded it as a “very pretty country-flavored ballad,” while Record World highlighted its “easy-goin’ beauty” and “soaring production.” Today, “Best of My Love” remains a beloved classic, emblematic of the Eagles’ ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with captivating melodies, creating a song that resonates deeply with listeners across generations.
Music Legend