The Eagles' 'Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)' is a compilation album that has sold more copies than any other album in the US, and is one of the top five best-selling albums globally. Released 50 years ago, it's not on any 'best album of all time' lists, yet it's achieved this phenomenal success. What makes this particularly interesting is that the album is a 'greatest hits' compilation, which is often seen as a less prestigious format compared to a full-length studio album. The album's success can be attributed to its ability to capture the essence of the Eagles' back catalogue in one go, making it an ideal entry point for new fans. It also resonated with the cultural moment, providing a vaguely hippie, vaguely outlaw balm for a nation's soul. In my opinion, the album's success is a testament to the Eagles' ability to create music that is both timeless and accessible, and it's a fascinating example of how a compilation album can become a defining work of American pop music.
