Eagles - On The Border (Remastered) (1974/2022) (SACD)

in 1974, the Eagles released their third studio album, an LP that earned them their first - but certainly not their last - hit single.
Produced by Glynn Johns ("You Never Cry Like a Lover" and "Best of My Love") and Bill Szymczyk (everything else) during sessions at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles and Olympic Studios in London, ON THE BORDER was the first Eagles album with guitarist Don Felder in the lineup, but it could have been a very different album if the guys in the band hadn't tired of Johns' efforts to play country in their rock. Johns' argument was, "The Who is a rock and roll band, and you're not," and you can imagine how well that went over. After working with Johns in London for six weeks, the Eagles returned to L.A., where they teamed up with Szymczyk, and it was during those sessions that Felder joined the band. Admittedly, he joined rather late, so he can only be heard on two tracks - "Good Day in Hell" and "Already Gone" - but it was enough to make a name for himself and be officially accepted into the band.

Ironically, the aforementioned #1 hit was almost never released as a single: the song in question was, as you might have guessed, "Best of My Love," and since it was a Glynn Johns production, they were hesitant to emphasize the country-inspired side of their sound. Fortunately, other opinions prevailed, and the song rose to the top of the charts.

Even the title "On the Border" foreshadows that the Eagles dare to cross a musical border with this album

The band hits a harder stride, moving out of their more laid-back territory and establishing the U.S. as a rock band. Glenn Frey, Don Henley, new member Don Felder and company announce their intentions right away in the defiant opening hit "Already Gone" and never look back. "On the Border" is probably the Eagles' most consistent and balanced work from start to finish.

Mobile Fidelity's numbered hybrid SACD plays with clarity, presence and dynamics that significantly enhance the work that audiophiles have revered for decades, offering a vivid, transparent and intimate look at the music. Enjoy golden harmonies, memorable voices, and cohesive interplay.
Reviews
ROLLING STONE ALBUM GUIDE ***1/2 "The sharper, slightly more rock-oriented production of 'On The Border' underscores their strengths; "James Dean" captures Frey's rowdy enthusiasm, while "Best of My Love" displays Henley's sure, steady hand with ballads ballads. Not incidentally, the latter song became the Eagles' first number one hit." ALL MUSIC GUIDE *** "A transitional Eagles album (and their commercial breakthrough), this contained songs like "Already Gone" and "James Dean" (co-written by Jackson Browne) that hark back to their earlier uptempo rock style, but also "Best of My Love" and Tom Waits' "Ol' 55," ballads that showed off their harmonies and won them a whole new audience."

"Excellently played and even better sung (often in multiple voices)…" (Good Times, December 2022 / January 2023)


Tracklist
01. Already Gone (4:16)
02. You Never Cry Like a Lover (4:01)
03. Midnight Flyer (3:58)
04. My Man (3:34)
05. On the Border (4:23)
06. James Dean (3:39)
07. Ol' 55 (4:21)
08. Is It True (3:15)
09. Good Day In Hell (4:25)
10. Best of My Love (4:36)