Try and love again - Eagles

For the love of rock
Vol III, Issue 4 – Try and love again (15 Feb 2018)


Name of song- Try and love again
Band- Eagles
Album- Hotel California
Writer- Randy Meisner
Release year- 1976
Similar artists- Poco, Jackson Browne, America, Chicago, James Taylor

Try and love again

Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
Eagles-One of the most successful band of the seventies-the supremes of seventies country rock and every guitar learner’s dream band!!! Formed by Glenn Frey (Guitar, vocals), Don Henley (Drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (Guitars, vocals) and Randy Meisner (Bass, vocals) in 1971 in Los Angeles, they are the world’s one of the best selling bands in history. With relatively few albums they dominated the rock scene of the world and their masterpiece “Hotel California” is undoubtedly one of the most well known songs in the world. They have had numerous accolades as well as records to their name. They had disbanded in 1980 but reunited in 1994 and had been constantly touring since then. After the death of Glenn Frey in 2016, they have been touring with Deacon Frey (Glenn’s son).
“Hotel California” is their fifth studio album, produced in 1976. This is one concept album by Eagles depicting the American lives and dreams. A mystique album overall, with wonderful songs, where any fan would have tough time trying to figure which one would be ranked best among the others, this album definitely defines American lives during the seventies. No doubt the title song has stolen all the limelight, but in reality, overall album is their finest masterpiece. The album raised them to unparalleled super stardom and bragged Grammy Awards too in 1978. This album has always found the slot in all the different records top albums of all times and it definitely deserves the top slot.
“Try and love again” is one of the finest ballads produced by “Eagles”. This song is credited to Randy Meisner who had left after the release of “Hotel California.” Randy’s lyrics and amazingly soulfully sharp voice elevates this song to an unparalleled height. Yes, the song is one of the rare songs which Eagles have never performed live (Perhaps after the departure of Randy, they never wanted to highlight the song). A truly amazing combination of country with rock with superb words, this is definitely Randy’s best gift to “Eagles”. Any die-hard fan of “Eagles” would agree with me that this is perhaps one of the most underrated songs of “Eagles”.
The song begins with charismatic dual riff by Don Felder and Joe Walsh. This dual guitar is one of the most striking parts of the song and it defines the entire song so soulfully. Then, after the riff, Randy Meisner gives his one of the best performances ever. His sharp voice blends so well with the song that we can’t imagine anybody else singing this song. His bass is also suits the song well. Perhaps, Don Henley’s drums would be labeled the least impressive component of this well orchestrated song. The dual riff shines on through after each stanza. Besides the riff, the dual guitars keep on giving perfect harmony to the entire song in-between. After the main chorus, the riff plays again, and then, Glenn Frey’s lead guitar comes in. This lead is exceptionally beautiful and totally different from the dual guitar riffs of Don Felder and Joe Walsh. Glenn Frey’s lead undoubtedly enriches the song melodiously. After the last chorus, the fading chorus of Randy and back vocals by Glenn and Don Felder is absolutely perfect. The fading dual guitar riffs and the lead guitar at the end are also so mesmerizing that the last part of the song is actually the real highlight. Randy’s last chorus has been executed so perfectly that there is no doubt he is at his best in this one. Randy is also at peak of his creative poetry. The lyrics have to be understood deeply to fathom the profound meaning it carries underneath. The song basically describes the feeling to carry on after being heart-broken. It is a very common subject actually, but intricately difficult to explain. The true meaning of long lasting relationship is explored and defined so finely by Randy in this song.
No doubt, “Hotel California” defines “Eagles” but when you try to look for the real gems besides “Hotel California”, “Try and love again” is the one which you should always try to look for and love again and again!
Happy listening!!

Resources- Wikipedia.org, Allmusic.com
Youtube video link-    • Try and love again - Eagles