Eagles' Debut Album Turns 54: Discover Its Impact and Hit Singles

Over the years, there have been plenty of iconic rock and roll debut albums, including one that turns 54 years old on Monday.

On June 1, 1972, Asylum Records released Eagles, the first studio album by the California-based band of the same name. The album, which reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200, produced three of the group's signature songs and kicked off a decades-long run as one of the most popular American rock and roll acts.

Eagles was a success right from the start

One month before the album's release, the Eagles--consisting of founding members Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner-- unveiled their debut single, "Take It Easy." The song was an immediate hit, climbing as high as No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on July 22, 1972.

"Witchy Woman," the album's second single, performed even better. Released on August 1, the song cracked the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, peaking at No. 9.

Lastly, Eagles' third single, "Peaceful Easy Feeling," reached No. 22 on the charts following its Dec. 1 reveal.

Subsequent albums, like 1975's One of These Nights and 1976's Hotel California, would have more chart and commercial success, but Eagles was the project that kicked it all off.

More than 50 years later, the album's legacy is secure

In 2023, Rolling Stone released its updated ranking of The 500 Best Albums of All Time. Checking in No. 207 was Eagles, one of multiple entries on the list for the band.

"This debut created a new template for laid-back L.A. country-rock style," Rolling Stone wrote. "Behind the band's mellow message - "Take It Easy," "Peaceful Easy Feeling" - was a relentless drive."

"Beyond the album's three hit singles, songs like the somber waltz "Most of Us Are Sad," the pickin' and grinnin' "Earlybird," and the down-home rocker "Nightingale" showed a band that had perfected a sound right out of the gate," Rolling Stone added.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 12:49 AM.