Greatest Hits 2
This second collection of hits features a hardening of sorts for these laid back southern California rockers. The emphasis shifts away from the lazy, rolling rhythms of the first collection to the tighter and harder-edged material contained herein. Part of the blame may be the inclusion of James Gang veteran Joe Walsh who adds noticeable lead guitar work and galvanizes Don Henley and Glenn Frey into taking greater chances. "Hotel California" is the obvious potboiler, but "Heartache Tonight," "Life in the Fast Lane," and "The Long Run" are close runners-up. Timothy B.  Schmit's vocals on "I Can't Tell You Why" return the band full circle to their mellow, country-rock roots.--Rob O'Connor