"Seven Bridges Road" by Eagles

Song#:  0447
Date:  12/20/1980
Debut:  64
Peak:  21
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Soft Rock



Pop Bits:  Although their album "The Long Run" was another massive hit, the Eagles were a dysfunctional bunch that were struggling to get through their tour. After a particularly bad night in Long Beach where Glenn Frey and  Don Felder were hurling threats at each other on stage, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Eagles were done. However, they still had a contractual obligation to deliver a live album. Songs from the tour were culled and the album was assembled and mixed by Frey and Don Henley - separately. Those two didn't want to even be near each other so they would ship tapes back and forth for the mixing. "Eagles Live" was released and while it wasn't a critical hit (partially due to the excessive overdubbing and fixing, making it sound more like a studio recording than a live performance), it did become another big seller for the group. This song, which does not appear on any other Eagle album, was issued as a single and it became their last Top 30 entry.

ReduxReview:  Again, a live song. Rare is the live album that I think is worthwhile. And after reading about all the overdubbing and such that was done on this album, it makes me question what was real and what was not. (Yes, I know many live albums do this to clean stuff up, but in my opinion it should be raw and real and not as slick as this one.) I call into question whether or not the harmony parts were "fixed" or if they are truly what came out of their mouths that night. I actually like this song and the arrangement (originally done by Ian Matthews) is really great and if I saw this performed in concert and it sounded just like this, I'd love it. But it's on an LP with a reputation of being over manufactured after the fact, so I just don't trust what I'm hearing. (I actually prefer the Dolly Parton version, so check that one out.)

ReduxRating:  4/10

Trivia:  This song, written by Steve Young and included on his 1969 debut outlaw country album "Rock Salt & Nails," was a favorite of the Eagles early on. The group would do the famous acapella opening to begin their pre-"Hotel California" concerts. Although the song dropped off the set list, it was revived on this final tour and found its way to the live album.

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