The Eagles were always better at recording singles than whole albums.  At least, they were until guitarist Joe Walsh joined the fold for "Hotel California" in 1976.  Give Walsh credit.  He already had a successful solo career, and didn't need to merge with Henley, Frey and company to enhance his popularity.  What Walsh managed to do was improve the band's songwriting and give it a stronger sonic edge.  That is readily apparent on the title track, which is the band's best song.  Without Walsh's expert picking, the song simply wouldn't be the same.