Starting with one of the odder topics for a hit single (Is it Hell or just a very odd check in policy?) Hotel California shows the influence of Joe Walsh's addition to the band right away. The softer edge of Southern California rock is sharpened to a point on the title track, "Victim of Love," and especially "Life in the Fast Lane," which gives the listener exactly what the title says. Even the softer tunes like "The Last Resort," "New Kid in Town," and "Pretty Maids All in a Row" seem to hit with more musical power (listen to the bass and piano on "Maids") and the lyrics have a bittersweet feel to them. I find this to be the most memorable of the Eagles recordings, and except for the greatest hits collections the one to own.