Is Joe Walsh Better as a Solo Artist?

When discussing Joe Walsh's musical career, opinions often diverge on how he fits into different groups. In this article, we explore the sentiments and arguments surrounding whether Joe Walsh is better as a solo artist versus his time with The Eagles.

Joe Walsh's Solo Success

While Joe Walsh is undoubtedly a talented musician, his work with The Eagles is often overshadowed by his solo career. His leadership and contributions with his first solo band, Barnstorm, are particularly notable. The band's self-titled album, 'Barnstorm', released in 1973, has been reignited through re-release and remains a glowing testament to Walsh's versatility as a guitarist, keyboard player, and songwriter.

The album, which was initially out of print but has seen a resurgence in popularity, exemplifies Walsh's musical prowess. It captures a genuine and humorous approach to music that stands in stark contrast to the gravitas that marked The Eagles' later works. This early solo effort, particularly, is often cited by fans and critics as Walsh's artistic pinnacle.

The Transition to The Eagles

Joe Walsh's transition to The Eagles marked a shift in tone and direction that many argue negatively impacted the band. In my opinion, The Eagles were at their best when they embraced a country rock sound. This sound seemed to dissipate with Walsh's arrival, particularly when compared to his predecessor, Bernie Leadon.

Walsh is known for his hard rock style, which, while impressive, doesn't align perfectly with the country rock ethos that marked The Eagles' earlier success and iconic album, 'Hotel California'. Many argue that The Eagles sound is better attributed to Glenn Frey and Don Henley's increased seriousness and singular focus on the band's image.

There's a perception that Walsh was more of a hired hard rock guitarist for The Eagles, specifically to add a harder edge to the band's sound rather than as a full-fledged band member. His contribution to the band's music is undoubtedly significant, but the overall direction of The Eagles post-'Hotel California' doesn't meet the same critical acclaim that their earlier works enjoy.

Back to the Barnstorm

Walsh's time with 'Barnstorm' is often cited by fans as a high point in his solo career. The self-titled album, rereleased in recent years, showcases Walsh's full artistic range, from guitar solos to keyboard work, and songwriting skills. This album not only stands as a testament to Walsh's abilities but also as a collection that is vastly superior to many of the records he produced with The Eagles.

For those unfamiliar with Walsh's early solo work, 'Barnstorm' is a must-hear. It reflects a genuine sense of fun and humor that seems to be lost in some of his more recent collaborations. Even his later solo work, while not as cohesive as 'Barnstorm', is worth exploring for fans of his intricate guitar work and melodic compositions.

Further Exploration

For those interested in delving deeper into Joe Walsh's solo career, a good starting point is his 2-CD 'Best of' set titled 'Look What I Did', released in the 1990s. This set provides an excellent overview of his career up to that point, spanning his work both as a member of The Eagles and in his solo career.

Ultimately, whether Joe Walsh is better as a solo artist or part of The Eagles is a matter of personal preference. However, many argue that his solo career, particularly his time with Barnstorm, offers a more authentic glimpse into his musical talents and creative spirit. His contributions to The Eagles are undoubtedly important, but the joy and humor in his early solo works feel like a direct reflection of his genuine artistic voice.