The Eagles' 'Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)' is a remarkable album that has sold over 40 million copies in the US, making it the most popular album of all time. This compilation, released in 1976, showcases the band's greatest hits and is a testament to their commercial success. Despite not being on any 'best album of all time' lists, it has outperformed iconic albums like 'The Dark Side of the Moon', 'Purple Rain', and 'Abbey Road'. The album's success can be attributed to its strategic release during the Eagles' 'imperial phase', a period of immense commercial success. The compilation's cover, featuring a painted eagle skull, has also been a subject of debate, with some interpreting it as a mirror covered in cocaine. The album's immediate success, spending five weeks at the top of the Billboard 200, and its enduring popularity, trading places with Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' for the title of the US's bestselling album, further solidify its impact. The Eagles' ability to remind older listeners of the '60s era, stripped of its radical experimentation and political idealism, has made their music timeless for subsequent generations. The album's sequencing, shifting between older and newer work and lead singers, showcases the band's versatility and ensures a diverse listening experience. The 'Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)' album is a testament to the Eagles' commercial prowess and their ability to create a compilation that feels deliberate and considered, appealing to both casual and devoted fans.
