Joe Walsh Albums Ranked

Joseph Fidler Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In a career spanning more than 50 years, he has been a member of three successful rock bands: James Gang, Eagles, and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Walsh was also part of the New Zealand band Herbs. In the 1990s, he was a member of the short-lived supergroup The Best. Walsh has also experienced success both as a solo artist and as a prolific session musician, being featured on a wide array of other artists’ recordings. In 2011, Rolling Stone placed him at the No. 54 spot on its list of “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”.
As a member of the Eagles, Walsh was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001. The Eagles are considered to be one of the most influential bands of the 1970s, and they remain one of the best-selling American bands in the history of popular music. His creative contribution to music has received praise from many of the best rock guitarists, including Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, who said, “He has a tremendous feel for the instrument. I’ve loved his style since the early James Gang.” Eric Clapton said that “He’s one of the best guitarists to surface in some time. I don’t listen to many records, but I listen to his.” The Who’s guitarist, Pete Townshend, said “Joe Walsh is a fluid and intelligent player. There’re not many like that around.” Here are all of Joe Walsh’s albums ranked.

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10. Songs for a Dying Planet (1992)

“Has everyone missed the fact that this album plays like a Rolling Stones tribute? Carefully mimicking Richards licks…this is some of the most fun parody I have ever heard. “Fairbanks” is actually played to the tune “Honky Tonk Woman.” Goofy, fun…and in places quite sincere…Joe Walsh is an overlooked genius that knows how not to take himself too seriously.”

9. You Bought It—You Name It (1983)

“‘ere we have JW up to his usual tricks singing about the day to day problems we and he faces. Class of 65 going back and meeting old school buddies, The worry song, worrying coz sometimes there’s nothing to worry about, I can play that rock & roll if he has to he will and can rock with the best of em. I.L.B.Ts this little ditty was chucked in just to prove that the record company does not listen to the master before its pressed. all in all another JW classic, again no outtakes.”

8. Ordinary Average Guy (1991)

“This may not be your “typical” Joe Walsh, if you are more familiar with his earlier solo efforts or his work with the Eagles. However, I think his own personality really shows in this album. Many of the songs highlight his emotions of mid-life transition, so it is equally impactful for those of us going through those same feelings. When an artist puts his emotions into the music, that is what really draws me in. Putting intellect into it is helpful, but not as crucial for me. This album has a good mix of both.”

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7. The Confessor (1985)

“Honestly, this album was way ahead of it’s time. Joe does a fabulous job of getting to the soul of us in his music here. I remember countless hours listening to this album in particular and how it hit the cords of a teen going through life. The slow methodical music and the power cords that intermix within this album are timed to strike right when you thought it was over. Joe – awesome job, I only wish to know what inspired you to create this deep soul wrenching album.”

6. There Goes the Neighborhood (1981)

“There goes the neighborhood another Joe Walsh classic. ideas flowing just as they did on the ‘But seriously’ album ,Things,Rivers of the hidden funk and A life of illusion come to mind. this is another brilliant JW classic I just wish Elektra the label would get someone who knows his stuff and remaster this and maybe dig up a few outtakes! its not much to ask surely.”

5. Analog Man (2012)

“This is an album that seems to be a continuance in Joe’s music and life timeline. Everything you love about Joe Walsh is here. The pithy, the reality, the tender, the introspection, the style, the musicality. It’s songwriting that’s matured in time and is exactly like you would expect in an old friend that you haven’t seen in 20 years – you know him, but he’s 20 years on. The views (lyrics) are 20 years on, but the music – like you know him – is the same in style. It’s an old friend that is joyful to be with, even though a lot of time has passed. Seems like just yesterday, but it’s like no time has passed.”

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4. Barnstorm (1972)

‘This early masterwork can be listened to on different levels. Face value, it is the first solo work by an extremely talented guitar player, composer, great singer, fresh out of a three album journey with James Gang. It works for me on a nostalgic level, as this was a top ten favorite of mine back in the day, played the vinyl nearly daily, and it was entirely listenable altered. On an aesthetic level, it is a marvelous sonic landscape, beautiful, lulling, exciting, everything you would want from a CD. I love this music, and think it is the best in his catalog (Smoker You Drink is climbing, however, in my estimable opinion upon repeated listening)”

3. So What (1974)

“A hugely enjoyable album. The guitar work is stellar, subtle, adventurous, simple, and completely captivating as are the songs. Great backup vocals from Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Dan Fogelberg. This was the album that introduced me to Joe Walsh before he played Wembley for the first time in 1975. This and “The Smoker You Drink The Player You Get” are wonderful recordings. You won’t be disappointed.”

2. But Seriously, Folks… (1978)

“I think this is a great CD. I love Joe Walsh’s guitar playing and I enjoy listening to the entire first 4 songs straight through uninterrupted. “At the Station” “Indian Summer” and “Second Hand Store” always make me think of summer time when I was a kid and we used to hang out at the fishing hole drinking beer. Of course, this contains the classic “Life’s Been Good” and there’s also a great catchy tune called “Tomorrow” and a couple of cool instrumental pieces.”

1. The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get (1973)

‘Joe Walsh’s solo work is undervalued. Most music fans will know him as guitarist/vocalist with Eagles, but his first incarnation was as leader of The James Gang, a band well worth a listen. His solo period includes this gorgeous album replete with his phenomenal guitar artistry. Walsh’s ear for melody allied to an ear-pleasing gutsiness hits the pleasure zone to perfection.”