Eagles

"Hole in the World," the Eagles' first release since their 2000 box set, Selected Works: 1972-1999, their first on their own Eagles Recording Co. II (not to be confused with Eagle Records), and their first as a quartet of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit (since the dismissal of Don Felder), is easy to interpret as the band's response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The harmony-filled ballad features a much-repeated chorus talking about a hole in the world and a "cloud of fear and sorrow," presumably a poetic way of talking about the ruin at the World Trade Center site. Lead vocalist Henley also contributes two verses in his husky voice, pondering how those who see themselves as "anointed" can take such actions. The lyrics don't have much to say beyond noting how dire things are "tonight," wondering why, and hoping things will be better "tomorrow," but the song is a typically pretty Eagles soft rock showcase. It is presented in 5.1 and stereo mixes as a black-and-white video that shows the band performing the song in a recording studio. There is also a brief "making of" section with outtakes, a five-minute "backstage" documentary on an Eagles concert performance in an arena, and a bonus CD containing an audio-only recording of the song. The release contains fairly elaborate packaging for what is essentially a simple, minor addition to the Eagles' catalog. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide