Long Road Out of Eden (Eagles Music, 2007)

Thirty years ago, The Eagle were considered part of the California pop rock crowd. But lots has changed musically in three decades because with the super group's first studio disc (a 20-song double CD) since 1979's "The Long Run," The Eagles apparently is squarely in the country category. The "Common Thread" tribute disc from 1993 helped align country with The Eagles.

And that proves true to an extent here with the very country, trademark Eagles sound in the single "How Long" with its lovely harmonies and Glenn Frey's solid vocals along with other Eagles. Don Henley does a good job on the country flavored and bluesy sounding "Busy Being Fabulous."

But it would be wrong to characterize The Eagles as any sort of dyed in the wool country act. "What Would I Do With My Heart" sounds great, but is really a bluesy colored lament. "Frail Grasp on the Big Picture" adopts a funky sound. The pretty sounding "It's Your World Now" adopts a Latin/Mexico beat.

Forgetting about any labels and genres, this is one fine album. The Eagles aged with no signs of wear and tear. Everyone sings with the same vocal quality as in the old days. The songs are well conceived. The Eagles also do not eschew politics with the title track making references to war followed by "I Dreamed There Was No War."

This may not be everyone's idea of country, but with today's country sound ever expansive, The Eagles fit in quite well and offer music to match.