Which Eagles album was the first to feature Joe Walsh as a full member?

Hotel California was the first Eagles album to feature Joe Walsh as a full member. Walsh joined the band in 1975, replacing founding guitarist Bernie Leadon, and his arrival helped push the Eagles toward a harder rock sound.

Released in 1976, Hotel California was recorded with Walsh alongside Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Don Felder, and Randy Meisner. Walsh contributed guitar, keyboards, vocals, and songwriting, including “Pretty Maids All in a Row.” His distinctive playing was also central to “Life in the Fast Lane” and the famous guitar duet on “Hotel California.”

The album became a major turning point for the band, combining its polished vocal harmonies with heavier guitar work. The Long Run, released in 1979, was the next Eagles studio album to feature Walsh, so it cannot be the first. The self-titled Eagles album and One of These Nights predated his membership.