Have you ever noticed a retaining wall that leans, is cracked, or is just not very pleasing? Most retaining walls are this way by design (or rather the lack of it).

Retaining walls have an important job to do in maintaining grade changes; but they don't have to be weak and ugly to do the job.

Properly designed walls are calculated for stress and an adequate anchor system. The good designer then adds esthetical value to the portion you see.