Don Henley, born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, is an American singer, songwriter, and drummer. He is best known as one of the founding members of the Eagles, a highly successful rock band. Henley’s contributions to the Eagles include his lead and backing vocals, as well as his drumming skills.
As a solo artist, Don Henley achieved significant success with a series of albums starting in the early 1980s. Notable among these is his debut solo album, “I Can’t Stand Still” (1982), which featured the hit single “Dirty Laundry.” His subsequent albums, such as “Building the Perfect Beast” (1984) and “The End of the Innocence” (1989), produced chart-topping singles like “The Boys of Summer” and the title track, respectively.
Henley’s solo work often explores themes of love, loss, and social commentary. He is recognized for his smooth voice, thoughtful lyrics, and ability to craft both rock and softer, more introspective songs.
Beyond his musical career, Don Henley has been involved in various social and environmental causes. His influence in the music industry, both as a member of the Eagles and as a solo artist, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and contemporary music.
1. The Boys of Summer
“The Boys of Summer” is a song by Don Henley, released in 1984 as the lead single from his album “Building the Perfect Beast.” The song was co-written by Henley and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
“The Boys of Summer” is known for its distinctive synthesizer riff and evocative lyrics. The song reflects on the passage of time, lost love, and the bittersweet memories of a past relationship. The chorus, with the iconic line “Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac,” became instantly recognizable.
The track became a massive hit, winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1985. “The Boys of Summer” remains one of Don Henley’s signature songs and is celebrated for its catchy melody, reflective lyrics, and its embodiment of the sound of the mid-1980s.
2. Dirty Laundry
“Dirty Laundry” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single in 1982 from his debut solo album, “I Can’t Stand Still.” Henley co-wrote the song with Danny Kortchmar.
“Dirty Laundry” is known for its satirical and critical lyrics about sensationalism and the state of news media. The song addresses the media’s focus on scandal and sensational stories, and it critiques the public’s appetite for such content. Henley’s vocal delivery and the catchy chorus contribute to the song’s impact.
The track became one of Don Henley’s most successful solo singles and received critical acclaim for its social commentary. “Dirty Laundry” remains relevant in its critique of media culture and has continued to be referenced in discussions about the media’s role in society.
3. Not Enough Love in the World
“Not Enough Love in the World” is a song by Don Henley, released in 1985 on his album “Building the Perfect Beast.” The album marked a successful period in Henley’s solo career, featuring several hit singles, and “Not Enough Love in the World” is one of them.
The song is characterized by its smooth, melodic sound, with Henley’s soulful vocals delivering lyrics that explore themes of love and longing. The chorus features the poignant line “There’s not enough love in the world tonight to turn it all around.” The track showcases Henley’s ability to blend rock, pop, and elements of soft rock.
Building the Perfect Beast as a whole received critical acclaim and commercial success, and “Not Enough Love in the World” contributed to the album’s positive reception. The song received airplay on radio stations and has become a notable entry in Don Henley’s solo discography.
Henley’s solo work often reflects a more introspective and contemplative side compared to his contributions to the Eagles, and “Not Enough Love in the World” is a prime example of this aspect of his musical style.
4. All She Wants to Do Is Dance
“All She Wants to Do Is Dance” is a song by Don Henley, released in 1985 as part of his second solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast.” The song features a distinctive blend of rock, pop, and dance elements, showcasing Henley’s versatility as an artist.
The lyrics of “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” touch on themes of escapism and societal issues. Against the backdrop of a catchy and danceable melody, the song’s lyrics criticize political and social unrest, offering a commentary on the state of the world during the mid-1980s.
The upbeat and infectious nature of the song, coupled with Henley’s smooth vocals, contributed to its commercial success. “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” became one of the standout tracks from the “Building the Perfect Beast” album and received significant radio airplay.
The music video for the song features colorful and surreal imagery, complementing the song’s energetic and danceable vibe. Overall, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” remains a popular and recognizable entry in Don Henley’s solo discography.
5. You’re Not Drinking Enough
“You’re Not Drinking Enough” is a song by Don Henley from his second solo album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” released in 1984. The song was written by Henley along with Danny Kortchmar and guitarist J.D. Souther.
“You’re Not Drinking Enough” is a blues-influenced rock track that explores themes of love and heartbreak. Henley’s distinctive vocals and the soulful instrumentation contribute to the song’s emotional impact. The lyrics suggest that the troubles in the relationship might be easier to handle with a bit more alcohol.
While not released as a single, the song is a notable track from the “Building the Perfect Beast” album, showcasing Henley’s songwriting and musical versatility. The album as a whole received critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying Don Henley’s reputation as a solo artist.
6. The End of Innocence
“The End of the Innocence” is a song by Don Henley, released in 1989 as the lead single and title track from his third studio album. The album marked Henley’s collaboration with Bruce Hornsby, who co-wrote and played the piano on the song.
The lyrics of “The End of the Innocence” reflect on the loss of innocence and the challenges faced as one navigates the complexities of life and society. The song is known for its introspective and poignant lyrics, addressing themes of change, disillusionment, and the passage of time.
The collaboration with Bruce Hornsby brought a rich musical arrangement to the track, featuring Hornsby’s signature piano work. Henley’s vocals, as always, convey a sense of depth and emotion, enhancing the impact of the song’s lyrical content.
“The End of the Innocence” received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning Henley several Grammy Awards. The song remains one of Henley’s most celebrated compositions, illustrating his ability to craft songs that are both musically sophisticated and lyrically profound.
7. The Heart of the Matter
“The Heart of the Matter” is a song by Don Henley from his third studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” released in 1989. Henley co-wrote the song with Mike Campbell and J.D. Souther.
“The Heart of the Matter” is a reflective and contemplative ballad that explores themes of forgiveness, introspection, and the complexities of human relationships. The lyrics delve into the challenges of letting go of resentments and finding a path toward healing. Henley’s emotive vocals and the song’s melodic arrangement contribute to its emotional depth.
The track became one of Don Henley’s well-known solo songs and received positive critical acclaim. “The Heart of the Matter” showcases Henley’s ability to blend poignant lyrics with soulful melodies, and it remains a notable entry in his catalog of solo work.
8. The Last Worthless Evening
“The Last Worthless Evening” is a song by Don Henley, released in 1989 on his third studio album, “The End of the Innocence.” The album marked a collaborative effort with various artists, including Bruce Hornsby, who contributed to the title track.
“The Last Worthless Evening” is known for its smooth and melodic sound, characteristic of Henley’s solo work. The lyrics tell the story of a bittersweet encounter and capture the emotions of a moment that feels meaningful yet fleeting. The song’s title reflects the sentiment of the lyrics, suggesting that the evening is the last one that feels empty or without value.
Don Henley’s vocals, combined with the polished production and the guitar work, contribute to the overall laid-back and reflective atmosphere of the song. “The Last Worthless Evening” received positive reviews and became one of the singles from the album.
As with many of Henley’s compositions, the song showcases his ability to blend thoughtful lyrics with a melodic and accessible musical style. It stands as a testament to his enduring influence as a singer-songwriter.
9. New York Minute
“New York Minute” is a song by Don Henley from his fourth studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” released in 1989. Henley co-wrote the song with Danny Kortchmar and Jai Winding.
“New York Minute” is a reflective ballad that captures the essence of the fast-paced and often unforgiving nature of life in New York City. The lyrics tell a poignant story about fleeting moments and the impact of time on individual lives. The song features Henley’s soulful vocals and a musical arrangement that blends elements of pop and jazz.
While “New York Minute” wasn’t released as a single, it has become one of the standout tracks from “The End of the Innocence” album. The song’s evocative storytelling and musical craftsmanship showcase Don Henley’s ability to address complex themes through his music.
10. Taking You Home
“Taking You Home” is a song by Don Henley from his fifth studio album, “Inside Job,” released in 2000. Henley co-wrote the song with Stan Lynch.
“Taking You Home” is a reflective and melodic track that explores themes of life, love, and the passage of time. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and the comfort of returning home after life’s journeys. The song features Henley’s smooth vocals and a musical arrangement that incorporates elements of rock and pop.
While “Taking You Home” may not be as well-known as some of Henley’s earlier hits, it received positive reviews for its lyrical depth and musical composition. The song reflects Henley’s continued exploration of mature themes in his solo work.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
