10 Best Don Henley Songs of All Time

Don Henley is one of the most iconic American rock musicians of all time. The founding member and co-lead vocalist of the Eagles, Henley has been entertaining audiences for over five decades with his powerful voice and signature songwriting style. His solo career has been equally successful, producing numerous hits that have stood the test of time. With his distinctive voice and insightful lyrics, Henley has carved out a unique niche in the music industry that has earned him a legion of devoted fans.

From classic rock ballads to upbeat pop songs, Henley’s music has something for everyone. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience has made his music resonate with audiences across generations. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Don Henley songs of all time. We’ll take a journey through his extensive catalog and highlight the songs that have made the biggest impact on his career and the music industry as a whole. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we celebrate the life and career of one of America’s greatest musicians.

1. The End of Innocence

The song that initiated the end of Don Henley's youthful outlook was a timeless masterpiece. The intricacy and metaphoric power of the lyrics were complemented by melodic rock tunes. 'The End of Innocence' rightfully earns a place as one of Henley's best compositions. It narrates the disillusionment of an individual who once believed in an idealistic world, only to realize it was made up of lies and corruption.

Continuing with the theme, Henley touches on a broad array of social issues, including poverty, war, and environmental destruction. The song highlights the reality that many people overlook, pursuing selfish endeavors rather than confronting societal problems head-on. He challenges listeners with politically charged statements without departing from his signature blend of pop and rock music.

With over 40 years in the industry and six solo albums to his name, 'The Boys Of Summer' remains one of his most distinguished works. This song speaks about lost love and how time changes everything. With simple yet engaging rhythms backed by hard-hitting guitar solos, it exudes Henley's talent as a lyricist.

Don Henley shows us that the heart truly does matter, especially when it comes to his mesmerizing songwriting skills.

2. The Heart of the Matter

The core of the matter lies in Don Henley's ability to craft profound lyrics. With a subdued instrumental backing, "The Heart of the Matter" elegantly delves into post-breakup introspection. The song highlights Henley's tenacity in capturing complex emotions through his music and his unparalleled lyrical skills.

"The Heart of the Matter" showcases Henley's vocal range as he delivers an emotional performance alongside soulful guitar riffs and harmonies. The song is an all-time favorite among fans and critics alike, cementing its position as one of Don Henley's most iconic tracks.

The track features on The End of the Innocence album released in 1989 and became an instant classic, charting at number 21 on Billboard Hot 100 charts. It has been critically acclaimed for its sheer simplicity and honesty in expressing vulnerability.

Interestingly, "The Heart of the Matter" was almost left out during recording until guitarist Danny Kortchmar pushed for it to be included in the final cut, proving to be a right call that paid off significantly.

If you're experiencing a last worthless evening, at least you can listen to Don Henley's ode to heartbreak and feel like you're not alone.

3. The Last Worthless Evening

This track has been listed at 3. in '10 Best Don Henley Songs of All Time'. 'The Last Worthless Evening' showcases Henley's vocal range in combination with a bluesy guitar riff composition. The various elements of this song blend to create a haunting yet emotional experience for the listener.

Don Henley's lead vocals, layered upon ethereal strings and shimmering guitar work by Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, transport listeners into a different world. Every instrument seems to complement each other in such an organic way that the song appears as if it is being played by one instrument. This track talks about heartbreak, and the powerful guitar solo beautifully captures the painful feelings of lost love.

'The Last Worthless Evening' remains a timeless classic; it has stood the test of time over three decades since its release in 1989. As per Don Henley, this song was inspired by Elvis Presley's 'In The Ghetto', which eventually led him to write his hit single.

If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to this masterpiece yet, then do yourself a favor and add 'The Last Worthless Evening' to your playlist; you won't regret it.

New York Minute: because only Don Henley could make Manhattan seem slow-paced and melancholic.

4. New York Minute

This song is a hit single from Henley's 1989 album 'The End of the Innocence'. '4. New York Minute' comprises layered sounds of acoustic and electric guitars complemented with strings and synth. It lyrically talks about the fast-paced life in the city, where everything changes drastically in just a matter of seconds. The song was famous for its heartrending solo guitar piece played by Danny Kortchmar that speaks volumes about New York's fleeting nature.

Henley's emotionally charged voice beautifully captures the essence of this song as he sings about how everything can change in a blink of an eye. The piano and string sections add to the track's melancholic tone, while Waddy Watchel's poignant guitar solo gives it an alluring finish.

'New York Minute' has been covered by several artists, but none have managed to deliver it quite like Henley himself. It strikes a chord with anyone familiar with life in the Big Apple, who knows that time waits for no one here.

For those seeking an immersive experience, listening to this track while taking a stroll around Manhattan's streets during a chilly evening can be truly soulful. A must-have entry on every Don Henley fan’s playlist!

Taking You Home – because nothing says 'I love you' like a song about a one-night stand.

5. Taking You Home

This track from Don Henley's solo album, Inside Job, showcases his knack for crafting heartfelt ballads. The lyrics depict a protagonist reminiscing about the past and longing to take their loved one home. Henley's soothing vocals are accompanied by gentle piano chords, creating a wistful atmosphere. "Taking You Home" has received critical acclaim for its emotive delivery and poignant lyrics, further cementing Henley's status as one of rock music's most accomplished songwriters.

A standout feature of this song is its simplicity – while the instrumentation is minimalistic, it allows the vocals to take center stage and fully convey the song's message. Henley's use of imagery also contributes to the song's emotional impact – lines like "moonlight on the sand" and "the city lights behind us fade away" create vivid mental images that enhance the listener's experience. Overall, "Taking You Home" is a masterclass in songwriting that never fails to tug at the heartstrings.

It’s worth noting that this song did not receive as much commercial success as some of Henley’s other hits, but it remains a fan favorite and is often considered one of his best works.

(Source: https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-don-henley-songs/)

Summer may be over, but listening to 'The Boys of Summer' is like sipping a cold drink on a hot day – refreshing and timeless.

6. The Boys of Summer

This iconic song, a classic from Don Henley’s solo career, is a tribute to the youth of summer now passed. Through introspective lyrics paired with upbeat melodies, ‘The lads of summertime’ produces feelings of longing for simpler days. The song has become a staple in classic rock radio and inspired covers by other artists.

Henley's distinctive voice accentuates the poignancy of 'The Boys of Summer', recalling memories of past relationships and the passage of time. Its music video added to its popularity, depicting images steeped in nostalgia that went on to win Video of the Year at MTV’s inaugural VMAs. It was also named Rolling Stone’s 416th greatest song ever written.

One interesting fact about 'The Boys of Summer' is that it took years to record – Henley struggled with finding the perfect sound for it and it went through multiple versions before being released on his album ‘Building The Perfect Beast’.

Pro Tip: For a complete nostalgia trip, watch the music video alongside listening to this beloved classic.

Dirty Laundry ain't just a catchy tune, it's also the soundtrack to every journalist's nightmare.

7. Dirty Laundry

This track delves into the darker side of media coverage acting as a wake-up call to the audience. Henley paints a vivid picture of dragging skeletons out of the closet and turning tragedies into headlines over slick rock grooves reminiscent of ‘80s pop and new wave.

The song’s infectious hooks, visceral imagery, and topical themes make it an enduring critique of sensationalist news culture.

Looks like Don Henley needs to file a complaint with Cupid, because there's definitely not enough love in the world for this heart-wrenching song.

8. Not Enough Love in the World

This song speaks to the absence of love and kindness in the world, clearly pointing out how it can lead to chaos and destruction. Don Henley's hit is a beautiful example of how a powerful message can be conveyed through music. The lyrics express concern over society's increasingly selfish behavior, driven by materialism and complacency.

'Not Enough Love in the World' presents a sombre reality that is universally relatable. Its poignant lyrics swirl around themes such as morality, human emotion, and compassion. Henley reminds us that love conquers all evils and that we must strive for harmony within ourselves so that we may show compassion to others.

The primary focus of this song is how people are too busy pursuing their own interests instead of showing each other genuine affection. However, there are several verses expressing hope for change in the future where we recognize our weaknesses as humans and try to become more compassionate beings.

A true story that mimics what this song talks about is one where a wealthy businessman paid for hundreds of strangers' holiday expenses to spread joy during Christmas time. It just goes to show how giving back without expecting anything in return can create beautiful memories and bring people together regardless of their differences.

If only she knew the true meaning behind the lyrics, she might think twice about her non-stop dance party.

9. All She Wants to Do Is Dance

This Don Henley classic showcases his innate musical ability. The song outlines the insatiable desire of a woman whose sole aim is to dance. Although the lyrics may appear lighthearted, the track has a serious undertone, as it highlights how people can become consumed by the need to escape their problems through dancing. Henley's soulful voice perfectly complements the upbeat tempo and lively guitar riffs of the track, making it an unforgettable addition to any playlist.

The catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics of 'All She Wants to Do Is Dance' make it a timeless hit that fans continue to enjoy today. The use of humor in describing an addictive dancer adds a unique touch to this work, alongside its fascinating bass lines and whirlwind sound effects. It encapsulates how music can be used to mask our troubles and spend an enjoyable time on the dancefloor with those around us.

It's interesting how Don Henley was inspired by attending several parties in Los Angeles in 1984 where he observed women dancing as if it were all they had left in life amidst widespread drug abuse at parties that he had attended during that time. That experience ultimately became a source for him while writing this upbeat yet deep track – 'All She Wants to Do Is Dance.'

Don Henley knows the real reason why we're not drinking enough – his music makes us forget we need a drink.

10. You’re Not Drinking Enough

When it comes to Don Henley's music, "You're Not Drinking Enough" stands out as a memorable track. The song was released in 1984 on his album Building the Perfect Beast and showcases Henley's ability to blend pop sounds with country rock influences. It's a toe-tapping tune with lyrics that encourage listeners to drink more alcohol.

The upbeat melody contrasts with the darker message of self-destruction, making it an interesting addition to any playlist. The use of unconventional instruments like accordion and mandolin also adds flair to the overall sound.

In addition to its musical merit, "You're Not Drinking Enough" serves as a commentary on the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction. It's a reminder that sometimes our enjoyment can lead us down harmful paths.

To fully appreciate this song, listeners should pay attention to the clever lyrics and playful instrumentation. For those struggling with alcohol issues, it may serve as a cautionary tale or even inspire them to seek help.

Ultimately, "You're Not Drinking Enough" is one of Don Henley's most unique tracks and worth a listen for any fan of '80s pop-rock or country fusion.