Building the Perfect Beast Songs Ranked
Building the Perfect Beast is the second solo studio album by Don Henley. The album was released on November 19, 1984 on the Geffen Records label. A commercial and critical success, it is generally regarded as the culmination of the smoother, more adult-oriented sound of Henley’s solo work. The album reached #13 on the Billboard 200 and was certified 3x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album spawned four singles which all reached the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100, including “The Boys of Summer”, which would become one of Henley’s most popular songs and win him numerous awards, including a Grammy Award and four MTV Video Music Awards. In 1989, the album was ranked No. 73 on the Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s”. Here are all of Building the Perfect Beast songs ranked.
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11. Land of the Living
“Closing off the album is the more mellow “Land of the living”. Well-Crafted, a shame it wasn’t released as a single. I was actually listening to the album while I wrote this review, and it brings back fine memories. In my humble opinion, “Building the perfect beast” is the crown jewel of one of music’s most notable careers and belongs in everyone’s collection.”
10. Sunset Grill
“A lengthy track clocking in at 6 minutes 22 seconds, there’s not one dull moment. I still can’t decipher what it’s about. The guitar winds and there’s great use of keyboards, and the use of horns was creative.”
9. All She Wants to Do Is Dance
“The undeniable feel good track is “All she wants to do is dance”, it contains another relevant theme even today. So much ill in the world and the girl’s desire is what the title suggests. Writing the song Don probably didn’t have problems with the girl per se, but the problems out there can’t be overlooked.”
See more: Don Henley Albums Ranked
8. Not Enough Love in the World
“Not enough love in the world” kicks off with an almost soulful riff. Don plays the drums, returning to his day job. The lyrics are heartfelt and sincere..
7. Man With a Mission
“The rocking “Man With A MissionEwith a 50’s rock-and-roll sound, of someone out to have a rowdy partying time, such as running a few red lights, starting some fist fights, drinking a few beers. I was surprised this didn’t make it on the Fast Times At Ridgemont High soundtrack, because thematically, this would fit. Charlie Sexton helps on guitar, as does Belinda Carlisle on harmonies.”
6. The Boys of Summer
“The Boys Of Summer” having been covered recently by DJ Sammy and AFI, makes me appreciate the original all the more. I mean an oontsa-oontsa remix or a punk cover clearly can never capture the wistful pain of trying to forget a lost time on the beach.”
5. Drivin’ With Your Eyes Closed
“Drivin with your eyes closed” is a personal favorite of mine. A terrific guitar hook hauls you in. The words describes a meeting with a French guy and how their cultures seem worlds apart, The Frenchman saying the U.S seems too materialistic, honestly that does seem the case sometimes.”
See more: Don Henley Songs Ranked
4. A Month of Sundays
“My favorite song on the album, “A Month Of Sundays” is a song about a farmer loosing his livelihood in the Regan era 80’s. This is the kind of track that Henley does best and it really works here.”
3. Building the Perfect Beast
“The underrated title track is all out fun. It has a bouncy rhythm, and engaging Synth line, and a superb chorus. Beneath the playfulness is Don’s genuine concern that through greed and for profit, beautiful land is destroyed, in the name of a parking lot.”
2. You’re Not Drinking Enough
“The incredible ballad-“You’re not drinking enough”, which is on par with the Eagles best work. It’s about a guy who’s so tense, going through drama with his girlfriend and as a suggestion should take a lil’ dip in the sauce.”
1. You Can’t Make Love
“You can’t make love” boasts a pleasant guitar lick and catchy synth line.The song is basically about how someone can do all sorts of grand things, even get married, except what the title says.”