Don Henley Albums Ranked
Donald Hugh Henley (born July 22, 1947) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and founding member of the Eagles. He was the drummer and co-lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971 until the band broke up in 1980, and has reprised those duties for the group’s reunions since 1994. Henley sang the lead vocals on Eagles hits such as “Witchy Woman”, “Desperado”, “Best of My Love”, “One of These Nights”, “Hotel California”, “Life in the Fast Lane”, “The Long Run” and “Get Over It”.
After the Eagles broke up in 1980, Henley pursued a solo career and released his debut album I Can’t Stand Still, in 1982. He has released five studio albums, two compilation albums, and one live DVD. His solo hits include “Dirty Laundry”, “The Boys of Summer”, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance”, “The Heart of the Matter”, “The Last Worthless Evening”, “Sunset Grill”, “Not Enough Love in the World”, and “The End of the Innocence”.
Henley has also played a founding role in several environmental and political causes, most notably the Walden Woods Project. From 1994 to 2016, he divided his musical activities between the Eagles and his solo career.
Here are all of Don Henley’s albums ranked.
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4. I Can’t Stand Still (1982)
“I give it a five all the way. However, I might be a bit biased as I’m a huge Don Henley fan! He could sing the phone book and I’d be happy. Of course this release had a few of what’s considered his “greatest hits.” However, being the Don Henley music collector that I am, I like having all the tracks. Of course, this was the first solo release by Henley after the Eagles. It does have a different flavor to it. I really, though, think “End of the Innocence” is one of his finer releases. With that said: This one is very good indeed. So, if you are a Henley fan like I am, you’ll want to collect this one as well.”
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3. Inside Job (2000)
“Inside Job is a great album – one I’ve listened to at least 100 times so far. I never get tired of the messages on this disk, nor do I get tired of the melodies and the great musicianship. “Nobody Else in the World but You” rocks and has the flavor of a rap or reggae tune. “Taking You Home” is a story about his wildlife about to settle down, about Henley getting married, a slow and soulful tune. “For My Wedding” is a slow, mellow, almost reverent song about his love for a woman he is about to marry and how fragile love is among the evils of the world. “Everything is Different Now” is practically a continuation of this theme of breaking with his wild past and settling down, and he is affirming how great and wonderful his new life is. “
2. Building the Perfect Beast (1984)
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“This is one of the greatest 1980’s albums out there, with songs, like “Boys Of Summer” along with “Sunset Grill. and, a lot of other songs that any 1980’s pop, or light rock listener would enjoy. The only song I don’t personally like is the song called “Building The Perfect Beast” due to the completely out of place instruments on that 1 song. this CD can still qualify as a soft rock music product. This is a vary essential product for any soft rock listener at well. It has vary nice instruments that are well played.”
1. The End of the Innocence (1989)
“The End Of The Innocence may have marked the end of an era, but it is unquestionably the musical pinnacle of Don Henley’s career. The one drawback may be that Don spoke too soon by his disparages of Reagan and the social mindsets of the 80’s. Considering we had yet to see Clinton and the 90’s, the album almost sounds dated, but the messages are just about timeless. The title song, sounding almost like a requiem for the 80’s, stands as one of the greatest ballads of the decade, recalling the small-town beginnings of many an American.”