Don Henley has been an integral part of the rock band Eagles since their inception in 1971. He’s a talented vocalist and drummer, as well as a talented guitarist. He’s mainly known for his work with The Eagles, but his solo career has been similarly lucrative. Let’s look at five deep cuts from Don Henley’s solo career that every fan should hear at least once!
1. “Johnny Can’t Read”
This song was Henley’s debut solo single in 1982, and it’s a delightful treat. Far too many members of famous bands embark on their solo careers only to sound like a different version of the band they were known for. This Don Henley deep cut made it clear that the singer has his own unique talents, and it was a hit when it was first released.
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2. “Sunset Grill”
One of several singles from Building The Perfect Beast in 1984, “Sunset Grill” was something akin to “Hotel California”, though very uniquely Don Henley. It’s a sorely underrated song that didn’t chart super well compared to other singles from the album.
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3. “Who Owns This Place?”
“Who Owns This Place?” was Henley’s contribution to the soundtrack for The Color Of Money in 1986. It’s an excellent piece of work worthy of being on the same album as Eric Clapton and B.B. King. The song is a dark, brooding, and sleek production.
4. “The Heart Of The Matter”
Much of Henley’s 1989 album The End Of The Innocence is quite heavy. “The Heart Of The Matter” was an excellent, bright addition to the otherwise gloomy album. You won’t hear synths or booming drums on this track. It’s a simple, emotional, guitar-focused song that shows Henley’s talents beautifully.
5. “Taking You Home”
“Taking You Home” comes from the 2000 album Inside Job. The album came about after The Eagles reunited following an 11-year hiatus, and you can hear the lightness in Henley on this track, specifically. It’s warm and melody-focused, and one of the few love songs by Henley that doesn’t end tragically. The maturity and growth are palpable. This is one of the best Don Henley deep cuts out there.
Photo by Ethan Miller
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