Don Henley's Last Top 40 Hit: A Tale of Solo Struggles and Eagles Reunion
Don Henley's journey to the Top 40 as a solo artist was a fascinating one, marked by a unique blend of critical acclaim and commercial challenges. His last solo hit, 'The Heart Of The Matter', released in 1990, was a testament to his artistic prowess, but it also highlighted the complexities of his career trajectory.
The Solo Artist's Slow Burn
Henley's solo career was a deliberate and measured affair, in stark contrast to the rapid output of many contemporaries. While the Eagles were on hiatus in the early 1980s, Henley released only three solo albums during the entire decade, each one a critical and commercial success. This deliberate pace allowed him to maintain a high level of artistic integrity, with each album featuring at least one Top 10 hit single.
The gap between his second and third solo records, 'Building The Perfect Beast' (1984) and 'The End Of The Innocence' (1989), was particularly notable. This extended break showcased Henley's ability to craft thoughtful and poignant music, as evidenced by the album's title track, a collaboration with Bruce Hornsby, which once again landed him in the Top 10.
A Heartfelt Tale, a Top 25 Single
'The Last Worthless Evening' and 'The Heart Of The Matter' were the other two singles from 'The End Of The Innocence', with the latter becoming a Top 25 hit. Written with JD Souther, a longtime collaborator on Eagles hits, 'The Heart Of The Matter' told a poignant story of a man grappling with the end of a relationship. It showcased Henley's skill in weaving personal narratives with broader themes of acceptance and forgiveness.
The Eagles Reunion and the Solo Career's Hiatus
Despite the success of 'The End Of The Innocence' and its singles, Henley's solo career took a backseat to the Eagles' reunion. The band's decision to reunite and embark on the 'Hell Freezes Over' tour in the early 1990s demanded his full attention. This shift in focus meant that a follow-up solo album had to wait until 2000, when 'Inside Job' was released, with the single 'Taking You Home' peaking at No. 48, just missing the Top 40.
A Missed Opportunity or a Wise Choice?
The question remains: what might Henley's solo career have achieved in the years between 'The End Of The Innocence' and 'Inside Job'? The Eagles' reunion and subsequent success were undoubtedly lucrative, but it's intriguing to consider the potential impact of new solo material during that period. Henley's decision to prioritize the band's reunion may have been a strategic one, but it also highlights the challenges of maintaining a solo career alongside a successful band.
In conclusion, Don Henley's last Top 40 hit as a solo artist was a testament to his artistic vision and emotional depth. However, the Eagles reunion and its subsequent success cast a shadow over his solo endeavors, leading to a prolonged hiatus. This narrative of solo struggles and band reunion is a fascinating chapter in Henley's illustrious career, one that showcases the complexities of balancing artistic integrity with commercial success.
