The Very Best Of Don Henley collections offer a concise snapshot of Henley’s solo career and his work with Eagles. This guide helps buyers choose the right edition for listening, collecting, or gifting. It highlights top options for classic rock fans, casual listeners, and completionists. The list below focuses on five strong picks that best represent Don Henley’s solo era and his most enduring hits, with notes on who each edition suits best.
Buyer quick reference (summary):
| Product | Format | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Very Best Of Don Henley | CD | New listeners | Classic hits in a single package |
| The Very Best of Don Henley (CD+DVD) | CD + DVD | Collectors | Adds visual content for a fuller experience |
| Above The Clouds: The Very Best Of Glenn Frey | CD | Eagles fans | Shows shared era with Henley via Eagles catalog |
| The End of the Innocence | CD | Longtime fans | Deep cuts and signature tracks from Henley’s solo peak |
| Inside Job | CD | Dedicated followers | Later solo material with a focused set |
The Very Best Of Don Henley
Brand: Geffen
Features: HENLEY DON, R&P INTERNACIONAL, INTERNATIONAL
Who it’s best for: New listeners seeking a concise overview of Don Henley’s solo hits in one accessible package.
Why selected: This compilation offers a broad selection of Henley’s most recognizable tracks, making it a solid starting point for exploring his solo catalog without diving into multiple discs.
Caution: The list of tracks may vary by region; verify tracklist if you need specific era coverage.
The Very Best of Don Henley (CD+DVD)
Brand: UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Features: The Very Best of Don Henley (CD+DVD) by Don Henley (2009-06-23)
Who it’s best for: Collectors who value added video or enhanced content along with audio tracks.
Why selected: The CD+DVD format provides an expanded experience beyond audio, appealing to fans who enjoy multimedia supplements.
Caution: Availability and packaging can vary; check that the DVD content is compatible with your player and region.
Above The Clouds: The Very Best Of Glenn Frey
Brand: UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Features: The Very Best of Glenn Frey, is chock-full of major chart hits, including the Beverly Hills Cop smash “The Heat Is On,” the gritty, slide-guitar-driven gutbucket groove of “Smuggler’s Blues,” the epic Miami Vice ballad “You Belong to the City,” the inward-looking poignancy of “Soul Searchin’,” and much more
Who it’s best for: Eagles fans and listeners who want to explore the solo catalog of another bandmate associated with Don Henley.
Why selected: While not Henley solo, it complements Henley’s era and helps compare styles within the same era of his career.
Caution: If your primary goal is Henley solo material, this may be supplementary rather than essential.
The End of the Innocence
Brand: UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Features: Don Henley’s 6x platinum, third studio album was released in 1989 on Geffen Records
Who it’s best for: Longtime fans seeking Henley’s landmark solo work from the late 1980s.
Why selected: It captures Henley’s peak solo period with a mix of hit singles and deeper tracks, illustrating his growth as a songwriter and performer.
Caution: This is a studio album, not a compilation; it focuses on a specific era rather than a broad overview.
Inside Job
Brand: WARNER BROS
Features: Don Henley- Inside Job
Who it’s best for: Fans looking for later solo material and a more contemporary sound in Henley’s catalog.
Why selected: Represents Henley’s ongoing artistic output outside his 1980s peak, useful for understanding his evolving style.
Caution: Some listeners may prefer more classic material if they want a broader Henley cross-section.
Buying Guide
What should I look for in a Don Henley best-of collection?
Consider track variety, era coverage, and format. If you want a quick overview, choose a single-disc compilation. For deeper exploration, CD+DVD editions add visual content. Fans who follow Henley’s solo career may prefer albums that emphasize specific periods or styles.
Format and region considerations
Check the edition format (CD vs. CD+DVD) and region-specific releases. Some regions feature different tracklists or bonuses. Ensure your player compatibility for any video content if selecting a CD+DVD edition.
How to compare similar titles?
Look at the presence of signature tracks, the balance between early and late career material, and the inclusion of rare or live tracks. For Eagles fans, cross-reference with Glenn Frey’s collections to understand broader era context.
Who should buy these collections?
Casual listeners benefit from concise compilations. Collectors should consider dual-format editions for extras. Longtime fans may prefer albums that spotlight a particular creative period.
Accessibility and listening formats
All listed options are in standard CD format for broad compatibility. If you primarily stream, verify which tracks are available on streaming services and whether a CD+DVD edition provides digital bonuses you can access without a DVD player.
Practical buying tips
Review the track list before purchase to ensure your favorite Henley songs are included. Confirm region-specific content if you have a preference for certain editions or exclusive tracks.
FAQ
- Is a CD+DVD edition worth it for Don Henley fans? A CD+DVD edition is worth it for fans who want visuals or extra content beyond audio tracks, if the DVD material aligns with their interests.
- Should I buy a Henley solo compilation or a Glen Frey collection? For Henley-only material, a solo compilation is best. A Glenn Frey collection complements the solo catalog by showing related era work with Eagles members.
- Do these albums include Don Henley’s most famous hits? The best-of selections typically include his major singles, but track lists may vary by edition and region.
- Are these suitable gifts for classic rock fans? Yes, these editions are well-suited for classic rock enthusiasts who appreciate Henley’s solo career or his era with the Eagles.
- Can I rely on these as a full overview of Henley’s career? They provide a strong overview but may not cover every deep-cut or later release; for comprehensive coverage, combine a best-of with individual studio albums.
- Do these listings indicate release dates? Release dates are noted in the features where provided, but verify with the retailer for the latest edition availability.