On his solo debut, Don Henley establishes a new musical style that moves past his work with the Eagles. With guitarist Danny Kortchmar as his new musical partner, he embraces a sleek, modern sound incorporating synthesizer-driven New Wave without sounding like he's jumping on any bandwagons. His lyrics are more socially conscious than ever. "Dirty Laundry" is a clattering, snarling attack on the media, while the hyperkinetic "Johnny Can't Read" has a Devo-like sardonic edge. Meanwhile, "Long Way Home" shows his knack for heartfelt ballads is intact.