Music Review: Don Henley ‘Cass County’
I鈥檝e been a fan of the Eagles since the day my brother brought home a copy of 鈥淥n the Border鈥� back in 1974. The band鈥檚 third release drew me in with an engaging country-rock style highlighted on hits such as 鈥淎lready Gone,鈥� 鈥淵ou Never Cry Like a Lover,鈥� 鈥淛ames Dean鈥� and 鈥淏est of My Love.鈥�
Over the years, I would eventually obtain the band鈥檚 entire discography as the near-flawless 鈥淗otel California鈥� remains one of my favorite albums ever. As a founding member of one of the most influential bands of the 1970s, Don Henley takes a break from touring with the Eagles to release his fifth solo effort containing familiar country-tinged flavorings found on classic albums such as 鈥淥ne of These Nights鈥� and 鈥淒esperado.鈥�
鈥淐ass County鈥� is a nostalgic nod to the Texas region where Henley grew up as the 12 tracks deliver a peaceful easy feeling with Henley seamlessly blending Americana, country and blues styles with the help of some very special guests. A cover of Tift Merritt鈥檚 鈥淏ramble Rose鈥� opens the set with Miranda Lambert sharing the vocal duties with Henley and a brief surprise performance by Mick Jagger performing his best country-laced vocals since 鈥淔ar Away Eyes鈥� off 1978鈥檚 鈥淪ome Girls.鈥�
Two country icons add a vintage sentimental charm to a pair of memorable tracks with Merle Haggard on 鈥淭he Cost of Living鈥� and Dolly Parton on 鈥淲hen I Stop Dreaming.鈥� Martina McBride heats things up in a hurry with a spirited performance partnered with Henley on 鈥淭hat Old Flame.鈥�
Other standout numbers include the lonely tale of a small town waitress patiently waiting for Mr. Right to come along on 鈥淲aiting Tables鈥� and the heartbreaking reflection of how a promising romance slowly turned cold and uninspired with 鈥淭ake a Picture of This.鈥� Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Lucinda Williams, Trisha Yearwood and Lee Ann Womack are also featured on the album.
After selling more than 87,000 units in the first week of release, 鈥淐ass County鈥� proves that you can indeed return home again for inspiration and reflection. The 68-year-old Henley is still at the top of his game, making 鈥淐ass County鈥� easily one of the finest country albums of the year.