I Can't Stand Still


I Can't Stand Still is the debut solo studio album by American musician Don Henley, drummer and co-lead vocalist for the Eagles. It was released in 1982 by Asylum Records. Henley, Danny Kortchmar and Greg Ladanyi produced the album. I Can't Stand Still achieved gold status, and peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and at the same position on the UK Albums Chart. Three singles were released from the album, including the hit "Dirty Laundry", which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Henley's best-selling single. The title track "I Can't Stand Still" reached number No. 48 and the controversial track "Johnny Can't Read" reached No. 42 on the charts. The album showcased some of Henley's frustrations at the time. "Dirty Laundry" displays his disgust with the media and tabloid news coverage, and "Johnny Can't Read," shows his displeasure with the American educational system.

Critical reception

Reviewing retrospectively for AllMusic, critic Mike DeGagne has written of the album, "Henley's first solo album may still have had the ghost of the Eagles lingering in the corners, but for the most part it showcases his stalwart partnership with producer and songwriter Danny Kortchmar." and then added that "Henley's adept combination of lyrical wit and thought-provoking staidness begins to materialize on I Can't Stand Still, paving the way for an extremely accomplished solo career."

Track listing

All songs by Don Henley and Danny Kortchmar, except where noted.

Personnel

Album – Billboard
Chart Peak
position

Singles – Billboard
YearSingleChartPosition
1982"Dirty Laundry"Club Play Singles47
1982"Dirty Laundry"Mainstream Rock1
1982"Johnny Can't Read"Mainstream Rock29
1982"Johnny Can't Read"Pop Singles42
1982"You Better Hang Up"Mainstream Rock44
1983"Dirty Laundry"Pop Singles3
1983"I Can't Stand Still"Pop Singles48