Don Henley's 1982 song 'Didn't Work' was a pivotal moment in his solo career. This track, which he initially intended as a New Wave pop hit, failed to resonate with audiences. Henley's attempt to follow the New Wave trend was met with mixed results, as he later admitted, "We released 'Johnny Can't Read' first. In retrospect, I was trying to follow the New Wave trend; that song was meant to be kind of a New Wave pop hit. Didn't work. I even recorded that song in French and Spanish! And trying to have an international audience in it didn’t work." This song's initial failure was a missed opportunity, as it lacked the catchy, memorable quality that would later define Henley's solo work. However, it's worth noting that 'Johnny Can't Read' did have a decent groove and a unique concept, which could have been interesting for a few songs. Henley's true breakthrough came with 'Dirty Laundry,' a song that showcased his talent for crafting catchy, condemnation-filled tunes about the scum of the earth. This track's success proved that one flop hit doesn't define an artist's career, and Henley's ability to recover from setbacks is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. In my opinion, Henley's journey with 'Didn't Work' highlights the importance of embracing one's artistic vision and learning from mistakes. It's a reminder that even the most talented artists can stumble, and sometimes, it's the unexpected detours that lead to the most rewarding destinations.
