Why this album mattered

Building the Perfect Beast is the second solo studio album by American rock singer Don Henley, released on November 19, 1984, by Geffen Records. Critical reception Reviewing the album in Rolling Stone, Kurt Loder wrote that "Building the Perfect Beast is a meticulously crafted and programmed set of songs about love and politics. The first side is given to personal reflections on love and loss, such as the wistful 'Boys of Summer.' Side two is more issue-oriented, tackling subjects from genetic engineering ('Building the Perfect Beast') to America's reckless foreign policy. It reached #13 and charted for 63 weeks. Major singles from the album include "The Boys Of Summer", "All She Wants To Do Is Dance", "Sunset Grill".