Henry comes across as a first cousin to Randy Newman, writing hot-wired songs about born-again whores, interfaith marriages, and the homeless taking over the White House. This is funny and thought provoking stuff, all of it good.

Entertainment Weekly

Critics Choice! Should make an impact at AC and smart college outlets.

Billboard Magazine

It would be correct but superficial to call Don Henry an expert craftsman. His most obvious strength is an ability to spin engaging tales that are heavy on plot rather than abstract emotions or vague personal impressions. His characters - misplaced farm boys, romantic prima donnas, aging bikers or infidels - are vivid and alive, and have engrossing stories to tell, with unexpected twists, palpable irony and cleansing moments of revelation if not always redemption.

Philadelphia Daily News

...Jam-packed with good music and stories that are heartfelt and perceptive with a generous helping of Henry's broad sense of humor...Although mostly acoustic, some of the tunes are given a pop feel reminiscent of Randy Newman. Henry has the delightful ability to paint portraits of characters that are larger than life and at the same time authentic."

CMJ New Music Report

Except for a few hecklers who jokingly mixed him up with Don Henley (which must happen all the time), the crowd was won over by this one guy and his guitar, and anyone this talented at being funny and touching at the same time certainly won't stay unknown for long. Long may he write.

Dirty Linen
[AT MY PLACE, SANTA MONICA, CA]

What you get on "Wild in the Backyard" are slanted and tilted views of American daily life. I've heard Don compared to Randy Newman, and damned if that ain't valid. Like Newman, Don Henry fiddles with themes, chords and satire in a way that's both funny and moving.

The Gavin Report

Henry's world has [an] off-kilter spin. This transplanted Californian has a different vision. He's an evolutionary descendant of the singer/songwriters who came of age in the '70's.

Milwaukee Sentinel

Although he has been called "the Randy Newman of the 90's", singer-songwriter Don Henry is definitely an original. Along with Ashley Cleveland and John Hiatt, Henry enjoys the distinction of being a tunesmith who shares an area code and a love of well-crafted songs with Nashville, but not much more.

Portland Williamette Week

Henry's album gives full expression to the wonderfully untamed animals of his imagination. Here's hoping they breed like rabbits. (Performance: Wacky genius)

Stereo Review

Don Henry may be the next Randy Newman, a piercingly insightful songwriter who uses irony like a scalpel. From musings on the cult of leadership to bittersweet love songs and sheer whimsy, Henry is a winner on every track."

L.A. Reader

Neobilly's answer to Harry Chapin.

Hits! Magazine

Performance: A! He writes wry song-stories with richly etched characters peopling them and memorable melodies propelling them. The influences of such songmen as Steve Goodman, John Prine and especially Randy Newman are keen in his work.

Audio Magazine

...[one of the] best 10 of the year so far. Henry is a songwriter who spears pretension with a sharp tongue, but he also is a student of the Beatles and other quality songsmiths. His material not only has something to say, it says it well.

The Birmingham News

(***) For a co-composer of the moving hit, "Where've You Been", Don Henry wields a wicked sense of humor.

Cincinnati Enquirer

(***1/2) It's not easy to see how the same person that wrote the remorsefully insightful "Heart Cut in Half" (or "Where've You Been" which has deservedly won just about every award...) could also pen the semi-novelty protest song "Into A Mall". But once you've reconciled the two, you've seen into this singer/songwriter's soul.

Nashville Scene