When Tom Petty released his debut album, the self-titled Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, he was confident but not cocky. “It is not really like anything you’re going to hear,” he remarked to the Gainesville Sun (via thepettyarchives.com) in December of 1976, just a month after the album was released. “The reviews have said it too. It’s rock and roll, it’s got a beat…I don’t know what it’s like, maybe kind of squirmy.”
Though it took some time for Petty’s career to gather serious momentum, once it did, it was clear he was destined to be a remarkable songwriter. Over his career, he and the Heartbreakers produced 13 studio albums and collaborated with legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Below, we highlight what we consider to be the “Big 4” albums in Petty’s discography, encompassing both his work with the Heartbreakers and his solo endeavors.
1. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976)
Looking back, it’s striking that Petty’s debut album featured two of his most iconic songs: “Breakdown” and “American Girl.” This was an impressive launch. However, at the time of its release in November 1976, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers didn’t create much of a stir. Billboard described it simply as “an assortment of sullen ballads and uptempo shriekers.” Not exactly a glowing review.
Things changed when the U.K. press began to take notice. “I like the record so much I take it into the office with me and play it every day since,” wrote Giovanni Dadomo in Sounds magazine. Following some touring overseas, the album climbed to No. 24 on the U.K. charts. Eventually, it reached No. 55 in America in 1978, over a year after its release. Petty’s songwriting prowess demonstrated that he could stand alongside the giants of the industry, even in an era dominated by punk and new wave music.
2. Damn the Torpedoes (1979)
Just three years later, Petty and the Heartbreakers reached new heights with their third album, Damn the Torpedoes, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The only album to keep it from the top spot was Pink Floyd’s The Wall; Petty humorously noted, “I love Pink Floyd, but I hated them that year.” Rolling Stone declared it “the album we’ve all been waiting for – that is, if we were all Tom Petty fans, which we would be if there were any justice in the world.”
Damn the Torpedoes introduced hit singles like “Don’t Do Me Like That” and “Refugee,” both of which became staples in Petty’s live performances. It also featured more introspective tracks like “Here Comes My Girl” and “Even the Losers,” which showcased the softer side of rock. The album solidified the Heartbreakers’ ability to complement Petty’s vigorous songwriting, while also ensuring that Petty’s talent shone through.
This period was pivotal not just musically but also legally. Shortly before the album’s release, Petty discovered that his distributor, ABC Records, had been sold to MCA without his consent. In protest, he declared bankruptcy to escape his contract, ultimately leading to a new deal with Backstreet Records, a subsidiary of MCA. Petty’s stance emphasized the importance of control over one’s artistic work, a message that would resonate with artists for years to come.
3. Full Moon Fever (1989)
To discuss Petty’s essential albums, one must acknowledge his solo work, often featuring Heartbreakers members. Full Moon Fever presents a noticeably different sound, primarily due to Jeff Lynne’s production style, which is more polished and recognizable from his work with ELO and the Traveling Wilburys. While this might not appeal to everyone, it allowed Petty to explore his songwriting without the usual band dynamics.
This album, despite some controversy within the band, produced anthems like “I Won’t Back Down” and “Free Fallin’,” along with the reflective “A Face in the Crowd” and the narrative-driven “Yer So Bad.” Collectively, Full Moon Fever represents a personal project for Petty, a creative endeavor he needed to undertake after over a decade of collaboration.
4. Wildflowers (1994)
As a personal note, this writer has the word “wildflowers,” taken from the cover of Petty’s 1994 solo album, tattooed on her arm, which speaks volumes about its significance. In this album, Petty again leaned on the Heartbreakers but opted for a more organic production style, resulting in his most vulnerable collection of songs.
During this time, Petty was navigating personal changes, including a divorce and a secret struggle with heroin addiction. These challenges led him to delve into more sensitive themes in his songwriting. However, the album is not merely a somber reflection. The title track, “Wildflowers,” is an uplifting ode to freedom, while songs like “You Don’t Know How It Feels” and “It’s Good to Be King” recognize that not everything is as it seems. Tracks like “To Find a Friend” and “A Higher Place” convey resilience amidst life’s difficulties, making Wildflowers an authentic exploration of the human experience.
The Best Song From Every Tom Petty Album
A common thread runs through Tom Petty’s extensive catalog: the Heartbreakers. Their influence can be felt in every album, creating a rich tapestry of rock music that continues to resonate with fans.
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
Conclusion
Tom Petty’s journey from a confident debut to becoming a rock legend is marked by a string of timeless albums that showcase his songwriting talent and musical evolution. Each of the “Big 4” albums not only exemplifies his artistry but also captures pivotal moments in his life and career, making them essential listens for any music lover.
FAQs
What is Tom Petty’s debut album?
Tom Petty’s debut album is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released in 1976.
Which album features the hit song “Free Fallin’?”
“Free Fallin'” is one of the standout tracks from Petty’s 1989 solo album Full Moon Fever.
What themes are explored in the album Wildflowers?
Wildflowers explores themes of freedom, resilience, and vulnerability, reflecting Petty’s personal struggles during its creation.
How did Tom Petty respond to his record label’s sale?
Petty declared bankruptcy to escape his contract after discovering his distributor had been sold without his consent, ultimately leading to a new deal with Backstreet Records.
What impact did Jeff Lynne have on Petty’s music?
Jeff Lynne’s polished production style on Full Moon Fever allowed Petty to experiment with his songwriting and explore new musical directions.
