Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty
Tom Petty always had twang, and it was more than just his accent. It was deep enough in his soul that it followed him from Gainesville to LA. That Southern heart – and that storytelling – has inspired three generations of country singers and songwriters. Now, over 20 of those country artists, with the blessing of the Tom Petty Estate, have come together to release Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty. Executive produced by longtime studio partner George Drakoulias, the tribute album features several of Petty’s biggest hits, as well as some cherished deep cuts, reimagined by kids who grew up listening to him (as well as a contemporary or two). The whole album’s worth a good listen, but here are the five most interesting renditions on the record:
5) “Here Comes My Girl” (Justin Moore): This Arkansan and “This Is My Dirt” singer is generally…not my cup of tea. Here, though, he lends a little brawn and a WHOLE lot of attitude to one of Petty’s early hits (from 1979’s Damn the Torpedoes), making it a fun listen.
4) “I Should Have Known It” (Chris Stapleton): I came into this project knowing that no one in Nashville could top a Mike Campbell riff, but DAMN this comes close. Stapleton’s trusty growl matches this bluesy cut from 2010’s Mojo, and his always-underrated playing adds bite to this late Petty classic.
3) “Don’t Come Around Here No More” (Rhiannon Giddens featuring Silkroad Ensemble and Benmont Tench): Petty’s addition of synths (via producer Dave Stewart) on 1985’s Southern Accents was greeted with a raised eyebrow or two, not only by fans but within the Heartbreakers. Here, Giddens takes the lead single from that record, strips it of all its Stewart-ness, and adds warm, natural sounds (courtesy of the Silkroad Ensemble musical collective and longtime Heartbreaker Tench). Without a doubt, the most original take found on this album.
2) “Ways To Be Wicked” (Margo Price featuring Mike Campbell): This Petty-Campbell co-write was kicked around by the band for a while before somehow falling into the hands of legendary 80s cowpunk band Lone Justice, who included it on their 1985 debut album, before it eventually ending up on the TPATH box set, Playback. In 2024, Price (with a little help from an old friend) brings the energy and sass to one of Petty’s deepest cuts. Summer music at its best.
1) “I Forgive It All” (Jamey Johnson): From 2016’s Mudcrutch 2, and spawning a moving Sean Penn-directed video starring Anthony Hopkins (yes, really), this is one of the last living memories we have of Tom Petty. Fittingly, Johnson adopts the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) philosophy to his adaptation. Beautifully undersung, minimal country instrumentation, and a touch of harmonica – it’s how you honor a near-perfect song.
Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty also includes appearances from Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, Brothers Osborne, Wynonna Judd & Lainey Wilson, Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson, Eli Young Band, Ryan Hurd feat. Carly Pearce, Steve Earle, Midland, The Cadillac Three feat. Breland, Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives, and George Strait. You can order it here: https://bmlg.lnk.to/pettycountrypr/