Tom Petty: My Top Five Within the Top Five
Some of my fondest memories are weekend mornings, waking up to the sound of classic rock pulsing from my dad’s cabinet stereo. Records would spin, 8-tracks would whine, and the house filled with songs that would become the soundtrack to my childhood. Among the many artists he played, one that always stood out was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The first song I remember hearing was “American Girl,” a burst of energy that made me sit up and listen. But it was seeing the music video for “Don’t Come Around Here No More” that truly hooked me. I was only nine, but that trippy, rock-and-roll take on Alice in Wonderland was captivating. From that moment on, I was a lifelong fan.
Now, looking back, I’ve decided to narrow down my five favorite Tom Petty (and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) albums—and, taking a page from the cult classic John Cusack movie High Fidelity, I’m picking my five favorite songs from each.
5. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Damn The Torpedoes (1979)
With Damn The Torpedoes, Petty and the Heartbreakers created an album that solidified their place in rock history. The tension between rebellion and hope in songs like “Refugee” and “Even the Losers” speaks to the album’s raw energy and urgency. “Here Comes My Girl” combines gritty rock with an almost tender delivery, while “Don’t Do Me Like That” is Petty at his catchiest. For me, Damn The Torpedoes is all about that balance of defiance and vulnerability—qualities that Petty and his band would explore throughout their careers.
4. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Echo (1999)
Echo is often one of the band’s darker albums, filled with themes of loss and longing. “Room at the Top” opens with a haunting declaration of resilience that resonated deeply with me. Tracks like “Free Girl Now” and “Accused of Love” carry a stripped-down sound that feels unguarded and raw. This album might not always get the attention it deserves, but it’s a reminder of Petty’s gift for turning his pain into art. I love it because it feels honest, even when it’s difficult.
3. Tom Petty: Full Moon Fever (1989)
Petty’s first solo album, Full Moon Fever, is one of his most iconic, and it’s filled with singalong anthems. “Free Fallin’” and “I Won’t Back Down” are timeless classics, but tracks like “Yer So Bad” bring humor and humanity to the album. When I listen to “A Face in the Crowd,” I’m reminded of Petty’s knack for telling deeply personal stories in ways that feel universal. This album is pure joy—a showcase of his musical range and his down-to-earth storytelling.
2. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Into The Great Wide Open (1991)
Into The Great Wide Open has a mythical, almost cinematic quality. “Learning To Fly” became an anthem of sorts, one that I remember playing on repeat during moments of change in my life. Songs like “Two Gunslingers” and “Kings Highway” bring a sense of wanderlust and curiosity. “You and I Will Meet Again” is a nostalgic favorite, a reminder of Petty’s hopeful side. This album feels like a journey, one that always brings me back to simpler, sunlit days.
1. Tom Petty: Wildflowers (1994)
Wildflowers isn’t just my favorite Petty album—it’s a masterpiece. From the meditative title track to the unfiltered emotions in “It’s Good To Be King” and “Honey Bee,” every song feels like a piece of Petty’s soul. The rare B-side “The Girl on LSD” is quirky and unforgettable, while “You Don’t Know How It Feels” brings a sense of world-weary wisdom. For me, Wildflowers embodies everything that makes Petty’s music special: vulnerability, humor, and an openness to life’s highs and lows.
Enjoy our previous coverage here. Which of our writers do you agree with? REVIEW and Song Ranking: “Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty”