"Refugee" peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was accompanied by a simple music video that became an early MTV staple.
"Refugee"Īround the release of the Heartbreakers' third LP, Tom Petty declared: "We’re always hearing that we’re the future of rock & roll, I don’t want to be the future – I want to be the present." This track, the lead off Damn The Torpedoes, ensured that present success - as it was hailed as the band’s most “brass-knuckled rocker to date.” You can hear the influence of the Byrds in this track, and many great artists have covered "The Waiting" - including Eddie Vedder, Linda Ronstadt, Natalie Imbruglia, and Jon Pardi. It's actually taken from a Janis Joplin quote about touring, which went, "I love being onstage and everything else is just waiting." Petty easily had the riff and chorus, but no words until the titular phrase came to him when thinking about his struggle for inspiration. Released as part of Petty's album Hard Promises, "The Waiting" is about a man in true pain who finds hope in a new lover. It's no wonder it peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and #1 on the magazine’s new Rock Tracks chart when it was first released in 1981. It's been used for The Simpsons episode "The Cartridge Family," a promo spot for The Office, Wisconsin Badgers sporting events, and Philadelphia Flyers games. This Petty song is one that's played far and wide. He kept all the other lyrics and the decision changed the entire tone of the song - definitely for the better. Originally called "You Rock Me," Petty thought the title sounded too much like a cliche and made a slight adjustment to one vowel sound. There's just something so classically Tom Petty on "You Wreck Me," and it's one of those songs perfect for driving down a highway on a hot summer afternoon. Petty’s second solo album Wildflowers relied heavily on the Heartbreakers, who turned in a tight, grungy performance for this track. "Rebels" comes off Petty and his band's 1985 album Southern Accents, and fans love the tune for its bold opening ("Honey don't walk out / I'm too drunk to follow"), catchy chorus, and perfect blend of bass, drums, and sax. It's possibly a nod to Petty's alcoholic father, and rock 'n' roll history claims Petty got so angry during the mixing of "Rebels," he punched a wall and broke his hand.ĭespite the frustration behind it, this track sounds good enough to make our list. This song tells the sad tale of a man whose alcoholism has controlled his life and strained a relationship with his girlfriend. That should come as no surprise, considering Petty spent his childhood in Florida. With its twangy lyrics and country rock sounds, it's as if "Rebels" was designed specifically for people who have grown up in the American South. Without further ado, here's our picks for the Top 10 Tom Petty Songs! 10. No matter what Tom Petty song you're listening to, it's apparent the man put a whole lot of soul into his work. They always fit the classic American rock standard, but were flexible enough in sound to delve into new wave, slick experimentalism, country, blues, and MTV pop territories. Eventually, he formed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and the group would release hit after hit throughout the late 70s, 80s, and early 90s. He dropped out of high school at age 17 to play bass with a newly formed band. The 80s singer-songwriter tragically passed in 2017, and in honor of his life and legacy, we've compiled our favorite songs from him and his band for a top 10 list.Īfter meeting Elvis Presley in 1961 on a film set his uncle worked on, Petty was inspired to pursue music. Today (October 20, 2021) would have been Tom Petty's 71st birthday.
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