This past Monday, rock singer Tom Petty died of a heart attack at his home in Malibu. He was 66. Throughout his solo career and with his band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Petty sold more than 80 million records worldwide. Originally from Gainesville, Florida, Petty’s songwriting was heavily influenced by the rock music he revered growing up from artists like the Byrds, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and the Beatles. His music often depicted a unique yet harmonious combination of the sounds of Southern soul and country-rock.
After the news of his death, I was shocked to learn that not many people my age have the same affinity for the song “Free Fallin’” that I do. So, as a tribute to the iconic heartland rock artist, here is a list of a few classic Tom Petty songs to check out this weekend.
1. “Free Fallin’”
Contrary to popular belief, John Mayer was not the first to perform this California-inspired anthem. Probably one of his best-known songs, “Free Fallin’” is my personal favorite Tom Petty jam. I believe it is also a staple when making any vacation themed mix tape. Released in 1989 on his debut solo album, “Full Moon Fever,” “Free Fallin’” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fun fact: I read somewhere that this is Harry Styles’ favorite song.
2. “Wildflowers”
Released in 1994 on Petty’s second solo album, “Wildflowers,” this song has a somewhat melancholy, wistful vibe that recalls his roots in folk rock. If you’re ever in need of an Instagram caption for an artsy picture, look no further than the lyrics to this song: “You belong among the wildflowers/You belong in a boat out at sea/Sail away, kill off the hours/You belong somewhere you feel free.”
3. “American Girl”
Though revered by critics today, “American Girl” was not considered a commercial success when it was released in 1976. According to Rolling Stone, “the supercharged riff set the template for decades of Petty hits,” and the publication also ranked the song 76th on their list of “The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time.” Think you’ve never heard this song? You’re probably wrong. Maybe you heard it on a soft rock radio station, or you know the cover done by Taylor Swift, Sugarland or the Goo Goo Dolls. You might even remember it playing in the background of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” or “The Silence of the Lambs.” Years after it’s underwhelming release, “American Girl” was embraced by popular culture and many hail the song as Tom Petty’s biggest non-hit.