As the 1980s dawned, Tom Petty found himself navigating a tumultuous landscape in the music industry. Just before the decade kicked off, a major conflict arose when Petty lost his publishing rights due to the sale of his original label, ABC Records, to MCA. In a bold move, he stood his ground by withholding the tapes for his album Damn the Torpedoes until a new agreement was reached that restored his publishing rights. This pivotal moment underscored Petty’s awareness of his status as a rising star in an industry that was all too willing to exploit his talent for profit.

Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Petty remarked to Rolling Stone in February of 1980, “As soon as they [MCA] thought my action might set an industry precedent, they rolled out the big guns. That’s when I realized these guys were mean. It was like they were after me just because I had the potential to do something. For that, they would destroy me — mess with my head until I couldn’t create anymore – before they’d let me do it for anyone else.” This experience highlighted Petty’s resilience and determination to maintain his artistic integrity in the face of adversity.

In essence, Petty emerged as a formidable force in the 1980s, showcasing unwavering dedication to his craft. His songwriting skills were sharpening with each passing year, leading to a remarkable output of music that resonated with fans. Below, we delve into the Top 20 Tom Petty Songs from the ’80s, featuring tracks from his studio and live albums with the Heartbreakers, as well as his debut solo release.

20. “Don’t Come Around Here No More”
From: Southern Accents (1985)

Here’s a fun trivia tidbit: this writer once won a brand-new turntable that was signed by a member of Fleetwood Mac during a holiday giveaway contest in her hometown. The contest posed the question: What Petty song was originally intended for Stevie Nicks to perform? The answer was “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” and the signature came from Nicks, who added hearts and the phrase “Love Allways [sic].” More on Nicks later…

19. “Needles and Pins” (Live With Stevie Nicks)
From: Pack Up the Plantation: Live! (1985)

In 1985, Petty and the Heartbreakers released their first-ever live album, Pack Up the Plantation: Live!. Most tracks were recorded at the iconic Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, though some, including the duet of “Needles and Pins” with Nicks, were captured at the Forum in Los Angeles in 1981. This was the same year Petty and Nicks contributed to each other’s studio albums, and their chemistry shines through in this performance.

18. “Change of Heart”
From: Long After Dark (1982)

Years before Petty and Jeff Lynne became renowned collaborators, Petty had Lynne in mind when he composed “Change of Heart.” He shared, “I wanted to do something that had that kind of guitar, and that was the kick-off point,” as he recounted in the 2005 book Conversations With Tom Petty. Fans of ELO or Lynne’s solo work will recognize the kind of lush, powerful guitar riffs that characterize this track.

17. “Jammin’ Me”
From: Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) (1987)

If one Petty album encapsulates the quintessential sound of the 1980s, it’s undoubtedly 1987’s Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough), which features a rich array of synthesizers. The song “Jammin’ Me” came about when Bob Dylan casually offered to pen the lyrics, showcasing Petty’s growing influence. With music written by Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell, and lyrics reflecting pop culture, this vibrant opening track stands out in Petty’s catalog.

16. “Shout” (Isley Brothers Cover)
From: Pack Up the Plantation: Live! (1985)

Fans of Petty’s Sirius XM radio show Buried Treasure know he had a diverse taste in music, ranging from country legends like Hank Williams to soul icons like the Isley Brothers. The Heartbreakers began incorporating their rendition of “Shout” into their live performances starting in 1977, but the version featured here originates from a 1983 concert at the Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio.

15. “The Apartment Song”
From: Full Moon Fever (1989)

In 1989, Petty released his debut solo album, Full Moon Fever. “The Apartment Song” appears on the second side of the album and was described by Rolling Stone at the time as “folk rock, but with a Chuck Berry edge.” The song’s instrumental arrangement bears a striking resemblance to the style of “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly, another one of Petty’s musical influences. Bonus: a duet version of “The Apartment Song” with Nicks also exists, showcasing their enduring partnership.

14. “It’ll All Work Out”
From: Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) (1987)

A recurring theme in Petty’s lyrics is the idea that despite life’s challenges, resilience can lead to positive outcomes. This comforting message is encapsulated in “It’ll All Work Out,” which Petty wrote during the decline of his first marriage. He recorded the song onto a cassette and brought it to Campbell, who had a home studio. “I said, ‘Could you just make it a record?’” Petty recalled in Conversations With Tom Petty. This collaboration resulted in a track that was produced seamlessly, a rare occurrence that highlighted their artistic synergy.

13. “You Got Lucky”
From: Long After Dark (1982)

“You Got Lucky” marked a significant milestone as it was the first track where Petty utilized a synthesizer, creating an iconic riff that Benmont Tench would play for years. The song was crafted using a homemade drum loop, where the drummer would play live, and then they would splice the tape to create the loop. Campbell elaborated on this process, explaining how they innovatively created the guitar solo, aiming for a sound reminiscent of Ennio Morricone, combining surf guitar elements with cinematic flair.

12. “Insider”
From: Hard Promises (1981)

While “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” is often celebrated as the iconic Petty/Nicks duet, the tender “Insider” from 1981’s Hard Promises deserves equal recognition. Throughout his life, Petty maintained that he and Nicks were nothing more than close friends, yet the beauty of their harmonies on the lines “you’ll become his legacy / his quiet world of white and gold” resonates deeply, especially given the context of Nicks’ earlier work, particularly “Gold Dust Woman.”

11. “I Won’t Back Down”
From: Full Moon Fever (1989)

Landing at No. 11, “I Won’t Back Down” is one of Petty’s most recognized and cherished anthems, highlighting his exceptional songwriting capabilities. Following Petty’s passing in 2017, the song has transformed into a beloved tradition at Florida Gators football games in Gainesville, his hometown, where crowds enthusiastically join in singing along.

10. “Southern Accents”
From: Southern Accents (1985)

Despite being closely linked to the California music scene, Petty and the Heartbreakers originated from a small southern town with a population of less than 100,000 when they began. The album Southern Accents released in 1985, reflects a reconnection with those roots, blending themes of rebellion, regret, and the experiences of dreamers and drunks. In the title track, Petty sings, “I got my own way of livin,’” emphasizing a sense of humility and nostalgia for his origins.

9. “Straight Into Darkness”
From: Long After Dark (1982)

It’s challenging to imagine the brilliance of Petty and the Heartbreakers without Tench on piano, whose prodigious talent only grew with age. His contributions were essential to the overall sound of Long After Dark, particularly in “Straight Into Darkness.” Initially more guitar-driven, Petty recognized the need to transition to piano to unlock the song’s full potential. “Sometimes the songs won’t reveal themselves to you until you find the right sound and the right recording of it,” he explained in Conversations. This adaptability allowed the band to discover the groove that brought the song to life.

8. “A Woman in Love (It’s Not Me)”
From: Hard Promises (1981)

Petty had a knack for crafting memorable, expansive choruses, as exemplified in “A Woman in Love (It’s Not Me).” Notably, Duck Dunn from Stax Records contributed the understated yet impactful bassline in this track. Tench once commented on the song’s composition, stating, “I like the way the track breathes. There is a lot of space, with sections featuring only drums, bass, and one guitar playing alongside Petty’s vocals. I appreciate the airiness in that song.”

7. “The Waiting”
From: Hard Promises (1981)

Opening Hard Promises with “The Waiting” was a strategic choice, as its powerful opening notes resonate with listeners. One review from 1981 described “The Waiting” as capturing the bittersweet essence of love, making it feel almost revelatory. Petty’s direct engagement with the audience is evident in the bridge, where he passionately urges, “don’t let it kill you, baby,” reminding listeners not to let life’s challenges overwhelm them.

6. “Breakdown” (Live)
From: Pack Up the Plantation: Live! (1985)

The live rendition of “Breakdown,” stretching nearly eight minutes, elevates the original track thanks to a fantastic saxophone solo by Jimmy Zavala. The audience’s enthusiasm is palpable, as they take over singing the verses and chorus, leaving Petty to humorously remark, “You’re gonna put me out of a job,” showcasing the strong connection he had with his fans.

5. “Love Is a Long Road”
From: Full Moon Fever (1989)

We might have to create an entirely new list titled Tom Petty Songs Perfect for Road Trips, and “Love Is a Long Road” would undoubtedly be on it. This sentiment resonates strongly because guitarist Campbell, who co-wrote the song, was inspired by his motorcycle during its creation. “I was really into that frame of mind,” he shared with Rolling Stone. “This feels like a motorcycle shifting gears,” capturing the essence of freedom and adventure.

4. “Never Be You”
From: Previously Unreleased From Long After Dark (1982)

We’re bending the rules a bit here. “Never Be You” was written by Petty and Tench during the Long After Dark sessions, but rather than recording it themselves, it was first performed by Maria McKee of Lone Justice in 1983, followed by a version from Rosanne Cash two years later. The Heartbreakers’ rendition finally surfaced in the deluxe edition of Long After Dark, released in October 2024, making it a hidden gem from the ’80s.

3. “The Best of Everything”
From: Southern Accents (1985)

Petty once referred to “The Best of Everything” as “one of the best songs I ever wrote,” a sentiment that many fans share. Special acknowledgment goes to the late Robbie Robertson, who co-produced Southern Accents and was instrumental in arranging the soulful horn section while also enlisting Garth Hudson on keyboard and Richard Manuel for backing vocals, enriching the song’s emotional depth.

2. “Runnin’ Down a Dream”
From: Full Moon Fever (1989)

Although Full Moon Fever is a solo project, it carries the unmistakable influence of Campbell. Together, they co-wrote “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” a track that embodies the exhilarating feeling of cruising down the highway with the windows down and the music blasting. Campbell crafted the iconic descending guitar line, which Petty later showcased to Jeff Lynne, who remarked, “That might be one of those last riffs left,” highlighting its timelessness.

1. “Free Fallin’”
From: Full Moon Fever (1989)

The anthem “Free Fallin’” truly speaks for itself, characterized by a massive, singable chorus and a sense of bravery. This track became one of Petty’s most significant hits throughout his career, despite being written in a casual, almost effortless manner alongside Lynne, which speaks volumes about Petty’s innate songwriting abilities. “There’s not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t hum ‘Free Fallin” to me, or I don’t hear it somewhere,” Petty reflected. “But it was really only 30 minutes of my life.”