Tom Petty And The Heartbreaker's (Self Titled)

   

     The first and self titled album, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers was released in 1976. At first, the record did not make a huge splash in the U.S. Fortunately though, the album started picking up heat in the U.K. and eventually became a big hit over there. After months of touring in Europe, the U.S. public finally started to recognize the album and it moved up the charts to #55. The album is quite short with only 10 tracks and 30 minutes of run time but still displays great hit songs played on classic rock radio still to this day.
     A big factor of this album is the guitar work. Lead guitarist, Mike Campbell simply displays his potential right from the very beginning. With songs such as "Breakdown", "American Girl" and "Strangered In The Night", Campbell shows his unique yet non-overwhelming playing ability. The instrumentation on this album is pretty decent yet very simple overall. In my opinion, the bass on this album is one of Ron Blair's best. In tracks such as "Rockin Around (With You" and "American Girl" , the bass is an essential factor and really tops off the song perfectly. In the track "Luna" you get a bit of taste for what Benmont Tench's piano playing ability is all about. The organ gives the song a spooky yet crucial element to the song.
     One aspect that sticks out the most in this album is Tom's diverse songwriting. You get to hear the more deeper, passionate side of Tom with tracks such as "Luna" and "The Wild One, Forever". He also reveals his rocker side though with tracks such as  "Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)", "Breakdown", and "Anything That's Rock N' Roll". Throughout the album you hear the diverse songwriting Tom has managed to express.
     Overall the album is a very good debut album. I would give it a B. The album could have a little more layering and touch ups. Some songs just don't flow well throughout the album. Still a great debut album to have in the collection.

Grade: B
Favorite Track: "Anything That's Rock N' Roll" or "American Girl" (It's a freaking classic!)


Listen to the full album here!
http://open.spotify.com/album/6TLTd0P2CUI0Q29AQ1LyFi

The Beginning

     I remember as though it was yesterday. I was in the eighth grade and was grounded for something silly I did at the time. This led to me being stuck at home for the weekend. My Father called me into the room and asked that I please take a seat. At the time, I was under the impression that I was in even more trouble. My Father then proceeded to turn the television on and said "Son, you are going to watch this documentary with me". I remember feeling like I had been hit with a sledgehammer. Most of the time, my Dad enjoys documentaries on educational stuff such that air on channels such as National Geographic or the Discovery Channel. When you're in the eighth grade you have the mental capacity of a peanut which means you ultimately can't sit still for more than ten minutes. I ended up giving in and watching this mysterious documentary because I had no choice. However, the documentary wasn't what I anticipated. Instead of a dull, education film, I was watching a four hour documentary on rock n' roll icon, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. At the time, I had no idea the influence this man and band would have on my life. I was mesmerized by the music and the affect it had on me. I somehow sat still and watched all four hours of this documentary with my Father and was somehow still hungry for more. So the next day I tried to get my hands on any Tom Petty music I could possibly come across. I stumbled upon a "Tom Petty: Greatest Hits" album my Dad had collected from back in the day. I then continued by listening to it non-stop. It really got to the point where it was an unhealthy addiction. All I wanted to do was either listen or talk about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Kids at school thought I was just bizarre because here I am, this fourteen year old kid and I was in love with music from the 1970's and 80's. Throughout the years, I have listened to every Tom Petty album known to date and still craze more. I have seen him live three times and will be seeing him a fourth time in September. So I thought "How can I put my love for this music and my love for writing together?". So I decided to make this blog. Within this blog I am going to re-listen to every studio album recorded by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Tom Petty's solo work. I'll start with the debut album and work all the way to his newest album "Hynotic Eye" which is scheduled for release July 29th. Every time I finish an album, I am going to write down all my thoughts and log them into this blog. Unfortunately, I am still the only huge Petty fan my age but I am hoping I can show everyone why I appreciate and respect this music so much. The first album review shall be up sometime soon! Thanks and I hope you enjoy!