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
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