Reviews (page 4 of 14)
Haha they left the best song as the last song of the album...talk about sequencing.
Tom Petty is an artist that, on paper, I should love. And I do almost always like his stuff, I just never feel any desire to go back. This album is no exception. I liked all the songs, but nothing really stood out that made me want to listen again. The one exception is American Girl; that is an absolute classic with one of the best opening lines of all time.
It's so interesting to hear Tom Petty when he was still hungry and had everything to prove. There's a rough around the edges quality of this album that I enjoy, and even though it only has one all-time classic on it it's still a great listen.
Favorite tracks: Breakdown, American Girl
As much as I love Tom Petty and may he rest in piece, I always looked at him as sort of the greatest hits artist. Even though this has couple of solid hits, couple of other tracks I've enjoyed as well, but doesn't seem super strong as an album, so I can't decide between 3 and 4 here, but just because I gave 4 to Superuknown by SG yesterday, then this feels more like 3. Probably 3.5 on RYM so either way here.
On his debut album Tom Petty keeps his rock and roll songs relatively lean and to the point (10 tracks clocking in under 31 minutes) but even with that direct approach he and his crack band give the individual songs depth through their sharp playing and inventive arrangements. Petty also has a lot of personality (and even displays some swagger on a few of the tracks), which makes the better songs on this collection even more memorable. Most of this record ranges from very good to great - the singles like "Breakdown" and "American Girl" and terrific, as are deep cuts like moody "The Wild One, Forever" and the proto-New Wave "Rockin' Around (With You)"; a few of the other numbers though (like "Hometown Blues" and "Mystery Man") are not much more than run-of-the-mill genre exercises.
Garbage. Not the artistic kind of garbage like the Garbage, just plain garbage. The compiler’s devotion to dreary joyless rock is nothing short of baffling.
Modern sounds,
Went into this fully expecting to find it boring - another American guitar record - but was highly pleasantly surprised. Feels like a bit of a US counterpoint to My Aim Is True (though I think this came first). Not quite as direct as that one, but definitely intriguing. Not blown away, but will definitely come back to this one.
Solid album but not one I'd expect to see on the list. It's got a few really good songs but I'd only rank it as his third best (at most)
Oh wow I don't think I've ever sat down to listen to a Tom Petty album. It's like the classic rock stations greatest hits right here. It gets the highlights, fulfills the vibe for sure. I don't think I'd listen to more than his greatest hits if I'm being honest. He's good, but I think those older than me will have this in rotation, where I'm fine with just the hits.
Ok fürn hintrgrunf
A hint at the greatness that is Tom Petty. This is not the album I'd pick but it's hard to beat "Breakdown" and "American Girl" and the rest of the record is solid enough
It’s like a soundtrack to 1970s America — cruising, drive-in movies, Farrah Fawcett posters and KISS baseball jerseys, delivered with an effortless cool. Tom Petty comes across like your friend’s older brother who drove a Firebird with an 8-track deck and an overflowing ashtray, and who knew where the party was. Songs like “The Wild One, Forever,” evoke barroom jukeboxes, how I miss them.
Whoa did this album grow on me. Already a big fan of Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers, liking this more with each listen.
This was fine but surely this isnt the representative one you need to hear?
Few good songs but otherwise probably won’t revisit it.
Really like this one!
Yeah, a good album. The vocals were the best part, gives it a lot of character. I would have liked more range on the guitar, but it was good listening
Solid debut album by TPHB but there was better to come. A great mix of jangly Byrds inspired folk rock and Rock and Roll, with a touch of the blues. American Girl is a classic! 4
Absolute MOR. Sounds like the kind of thing people who don’t actually like music listen to on the radio.
the most "we're going to start a band just to try to get laid" ass shit i've ever heard
30 minutes and 38 seconds of pure American rock and roll. Breakdown and American Girl are the standouts. But honestly, there’s not a stinker in the bunch.
one of my least favourite tom petty albums. not that it’s bad or anything, it’s actually still really good. for me though it just doesn’t reach the heights of a lot of his other music.
Checke das
Not Petty's best. Some decent songs.
It feels like every day this week I'm getting a very okay/average album. This is one of them.
Not his best work IMO. Still a solid 4 on this list
The beginning! Some decent songs, some filler. Flashes of what was to come, 'The Wild One, Forever' is an underrated cut
Richtig Gutes album. Ein paar Ohrwürmer sind drin. Mach auf jeden fall spaß zu hören.
Hat mich nicht berührt aber auch nicht gestört. Kann man hören. Muss man aber auch nicht. Luna fand ich glaube ich cool.
Hat mich echt positiv überrascht. Name sage mir gar nix. Bandname und Album Cover aus der Hölle aber Musik überraschend gut. Gerade das Intro und der zweite Track haben mich gut abgeholt
Alte Musik mit Gitarre geht mir eigentlich immer gut nei Stimme ist mir manchmal zu "gepresst", schwer zu beschreiben
Two great classics along with some okay 70s rock
At least it doesn't take too long to get to 'American Girl' - just a shame you have to hear all the other songs first.
rock music
#yeah
Love me some later day Tom Petty, but never really explored this before. It’s….decent. Pretty fully formed for a debut, but also a bit lacking somehow. 2.5
fun and infectious
Solid album all together.
Not a perfect album, but perfect for me.
Доволі таки не погано
It's not bad but feels kind of meh.
All timer of the classic Americana genre. This album almost falls into the A-Side/B-Side trap, but ultimately lands the place with “American Girl”
I think this album has to get a 4 for American Girl alone! What a catchy, all-time bop!
Damn the torpedoes and full moon fever album selection on this list
Its not horrible its just kinda generic. Dont really have much to say abt this album its just kinda filling space in a void yk. 5.8/10
Ehhhh?? He's a white guy who loves rock n roll... theres not much that can be said. I think the first song and American Girl are pretty good songs, but the entire middle portion of the record feels like regular shmegular rock n roll gruel. It's very much a one note type of white guy longing that is ultimately pretty boring if you aren't also a old white guy who is longing for rock n roll.
i’m exhausted from listening to the same uninteresting old white people music over and over again
Pretty awesome
Enjoyable little romp! I'm a little stoned but I felt transported back to another time. Not my usual vibe but I understand why it's so beloved to people. TWANGY/CLASSIC/GOOD TIME/JUKEBOX/BYGONE ERAS
It was ok. I wouldn’t choose it but I’d listen if it was on.
It was pretty good. I don’t have much else to say about it.
Pretty stock standard, mundane stuff. As someone very familiar with Petty's stuff, his voice is not particularly strong here, "American Girl" aside.
Not a big fan 5.9/10
Some nice classic rock ‘n’ roll. I wouldn’t say it’s mind blowing though.
The debut from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is solid, straightforward rock — nothing particularly flashy, but competently done. The band leans heavily on jangly guitars and tight, classic songwriting, capturing that late-70s blend of rock, power pop, and a touch of new wave energy. There are a few memorable moments that hint at the band’s future strengths, but overall the album feels more like a promising starting point than a fully realized statement.
no la escuché bien pero guardé unas.
Forgettable unfortunately
If I were driving through backwater USA this would be my first pick. It was less good for my London parkrun.
I’m going to generously give this a three, because for the most part this isn’t for me.
Boring
Nice album I liked it and have really nothing else to say
Where have I heard this before? It's not his greatest hits but there are some hits.
Fave tracks: home town blues and the wild one, forever
stuck between a 4 and a 5 but really enjoyed this
I wish I’d gotten wildflower. I still actually have to listen to that but you wreck me is one of the best songs ever. Also it’s such a beautifully dreary day out and this website gives me some random sunny rock album???? Guys!!! Why!!! That being said this is a pretty good album. I love breakdown obviously, and American girl is excellent. There are some other noteworthy cuts too, like the pretty fun opener, the very nice hometown blues, wild one forever, which has a great performance from Tom… honestly most of these songs are really great. There’s no real problem, it does exactly what it’s going for, it just happens to be incredibly derivative and not very influential. It’s just your good ol’ run of the mill -very great album- ya know? It’s very very good, very very great even, even though it doesn’t technically reach the peak of an album that should be remembered reaches. 8.9/10
Divorced dad music
q capa é essa jesus FAVS (top 3): breakdown; the wild one, forever; fooled again (i dont like it) mençoes honrosas: rockin around (with you), anything thats rock n roll, american girl ah, legalzinho nota final: 3/5
Primer álbum de Tom Petty. Me gustó. Rock made in USA total. Buen álbum. 6/10
woah the parks and rec song is here
he progressively sounds increasingly more garbled and warbley as the album goes on. pretty good and movie song at the end!
Pretty basic rock 'n' roll, not life-changing but short and sweet, a good listen. Saved a couple for future.
an american girllllll
not too bad, but goodn't listen more than one time.
Pretty inoffensive "rock and roll revival", then American Girl at the end is a standout
i like the spirited vibe but also kinda jerky/not the most memorable
Easy listening, but not anything out of the ordinary
Never heard of them before, and now I can see why. The sound is too stereotypically 70s, vocal is too sugary for my liking..not that there’s something wrong with sugary vocals, not at all, but here it just doesn’t fit. Breakdown is the only song I probably will remember (and I’m not sure even about that)
the 70's were a mistake
Expectational album. You can play anyone of these songs standalone and it will hit every time. Felt like I should've been on a boat to enjoy this even more.
Bien, se pasa un buen rato escuchándolo, aunque no tengo ni reconozco temas conocidos. Pero como obra unitaria se escucha bastante bien. Es coherente consigo mismo.
Generic American rock. Not for me
This was ok. Very middle of the road. Nothing particularly remarkable or interesting enough for me to deem it an album to be heard before you die.
This album lingers around the listless 70's waiting room capably created by Breakdown for way too long, chugging along without ambition until finishing unexpectedly strongly with the classic American Girl.
fooled again and luna were the tracks i enjoyed most. first half of the record was not my fave, and many of the songs took turns in directions that made me dislike them at least part of the way through. not an album i hate, but i don’t think i’ll ever listen again.
Better than I thought. Really expected this to just be dad rock. and it was, but it was also good. Best tracks for me: Luna, Fooled Again, Strangered in the Night.
I just about didn't listen to this cause I thought there was no way I would enjoy it but I was pleasantly surprised! A good chunk of this is just like inoffensive and forgettable but there are definitely some songs that had me listening closer and enjoying myself. Pretty strong B side Fav tracks: Luna, Strangered in the Night, Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)
Ok
Massive male manipulator lyrics... and I can't tell if it's supposed to be or not.
sure? best leuk maar dat ene nummer waarin hij lalt... HATED that
ja zeker een album dat ie gemaakt heeft
Olen kuunnellut Tom Pettyltä enimmäkseen vain Greatest Hits-levyä, mutta tämä Pettyn ja Heartbreakers-yhtyeen debyyttilevyhän osoittautui oikein toimivaksi. Biiseissä on hyviä tarttuvia melodioita ja myös tarpeeksi potkua. Harmi ettei Pettyä enää kuulla tämän haasteen tiimoilta. Mielestäni esimerkiksi Damn the Torpedoes tai Full Moon Fever olisivat olleet hyviä lisäyksiä 1001-listalle.
Good album, not sure if I’d say it was his best. Enjoyable, tom petty is great but I’d pick a few other albums over this. He’s also more of a greatest hits type. 3 stars
Très cool, s'écoute super bien. Pas un titre exceptionnel qui sort du lot en revanche.
Strong blues rock album, I honestly haven't really listened to any of their music, but I've heard of the band. Kinda like 3 dog or steeley dan. Fine for a certain generation, but overally samey and a little short. Decent for what it is, but not beyond that.
I really expected to like this but my head dropped at the end of the opening track, that wasn't good. It got a bit better but overall, I didn't think it was very good. American Girl was the best track by a long way
Really enjoyed this one! Has the great classic rock sound that I love. I know some of his later stuff so it was fun to listen to some of his earlier work. Favorites - "The Wild One, Forever"
Pretty good, just not outstanding in any way. With the exception of the final track, the album is pretty forgettable but amusing to listen to. 3/5
A decent little rock and roll album, nothing too flashy but gets the job done. It is rather short at only 30 minutes, but it’s a nice 30 minutes. Standout Songs: Breakdown The Wild One, Forever Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll American Girl
At first, I thought I wanted more from this album. I could always feel the energy that every song brought, but I thought there was another level, more layers that were missing. But as the album progressed, I could accept how direct it was because of just how intense the energy is. It’s not powerful in an overly forceful way, there’s just a constant flow of joy that’s broadcasted through the music. Enjoying Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (the artists too!) is a very easy task largely due to its straightforwardness. You don’t have to overthink how pleasing it is to hear Tom Petty sing his heart out over a truly electric riff during a song like American Girl. In just thirty minutes, the band takes full hold of your attention and gives you an experience that is more than worthy of your time. Faves: American Girl, Hometown Blues, Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll, The Wild One, Forever, Fooled Again (I Don’t Like It)
Pretty good
So forgettable I forgot that I was listening to it halfway through. Nothing really wrong in its execution but it's just impressively unremarkable 70s rock. Perhaps that's a cultural relic; Tom Petty left nary a footprint in the musical subconscious here down under, and I fear that after listening to this debut album it hasn't on me either. Might have been somewhat interesting back in its heyday but fifty years later it's failed to leave an impression. Fav tracks: American Girl
Solid album. What I’d expect from them.
I thought I was going to know every song on this album like it would be all hits but that was not the case.
I own a physical copy, and though this isn’t my favorite Petty album, it’s a fun listen. The hits are the standouts for sure (like Tom Petty as Lucky in King Of The Hill) but the rest of the album is unremarkably fine (like Tom Petty as himself in The Postman). 3.5⭐️
3.5, rounding up since 'American Girl' is so damn good
Nice songs, but nothing more. Tom Petty's masterpieces were yet to come.
There were a few tracks I didn’t know was them
I'm aligned with the consensus on this one - 1 very good song (Breakdown), one all-time classic and the rest fine but forgettable. The line between 3 and 4 stars for me is whether you think American Girl is just a masterpiece vs. a generational anthem. I'm going generational anthem.
Disappointed. Tom petty was a big name that I hadn't really listened to. Was expecting some big rock chops. Instead it reminded me of Elvis costelo but without that super sharp songwriting you sometimes hear from him. This felt like kind of passive neutral rock to me. I accept that I'm wrong about it and I'm just not seeing the quality.
It's fine. Not interesting in 2026
Petty
Couple of bop bangers
You can see the promise in tom petty with this early album. When it hits it really hits. But you can also see his search for his sound.
This album is short but good. Lots of filler though there are some straight classics on this album
Favourite
Who doesn’t love Tom Petty? Such an authentic sound, as open as a highway on the plains.
The best of this sounds better on Pack Up The Plantation: the studio dates some great songs here.
A great time
It's got a couple great songs and the guys sound good but they're not there yet. Get me to Damn the Torpedoes.
7/10
oh the scrubs song
Fairly standard but inoffensive
Very normal radio music. Something dad would listen to
Alright, not toi remarkable
Tom Petty never gets old but he does have a lot of very similar songs personally nothing tops Last Dance with Mary Jane
I'll take the hits, you can keep the rest
leuker dan het vorige, maar nog steeds niet dat
It felt like every song was a very cool but incomplete thought.
I've never really cared for Tom Petty and this isn't making me change my mind. Just more of that stupid tropey "I just wanna listen to that d*mn rock music" shit mixed with A Few Songs About Girls that sucks so bad about late-70s rock. Like brother you wanna talk about rock music? By then punk rock is basically entering its apex, metal is being codified as a genre, and all the real ones are in Berlin playing with synthesizers. Meanwhile you made *this*. I just hate that all this shit is fucking canon man
Petty had a ton of great singles but spread out through an entire career. American Girl is the only truly standout song here IMHO, it’s a 3.5 but I don’t think it is really a 4.
Kind of boring except for American Girl (a song which I mostly like because Betty once danced to it in an episode of Ugly Betty).
minus points for the way he's looking at me Would I listen again: No Deserves to be on this list: didn't sound like it 1.5
качественный но дедовский и не мое
3/5 Roque fácil de ouvir.
It's okay. Some bangers. Thank god it's only 30 minutes, because it was getting pretty boring towards the end.
3.5/5
Very good debut. Two classics on this that rock decades later. Rest is good. But American Girl is amazing
3⭐️/5 02.16.2026 [02.17.2026]
Its hard sometimes when you feel like you already knew what to expect and what was coming, but you like it. I was familiar with this album and like it a lot. It is a little rougher than I always expect from Petty but that's not bad. It does start to feel a little repetitive but not enough that I still don't enjoy it.
Tom Petty is one of my favorite artist when it comes to straight forward American Rock n Roll Blues. Breakdown is so smooth and soulful. American Girl is just a great song. One thing I really like about Tom Petty is how simple and straightforward the music is but he's just really creative in it's expression and knows how to put alot of heart in to a song. New favorites: Wild One Forever, Anything That's RnR, Strangered in the Night,
Pure rock n roll. Tom Petty is a cool, solid vibe. It’s not too deep and that’s just fine. Not much more to say than that.
It was fun to hear Tom Petty's first album. With songs like Breakdown and American Girl, it's pretty wild this didn't catch on in America until the UK started liking it. I thought it was pretty great. The two hits are such classics, and my favorite new to me song was Anything That's Rock 'N Roll. The rest held the album together nicely too. Solid debut!
Love this. Classic rock that holds up well.
Really like Tom Petty’s music and voice. Really miss him.
Honestly better than I expected. It was decent. Stand-outs - Breakdown - Fooled Again (I Don’t Like It)
I recognized two songs off this album: Breakdown and American Girl. Pretty solid classic rock album.
Good stuff. This was a good deal prior to my jumping onboard with these cats & back then I did not go thru the back catalog as a matter of course. Apart from the hits I had not heard much of this, but I liked a bit of it even more than said hits. Likely some hit-fatigue involved tho. I'm going with 3 point 3 repeating.
It's solid, but nothing special. Has a bit of an identity crisis in that it can't decide whether it wants to be more country or more rock, but for Tom petty's first album it's decent. Enjoyable, but ultimately forgettable
One of the most badass albums ever
Love it one of his best
A surprisingly middling debut from the rock legend himself. There are some all timers on here, but also some pretty forgettable tracks.
Curto, inofensivo e divertido
I was expecting to enjoy this more. Glancing over the track list, I knew Breakdown and American Girl, which are both good songs. But after listening, I really didn't think any of the other songs were that great.
Much more singer/songwriter than I remembered. Quite good.
I like Tom Petty but wish they would have included Wildflowers or Full Moon Fever or Into the Great Wide Open instead of this album
Petty clean rock I like it but I also see how it was a bit overlooked in its time Standouts Breakout Fooled Again (I Don't Like It) American Girl 4/5
Always loved the singles and an enjoyable listen
🤔
Sumthin sumthin Last Nite by the Strokes
Interesting...never heard an entire album by Tom Petty...It is pretty decent though has a bit more country twang than it needs.
Good riffs but I'm not a fan of American rock that is not made in New York, of course I have my exceptions but this album is not one of them
more debut albums. tom petty really swaggers in with his tracks in a way no other rock musicians can. love me some no-nonsense classic rock. tracks are toe tapping and really there's a consistent, constant energy present throughout the album's runtime. if anything i just wish the album was a little longer! the smaller runtime doesn't hinder anything at all though.
The album is good. Solid for the radio; don't think I would buy it. Three stars
Wish I liked this a little more
yeah! i mean! yes... i mean ... ok, sure
This was actually pretty good. Solid tunes, American girl is a classic
I listened to the 2009 remastered version. The instrumentals overshadow the vocals rather complement it. The music is good. But I have it playing in the background across the room and the music is out of thought. I prefer listening to music actively. I sing along then pause, read lyrics and scream, "No way the artist said that." (And not just with Drake). And even before 1001, I'd still prefer listening to albums. I consider them curated listening experiences from an artist. The music here tapers at the end. Which is common with the music from this era, but hey! You can't do that. This album does not make my heart flutter.
I can see why he’s considered one of he staple classic rock figures Not every song caught my ear but it’s a solid project
Yes yes, very nice jangly competence… can we get to the banger now?
This actually was pretty shit. I was never aware of how much Tom Petty sucked
American Girl carries this, and it's not even that good a song, and also it sticks out like a sore thumb at the end of One Battle After Another
2.5
Det är ju riktigt ok root-rock. Har alltid haft en dålig bild av honom, så jag blev positivt överraskad. En fyra
I mean this is just good straightforward rock to me. Like would I return to listen to it? Maybe. Either way I enjoyed it and American girl is a classic song to finish off the album.
Every time I put on a Tom Petty album, I'm reminded just how much I enjoy listening to him. This isn't my favorite of his, but still a wonderful listen.
Pretty good effort for a debut album. Breakdown and American Girl are the standout songs for me. I’m interested enough to go searching out some of his other albums that some of our reviewers have said are better. 3.5 stars rounded up.
I remember the first time I heard the songs from this album on the radio while delivering newspapers in the early morning. It felt like I had discovered an entirely new language. It really sounded like nothing else on the the airwaves. The 30 minutes runtime is fast and was over before I knew it, sadly.
Its Tom Petty! so good
I like Tom Petty, but the fact that this is the one and ONLY album of his on this list bothers me. I’d expect someone with such a prolific catalog to have more than their debut album on this list (considering that there’s THREE godforsaken Kings of Leon albums here…). Anyway, there’s great singles on this, but I feel this lacks the polish and the power of other albums of his. I’d rate this a 3.5, rounding up to 4.
Absolutely brilliant. Never gets old!
Album
american girl slaps but the rest was a bit mid
Not my favorite Tom Petty album. Sure do miss him though. His songs were timeless. American Girl will always remind me of SOTL. I do like Breakdown, probably the only good one off of here.
Very generic
Had only heard the hits, which are SCCs. The rest of the album isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it sure was fun.
Love Tom Petty, absolute classic, wish it was longer
Buen disco también
Mid! But crucial to the Silence of the Lambs
tom pretty okay
it was alright. not more, not less. good background noise but never anything more than that.
And fuck me. Now we are graced with yet another groundbreaking trailblazing 70s rock album with a homophobic/sexual on the cover. Whoop dee do. Yeah ok I do like this especially compared to the last one but I'm good to be honest. Only 30 minutes thank the good lord. There may not be a song about a teenager in this one yippee! Tom Petty I apologize I was unfamiliar with your game I'm really rocking with this. Idk what you did but you did it. It still feels modern yet classic. This is cunt as fuck Mr. Petty. You have cooked my g. Favourite: Fooled Again (I Don't Like It) Least favourite: The Wild One, Forever
The curse of the American self-titled debut album strikes again! Tom can’t think of title - didn’t matter to nomarks like Boston Van Halen and The Cars so why should Tom try any harder. That attitude permeates the whole album. Feels cheap and quickly put together - who signed off that cover? Pretty ordinary backing band, can’t be the same guys that played with Johnny Thunders. (Subsequent research tells me they’re the guys who played on Johnny Cash’s American Recordings - must have impressed with experience). I’d rather listen to Nick Lowe than this and that explores similar territory but this is lacking focus. American Girl is good though. I’m sure I’ve heard better Petty LPs, but this is dull.
Good album. His country influence is on display in some of these songs.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers? I hardly know her!
i had a fun time... not really much for me to say about this one, unfortunately. it was okay!
‘Zippy ripper with highlights’ makes for a bad haircut, but a good album.
Still remember one time in the pub when I casually mentioned Tom Petty, might be, maybe, potentially overrated. My friend then proceeded to name thirty (30) Tom Petty bangers off the top of his head. Ever since then, I’ve been in awe of the man (Tom and my friend a take your pick).
A short, sweet 30 minutes of an album. As far as I know, Tom Petty has a legacy as being a decent fellow and a fine complement to the rest of the Wilburys. He's also probably a favorite on this list, along with Elvis Costello, as sounding like singing is strenuous. Pleasant production and songwriting.
Temp
Love Tom Petty and this early album him and the band sound almost Rolling Stones-esque. Great rock and roll songs. Loved it.
Opener and finisher are mega bangers
Petty is amazing. His catalog is unbelievably deep. Try "Echo", an unheralded album that just kills. His first album has American Girl, Breakdown and solid album cuts. That being said Damn the Torpedoes blows this record away. Full Moon Fever, Wallflowers, Long After Dark, Hard Promises are all better. Right artist, wrong album
STOP FEEDING ME MEN TO LISTEN TO I DON’T GIVE A FUCK
didn't listen to all of it, but two songs or so were nice
Ehh? I love Tom Petty, but I don't think this is one of his better albums. It has the iconic "American Girl", and I guess that's why the album is here. I'm just hoping we get Southern Accents or Wildflowers somewhere down the road (maybe both??) Not terrible, but not much I would come back to besides the hits.
This record is not terrible but the two hits are much the best here. I especially hated the song about black people. I expected more because I know the Heartbreakers are helluva backing band but apparently they didn't have any history prior to this record.
I've never been a Tom Petty fan, largely because there's something about his nasally/whiny voice that really grates on me, but this seems like a good early album of his to include in the collection, and "Breakdown" and "American girl" *still* hold up well after all these decades. The rest of the album is new to me, and neither memorable nor surprising, but also about what I expected (I was also struck by how a few of the tracks, especially "The wild one, forever", sound like something Bruce Springsteen and company would have produced). I always conflate Tom Petty, Ted Nugent and Rod Stewart into a collective 70s/80s shades-of-rock lead man, but it feels like that's perhaps not fair to Tom Petty, especially given how he and the band ran the circuit for four decades (and probably not fair to compare *anyone* to nutjob Nugent).
Not a big Tom Petty fan but I really liked this new-to-me album. It sounded fresh and lively: two words I'd never thought I'd use about Tom Petty. My favorite tracks were the first two and the last one. The fact that his first album has his two best songs (American Girl & Breakdown) speaks to his limitations but maybe I just haven't listened to enough Tom Petty?
Easy going, chilli millo
What an album cover! Some recognizable songs, but not something I'd reach out for.
Not for me
this was just ok
It's Tom Petty, which means it's going to be quality rock above a blues band level. All songs in this album sound way too similar to Bruce Springsteen, aside from the two hits. I see it's his debut album. We all know he gets much better, but still a pleasant listen.
Enjoyed
American girl is a bop but I wasn’t stirred by the rest of the songs and I don’t love his voice. Too American for me perhaps??
Another album where the music itself is fine, but I just don't care for the vocals. I did really like "Fooled Again" at least! 6/10
It was okay. More of a summer driving album. 2.5
I did not like this as much as I expected. There's maybe 3 all-time classics on here, but the rest is kinda meh. And I can't decide it Petty's vocals are engaging and rockin' and it just sounds like he's doing weird things with his mouth because he can't sing.
Didn't in itself persuade me of what some respected peers assert: that Petty's songwriting powers are self-evident in both his A- and B-catalogue. This feels like mostly B's with the obvious exception of American Girl. I will come back for a close reading of his discography, but I don't know if I need to return to this one.
We know the hits but it’s fun to hear the others from an album. Such a unique voice.
Not much to say, pretty good album with catchy songs, American girl is a treasure. Lyrics wise, not very innovative or groundbreaking, your typical ending to a 80s/90s movie
Highlights: Rockin' Around, Breakdown Very American style. Not something I'm used to hearing a lot, but it wasn't anything special. As a record it's not something worth revisiting, but the highlights do hold up on their own. Lyrics are basic (except Strangered in the Night - wtf was that), and the instrumentals son't stand out much either. This is just a (mostly) clean version of better rock from the 70's, so it didn't really click with me. At least I'm pleased with the fact that mr. Petty didn't want to "torture" me too much so he made the record veeeery short.
nicht schlecht aber langweilig
es fängt langsam an, sich alles gleich anzuhören, ich muss tbh auch mehr zuhören, ka, ob das jz eine faire bewertung ist
This one frustrates me. Not because I don't like it; obviously, I like it quite a bit. The band hasn't fully formed its sound yet, and due to the protracted recording process, it's not the most cohesive album. Still, I think its slight disjointed nature actually gives it a lot of charm; as such, it's always just outside my top 5 Petty records. It also doesn't hurt that it features "American Girl" (one of the greatest songs ever written), "Breakdown" (another killer hit that has rightfully stood the test of time), "The Wild One, Forever", and "Fooled Again" (two of my favorite early Petty deep cuts). However, it is highly questionable at best that this particular album is in this book, given its supposed purpose; it is absolutely fucking insane that it's the *only* Petty album represented. To choose it over Damn the Torpedoes - the Heartbreakers' commercial breakthrough, still their most recognized and beloved album, one of the most influential and enduring "heartland rock" albums of all-time - AND Wildflowers - Tom's defining artistic statement, an album that was well-praised enough upon release and continues to grow in stature 30 years later - is completely asinine. Hell, the argument for Full Moon Fever's inclusion is just as strong. It's ridiculous enough that an artist of Petty's reputation only has one album in this sea of 1,089; the fact that it's *this* album is just absurd. Maybe it's Dimery's British influence popping up again (this record broke in the UK before America), but even still, there's no way he wasn't aware of at least Damn the Torpedoes. Ugh. Anyway, I *do* really like this album. High 4 stars. I just don't agree with it being here conceptually. 4/5
Bit of bluesy rock and roll, never really listened to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers before, not sure why just never appeared on my list. I suppose I had an idea of him being a 70s and 80s heart throb with dodgy tunes, not sure where that came from. Nice bandolier on the cover and leather jacket. And of course the song Luna, my cats name.
ik apprecieerde het wel dat de liedjes niet zo lang waren da maakte het leuker lowk
Tof
3.7
Yet another white man album with CRAZY instrumentals and riffs but the moment the singer starts singing I'm like oh:((((
Built to a great final track but the rest of the album wasn't strong for me 2-3
Not a fan. This record feels so generic. Instrumentally it’s milquetoast classic rock station/VFW jukebox music and, vocally, Tom can’t seem to figure out whether he is playing an SNL Californian or slurring his way through some forgotten night at the bar. The hits, Breakdown and American Girl, save this otherwise completely forgettable album from itself. Despite being only 30 minutes, it felt like a lifetime of a listen. While it’s not awful, this collection, as a whole, is far from essential listening.
A useful reminder of why punk needed to happen. Competently written songs but it's so dated and self-satisfied that any enjoyment that could be taken from that is killed. Petty yelps tunelessly over boring yachty 12 bar blues about how great (his own) rock 'n' roll is and all the girls he's fucking as if he's taking some sort of self-determined victory lap. Gets an extra star for not overstaying it's welcome too long and American Girl.
It was so smart of them to put American Girl as the final track, taking this respectable 3-star album and turning it into a solid 4-star one that you’ll immediately want to replay. The one-two punch of Rockin’ Around and Breakdown set the stage for a tight 30 minute album of short but sweet tracks. As bands of the era seemed to only grow bigger and more bloated, Tom Petty showed them that all you really need is a good hook and a chorus to sing along too. A good start to a great career, and a perfect entry point for new listeners.
Classic soft rock
Tom Petty was deemed an alternative, fresh sound in the mid 70s. These things are all relative
Strong début album and a sign of things to come.
Everytime I hear American Girl I think I've missed something with Tom Petty. Everytime I listen to other tracks I realise I probably haven't. 3*
hmmm never heard a Tom Petty album all the way through... I of course know last dance and american girl. That's all I could name though. I lied I have heard Breakdown. Didn't know that was him though.
Really old dad rock
Buen album, la verdad se disfruto todo el album, pero no hubo ningun tema que destacara. que me haga decir FUA QUE TEMON!! Luna creo que es de lo mas me gusto.
An interesting album, pretty short, but effective one; I can see why it made to this list of the most influential ones for sure :)
Its just mild, borderline uninteresting.
Making Rock "and" Roll, cool again.
не мое
A pretty good debut, even if it isn't one of his better albums. Still enjoyable, and the hits are great. Highlights: "Breakdown" and "American Girl"
Kedvenc/Favourite: Breakdown Kicsit nyálas volt néha, de amúgy jó. Elég egyszerű minden szempontból, de működik, fülbemászó és élvezhető. Tetszett, de azért annyira nem nyűgözött le. It was a little sappy at times, but otherwise good. It's pretty simple in every way, but it works, it's catchy and enjoyable. I liked it, but I wasn't that impressed.
Fun and although some of the music follows a classic structure, it's a bit more elevated. American girl the clear stand out (although not sure on the fade out ending).
As an album, lacks the punch of his best singles. 3/5
Promising debut with much better to come
My favourite moments are where Tom Petty feels barely able to keep a lid on things, like he has pent up energy that’s going to burst out in some unintended way. American Girl comes in like a punch in the face at the end of the album and it was much appreciated by me. I needed a solid gold anthemic single with plenty of cheer. I could have probably done with a little more of this in the last third of the tracklist which is a more patient affair.
What a great final track, if there were a couple more of those it’d be a 4 but overall it’s a solid 3 for me
A really good album. 5 stars or A-.
Probably not for me. Sounds kinda like movie soundtrack music, or commercial music. Like a wrangler jeans commercial or something. It's not bad, but just not someone I'd revisit most likely. Favorite tracks: Breakdown, Fooled Again
Big fan of Damn the Torpedoes, and others i've heard, so was expecting more from this one. On first listen, it's generally a bunch of middling rockers, sounding like a band just formed and yet to gel. American Girl and Breakdown are both good, the rest completely skippable.
Not bad but not outstanding either. I quite like some of Tom Petty’s hits but there weren’t any for me on this album
On the whole, this album was an enjoyable listening experience. I could hear a mixture of country, early rock and roll, blues, and reggae because of the steel drums.
Never listened much Tom petty and the heartbreakers, but outside of the great hits , this is a solid 70s rock album and can see why he had such a long lasting career Fave: fooled again (I don’t like it)
American Girl really saving this album with at least one great song. I can hear the classic Tom Petty sound here, but I guess the Tom Petty songs I listen to are on different albums.
Well I would have always said Mr Petty was AOR, and I think this was. His voice here, is very Elvis Costello to me. The difference being this was at a consistent level of ok. Where as Mr C varies from great to awful. On the whole though, this must be worth an average 3.
Not my favourite TP album by some distance. ‘Breakdown’ and ‘Fooled Again’ are the 2 stand out tracks and hint at the signature sound that will evolve.
Good old Americana Rock.... take away the first word of my sentence then I've nailed it.
This fucking guy… In my teens, I wasn’t terribly impressed by the Heartbreakers, despite all the cute hippy chicks dancing the halls and rocking the back seat to this album. I went Metal, Acid, and eventually Punk. Only in my 40’s did I start digging TP, and some of his later tracks are at the top of my stack. This album is a true classic. I never saw him live…. Wanted to, was planning on it. Then he up and offs himself. WTF?!? Of all the artists gone too soon, to me, this stings the most. I miss him. Good man. God Bless Tom Petty!
I expected more - nothing to get excited about here.
Why does he sing like that?
Great rock album, feels like it was made for a road trip ending on american girl is absolute brilliance.
I've heard a lot of Tom Petty, but somehow hadn't heard this whole album front to back. Before I had only heard the hits from it, Breakdown and American Girl. The rest of the tracks are good, but not as good.
It was amazing, the strings all throughout the album really made it a work of art
3.4
American girl was the best track by far. Some gems for sure, but far better was yet to come from Tom Petty.
Perfectly pleasant but not standout.
Al principio me ha gustado, luego en hometown blues ese aire country me ha descolocado un poco para lo que yo me esperaba que podia ser este album. Siento que las canciones tienen un aire a canción que podria ser mítica, pero no lo son. Hay por ahí un aire pegadizo en algunas pero siento que no escucharía este álbum lo suficiente como para que se me pegaran. Todo me parece al banda sonora de Grease (no me la he visto, solo las vibras). Luna y Mystery Man un tostón la verdad. American Girl como que me sonaba y a la vez no, sensación muy difícil de explicar la verdad.
Enjoyable but unremarkable. Try harder Tom Petty
Hmm. Some okay songs, and one amazing song. Ideally I could give this a 3.5. I would listen to this album if it came on, but wouldn't make an effort to look for it.
6.0/10 Some classic hits but the rest of the album sounds pretty average. I like a few other of his albums a lot more.
I fairly enjoyable listen, rock n roll meets blues. There were only a couple of standout tracks for me then it started to feel a bit samey.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is a solid slice of ’70s classic rock, driven by enjoyable riffs and straightforward charm.
Give me a better album. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers made a lot of good music and this wasn't it.
I wasn't the most impressed. Tom Petty is a huge name in music, so I expected something better. He just kind of mumbles his way through this with some solid instrumentals behind him. It did end on 2 really good tracks though. I am surprised none of their other albums made the cut for this list, but I would give them a listen. This album at least showed me that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers can make good music. Sure, they didn't do that the whole time on this album, but it showed glimpse of what the band could be.
Such a unique voice. Very listenable album. It all flows together pretty well. Learning that I really like these shorter albums (<35min). Capping it with a GOAT shout in American Girl is awesome. Couple songs almost felt jammy. If I could give half stars it’d be 4.5 but alas, it’s not a 5 for me, so 4 it is.
The best Rolling Stones record not made by The Rolling Stones.
I dont know, i got kinda bored Some songs were nice tho
Pretty good!
A bunch of really great songs, but not quite a really great album. They’re doing a lot of great things, but I just wanted a little more from this. Hard to find a single person who dislikes Tom Petty. American Girl is an all timer. Favorite songs were Rockin’ Around, Breakdown, Fooled Again, and American Girl.
There were some famous songs in there I didn’t know where from them, I didn’t hate listening to it it was fine Just wtf is this cover?!
7.5 / 10
quality southern rock. "American girl" is probably the only song I would listen to again.
For me personally a little slow and boring. Nothing really got me hooked. However none of the songs were bad just not my style and a little blah. I wouldn't necessarily listen to the album again
it was pretty good, some of the songs i added to my playlist too!
Sound is a little dated to my zoomer ears but nothing stuck out as bad. Enjoyed Breakdown and American Girl, but he has an interesting voice that carried what would otherwise be pretty forgettable 'classic rock'
American girl obvi the best
American Girl is obviously a massive highlight and would maybe earn a spot on 1001 songs but this album isn't really very memorable. I listened to it twice through and could only tell you about American Girl. Playlist track: American Girl
Good singalong tunes
This was last year of college, one of the ‘must have’ albums to be cool.
Was best lekker
Pretty ordinary soft rock that is as innocuous as it is unworthy of a 1001 list of all time great albums
The cover is incredible, haha. The album itself was fine. It felt like inoffensive rock music, something that you could throw on and most people wouldn't mind listening to. I won't revisit this album, but it was a fine listen.
Breakdown, Go Ahead And Give It To Me 1001 Albums Generator 203 (1/12/2025) They're calling it the most 3/5 album ever. Nah I'm joking, this album is honestly not bad at all, but it's kind of crazy how the songs that aren't Breakdown or American Girl are just so much less interesting. Tom Petty's style of straightforward rock/n/roll is just not super engaging to me for the most part, but there are these moments of genius that pop through. With that said, the fun from Anything That's Rock'N'Roll to Mystery Man is really boring honestly. I don't know. Tom Petty has always been a song artist to me more than an album artist, and I think that is still the case. 3/5. Favs: Rockin' Around (With You) Breakdown American Girl Least Fav: Hometown Blues