Album Information:
Album ID: 10386
About Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were an American rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida in 1976. The founding members were Tom Petty (vocals, guitar), Mike Campbell (guitar), Ron Blair (bass), Stan Lynch (drums), and Benmont Tench (keyboards). They were known for their classic rock sound, incorporating elements of country, folk, and blues into their music.
Tom Petty began his music career in the early 1970s, playing in various bands in Florida before eventually forming Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1976 and included the hit singles 'Breakdown' and 'American Girl'. The album was a critical and commercial success, establishing the band as a major force in the rock music scene.
Over the next few decades, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers released a long series of successful albums, including 'Damn the Torpedoes' (1979), 'Hard Promises' (1981), 'Long After Dark' (1982), 'Southern Accents' (1985), and 'Full Moon Fever' (1989). They also toured extensively and became known for their energetic live performances.
In addition to his work with The Heartbreakers, Tom Petty also had a successful solo career, releasing several albums and hit singles like 'Free Fallin' and 'I Won't Back Down'. He also collaborated with other musicians, such as Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne, in the supergroup Traveling Wilburys.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers continued to release albums and tour throughout the 2000s and 2010s, despite Petty's declining health. Their final album, 'Hypnotic Eye', was released in 2014. In 2017, Petty died of a heart attack at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and influential musicians in rock history.
Overall, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were known for their catchy melodies, guitar-driven rock sound, and insightful lyrics. They were an integral part of the classic rock era and continue to inspire and influence rock musicians around the world.
About the album Damn The Torpedoes:
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' album Damn The Torpedoes was their breakthrough album and helped solidify their place in the rock and roll world upon its release in 1979. The album is often regarded as one of their best works due to its consistent energy, superb songwriting, and the strong chemistry between the band members.
The album kicks off with the iconic 'Refugee,' a classic rock track that features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and Petty's distinctive vocals - all of which make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. The song was a huge hit upon release and stands as one of the band's most memorable songs.
The following track, 'Here Comes My Girl,' is a slower tempo ballad with a melodic, upbeat quality that showcases Petty's talent for crafting catchy, memorable hooks. It's followed by 'Even The Losers,' which is a more upbeat track that features the band's trademark tight guitar and drum interplay.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Don't Do Me Like That,' a song that features strong guitar solos over a driving beat. It was another hit for the band, and it still gets airplay on classic rock radio stations today. The track 'You Tell Me' is a beautiful acoustic ballad that showcases Petty's softer side with its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melody.
Another highlight of the album is 'Shadow Of A Doubt,' a song that features a darker, more mysterious sound with its haunting refrain and mysterious lyrics. 'Century City' is another upbeat rocker, with strong guitar riffs and a driving beat.
The band slows things down again with the track 'Louisiana Rain,' a poignant ballad that features some of Petty's most heartfelt lyrics. It's an emotional ending to the album that showcases the band's tight musicianship and Petty's knack for crafting memorable, affecting songs.
Overall, Damn The Torpedoes is a classic that has stood the test of time. It features some of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' most memorable songs and is a showcase for the band's incredible talents. It's an album that any fan of rock and roll should have in their collection.
Members:
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers is an American rock band that was formed in 1976 in Gainesville, Florida. The band has had numerous key members over the years, but the most prominent members are listed below along with their biographies:
1. Tom Petty - Singer, guitarist, and songwriter
Tom Petty was the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the band. Petty was born in Florida in 1950 and showed an early interest in music. He formed his first bands in high school and eventually formed The Heartbreakers in 1976. Petty's distinctive vocals and songwriting style were integral to the band's success. He passed away in 2017.
2. Mike Campbell - Lead guitarist
Mike Campbell was the lead guitarist of The Heartbreakers. He was born in Florida in 1950 and met Petty in the early 1970s. Campbell played on all of the band's albums and co-wrote several of their most famous songs. He has also worked as a producer and session musician for other artists.
3. Benmont Tench - Keyboardist
Benmont Tench was the keyboardist of The Heartbreakers. He was born in Florida in 1953 and met Petty while they were both studying at the University of Florida. Tench played on all of the band's albums and was known for his virtuoso keyboard playing. He has also played on many other artists' albums and has been a member of several other bands.
4. Ron Blair - Bassist
Ron Blair was the bassist of The Heartbreakers. He was born in California in 1948 and joined the band in 1976 after their original bassist, Tom Leadon, left the band. Blair played on the band's first four albums before leaving the group in 1982. He rejoined the band in 2002 and continues to tour and record with them.
5. Stan Lynch - Drummer
Stan Lynch was the drummer of The Heartbreakers from 1976 to 1994. He was born in California in 1955 and joined the band as their original drummer. Lynch played on all of the band's albums from 1976 to 1991 and co-wrote several of their most famous songs. He left the band in 1994 to pursue other projects.
6. Steve Ferrone - Drummer
Steve Ferrone is a British drummer who joined The Heartbreakers in 1994 after Lynch left the band. He was born in England in 1950 and had previously played with artists such as George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Duran Duran. Ferrone has played on all of The Heartbreakers' albums since 1994 and continues to tour with the band.
Track List for Damn The Torpedoes:
Sure, here's a list of all nine tracks on the album 'Damn The Torpedoes' by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in order of appearance, along with their play times and a brief description of each track:
1. 'Refugee' - 3:21
Opening with a pounding, instantly recognizable drumbeat, 'Refugee' is a defiant anthem about standing up for oneself in the face of adversity. Petty's vocals are propelled by the driving rhythm section and ringing guitars.
2. 'Here Comes My Girl' - 4:38
A more laidback track, 'Here Comes My Girl' features a groovy bassline and a wistful, romantic melody. The lyrics paint a picture of a guy who's head-over-heels for his significant other, and the instrumentation builds gradually to a soaring chorus.
3. 'Even The Losers' - 3:59
A standout track on the album, 'Even The Losers' is an upbeat, jangly rocker with a sing-along chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a guy who's facing setbacks and failures in his life, but refuses to give up hope.
4. 'Shadow Of A Doubt (Complex Kid)' - 4:23
'Shadow Of A Doubt' is a darker, moodier tune with swirling keyboards and atmospheric guitar work. Petty's vocals are more subdued here, drawing the listener in with a haunting melody and cryptic lyrics.
5. 'Century City' - 3:43
A rollicking, uptempo track with a catchy guitar riff and driving drumbeat, 'Century City' is one of the more straightforward rockers on the album. The lyrics are somewhat enigmatic, but seem to touch on themes of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with society.
6. 'Don't Do Me Like That' - 2:42
One of the band's biggest hits, 'Don't Do Me Like That' is a snappy, hook-filled tune with a sing-along chorus. The production is crisp and punchy, highlighting the band's tight musicianship and Petty's distinctive voice.
7. 'You Tell Me' - 4:35
A more understated track, 'You Tell Me' features gentle acoustic guitar and a relaxed vocal performance from Petty. The lyrics are introspective and vulnerable, dealing with issues of communication and trust in a relationship.
8. 'What Are You Doin' In My Life?' - 3:28
This track is a propulsive, guitar-driven rocker with a sense of urgency and energy. Petty's vocals are urgent and intense, matching the driving rhythm section and fiery guitar lines.
9. 'Louisiana Rain' - 4:48
Closing out the album on a more somber note, 'Louisiana Rain' is a poignant ballad with a mournful melody and evocative lyrics. The production is minimal, allowing Petty's voice and acoustic guitar to take center stage.
Discography for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:
Sure, here is the complete discography for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers:
1. 'Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' (1976)
2. 'You're Gonna Get It!' (1978)
3. 'Damn the Torpedoes' (1979)
4. 'Hard Promises' (1981)
5. 'Long After Dark' (1982)
6. 'Southern Accents' (1985)
7. 'Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)' (1987)
8. 'Full Moon Fever' (1989)
9. 'Into the Great Wide Open' (1991)
10. 'Greatest Hits' (1993)
11. 'Playback' (1995)
12. 'Songs and Music from 'She's the One' (1996)
13. 'Echo' (1999)
14. 'Anthology: Through the Years' (2000)
15. 'The Last DJ' (2002)
16. 'Highway Companion' (2006)
17. 'Mojo' (2010)
18. 'Hypnotic Eye' (2014)
Singles:
1. 'Breakdown' (1977)
2. 'American Girl' (1977)
3. 'Listen to Her Heart' (1978)
4. 'Refugee' (1980)
5. 'Don't Do Me Like That' (1979)
6. 'Here Comes My Girl' (1980)
7. 'The Waiting' (1981)
8. 'You Got Lucky' (1982)
9. 'Change of Heart' (1983)
10. 'Don't Come Around Here No More' (1985)
11. 'Jammin' Me' (1987)
12. 'I Won't Back Down' (1989)
13. 'Runnin' Down a Dream' (1989)
14. 'Learning to Fly' (1991)
15. 'Into the Great Wide Open' (1991)
16. 'Mary Jane's Last Dance' (1993)
17. 'You Don't Know How It Feels' (1994)
18. 'You Wreck Me' (1995)
19. 'Free Fallin' (re-issue) (1996)
Other releases:
1. 'Pack Up the Plantation: Live!' (1985)
2. 'The Live Anthology' (2009)