17 Underrated Tom Petty Songs: Discover Them Now!

Hey there fellow music enthusiasts, TBone here from Level Tunes! 🎵 Being a DJ, I’ve spun countless tracks and delved deep into the sonic universe.

One artist who never ceases to amaze me is the legendary Tom Petty. While he has a plethora of hits that have graced our ears, I believe there are gems in his discography that haven’t quite gotten the recognition they deserve.

Hence, I decided to curate a list of 17 underrated Tom Petty songs.

Why 17?

Because every song is a story, and these 17 tales deserve to be heard.

Whether you’re a DJ, a music lover, or just in for some musical exploration, let’s dive in and celebrate the underrated genius of Petty!

Here are the best underrated Tom Petty songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Tom Petty Songs

Underrated Tom Petty songs in a list format:

1. “Straight Into Darkness”

Album: Long After Dark (1982) Label: Backstreet/MCA Records Description: “Straight Into Darkness” is an emotional ride through past regrets and moving forward. Though not one of the radio darlings, its evocative lyrics and compelling arrangement place it among the best of Petty’s works. The Heartbreakers’ playing, especially Mike Campbell on guitar, resonates with genuine emotion. The song showcases Petty’s ability to capture complex emotions in simple terms. What attracted me to this track was its melancholic yet hopeful undertone.

2. “Something Big”

Album: Hard Promises (1981) Label: Backstreet Records Description: Off the critically acclaimed album “Hard Promises”, “Something Big” stands out with its unique storytelling approach. The narrative involves a lonely motel room and the unknown events of one of its tenants. Benmont Tench’s haunting keyboard underscores the mystery. The song speaks of loneliness, anticipation, and the unexpected moments in life. I’ve always felt that it’s an auditory equivalent of an intriguing short story.

3. “The Criminal Kind”

Album: Hard Promises (1981) Label: Backstreet Records Description: This groove-driven number is seasoned with the signature Petty flair. The track captivates with its commentary on societal views of rebelliousness. The Heartbreakers again shine through, demonstrating their skill in blending with Petty’s voice. I love it for its laid-back vibe, combined with poignant observations.

4. “Finding Out”

Album: Long After Dark (1982) Label: Backstreet/MCA Records Description: A high-energy track that’s about realization and confrontation. The raw guitar and rhythmic pulsations set the stage for Petty’s confrontational lyrics. This song embodies that feeling of enlightenment that comes from facing hard truths. Its pulsating energy drew me in from the first listen.

5. “Nightwatchman”

Album: Hard Promises (1981) Label: Backstreet Records Description: This is Petty digging deep into rock’s roots, delivering with a blend of swagger and attitude. I adore its rhythm and how it perfectly complements the lyrics about taking control and standing guard over one’s life. Every DJ has that one song they think is an unsung anthem, and this is mine from Petty.

6. “Magnolia”

Album: You’re Gonna Get It! (1978) Label: Shelter Records Description: This track is a sublime blend of country-infused rock, showcasing Petty’s versatility. It’s a breezy number with poetic lyrics, painting pictures of serene southern landscapes. It has that easy-going vibe that’s perfect for a relaxed listen, taking you to Petty’s version of the south.

7. “No Second Thoughts”

Album: You’re Gonna Get It! (1978) Label: Shelter Records Description: A soft, acoustic number that stands in contrast to some of the rockier tracks on the album. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, and it’s this gentle approach to songwriting that makes it stand out. The song feels intimate, like a heart-to-heart conversation.

8. “Luna”

Album: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976) Label: Shelter Records Description: An ethereal track with a mystic aura, “Luna” showcases Petty’s more poetic side. The dreamy guitar riffs and otherworldly lyrics transport the listener. It’s a sonic experience I feel is worth more attention than it usually gets.

9. “Louisiana Rain”

Album: Damn the Torpedoes (1979) Label: Backstreet Records Description: This is a heartfelt ballad dripping with nostalgia. It’s a journey through rain-soaked memories, love, and longing. Stan Lynch’s drumming and Tench’s keyboard give the track its soulful rhythm. It feels like a rainy evening spent reminiscing the past.

10. “Trailer”

Album: Mojo (2010) Label: Reprise Records Description: This one’s a revisit of a Petty song from the ’80s. The track paints a picture of young love, economic challenges, and life’s simple pleasures. It’s raw and real, much like life itself. The organic feel of this song is what made me revisit it multiple times.

11. “My Life/Your World”

Album: Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) (1987) Label: MCA Records Description: This track radiates the classic rock-n-roll vibe. The catchy chorus and the robust musical arrangement make it a standout. It reminds listeners of the transient nature of life and our role in it. I love the philosophical depth Petty brings to this rock number.

12. “Dogs on the Run”

Album: Southern Accents (1985) Label: MCA Records Description: This song beautifully captures the essence of restless spirits and the chase for dreams. It’s both an anthem and a reflection for those who dare to dream. The energetic ensemble by The Heartbreakers, especially Mike Campbell’s guitar solo, adds depth to this track.

13. “Hometown Blues”

Album: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976) Label: Shelter Records Description: A lively track, it captures the urge to break free from the monotony and set out for something bigger. The song is a salute to wanderlust, and its upbeat nature never fails to lift my spirits.

14. “Billy the Kid”

Album: Echo (1999) Label: Warner Bros. Records Description: A narrative track that gives a modern twist to the legendary outlaw’s tale. It’s an engaging blend of history and fiction, underscored by riveting guitar work. This song showcases Petty’s flair for reimagining tales in his unique style.

15. “Two Men Talking”

Album: Hypnotic Eye (2014) Label: Reprise Records Description: This track delves deep into the psyche, exploring themes of envy, rivalry, and shared pasts. The bluesy undertone sets the mood, making it an introspective number. It’s a reflection of moments that have passed and what they mean in the grand scheme of things.

16. “The Damage You’ve Done”

Album: Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) (1987) Label: MCA Records Description: This song carries a blend of resentment and acceptance. Petty’s lyrical prowess shines, turning pain into poetry. It’s a testament to moving on and the cathartic process of letting go.

17. “A One Story Town”

Album: Long After Dark (1982) Label: Backstreet/MCA Records Description: This song encapsulates the desire to break free and start anew. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt confined by their surroundings. The guitar riffs and the rhythm section lay the foundation for a journey towards something bigger and better.

Fun Facts: Underrated Tom Petty Songs

1. “Straight Into Darkness”

• Fun Fact: This song was almost featured in the setlist for Petty’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2008. Ultimately, it was replaced with other bigger hits. But can you imagine the magic it would have been if this underrated gem had been performed on such a grand stage?

2. “Something Big”

• Fun Fact: Petty’s lyrics often painted pictures of characters and narratives. “Something Big” is one of those tracks where Petty played with storytelling, crafting a narrative that leaves much to the listener’s imagination. It’s almost like an open-ended short story set to music.

3. “The Criminal Kind”

• Fun Fact: Some fans and critics have speculated that “The Criminal Kind” might be a commentary on the bad boy image often associated with rock stars, including Petty himself. Whether it’s true or not, Petty had a way of subtly addressing the stereotypes and expectations placed on him.

4. “Finding Out”

• Fun Fact: “Finding Out” is a quintessential Heartbreakers’ song. The synergy between Petty and his band is evident in the track, especially in the live performances. It’s said that this song showcased some of their best jam sessions during rehearsals.

7. “No Second Thoughts”

• Fun Fact: Petty was known for his rock anthems, but he occasionally dabbled in softer acoustic numbers. “No Second Thoughts” was a nod to his admiration for folk and country tunes. It showcased a completely different side of the rock icon.

8. “Luna”

• Fun Fact: Benmont Tench, the Heartbreakers’ keyboardist, has often stated in interviews how much he enjoyed playing on the track “Luna”. The song’s dreamy atmosphere and hypnotic vibes allowed him to experiment and create a unique soundscape.

11. “My Life/Your World”

• Fun Fact: This song contains a lyrical nod to Bob Dylan with the line, “You’re a ghost above the trees.” Petty, a huge admirer of Dylan, would later collaborate with him in the supergroup, the Traveling Wilburys.

12. “Dogs on the Run”

• Fun Fact: The Southern Accents album initially started as a concept album. While it eventually strayed from that idea, “Dogs on the Run” was one of the tracks that still retained the southern theme and flavor the original project aimed for.

14. “Billy the Kid”

• Fun Fact: While “Billy the Kid” is a fresh take on the legend of the famous outlaw, it also subtly captures Petty’s own feelings of being misunderstood in the industry, battling misconceptions and standing against the norm.

And there you have it, a dive into the hidden treasures of Tom Petty’s discography! As with all great artists, there’s always more beneath the surface. Keep listening, keep exploring, and always let the music play.

Thanks for reading.

TBone