‘Full Moon Fever’: Every Song Ranked
Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever contains 12 tracks. Truth be told, ranking 12 tracks shouldn’t be a terribly difficult task. However, when it comes to ranking the songs from Full Moon Fever, there’s just…
Tom Petty's Full Moon Fever contains 12 tracks. Truth be told, ranking 12 tracks shouldn't be a terribly difficult task. However, when it comes to ranking the songs from Full Moon Fever, there's just one problem: There isn't a weak song on this classic album.
Of course, this is a fact that many fans have realized in the 35 years since its release. While it's something that I personally have known for years as well, it wasn't until I literally sat down with the album that I discovered a newfound appreciation for a work I already loved.
After some intense internal struggle, here are all 12 songs from Full Moon Fever ranked.
Full Moon Fever Tracks Being Covered on Tom Petty Country Tribute Album
In February 2024, it was announced that a Tom Petty country tribute album was being released.
Aptly named Petty Country, the album is due out on May 31. The album features 20 tracks and an absolutely stacked roster of talent. Among the artists covering Petty are Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Wynonna Judd, Lainey Wilson, George Strait, Dierks Bentley and more. Heartbreakers members Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench also play on the album.
The album features four covers of songs from Petty's Full Moon Fever: "Runnin' Down a Dream," "I Won't Back Down," "Yer So Bad" and "Free Fallin'." A full track listing with artists is below.
Petty Country - Track Listing
1. "I Should Have Known It" - Chris Stapleton
2. "Wildflowers" - Thomas Rhett
3. "Runnin' Down a Dream" - Luke Combs
4. "Southern Accents" - Dolly Parton
5. "Here Comes My Girl" - Justin Moore
6. "American Girl" - Dierks Bentley
7. "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" - Lady A
8. "I Forgive It All" - Jamey Johnson
9. "I Won't Back Down" - Brothers Osborne
10. "Refugee" - Wynonna Judd & Lainey Wilson
11. "Angel Dream #2" - Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson
12. "Learning to Fly" - Eli Young Band
13. "Breakdown" - Ryan Hurd feat. Carly Pearce
14. "Yer So Bad" - Steve Earle
15. "Ways to Be Wicked" - Margo Price & Mike Campbell
16. "Mary Jane's Last Dance" - Midland
17. "Free Fallin'" - The Cadillac Three feat. Breland
18. "I Need To Know" - Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
19. "Don't Come Around Here No More" - Rhiannon Giddens feat. Benmont Tench
20. "You Wreck Me (Live)" - George Strait
12. "Alright For Now"
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesIf you're looking for evidence as to just how great 'Full Moon Fever' is, "Alright For Now" kicks off this list. (Sorry! Something had to rank 12th!) A two-minute acoustic tune, it's beautiful in its simplicity and earnestness.
Musician Tom Petty performs at the Bridgestone halftime show during Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
11. "Depending on You"
Samir Hussein/Getty ImagesA straight-forward love song, "Depending On You" cuts right to the chase: Stop trying to change yourself for other people! You're pretty great already!
Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performs on the main stage on day 2 of The Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park on June 22, 2012 in Newport, Isle of Wight.
10. "The Apartment Song"
Matt Archer/Getty ImagesThere's not a lot to "The Apartment Song," but its infectious, jaunty nature is absolutely undeniable. After one listen, it'll likely get stuck in your head, and that certainly isn't a bad thing.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers perform as part of the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park on September 17, 2006 in Austin, Texas.
9. "A Mind with a Heart of its Own"
Jeff Gentner/Getty ImagesHoly Bo Diddley, Batman! Between the energetic Diddley-inspired riff and the hooky chorus, perhaps "A Mind with a Heart of its Own" is the most underrated earworm of 'Full Moon Fever.' (No offense to the previously mentioned "The Apartment Song.")
Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performs during first day of the 2006 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 16, 2006 in Manchester, Tennessee.
8. "Zombie Zoo"
Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesDelightfully tongue in cheek, "Zombie Zoo" has a little fun at the expense of goths. Even those who went through a goth phase in all its pale, black eyeliner glory have to admit this song's pretty on-point. Roy Orbison providing backing vocals doesn't hurt either.
Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performs during their 40th Anniversary Tour at Bridgestone Arena on April 25, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee.
7. "Feel a Whole Lot Better"
Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesA cover of The Byrds "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better," this track kicks off side two of the LP/cassette version of 'Full Moon Fever.' Those listening to the album were drolly greeted with this information via the hidden track "Hello, CD listeners..." The backing vocals on this track come via Jeff Lynne, and they are just sublime.
Tom Petty performs onstage during MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Tom Petty at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
6. "A Face in the Crowd"
Gary Gershoff/Getty Images"A Face in the Crowd" poignantly demonstrates how love can seemingly come out of nowhere. Or, in the case of its lyrics, "Out of a dream, out of the sky. Into my heart, into my life"
Tom Petty attends Songwriters Hall Of Fame 47th Annual Induction And Awards at Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 9, 2016 in New York City.
5. "Yer So Bad"
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesEasily the darkest song on the album, "Yer So Bad" tells the common tale of the aftermath of divorce. Of course, the tale is told from the perspective of a brother whose sister "married a yuppie" and "took him for all he was worth." Good thing the brother has someone to save him and is the "best thing I ever had."
Musician Tom Petty performs onstage during the 5th Annual Sean Penn & Friends HELP HAITI HOME Gala Benefiting J/P Haitian Relief Organization at Montage Hotel on January 9, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.
4. "Love Is a Long Road"
Jerod Harris/Getty ImagesEver given a relationship chance after chance to get better only to realize that you just need to get out? "Love Is a Long Road" is the perfect soundtrack for that situation.
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers kick off their summer 2014 tour in support of their latest album 'Hypnotic Eye' at Viejas Arena on August 3, 2014 in San Diego, California.
3. "Free Fallin'"
Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesPetty said in an interview with 'Billboard' "...really just to amuse Jeff, honestly, I just sang that first verse. Then he starts laughing. Honestly, I thought I was just amusing Jeff but then I got to the chorus of the song and he leaned over to me and said the word, ‘freefalling.’" And that's how Petty's highest-charting hit was born!
Tom Petty performs onstage at the Firefly Music Festival at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway on June 22, 2013 in Dover, Delaware.
2. "I Won't Back Down"
Samir Hussein/Getty ImagesOf all of the running themes in rock and roll over its decades-long existence, defiance and rebellion are certainly among the most beloved. With "I Won't Back Down," those themes are front and center, and thirty years later, the song continues to be one of the greatest anthems of all time.
Tom Petty of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performs on the main stage on day 2 of The Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park on June 22, 2012 in Newport, Isle of Wight.
1. "Runnin' Down a Dream"
Michael Buckner/Getty ImagesFrom its opening riff to the fading out guitar solo, "Runnin' Down a Dream" is 4:23 of rock and roll perfection on an album packed with incredible songs. Co-written by Petty, Lynne and Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell, "Runnin' Down A Dream" might just be one of the simplest and yet most profound allegory about life itself. All of us have hopes and dreams, and every single day, we get a chance to work on that mystery and go wherever it leads to make them happen. If you by chance have Del Shannon's "Runaway" playing as all of this is going down, consider it a bonus.
Tom Petty performs during the 'Bridgestone Halftime Show' at Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots on February 3, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
