Tom Petty’s Experimental Flops: 10 Songs That Pushed the Wrong Boundaries

Tom Petty helped millions of listeners believe in the power of rock and roll again. However, like any artist, he had his share of misfires. Here are 10 songs that Tom Petty should have never released:

1. “Airport” – Songs from She’s The One

Tom Petty was never comfortable working in the world of film, and it shows in “Airport.” The song feels like shallow soundtrack fodder and is one of the least necessary parts of Petty’s discography.

2. “Lover’s Touch” – Mojo

Mojo is an album with problems, mainly its length. “Lover’s Touch” feels like Petty covering ground that was already dealt with on other tunes. The song’s gruff vocal style also doesn’t suit Petty.

3. “The Damage You’ve Done” – Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough)

Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) was an album Petty didn’t look back on fondly. “The Damage You’ve Done” is a song that the band could practically write in their sleep, but it lacks substance.

4. “Something in the Air” – Greatest Hits

“Something in the Air” is a filler track on Petty’s Greatest Hits album. The song is too similar to the original version by Thunderclap Newman, making it feel like an accident on the album.

5. “Make It Better (Forget About Me)” – Southern Accents

“Make It Better” is one of Petty’s most forgettable songs. The song’s attempt at Memphis soul falls short, and the lyrics are juvenile.

6. “Crystal River” – Mudcrutch

Mudcrutch’s reunion album had its rough spots, and “Crystal River” is one of them. The song’s nine-minute length kills the album’s momentum.

7. “Cool Dry Place” – Traveling Wilburys Vol. 2

“Cool Dry Place” is a song that feels too middle-aged for the Traveling Wilburys. The lyrics are also some of Petty’s most juvenile.

8. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” – Echo

Echo is an album that marks one of the lowest emotional points in Petty’s life. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” is a song that sounds honest, but Mike Campbell’s vocals instead of Petty’s make it feel out of place.

9. “Zombie Zoo” – Full Moon Fever

“Zombie Zoo” brings Full Moon Fever to a screeching halt. The song is too lighthearted and goofy for an album that showed a new side of Petty.

These songs are some of the rare misfires in Petty’s discography.