Studio Album · No. 3
Damn the Torpedoes Songwriting Credits by Tom Petty
Produced by Jimmy Iovine, Tom Petty · Engineered by Shelly Yakus
Backstreet Records
Heartland RockRock and Roll
100%
Authorship
Holds writing credit on 9 of 9 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 9 / 9 documented
Who wrote the songs?
Scored across the 9 tracks with documented writers, by whether Tom Petty carries a lyricist or composer credit.
9 trackswritten by Tom Petty
0 tracksoutside writers
Tom Petty's roles on this album
Share of the 9 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer100%
Performer100%
By the Numbers
9
Tracks
2
Lyricists
2
Producers
1979
Released
Data Insight
Damn the Torpedoes is built on the Tom Petty and Mike Campbell writing partnership, with both 'Refugee' and 'Here Comes My Girl' credited as Petty-Campbell co-writes where Campbell supplied the music and Petty the words. Petty wrote 'Don't Do Me Like That,' the album's biggest hit single, by himself. Jimmy Iovine took over as producer alongside Petty, and engineer Shelly Yakus gave the record the polished, punchy sound that pushed it to multi-platinum success.
The commercial breakthrough produced by Jimmy Iovine, containing radio staples 'Refugee' and 'Don't Do Me Like That.' The album reached #2 on the Billboard 200 and established Petty as a major rock figure.
Track Listing & Credits 9 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Refugee
#15
|
Tom PettyMike Campbell | Thomas Earl PettyMichael Wayne Campbell | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
Here Comes My Girl
#59
|
Tom PettyMike Campbell | Thomas Earl PettyMichael Wayne Campbell | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
Even the Losers
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
Shadow of a Doubt (A Complex Kid)
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Century City
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
Don't Do Me Like That
#10
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
You Tell Me
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
What Are You Doin' in My Life?
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 9 |
Louisiana Rain
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Jimmy IovineTom Petty | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 5 contributors
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Frequently Asked Questions Damn the Torpedoes
Did Tom Petty write Damn the Torpedoes himself?
Tom Petty wrote or co-wrote all of the album, often with guitarist Mike Campbell. 'Refugee' and 'Here Comes My Girl' are both Petty-Campbell co-writes, with Campbell composing the music and Petty writing the lyrics. Petty wrote the hit 'Don't Do Me Like That' on his own.
Who wrote Refugee by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers?
'Refugee' was co-written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell. Campbell wrote the music and Petty added the words, a frequent split in their partnership. The single peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Who produced Damn the Torpedoes?
Jimmy Iovine produced the album with Tom Petty. It was Iovine's first time working with the band, replacing Denny Cordell from the earlier records. Shelly Yakus engineered the sessions.
What was the biggest hit on Damn the Torpedoes?
'Don't Do Me Like That' was the album's highest-charting single, reaching number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Tom Petty wrote it alone. 'Refugee' followed at number 15 and 'Here Comes My Girl' at number 59.
Is Damn the Torpedoes multi-platinum?
Yes. The album is certified 3x Platinum by the RIAA in the United States, representing three million units. It is also certified 2x Platinum in Canada by Music Canada.
Who engineered Damn the Torpedoes?
Shelly Yakus engineered the album. His work gave the record its clean, forceful sound. The mastering was handled by Greg Calbi.