Studio Album · No. 6
Southern Accents Songwriting Credits by Tom Petty
Produced by Mike Campbell, Jimmy Iovine, Tom Petty, Robbie Robertson, Dave Stewart · Engineered by David Bianco, Joel Fein, Don Smith, Shelly Yakus
MCA Records
Heartland RockSouthern RockRock
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
3
Lyricists
5
Producers
1985
Released
Awards & Recognition 1
Best Special Effects (1985)
Data Insight
Southern Accents began as Tom Petty's ambitious concept album about the American South, and his songwriting dominates the record. The album's biggest hit, 'Don't Come Around Here No More,' was co-written with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, who also co-wrote and produced several other tracks, including 'Make It Better (Forget About Me).' Petty co-produced the album alongside Mike Campbell, Jimmy Iovine, Dave Stewart, and Robbie Robertson of The Band, who contributed to 'The Best of Everything.' The varied production team reflects a record assembled from multiple sessions and creative directions.
A concept album exploring Southern American identity, produced by Petty and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. Features 'Don't Come Around Here No More,' co-written with Stewart.
Track Listing & Credits 9 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rebels
#74
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
It Ain't Nothin' to Me
|
Tom PettyDave Stewart | Thomas Earl PettyDavid Allan Stewart | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
Don't Come Around Here No More
#13
|
Tom PettyDave Stewart | Thomas Earl PettyDavid Allan Stewart | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
Southern Accents
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Make It Better (Forget About Me)
#54
|
Tom PettyDave Stewart | Thomas Earl PettyDavid Allan Stewart | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
Spike
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
Dogs on the Run
|
Tom PettyMike Campbell | Thomas Earl PettyMichael Wayne Campbell | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
Mary's New Car
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 9 |
The Best of Everything
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Mike CampbellJimmy IovineTom PettyRobbie RobertsonDave Stewart | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 8 contributors
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Frequently Asked Questions Southern Accents
Who co-wrote Don't Come Around Here No More with Tom Petty?
'Don't Come Around Here No More' was co-written by Tom Petty and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Stewart also co-produced the track. It became the album's biggest hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Who produced Southern Accents?
Southern Accents was produced by Tom Petty along with Mike Campbell, Jimmy Iovine, Dave Stewart, and Robbie Robertson of The Band. The album was assembled from several different sessions, which is reflected in the multiple producers credited. It was released in 1985 on MCA Records.
What was the original concept behind Southern Accents?
Tom Petty originally conceived Southern Accents as a concept album about the American South. The project grew unwieldy and was ultimately pared down to nine tracks. The title song and 'Rebels' remain the clearest expressions of that Southern theme.
Did the Don't Come Around Here No More video win an award?
Yes. The Alice in Wonderland-themed music video for 'Don't Come Around Here No More' won Best Special Effects at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards. The video featured Tom Petty as the Mad Hatter.
What singles were released from Southern Accents?
The charting singles were 'Don't Come Around Here No More' at number 13, 'Make It Better (Forget About Me)' at number 54, and 'Rebels' at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100. 'Rebels' also reached number 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
Is Southern Accents certified Platinum?
Yes. Southern Accents was certified Platinum by the RIAA, indicating shipments of one million units in the United States. The certification is dated September 20, 1985.
Did Tom Petty write most of Southern Accents?
Tom Petty wrote or co-wrote every song on Southern Accents. His most notable collaborator was Dave Stewart, who co-wrote three tracks including the hit 'Don't Come Around Here No More.' Petty handled several songs on his own, including the title track.