Studio Album · No. 1
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Songwriting Credits by Tom Petty
Produced by Denny Cordell
Shelter Records
Rock and RollHeartland RockPower PopRock
100%
Authorship
Holds writing credit on 10 of 10 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 10 / 10 documented
Who wrote the songs?
Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether Tom Petty carries a lyricist or composer credit.
10 trackswritten by Tom Petty
0 tracksoutside writers
Tom Petty's roles on this album
Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer0%
Performer100%
By the Numbers
10
Tracks
2
Lyricists
1
Producers
1976
Released
Data Insight
Tom Petty wrote every song on the debut, taking sole credit on the two best-known cuts, 'American Girl' and 'Breakdown.' The one co-write went to guitarist Mike Campbell on 'Rockin' Around (With You),' the working pattern of Petty words over Campbell music that would define later records. Denny Cordell produced for Shelter Records, framing the Heartbreakers' jangling guitars and tight rhythm section.
The debut album introducing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released on Shelter Records. Produced by Denny Cordell, it established the band's raw, melody-forward sound.
Track Listing & Credits 10 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rockin' Around (With You)
|
Tom PettyMike Campbell | Thomas Earl PettyMichael Wayne Campbell | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
Breakdown
#40
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
Hometown Blues
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
The Wild One, Forever
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
Strangered in the Night
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
Mystery Man
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 9 |
Luna
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
| 10 |
American Girl
|
Tom Petty | Thomas Earl Petty | Denny Cordell | Tom Petty (Lead Vocals) |
Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 5 contributors
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Frequently Asked Questions Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Did Tom Petty write the songs on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers himself?
Yes. Tom Petty wrote every track on the 1976 debut, holding sole credit on highlights such as 'American Girl' and 'Breakdown.' The only co-write on the record was 'Rockin' Around (With You),' shared with guitarist Mike Campbell. That Petty-words, Campbell-music split would recur across the band's catalog.
Who wrote American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers?
Tom Petty wrote 'American Girl' alone. It closes the debut album and became one of his signature songs despite missing the US Billboard Hot 100 on its original 1977 release. It charted at number 40 on the UK Singles chart at the time.
Who produced Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers?
Denny Cordell produced the debut album for Shelter Records. He shaped the band's guitar-driven sound rather than handing production to the Heartbreakers themselves. Jimmy Iovine would not take over as producer until Damn the Torpedoes in 1979.
Did Breakdown by Tom Petty chart?
Yes. 'Breakdown' peaked at number 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100 after the album's slow build. It was the only track from the debut to reach the Hot 100.
Was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers certified Gold?
Yes. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in the United States, signifying 500,000 units shipped. It built its audience gradually rather than charting quickly on release.
What genre is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers?
The debut is rooted in rock and roll with strong heartland rock and power pop elements. Its jangling guitars drew comparisons to the Byrds and the new wave scene of the late 1970s.