The Greatist Recordings of All-Time

52."Breakdown"-Tom Petty
and the Heartbreakers

It's impossible to comunicate today what a breath of fresh air Tom
Petty's "Breakdown" was back in 1977.After disco and too many sensitive
singer-songwriters to name;Petty and Co. came across as a straight-ahead
somewhat roots oriented band{The Byrds,The Rolling Stones}.Petty was
a Rock 'n Roll singer with a unique voice and a Top-Notch band.
Basically a two chord song,Three on the chorus,Breakdown" is the
the ultimate rock 'n roll simplicity.Ah,but what a beautiful simplicity
it was and is.
"Breakdown" set the template for many of Petty's later hit's.A simple
chord progression with direct and simple lyrics-sometime's aided by a sly
sense of humor.Then thier is guitarist's Mike Cambell's very tasty lead-
guitar work-and keyboardist Benmont Tench to bring it all home.
The Heartbreaker's Rocked !