In 1989, Tom Petty recorded without the Heartbreakers for the first time. Now, Jeff Lynne calls it the best thing that he ever made
In 1989, Tom Petty made *Full Moon Fever*, his first album recorded without the Heartbreakers. Working with Jeff Lynne gave Petty room to explore songs outside the band, including “Free Fallin’”; the album became a major hit while Petty remained committed to the Heartbreakers.
Lynne later called *Full Moon Fever* his favourite album he had ever made, recalling that the songs came quickly and the collaboration was enjoyable. Guitarist Mike Campbell also contributed, despite the record being made apart from the full band. The article presents the album’s relaxed, playful sound as a contrast with the Heartbreakers’ less inspired period.
In short
- Petty’s first solo album was *Full Moon Fever*.
- Jeff Lynne called it his favourite album he had made.
- The 1989 hit included “Free Fallin’”.
Explained simply
Tom Petty was the singer and songwriter at the centre of the American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. In 1989, he made an album with British musician and producer Jeff Lynne, who had worked with Electric Light Orchestra; Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell also played on it.
Full Moon Fever let Petty try out songs and a sound beyond the group’s usual work, while he continued with the Heartbreakers. Its success showed how a solo project could sit alongside a long-running band, and Lynne later singled it out as his favourite album he had made.