Full Moon Fever
Encyclopedia
Full Moon Fever is the first solo album by Tom Petty
, though it features contributions from several members of his backing band, the Heartbreakers, along with fellow members of the Traveling Wilburys
. The record shows Petty exploring his musical roots with nods to his influences. The songwriting is mainly collaborations between Petty and Jeff Lynne
who was also a producer on the album. The album became a commercial and critical success peaking in the top five on the Billboard 200
and being certified 5x platinum in the United States and 6x platinum in Canada.
when he decided to record a new album. Since the songs that Petty and Electric Light Orchestra
front man/Traveling Wilbury collaborator Jeff Lynne
co-wrote sounded "nothing like Heartbreakers songs," Petty decided to record the album as a solo effort. At first, this stirred a bit of controversy amongst some of the Heartbreakers, although each one except drummer Stan Lynch
, contributed to the album. Recording was a low-key affair, with many of Petty's friends contributing, including the members of the Traveling Wilburys, minus Bob Dylan
. A few songs were recorded during the sessions that did not make the album; "Down the Line" and "Don't Treat Me Like A Stranger" were among them, and were released as b-sides. "Traveling" and "Waiting for Tonight" were released on Playback, with the former featuring all the Heartbreakers, including Stan Lynch, and the latter featuring The Bangles
. During the sessions, Petty wrote "Indiana Girl," an early draft of what would eventually become "Mary Jane's Last Dance
". When playing the songs live, initially, Benmont Tench and Howie Epstein weren't happy about it. Stan Lynch hated it right up until his departure from the band, saying he felt he was in a cover band.
feel. The songs show Petty paying dues to his influences with a Byrds cover ("I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better") and a nod to Del Shannon
in "Runnin' Down a Dream
." Other songs, such as "Free Fallin'
" show Petty addressing nostalgia on his rise to fame.
and number 8 in the UK. There were five singles released from the album, two hitting the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100
and three topping the Mainstream Rock
chart. The RIAA certified Full Moon Fever 5x platinum on October 5, 2000 and the CRIA
certified it 6x platinum on September 18, 1991.
Critical praise was generally high, with Allmusic giving the album 4 and a half stars, admiring the craft of the album and rivaling it with the Heartbreakers' Damn the Torpedoes
. This review notes there are no weak tracks on the album. calling it a "minor masterpiece." The original Rolling Stone review compared the album favorably to the Traveling Wilburys first album, Volume 1
, saying it has the "same restless charm," but commenting that the album, at times, seems "sprawling." The review claims the album is "another rewarding, low-key side project for Petty," giving it three and a half stars out of five. A later Rolling Stone biographer claims Full Moon Fever was a "masterful solo album."
and Jeff Lynne
, except as indicated.
contain a hidden track
at the beginning of track 6. The interlude, which is referred to in the album credits as "Attention CD Listeners", features a brief tongue-in-cheek monologue by Petty, over a background of barnyard noises:
Tom Petty
Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T...
, though it features contributions from several members of his backing band, the Heartbreakers, along with fellow members of the Traveling Wilburys
Traveling Wilburys
The Traveling Wilburys were an English–American supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty, accompanied by drummer Jim Keltner...
. The record shows Petty exploring his musical roots with nods to his influences. The songwriting is mainly collaborations between Petty and Jeff Lynne
Jeff Lynne
Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynne is an English songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained fame as the leader and sole constant member of Electric Light Orchestra and was a co-founder and member of The Traveling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob...
who was also a producer on the album. The album became a commercial and critical success peaking in the top five on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and being certified 5x platinum in the United States and 6x platinum in Canada.
Background and recording
Petty had just finished a Heartbreakers tour behind the album Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)Let Me Up (I've Had Enough)
Let Me Up is an album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released in 1987. This album features more songwriting collaborations between Petty and Mike Campbell than any other Petty album...
when he decided to record a new album. Since the songs that Petty and Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra were a British rock group from Birmingham who released eleven studio albums between 1971 and 1986 and another album in 2001. ELO were formed to accommodate Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne's desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones...
front man/Traveling Wilbury collaborator Jeff Lynne
Jeff Lynne
Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynne is an English songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained fame as the leader and sole constant member of Electric Light Orchestra and was a co-founder and member of The Traveling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob...
co-wrote sounded "nothing like Heartbreakers songs," Petty decided to record the album as a solo effort. At first, this stirred a bit of controversy amongst some of the Heartbreakers, although each one except drummer Stan Lynch
Stan Lynch
Stanley Joseph "Stan" Lynch is an American songwriter and record producer. He was the original drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for 18 years until his departure in 1994.- Early years :...
, contributed to the album. Recording was a low-key affair, with many of Petty's friends contributing, including the members of the Traveling Wilburys, minus Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
. A few songs were recorded during the sessions that did not make the album; "Down the Line" and "Don't Treat Me Like A Stranger" were among them, and were released as b-sides. "Traveling" and "Waiting for Tonight" were released on Playback, with the former featuring all the Heartbreakers, including Stan Lynch, and the latter featuring The Bangles
The Bangles
The Bangles are an American all-female band that originated in the early 1980s, scoring several hit singles during the decade.-Formation and early years :...
. During the sessions, Petty wrote "Indiana Girl," an early draft of what would eventually become "Mary Jane's Last Dance
Mary Jane's Last Dance
"Mary Jane's Last Dance" is the title of a song written by Tom Petty and recorded song by American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It was recorded on July 22, 1993 while Petty was recording his Wildflowers album, and was produced by Rick Rubin, guitarist Mike Campbell, and Tom Petty...
". When playing the songs live, initially, Benmont Tench and Howie Epstein weren't happy about it. Stan Lynch hated it right up until his departure from the band, saying he felt he was in a cover band.
Musical style and themes
The album is noted for being heavily influenced by Jeff Lynne, resulting in a cleaner and glossier version of the Heartbreakers roots rock from previous albums. Lynne incorporated layers of keyboards and backing vocals, giving it a BeatlesqueThe Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
feel. The songs show Petty paying dues to his influences with a Byrds cover ("I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better") and a nod to Del Shannon
Del Shannon
Del Shannon was an American rock and roll singer-songwriter who had a No. 1 hit, "Runaway", in 1961.- Biography :...
in "Runnin' Down a Dream
Runnin' Down a Dream
"Runnin' Down a Dream" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by Tom Petty. It was released in July 1989 as the second single from his first solo album Full Moon Fever. "Runnin' Down a Dream" achieved reasonable chart success, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top of...
." Other songs, such as "Free Fallin'
Free Fallin'
"Free Fallin" is the opening track from Tom Petty's 1989 solo album, Full Moon Fever. The song was written by Petty and his writing partner for the album, Jeff Lynne...
" show Petty addressing nostalgia on his rise to fame.
Release and reception
The album became Petty's commercial peak as an artist, helped by favorable critical reviews and three hit singles. The album was released on April 24, 1989 and rose to eventually peak at #3 on the Billboard 200Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and number 8 in the UK. There were five singles released from the album, two hitting the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and three topping the Mainstream Rock
Mainstream rock
Mainstream rock is a radio format used by many commercial radio stations in the United States and Canada.-Format background:...
chart. The RIAA certified Full Moon Fever 5x platinum on October 5, 2000 and the CRIA
Cria
A cria is the name for a baby camelid such as a llama, alpaca, vicuña, or guanaco. It comes from the Spanish word cría, meaning "baby". Its false cognate in English, crya , was coined by British sailors who explored Chile in the 18th century and were quick to describe the camelids onomatopoeically...
certified it 6x platinum on September 18, 1991.
Critical praise was generally high, with Allmusic giving the album 4 and a half stars, admiring the craft of the album and rivaling it with the Heartbreakers' Damn the Torpedoes
Damn the Torpedoes (album)
Damn the Torpedoes is the third album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released in 1979. This was the first of three Petty albums originally released by the Backstreet Records label, distributed by MCA Records. It built on the commercial success and critical acclaim of his two previous albums...
. This review notes there are no weak tracks on the album. calling it a "minor masterpiece." The original Rolling Stone review compared the album favorably to the Traveling Wilburys first album, Volume 1
Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1
Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 is the debut album by the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and was recorded and released in 1988 to commercial success and critical acclaim.- Background :...
, saying it has the "same restless charm," but commenting that the album, at times, seems "sprawling." The review claims the album is "another rewarding, low-key side project for Petty," giving it three and a half stars out of five. A later Rolling Stone biographer claims Full Moon Fever was a "masterful solo album."
Track listing
All songs written by Tom PettyTom Petty
Thomas Earl "Tom" Petty is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T...
and Jeff Lynne
Jeff Lynne
Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynne is an English songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained fame as the leader and sole constant member of Electric Light Orchestra and was a co-founder and member of The Traveling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob...
, except as indicated.
- "Free Fallin'Free Fallin'"Free Fallin" is the opening track from Tom Petty's 1989 solo album, Full Moon Fever. The song was written by Petty and his writing partner for the album, Jeff Lynne...
" – 4:14 - "I Won't Back DownI Won't Back Down"I Won't Back Down" is the first single from Tom Petty's first solo album, Full Moon Fever released in 1989. The song was written by Petty and his writing partner for the album, Jeff Lynne...
" – 2:56 - "Love Is a Long Road" (Mike Campbell, Petty) – 4:06
- "A Face in the CrowdA Face in the Crowd (song)"A Face in the Crowd" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by Tom Petty. It was released in March 1990 as the fourth single from his first solo album Full Moon Fever. It peaked at number 46 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.-Content:...
" – 3:58 - "Runnin' Down a DreamRunnin' Down a Dream"Runnin' Down a Dream" is the title of a song co-written and recorded by Tom Petty. It was released in July 1989 as the second single from his first solo album Full Moon Fever. "Runnin' Down a Dream" achieved reasonable chart success, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top of...
" (Campbell, Lynne, Petty) – 4:23 - "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" (Gene ClarkGene ClarkGene Clark, born Harold Eugene Clark was an American singer-songwriter, and one of the founding members of the folk-rock group The Byrds....
) – 2:47 - "Yer So Bad" – 3:05
- "Depending on You" (Petty) – 2:47
- "The Apartment Song" (Petty) – 2:31
- "Alright for Now" (Petty) – 2:00
- "A Mind with a Heart of Its Own" – 3:29
- "Zombie Zoo" – 2:56
"Hello, CD listeners…"
Early pressings of the album on compact discCompact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
contain a hidden track
Hidden track
In the field of recorded music, a hidden track is a piece of music that has been placed on a CD, audio cassette, vinyl record or other recorded medium in such a way as to avoid detection by the casual listener...
at the beginning of track 6. The interlude, which is referred to in the album credits as "Attention CD Listeners", features a brief tongue-in-cheek monologue by Petty, over a background of barnyard noises:
Hello, CD listeners. We've come to the point in this album where those listening on cassette, or records, will have to stand up, or sit down, and turn over the record. Or tape. In fairness to those listeners, we'll now take a few seconds before we begin side two. [pause] Thank you. Here's side two.
Personnel
- Tom PettyTom PettyThomas Earl "Tom" Petty is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T...
– acoustic guitar, electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, keyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, sound effectSound effectFor the album by The Jam, see Sound Affects.Sound effects or audio effects are artificially created or enhanced sounds, or sound processes used to emphasize artistic or other content of films, television shows, live performance, animation, video games, music, or other media...
s, tambourineTambourineThe tambourine or marine is a musical instrument of the percussion family consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles, called "zils". Classically the term tambourine denotes an instrument with a drumhead, though some variants may not have a head at all....
, vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, handclapping - Jeff LynneJeff LynneJeffrey "Jeff" Lynne is an English songwriter, composer, arranger, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained fame as the leader and sole constant member of Electric Light Orchestra and was a co-founder and member of The Traveling Wilburys together with George Harrison, Bob...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
, keyboards, sound effects, backing vocals, handclapping - Mike Campbell – bass, guitar, mandolin, keyboards, slide guitarSlide guitarSlide guitar or bottleneck guitar is a particular method or technique for playing the guitar. The term slide refers to the motion of the slide against the strings, while bottleneck refers to the original material of choice for such slides: the necks of glass bottles...
- Phil Jones – percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
, drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
Additional personnel
- Benmont TenchBenmont TenchBenjamin Montmorency Tench, III is an American keyboardist best known as a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.-Early years:...
– pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
on "The Apartment Song" - Kelsey Campbell – sound effects, vocals
- George HarrisonGeorge HarrisonGeorge Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
– acoustic guitar and backing vocals on "I Won't Back Down" - Roy OrbisonRoy OrbisonRoy Kelton Orbison was an American singer-songwriter, well known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Orbison grew up in Texas and began singing in a rockabilly/country & western band in high school until he was signed by Sun Records in Memphis...
– backing vocals on "Zombie Zoo" - Jim KeltnerJim KeltnerJames Lee "Jim" Keltner is an American drummer known primarily for his session work. He has contributed to the work of many well-known artists...
– drums, maracas and tambourine on "Love Is a Long Road" - Howie EpsteinHowie EpsteinHoward Norman Epstein , was a musician best known for his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.-Early life:...
– backing vocals on "I Won't Back Down" and "Love Is a Long Road" - Del ShannonDel ShannonDel Shannon was an American rock and roll singer-songwriter who had a No. 1 hit, "Runaway", in 1961.- Biography :...
– barnyard noises in the "Hello, CD listeners…" interlude - Don Smith, Bill Bottrell - Engineering
- Alan Weidel - Handclapping, Engineering
Album
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
3 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Billboard | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Mainstream Rock Tracks Mainstream Rock Tracks Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks is a ranking in Billboard magazine of the most-played songs on mainstream rock radio stations, a category that includes stations that play primarily rock music. Modern rock tracks are counted in the Alternative Songs chart.This chart began with the March 21, 1981, issue... |
Modern Rock Tracks Modern Rock Tracks Alternative Songs is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in Billboard magazine since September 10, 1988. It lists the 40 most-played songs on modern rock radio stations, most of which are alternative rock songs... |
Adult Contemporary |
||
| 1989 | "I Won't Back Down" | 12 | 1 | 29 | |
| "Runnin' Down a Dream" | 23 | 1 | |||
| "Free Fallin'" | 7 | 1 | 17 | ||
| "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" | 18 | ||||
| "Love Is a Long Road" | 7 | ||||
| 1990 | "A Face in the Crowd" | 46 | 5 | ||
| "Yer So Bad" | 5 | ||||
Certifications
| Organization | Level | Date |
|---|---|---|
| RIAA – U.S. | Gold | June 23, 1989 |
| RIAA – U.S. | Platinum | July 21, 1989 |
| RIAA – U.S. | 2x Platinum | November 9, 1989 |
| RIAA – U.S. | 3x Platinum | March 13, 1990 |
| RIAA – U.S. | 4x Platinum | August 14, 1997 |
| RIAA – U.S. | 5x Platinum | October 5, 2000 |