Continuing a countdown of my favorite albums of 1985…

#3 – Southern Accents – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

I’ve written a lot about Southern Accents, the sixth studio album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

I’ve covered how it was meant to be a concept album about life in the South before changes in the track list muddied up that idea. I’ve mentioned that the band had frequent arguments over the sound and direction of the album, leading Petty to punch a wall in frustration, breaking his hand.

I’ve noted that the album received mix reviews from critics and divided fans.

All that trivia aside, what’s most important is that I freakin’ love this album. I love every imperfect detail. I love the classic songs (‘Rebels,’ ‘Southern Accents,’ ‘Dogs on the Run,’ ‘Don’t Come Around Here No More’). I even love the bad songs (stand proud, ‘Mary’s New Car’).

How can I not love an album that starts with the brilliant line “Honey don’t walk out, I’m too drunk to follow?” Or an album that features such brilliant vocals by a man with the best bad voice in rock ‘n roll?

Southern Accents isn’t my favorite Tom Petty album, but it might be the one that features the most examples of why I adore Tom Petty.