Continuing my look at the albums of 1976…
Today’s debut album is mostly a forgettable introduction to a band with great things in its future. But two great songs that (almost) bookend the album make sure it can’t be dismissed entirely.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ self-titled debut didn’t sell very well and received little attention from U.S. critics. It actually fared much better in the UK, where today’s SOTD gave the band their first Top 40 hit.
However, the second track (‘Breakdown’) and album closer ‘American Girl’ became signature songs for the band in subsequent years and are among the best rock songs of the era.
I’m always fascinated by the sparks of genius that surface on early albums. Did everybody involved know they had two future classics on their hand, surrounded by so-so material, or did they think the album was strong from start to finish?
Some friends of mine and me stayed up all through the night
Rocking pretty steady ’til the sky went light
And didn’t go to bed
Didn’t go to work
I picked up the telephone
Told the boss he was a jerk
Your mama don’t like it when you run around with me
But we got to hip your mama that you got to live free
Don’t need her, don’t need school
You don’t like your daddy and you don’t like rules
[Chorus]
So, come on, baby, let’s go
Don’t you hear the rock ‘n’ roll playing on the radio
Sound so right?
Girl, your better grab hold
Everybody got to know
Anything that’s rock ‘n’ roll’s fine
Anything that’s rock ‘n’ roll’s fine
Anything that’s rock ‘n’ roll’s fine
[Bridge]
Oh, oh-oh-oh, my little baby
I’m a little bit shaky
I’m a little bit crazy
But I know what I want
I want it right now
While the electric guitars are playing way up loud
[Chorus]
Come on, baby, let’s go
Don’t you hear the rock ‘n’ roll playing on the radio
Sound so right?
Come on, baby, grab hold
Everybody got to know
Anything that’s rock ‘n’ roll’s fine
Anything that’s rock ‘n’ roll’s fine
Anything that’s rock ‘n’ roll’s fine
[Outro]
(Doo, doo-doo-da-da, this rock ‘n’ roll) Is so fine
(Doo, doo-doo-da-da, this rock ‘n’ roll) Is so fine
(Doo, doo-doo-da-da, this rock ‘n’ roll)
(Doo, doo-doo-da-da, this rock ‘n’ roll)
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’m sure at the time they felt every song was great, though I suspect that opinion changed in later years.