Top 10 Best Songs by Tom Petty

The song with the coolest harmonica intro ever. The groove is irresistible, a bit lazy and stoned. The lyrics are mysterious (is it about a girl or marijuana?), which adds to the attraction.nnThe chorus explodes into a guitar fest. It sums up everything that made Petty great: a killer riff, a great story and that unmistakable cool.

His most famous solo song. The guitar intro is so simple anyone can play it, but only Petty can write it like that. It's an ode to Los Angeles and the American dream (and its emptiness).nnThe chorus is made to shout along to in the car. The background choirs lift it to a higher level. A perfect pop song that never gets tiring.

Raw, pure rock-'n'-roll. Petty's voice is fierce and anguished, supported by the shrieking organ of Benmont Tench. It's about fighting for your freedom and refusing to be enslaved.nnThe energy jumps off. It's a song with balls, hard and direct. The Heartbreakers let you hear why they were one of the best backing bands in the world.

A miniature film in song form. It tells the story of Eddie, a boy who goes to Hollywood to become a rock star. The lyrics are full of great one-liners ("A rebel without a clue").nnThe production is cinematic and rich. Petty tells the story like a modern bard, observing and without judgment. A classic in storytelling.

Produced by Jeff Lynne (ELO), which is apparent from the clear, acoustic sound. The song is about optimism and embracing uncertainty ("Coming down is the hardest thing").nnThe melody is simple (only four chords), but the atmosphere is magical. It feels like a warm summer breeze. A song that comforts and gives hope.

An anthem of resistance and perseverance. The message is simple: stand where you stand, no matter what. George Harrison plays and sings along in the background.nnThe beat is tight and dry, without embellishment. It's a song that gives you strength when things go wrong. Pure, direct and incredibly effective.

Remarkably popular in the Netherlands in the Top 2000. A melancholic, dreamy song about unexpectedly finding love. The production is soft and atmospheric.nnThe guitar sounds like raindrops. Petty sings here at his most sensitive, reflecting on the coincidence that changes lives. An underrated gem.

The ultimate road trip song. The riff is the engine that drives the song across the highway. Mike Campbell's guitar solo at the end is one of the best from classic rock.nnThe song radiates freedom and determination. "I felt so good like anything was possible." When you hear this, you want to jump in the car and drive to the horizon.

A psychedelic outing, partly written by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). The sitar in the intro gives it a unique, trippy sound that departs from his usual rock style.nnThe video (Alice in Wonderland) is famous, but the song stands on its own without visuals. It's enchanting and strange, with a great rock climax at the end.

His first hit, and what a hit it is. The atmosphere is sultry and sultry, perfect for a late night. The guitar line is sparse and cool.nnPetty sings with a nonchalance that is irresistible. The song has a film noir quality; you can picture the smoky room and broken hearts.