In memory of Tom Petty

It's chilling to realize how many influential musicians have passed away since I started this blog.  Sadly, Tom Petty became a member of that group yesterday.  Here are six of his best songs, in my opinion:

• Breakdown (In his debut top 40 single, Petty assumes an accent that you wouldn't hear in any of his subsequent hits.  Coming from almost anyone else, the lyrics might sound like an unwelcome come-on.  Coming from Petty, however, the attraction between the man and woman in the song comes across as mutual.)
• Feel A Whole Lot Better (Petty cited Roger McGuinn, lead singer of The Byrds, as an influence, and this Byrds tune, known originally as "I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better," is a great fit for his voice.  The word, probably, in the chorus, "And I'll probably feel a whole lot better when you're gone," makes all the difference in the song's attitude.  This is my second favorite Petty recording.)
• A Higher Place (Jangling guitar, sing-along verses and chorus, humility in the lyrics, and an infectiously brisk tempo make this my favorite Petty tune.)
• Learning To Fly (Who doesn't feel uncertainty like this at one time or another?)
• My Back Pages (Live with Bob Dylan, Roger McGuinn & Neil Young) (Contains one of my favorite Dylan lyrics, "...I was so much older then.  I'm younger than that now."  I especially enjoy how The Byrds covered it, so it's good to hear McGuinn as part of this quartet.  In terms of vocals and attitude, all four artists are logical choices to tackle this song.)
• Runnin' Down A Dream (One of the most instantly recognizable, get-in-the-car-and-go guitar riffs, coupled with Petty's assured vocals.  It, and "Feel A Whole Lot Better," are still two of the best standouts on the "Full Moon Fever" album 28 years later.)