TOM PETTY - FREE FALLIN’

Released: October 27, 1989

Charted:  US: #7   UK: #59 

"Free Fallin'" is the opening track from Tom Petty's debut solo album, “Full Moon Fever”. Co-written with Jeff Lynne, who also contributed backing vocals and bass guitar, the song was composed and recorded in just two days. It became the first track completed for the album.

In the creative process behind "Free Fallin'," Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne simplified their approach, focusing on three basic chords. Lynne's suggestion to strip away complexity led to Petty spontaneously singing the iconic opening lines. Lynne coined the title, while Petty experimented to find the ideal vocal delivery for the phrase. 

Along with Jeff Lynne, the other creative driver on the album was Mike Campbell, guitarist in Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. During the making of the album with Lynne, Campbell found renewed inspiration. Lynne's innovative approach revitalized their studio sessions, breaking away from the band's previous struggles. Campbell described Lynne's method as dynamic and efficient, with each session resulting in a completed track within hours. Lynne's mastery of production and arrangement techniques left a lasting impression on Campbell and Petty, making the project an exhilarating learning experience akin to musical college.

"Free Fallin'" offers insight into Los Angeles culture, referencing specific locations like Reseda, Mulholland, and Ventura Boulevard, while also exploring themes of casual exploitation and detachment. Tom Petty's outsider perspective, as a transplant from Gainesville, Florida, lent authenticity to his portrayal of LA life. 

The Julien Temple-directed music video, featuring skateboarding and appearances by legendary skater Mark "Gator" Rogowski, showcased action sports before they gained mainstream popularity demonstrating Petty's knack for capturing cultural shifts ahead of their time.

"Free Fallin'" is celebrated as one of Tom Petty's finest compositions, earning high praise from Billboard, Rolling Stone, and WatchMojo, which rank it among Petty's greatest songs.