TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS - BREAKDOWN

Released: November 1976

Charted:  US: #40 

"Breakdown" served as the inaugural single from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' self-titled debut album, achieving Top 40 success in both the United States and Canada. Originally exceeding seven minutes in duration, the track underwent significant trimming, ultimately being released in a condensed form, lasting less than half its original length, for its debut as Petty and the Heartbreakers' first single.

Initially, the iconic guitar riff in "Breakdown," crafted by Heartbreaker Mike Campbell, was reserved for the song's conclusion, but singer Dwight Twilley, known for his 1975 hit "I'm On Fire," suggested integrating it throughout the track. Petty embraced the idea and summoned the band to the studio in the dead of night for a re-recording session. Lyrically, "Breakdown" diverges from the verbosity of typical Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tunes, with Petty expressing readiness to terminate a troubled relationship.

Tom Petty fondly reminisced about the passionate energy of his band during the recording of "Breakdown." He crafted the slinky, hauntingly minimalistic R&B-influenced track during a late-night break at Hollywood's Shelter Studios while working on his debut album. Petty, inspired by the moment, called the Heartbreakers back to the studio in the wee hours of the morning, and together they cut the song. Reflecting on the outcome, Petty remarked with pride, "It's really a perfect little record, isn't