The Tom Petty Estate has released extended, newly mixed versions of the classic rock songs American Girl and Breakdown. The release marks the 50th anniversary of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ self-titled debut album.
Both tracks were remixed from the original multi-track session tapes to provide high-resolution and Dolby Atmos audio options. The songs were initially recorded in 1976 at the Shelter Brown Room Studio, with American Girl tracked on July 4 of that year.
The new audio mix of American Girl recently featured in a Major League Baseball presentation celebrating the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial. The track historically experiences a regular return to the top of digital streaming charts every July Fourth holiday.
The release also includes an extended version of Breakdown, which served as the band’s debut single and their first top 40 radio hit. Petty originally wrote the track during a late-night recording session and called the band members back to the studio in the early morning hours to record it.
The original recording session for Breakdown ran for more than seven minutes before being edited down for its initial single release. The unedited version highlights the early work of the band, including the specific guitar riffs of member Mike Campbell.
Music critic David Fricke noted that the 1976 debut record maintains a fresh and assured quality five decades after its original public release. Over a 40-year career, Petty recorded 13 studio albums with the Heartbreakers, three solo albums, and performed with Mudcrutch and the Traveling Wilburys.
Petty passed away in 2017 following the completion of his 40th anniversary concert tour, leaving behind a collection of unreleased archival recordings. His career achievements include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside selling more than 85 million records globally.
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