Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Damn the Torpedoes

First released1979

Damn the Torpedoes was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles during 1978 and early 1979, following the band's legal disputes with ABC Records that delayed the album's release. The album was produced by Tom Petty along with engineer/producer Jimmy Iovine, who brought a more polished and radio-friendly sound compared to the band's previous work. Iovine's production choices emphasized clear vocals and accessible melodies while maintaining the band's rock edge, utilizing modern studio techniques available at the time. The album's commercial success marked a significant turning point for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, becoming their first major hit and establishing them as mainstream artists rather than cult favorites.