The one album by the Traveling Wilburys that Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne probably didn’t need to make
(Credits: Far Out / The Traveling Wilburys)
Sat 20 December 2025 20:15, UK
Imagine being part of a musical group with the star-studded lineup of the Traveling Wilburys; it’s a dream scenario for any musician. The mere idea of such an incredible assembly of legendary artists would seem almost impossible. Yet, when George Harrison has a vision, he’s determined to bring it to life, no matter the effort required. Although fans adored the music produced by this iconic band, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, who were the newer members at the outset, held a unique viewpoint.
Both musicians were already seasoned performers in their own right. Petty had established himself as the quintessential face of heartland rock with his band, the Heartbreakers. Meanwhile, even though Lynne hadn’t been active with the Electric Light Orchestra recently, he had already made a name for himself as one of the top producers in the industry, well beyond the realms of flashy stage designs and elaborate setups.
Joining forces with musical giants like George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison was undoubtedly a thrilling experience for both Petty and Lynne. Listening to their debut album, it’s clear that their excitement radiates through the speakers. This group was characterized by a remarkable lack of egos; they relished the opportunity to create great music with friends and were more than willing to pass songs to whoever could perform them best. However, after the untimely death of Orbison, it was inevitable that their subsequent album would feel somewhat incomplete.
While the follow-up record isn’t a complete disaster, it’s worth noting that Lynne remarked that the world didn’t necessarily need to hear a Traveling Wilburys album without Orbison. He expressed this sentiment when he said, "We did a second album after Roy died, but I could have done without it. Roy was just too big a part of the original group." This perspective isn’t entirely unjustified. Orbison was indeed a vital element of the band’s identity, yet that doesn’t imply there weren’t some standout tracks on this new release.
In fact, the album in question takes on a vibe reminiscent of garage rock, diverging from the polished sound typically associated with its members. Songs like 'Wilbury Twist' offer a lively take on classic blues, and although Dylan’s vocals are more prominent than ever, the group manages to navigate around his vocal limitations effectively in tracks such as 'Inside Out' and 'New Blue Moon.'
Petty himself shared his thoughts on the second album, suggesting it was more suited for die-hard fans rather than the general public. He stated, "I think we made a little rougher record, a little more rumble—and boom! The first was this wonderful blockbuster thing, and the second one’s a little more inside.” This isn't to say that the album is devoid of quality; rather, it showcases a different side of the band. Given that they were working with leftover ideas, there’s a surprising amount of impressive material packed into this collection.
Much of the music leans into the playful spirit implied by the album’s cheeky title, and despite any hesitations Lynne might have felt about participating, his contributions are pivotal. His harmonies elevate several songs, and his keen sense of arrangement shines through, particularly in tracks like 'She’s My Baby.'
Ultimately, while the album may not fully warrant another attempt at recording, it’s heartwarming to see the band come together for one last adventure, enjoying each other’s company and creating music for the sheer joy of it. It was never intended to be a blockbuster hit, but sometimes, the most valuable experiences stem from friends gathering to share good times and create art together.
