Full Moon Fever is the debut solo studio album by American musician Tom Petty, released on April 24, 1989, by MCA Records.

It features contributions from members of his band the Heartbreakers, notably Mike Campbell, as well as Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison (who died prior to its release), and George Harrison, Petty's bandmates in the Traveling Wilburys.

[1] Benmont Tench and Howie Epstein initially were not happy about playing the Full Moon Fever songs live during Heartbreakers concerts.

The recording process in 1988 was a low-key affair, with many of Petty's friends contributing, including the members of the Traveling Wilburys, except for Bob Dylan.

During the sessions, Petty wrote "Indiana Girl", an early draft of what would eventually become "Mary Jane's Last Dance".

[1][2] The songs show Petty paying dues to his influences with a Byrds cover ("Feel a Whole Lot Better") and a nod to Del Shannon in "Runnin' Down a Dream".

"A Mind With a Heart of Its Own" uses a Bo Diddley-style rhythm, while "The Apartment Song" features an instrumental break with paradiddle drumming reminiscent of Buddy Holly's "Peggy Sue".

[3] The album, which became Petty's commercial peak as an artist, was helped by favorable critical reviews and three hit singles.

[1] The review claims the album is "another rewarding, low-key side project for Petty", giving it three-and-a-half stars out of five.

[1] The Boston Globe noted that "some Petty fans might find this album to be a kind of cruise control, but its sheer unpretentiousness and crisp, non-doctored sound make it irresistible.

[28] The track consists of a brief tongue-in-cheek monologue by Petty,[29] over a background of barnyard noises (credited to Del Shannon).