20 Most Underrated Classic Rock Songs Of All Time
2. Southern Accents - Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty has risen up the ranks as one of the greatest American artists. Though he started out in the heartland rock genre in the late 70's, the impressive body of work he has left us has put him on par with other rock legends like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. He may have had a long rise to the top, but Petty never forgot his roots in the American South.
Petty's 1985 record Southern Accents has some of his greatest material from the Eastern inspired "Don't Come Around Here No More" to the ballad "The Best of Everything," but the beauty of the entire record has got to be the title track. Centered around a beautiful piano accompaniment, this track is Petty's love letter to the Everyman trying to earn a living working in the pastures of the South. There may not be anything too extravagant going on in the story, but that's what give it its power. From the way he describes our protagonist going to orange groves and missing his mother, this character could be anyone between the ages of 18 and 98.
Petty may have been known as a badass rock and roller, but this song gives us a glimpse of the little Southern kid with stars in his eyes. With over 30 years of hindsight, let's hope no rocker loses that initial twinkle.