The Top 10 Greatest Traveling Wilburys Tracks Ever Released

The supergroup trend peaked in the 1970s, but the ultimate lineup emerged almost 20 years after. In the late 1980s, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty joined forces to create the Traveling Wilburys, uniting legendary talents from the 20th century’s music scene.

Though they stood as the definitive supergroup, they defied the conventions of all their predecessors. Absent were any traces of arrogance, inflated egos, or pretenses—just a group of performers aiming to spread joy through music. As evidenced by our selection of the 10 greatest Traveling Wilburys tracks ever, they not only succeeded but surpassed that goal.

10. Well done

Leading our countdown of the top 10 Traveling Wilburys tracks ever is *Congratulations*, a soulful, introspective ballad that captures the unraveling of a romance. While the theme is undeniably weighty, the tune—true to the band’s signature style—balances its depth with playful wit and carefree charm, creating an irresistibly uplifting vibe.

9. Moving Toward the Light

*Heading for the Light* was mostly composed by George Harrison, who also handles the majority of the vocal duties along with Jeff Lynne. The song’s words, portraying the artist’s transition from uncertainty and turmoil to clarity, have been characterized by writer Ian Inglis and several other biographers as Harrison’s “most exuberant depiction so far of the spiritual path that rescued him from hopelessness.”

A vibrant rock anthem featuring an electrifying melody and an exuberant vocal delivery by both lead singers, this track stands out as one of the most uplifting and celebratory entries in the band’s discography. Issued as a single in October 1988, it climbed to the 7th spot on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks chart.

8. A Child Without a Family

When Olivia, George Harrison’s wife, sought the band’s assistance to highlight the struggles of thousands of Romanian orphans left in state-run facilities after communism collapsed, Bob Dylan proposed they record *Nobody’s Child*, a classic pop song from the 1940s.

Harrison later revised the lyrics, adding a fresh verse about the forsaken children, while the lead vocals were divided among Dylan, Harrison, Petty, and Lynne. The track was launched as a charity single in June 1990, with all earnings from sales directed to the Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation.

7. Shaken

George Harrison delivers breathtaking guitar work on *Rattled*, but the true standouts of this rockabilly gem are Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne, whose flawless vocals infuse the track with enough depth and personality to bring it to life. A spirited, high-energy romp brimming with wit and infectious energy, it’s an essential standout from the band’s equally indispensable debut album.

6. She’s the One I Love

“She’s My Baby,” the lead track on The Traveling Wilburys’ last album—and their first after Roy Orbison’s passing—*Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3*, was collaboratively written by the band’s four remaining members, who also shared vocal duties. Issued in November 1990 as the album’s debut single, it emerged as one of the group’s most successful songs, holding the number 2 spot on the *Billboard* Album Rock Tracks chart for three weeks.

5. The Previous Evening

According to Classic Rock Review, the majority of *Last Night* was written by Tom Petty, while the other band members occasionally added their own input. This method highlights a defining aspect of the group’s songwriting philosophy, where Petty’s simple, three-chord folk style creates a striking contrast with Orbison’s intricate, Latin-influenced bridges.

A charming story of love, subtly tinged with an underlying threat and generous doses of wit, it’s a joy to experience, especially in how authentically happy the band appears to be when they’re together.

4. Filthy Planet

The second song fronted by Dylan on the band’s first album is *Dirty World*, a carefree, upbeat rock anthem celebrating enduring love. Delivered by Dylan with playful enthusiasm, it’s a joyous, infectious tune driven by a lively rhythm and vibrant horn sections that keep the energy high. The closing section, where all four band members join in, enhances the track’s spontaneous charm.

3. Tweeter and the Monkey Man

Wikipedia notes that *Tweeter and the Monkey Man* is believed to be a lighthearted tribute to Bruce Springsteen, who was frequently dubbed the latest in a lengthy succession of artists compared to Bob Dylan.

Given the abundance of Springsteen song references woven into the lyrics, along with the gritty, Springsteen-like narrative packed with troubled figures and shadowy events, it very well might be. In any case, it’s a rich piece of rock music, featuring a moody, folk-inspired tune and intricate arrangements that mirror the vivid storytelling of the words.

Since its debut, the song has been performed by many artists, such as the Canadian rock group Headstone, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and P. Paul Fenech from The Meteors.

2. The Final Stop

The Traveling Wilburys’ 1989 multi-platinum debut concludes with *End of the Line*, a track that revisits the band’s signature themes of resilience and inner fortitude, all while radiating the same heartfelt unity that defines the record.

Every member of the band gets a chance on the microphone, resulting in what All Music calls a lively, nearly hootenanny-like vibe. Issued in January 1989 as their second single, the track reached No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Album Rock Tracks chart.

1. Treat with Caution

George Harrison and Jeff Lynne initially planned for *Handle with Care* to be an extra track on one of Harrison’s singles in Europe. However, Harrison’s label saw its potential and urged them to pursue a more significant release—a suggestion that ultimately inspired the creation of the Wilburys.

Appropriately, the group released the track as their first single, with Harrison handling the verses, while Orbison and Dylan tackled the bridges. Bursting with cheerful unity and a message of resilience, it served as an exceptional introduction to the band and continues to be their most timelessly beloved recording even now.

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