Ranking the Best Traveling Wilburys Tracks
The Traveling Wilburys(sometimes abbreviated to theWilburyswas an English-American supergroup featuring Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. The band emerged from a concept Harrison and Lynne explored while working on Harrison’s 1987 album sessions.On Cloud Ninethe band came together in April 1988 when the five members joined forces to create a bonus track for Harrison’s upcoming European single. After their collaboration, “Handle with Care,” was considered too strong for just a limited release, they decided to produce a complete album, titledThe debut album by the Traveling Wilburys, titled “Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1”After Orbison passed away in December 1988, the group put out their second album, naming itTraveling Wilburys Vol. 3, in the year 1990.
The project’s output was highly anticipated due to the varied backgrounds of the singer-songwriters involved. The group members playfully assumed ironic stage names, portraying themselves as half-siblings from an imaginary Wilbury lineage of wandering performers.Vol. 1The album achieved both critical acclaim and commercial triumph, playing a key role in rejuvenating the careers of Dylan and Petty. It earned the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1990. Below is a ranked list of every song by The Traveling Wilburys.
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“Rattled” delivers a rockabilly vibe that would have seamlessly blended into a Creedence album. Dylan’s emotional ballad shines, while “Rattled” stands as a powerful rock track featuring Harrison’s sharp electric guitar work. Lynne’s performance jolts you to your feet, offering a lively, country-flavored groove.
“Rattled” is a rockabilly-inspired track that would have seamlessly blended into a Creedence album. Dylan delivers a heartfelt ballad, while “Rattled” stands as a powerful rock piece featuring Harrison’s sharp electric guitar. Lynne’s performance jolts you to your feet for a lively, country-tinged boogie.
“Margarita” opens with electronic tones, guiding the band toward a fresh new wave vibe before shifting into an upbeat surf rock style driven by Petty.
“Margarita” opens with electronic tones, guiding the band into a fresh new wave vibe before shifting into an upbeat surf rock style, driven by Petty’s performance.
10. Wilbury Twist (The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3, 1990)
“Why shouldn’t four veteran rockers let loose on a playful, high-energy track reminiscent of a classic Jerry Lee Lewis song? It’s clear they’re enjoying themselves, and that energy shines through in the music.”
Why not let four veteran rockers cut loose on a playful, high-energy track inspired by a classic Jerry Lee Lewis sound? Their enjoyment is evident, and it shines through in the music.
9. She’s My Baby (The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3, 1990)
A lively rock track from the second Travelling Wilburys album, with a tune that faintly echoes the Pirates’ hit “Shakin’ All Over.” Jeff, Tom, Bob, and George each take turns delivering the playful lyrics, while Jim Keltner drives the beat with energetic drumming and Gary Moore adds dazzling electric guitar riffs.
A lively rock track from the second Travelling Wilburys album, with a tune faintly echoing the Pirates’ hit “Shakin’ All Over.” Jeff, Tom, Bob, and George all take turns delivering the playful lyrics, while Jim Keltner drives the rhythm with energetic drumming and Gary Moore adds electrifying lead guitar riffs.
8. Inside Out (The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3, 1990)
A standout track from the Wilburys, brimming with charm. Dylan takes the lead in crafting this piece, delivering unexpectedly powerful vocals that command both verses and choruses, while Harrison shines on the bridge. George’s signature slide guitar subtly weaves through the arrangement, offering a hint of his former band’s influence. Meanwhile, Jim Keltner’s impeccable rhythm work stands unmatched.
A standout track from the Wilburys, this song is primarily crafted by Dylan, whose unexpectedly powerful vocals lead both the verses and chorus, with Harrison handling the bridge. The mix features a touch of George’s signature slide guitar and a subtle homage to his former band, all while Jim Keltner delivers his unmatched rhythmic precision.
Many first-time listeners might expect the lead single to be the standout track on the album, but it’s a genuine surprise when the second Dylan-led song, “Dirty World,” arrives. With its sharp rhythms, lush orchestral accompaniment, and irresistibly upbeat energy, it ultimately proves to be the stronger piece.
Many first-time listeners might expect the lead single to be the standout track on the album, but the Dylan-led “Dirty World” delivers a surprising shift. With its snappy rhythms, lush orchestral support, and irresistibly upbeat energy, it ultimately surpasses expectations and emerges as the stronger song.
“Without a doubt, this is a Tom Petty track from the Wilburys record—a lively barroom anthem featuring playful horns and percussion that complement the song’s lighthearted, hungover narrative. Roy Orbison delivers the bridge with warmth, while Tom handles the cleverly witty verses.”
“Without a doubt, this is a Tom Petty track from the Wilburys record—a lively barroom anthem featuring playful horns and percussion that complement the lyrics’ exaggerated, hungover wit. Roy Orbison delivers the bridge with a tender touch, while Tom Petty handles the dryly amusing verses.”
5. Heading for the Light (Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, 1988)
The lyrics reflect a reconnection with his faith, but for those of us growing older, it feels like a motivating anthem as we approach our later years—at least, that’s my interpretation. Musically, the track races forward with energy, showcasing a bright Jeff Lynne-inspired production, complemented by his and George’s standout harmonies in the backing vocals.
The lyrics reflect a renewal of his faith, but for those of us growing older, it feels like a motivating anthem as we approach our later years—at least, that’s my interpretation. Musically, the track races forward with energy, showcasing a bright Jeff Lynne-inspired production, complemented by his and George’s standout vocal harmonies.
4. Tweeter and the Monkey Man (Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, 1988)
“Tweeter And The Monkey Man,” composed and performed by Bob Dylan, tells an ingenious tale centered around drug dealers. This track stands out as my preferred song on the album and could arguably be Dylan’s finest work throughout the 1980s.
“Tweeter And The Monkey Man,” composed and performed by Bob Dylan, tells a sharp tale centered around drug dealers. “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” stands out as my top pick on the record and could arguably be Dylan’s finest work throughout the 1980s.”
3. No Longer Alone (Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, 1988)
The Orbison-fronted track “Not Alone Any More,” penned by Lynne, concludes the original A side of the LP. Despite Lynne’s authorship, the song feels misplaced within the album, as Orbison’s unmistakably unique vocals make it seem more suited to one of his solo works, ultimately overshadowing the collaborative nature of the group.
The Orbison-fronted “Not Alone Any More,” penned by Lynne, closes the original A side of the LP. Despite its place on the album, the track feels out of step with the other songs, as Orbison’s unmistakably unique voice makes it seem more suited to a solo project, overshadowing the collaborative nature of the group.
2. Handle With Care (Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, 1988)
“Handle With Care” begins with an irresistibly infectious guitar riff, performed with such sincerity and unassuming charm that it warms the heart. The track masterfully demonstrates how to blend the talents of renowned artists while keeping the song itself at the center, not the star power. Every artist takes their turn in the spotlight with patience, creating a beautifully nostalgic and timeless homage to understated artistry.
“Handle With Care” begins with an irresistibly infectious guitar riff, performed with such genuine sincerity and unassuming charm that it warms the heart. The track masterfully demonstrates how to maintain a harmonious blend of high-profile artists while keeping the song itself at the center, not the star power. Every artist gracefully takes their moment to shine, creating a heartfelt and timeless ode to understated brilliance.
1. End of the Line (Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, 1988)
As a result, listeners of the single can clearly understand what made this album exceptional. Tom Petty remained at the height of his creative powers, Bob Dylan’s performance marked a return to form, George Harrison delivered a final burst of brilliance before his decline, and Roy Orbison was on the verge of a resurgence tragically halted by his passing in 1989. Jeff Lynne’s production work was solid, though some elements feel somewhat outdated by today’s standards.
As a result, those who listen to the single can understand exactly what made this album exceptional. Tom Petty remained at the height of his creative powers, Bob Dylan’s performance on this record marked a return to form, George Harrison delivered a final burst of brilliance before his decline, and Roy Orbison was on the verge of a resurgence tragically halted by his passing in 1989. Jeff Lynne handled production competently, though some aspects feel somewhat outdated by today’s standards.
