Tom Petty’s music has a way of leaving an indelible mark, and now, The War On Drugs has taken on one of his most iconic tracks.
Their rendition of “You Wreck Me” is featured in the soundtrack for the new Apple TV series, Bad Monkey. The band joins a lineup of artists who are reimagining Petty’s classics.
With their signature sound, The War On Drugs breathes new life into the anthemic hit. It’s a fresh take that stays true to the spirit of the original while adding their own unique touch.
A Star-Studded Soundtrack
The War On Drugs join a lineup that includes Eddie Vedder, Jason Isbell, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten, and Weezer. Each artist contributes a Tom Petty cover to the Bad Monkey soundtrack.
Bad Monkey stars Vince Vaughn as a detective turned restaurant inspector who uncovers “corruption and greed.” The show’s quirky plot fits well with these reimagined Petty classics.
The trailer hints at action-packed scenes with a touch of drama, all backed by these iconic covers. It’s a blend of slightly cheesy yet epic moments, making the soundtrack a perfect match.
A Perfect Match
The War On Drugs seem like a natural fit for this project. Since the 2000s, the band has been steadily rising, now filling stadiums with their expansive sound. Like Petty, they strike a balance between thrilling and accessible, making their music both gripping and widely appealing.
Their cover of Petty’s 1995 track “You Wreck Me” showcases this perfectly. Adam Granduciel’s gruff yet velvety vocals feel tailor-made for a Petty song, adding a unique depth to the track.
The band’s signature sound, blending ’60s and ’70s nostalgia with a fresh, cinematic vibe, doesn’t just do Petty justice. It elevates his music, making it feel right at home on a modern soundtrack.
A Well-Chosen Collaboration
Whoever brought The War On Drugs into this project deserves credit. Their cover isn’t groundbreaking, but it might prompt listeners to revisit Petty’s original and explore his discography. The band offers a catchy, easy-listening soundtrack cut that’s satisfying.
It’s been a while since The War On Drugs released new material, with their last being the deluxe edition of I Don’t Live Here Anymore in 2022. Their choice to cover Petty might hint at the classic rock influences shaping their next project.
Then again, every War On Drugs track carries a bit of Petty’s influence, so perhaps this cover is simply a nod to one of their musical inspirations.