Wrecked (album)

Wrecked is the fifteenth studio album by American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released in 2002 by Reprise Records. It was the band's first album following their 1999 compilation, Echo, and proved to be their last studio album with bassist Howie Epstein, who died in 2003.

The album's title and several songs are reflective of a period of turmoil in Petty's life, including his divorce and Epstein's struggles with addiction. While not explicitly a concept album, Wrecked explores themes of loss, regret, and resilience.

The album's lead single was "The Last DJ," a song that critiques the commercialization of the music industry and the loss of independent radio stations. This single generated considerable controversy, with some stations refusing to play it due to its subject matter. Other notable tracks include "Walls (No. 3)" (which is a different song from the earlier "Walls (Circus)" on the She's the One soundtrack) and "American Girl" (a live version recorded at a Gainesville, Florida concert, which was originally released on their debut album).

Wrecked reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its honest lyrics, strong musicianship, and emotional depth.