When you assemble a supergroup, there’s no guarantee of success. Putting rockstars in the same room doesn’t automatically create magic. Chemistry is key, and thankfully, The Traveling Wilburys had it in spades. This wasn’t just rock royalty; it was a collection of genuine friends – Tom Petty, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Bob Dylan – who stumbled upon something extraordinary. The idea that they had leftover material from their solo careers that sounded this good is truly one of rock and roll’s most delightful accidents, resulting in some unforgettable Traveling Wilburys Hits.
While their debut album is rightfully hailed as a classic, even tracks from the humorously titled Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3 stand tall among the best work of each member’s individual careers. Even without the legendary Roy Orbison in the later mix, the fun and collaborative spirit remained, especially in their signature harmonies.
For many, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young might be the quintessential supergroup. However, the Traveling Wilburys carved their own niche, creating songs that are more than just a side project; they are genuine classics. What began as a casual jam session yielded material that many artists would consider their greatest hits. Let’s explore ten of the very best Traveling Wilburys hits that cemented their place in music history.
The 10 Best Traveling Wilburys Hits:
10. ‘Wilbury Twist’ – Vol. 3
Every member of the Traveling Wilburys had deep roots in the blues, a genre that had long been intertwined with rock and roll. They weren’t afraid to embrace the traditional 12-bar blues structure when the song called for it. While ‘Rattled’ may have leaned a bit too heavily into rockabilly territory, ‘Wilbury Twist’ strikes the perfect balance of fun and bluesy charm.
The Traveling Wilburys performing Wilbury Twist, a fun and bluesy track from Vol. 3
Although Orbison’s absence is felt, ‘Wilbury Twist’ serves as an enjoyable, lighthearted dance tune, a sonic palate cleanser. With Dylan often taking the lyrical reins on their albums, hearing each member take a turn on lead vocals is like catching them in a lively juke joint. The saxophone accompaniment and extended ending further enhance this loose, jam-session vibe. As the final track on Vol. 3 and, ultimately, their last recorded song, ‘Wilbury Twist’ feels surprisingly fitting. By this point, each Wilbury was focused on their solo endeavors, but it’s comforting that a band born from lightheartedness concluded their journey in an equally carefree manner, delivering one last Traveling Wilburys hit.
9. ‘You Got It’ – Mystery Girl
This entry requires a slight explanation. While the seeds of the Traveling Wilburys were sown in the late 1980s, the group didn’t fully solidify until they began collaborating and creating their debut album. Before that, Roy Orbison remained a revered legend of rock and roll’s golden era. While not officially a Wilburys track initially, ‘You Got It’ became an honorary Traveling Wilburys hit, bridging Orbison’s solo work with the band’s formation.
Originally a brilliant solo track from Orbison’s Mystery Girl album, ‘You Got It’ possesses all the hallmarks of a Wilburys classic. From the prominent acoustic guitars to the rich, layered vocal harmonies, the band’s signature sound is evident. Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty co-wrote the song, further cementing its Wilburys connection. Harrison’s subtle rhythm guitar additions in the background complete the picture. Perhaps only a touch of Dylan’s sardonic wit would make it a quintessential Wilburys song. Even if some purists don’t consider it a true Traveling Wilburys song, ‘You Got It’ is essential listening for anyone exploring Orbison’s remarkable career before he joined forces with his fellow legends. It’s a testament to the sound they would soon perfect as a group, and a beautiful Traveling Wilburys-adjacent hit.
8. ‘New Blue Moon’ – Vol. 3
The greatest Traveling Wilburys hits often felt like loving tributes to the rock and roll of a bygone era. In contrast to albums that pushed musical boundaries, some of their finest moments sounded like they hadn’t absorbed any music past 1968. While such an approach could be seen as dated, ‘New Blue Moon’ demonstrates why this nostalgic sensibility worked so well for them.
Coming from a period when Lynne and Petty were deeply immersed in Petty’s Into the Great Wide Open album, following the success of Full Moon Fever, ‘New Blue Moon’ feels like a relaxed interlude between those sessions. It’s a moment to bring out the acoustic guitars and harmonize. Compared to other Wilburys tracks, the standout feature here is the incredibly tight harmonies, reminiscent of the Everly Brothers blended with the girl group vocals that defined the early 1960s.
While some might dismiss this as middle-of-the-road rock, ‘New Blue Moon’ feels far from simple nostalgia. The Wilburys weren’t just replicating the past; they were reinterpreting it, adding a modern production sheen to create something that sounds like a lost gem unearthed from 1991, yet with roots firmly planted in classic rock and roll. This resulted in another unique Traveling Wilburys hit.
7. ‘She’s My Baby’ – Vol. 3
Despite the immense star power within their ranks, the Wilburys’ discography isn’t overflowing with guitar hero moments. Petty famously joked that they were the only band with five rhythm guitar players. Shredding wasn’t the objective. However, when they unveiled ‘She’s My Baby’, the first taste of new Wilburys music after Orbison’s passing, they brought in Gary Moore, who became an honorary member by delivering a blistering guitar solo.
The song itself is classic Wilburys fare – a straightforward expression of affection for a woman. But when paired with Moore’s fiery guitar work, the lyrics almost become secondary. While Harrison’s delicate slide guitar typically defined their sound, Moore injects a dose of raw energy, proving they could also rock with muscle when the mood struck.
This experiment might seem like a one-off, but it showcased their willingness to take chances, even after establishing a signature sound. They could have easily relied on familiar formulas, but instead, they incorporated a solo that even Eric Clapton, had he been in the band, might have admired. This unexpected guitar showcase makes “She’s My Baby” a standout and harder-edged Traveling Wilburys hit.
6. ‘Not Alone Anymore’ – Vol. 1
A remarkable aspect of the Traveling Wilburys was the egalitarian spirit among its members. A gathering of such legends could have easily descended into ego battles, but the prevailing ethos was to prioritize the music and leave egos at the door. However, when it came to vocal prowess, few could compete with Roy Orbison’s breathtaking performance on ‘Not Alone Anymore.’
While most tracks on their debut benefited from balanced contributions from each member, this song is undeniably a showcase for Orbison’s extraordinary voice. Lynne and Harrison’s backing vocals, seemingly echoing “how long,” create a perfect backdrop for Orbison’s operatic delivery, capable of evoking profound emotion.
When Orbison reaches those dramatic high notes in the final chorus, it’s a truly transcendent musical moment. The Traveling Wilburys might have initially seemed like a commercially driven project, but ‘Not Alone Anymore’ transcends any cynical label. It’s a testament to genuine collaboration and the power of Orbison’s voice, making it a deeply moving and unforgettable Traveling Wilburys hit.
5. ‘Tweeter and the Monkey Man’ – Vol. 1
Considering Bob Dylan’s somewhat uneven output in the 1980s, his involvement with the Wilburys could have been unpredictable. His period of making gospel-influenced records hadn’t resonated with everyone, and while his songwriting talent remained, some questioned if he could regain mainstream appeal. However, with ‘Tweeter and the Monkey Man,’ Dylan unleashed his signature wit and storytelling, proving any doubters wrong and creating a unique Traveling Wilburys hit.
Undoubtedly the most rock-oriented track on their debut, Dylan envisioned ‘Tweeter and the Monkey Man’ as a pastiche of Bruce Springsteen’s style. And he fully commits to the persona, crafting a narrative about characters lost on the highway, peppered with Springsteen-esque phrases, references to “Jersey girls,” and giving names to these outlaw figures on the fringes of society.
While the chorus might be slightly less memorable than other parts of the song, ‘Tweeter and the Monkey Man’ isn’t designed to be a simple singalong. It started as a Springsteen homage but evolved into a storytelling song with a campfire singalong quality, a narrative that could be passed down through generations like old cowboy ballads. Its unique blend of Dylan’s storytelling and rock energy makes it a standout Traveling Wilburys hit.
4. ‘Heading for the Light’ – Vol. 1
George Harrison’s return to the forefront of music was somewhat tentative in the late 80s. Cloud Nine would prove to be a fantastic comeback album, but joining a new band while re-establishing his solo career was a significant undertaking. While Harrison’s solo career thrived, ‘Heading for the Light’ was too exceptional to be relegated to a B-side or unreleased track. It became a key Traveling Wilburys hit.
While bearing the polished production hallmarks of Jeff Lynne, the chord progression of ‘Heading for the Light’ is pure Harrison brilliance. He never opted for the predictable musical path, and his subtle shift from a major to a minor chord on the song’s main line is a touch of magic, evoking echoes of his Beatles days.
For a side project, ‘Heading for the Light’ is remarkably strong. However, Harrison never viewed the Wilburys as just a side project. Until his passing, he referred to them as his “other band,” indicating his deep commitment and willingness to contribute his best work. This dedication shines through in ‘Heading for the Light’, making it a deeply resonant and classic Traveling Wilburys hit.
3. ‘Handle With Care’ – Vol. 1
This is the song that sparked it all, the genesis of the Traveling Wilburys phenomenon and arguably their most iconic Traveling Wilburys hit. Emerging from the 1980s, Harrison felt revitalized, and with Jeff Lynne’s assistance, he rediscovered his songwriting stride with tracks like ‘Got My Mind Set on You.’ As they neared completion of his album, they realized they were one B-side short. Harrison recorded ‘Handle With Care,’ immediately recognizing its potential far exceeded a throwaway track.
Bringing in Orbison for the chorus was an inspired stroke of genius. Working in Dylan’s studio and borrowing Petty’s guitar further fueled Harrison’s vision to make it something more permanent. Even in this initial recording, all the elements of the supergroup were already in perfect harmony.
While Harrison is dominant, singing the verses and delivering the signature slide guitar solo, the song possesses a unique shimmer and warmth that elevates it beyond a mere Harrison solo track. The group still needed more songs to create a full album, but with ‘Handle With Care,’ they had laid an incredibly strong foundation, a song so good it practically demanded a full album of Traveling Wilburys hits.
2. ‘Inside Out’ – Vol. 3
Following Orbison’s tragic passing after their debut album, the future of the Wilburys was uncertain. While each member was irreplaceable, they decided to continue, channeling their grief and camaraderie into Vol. 3. While ‘She’s My Baby’ hinted at a slightly different direction, it was Dylan’s raw vocal delivery on ‘Inside Out’ that reassured fans and critics alike. This was still the Wilburys, albeit in a new and emotionally resonant form, producing another powerful Traveling Wilburys hit.
While lacking Orbison’s vocal polish, the remaining Wilburys’ interplay is palpable, as if they were supporting each other through a difficult time. Dylan’s vocals, often divisive, are perfectly suited to the song’s mood. Petty takes over for the choruses, and Harrison delivers a bridge that ranks among his finest songwriting moments.
A distinctive feature of ‘Inside Out’ is its slightly detuned quality, achieved by manipulating the tape speed. While making it challenging to play along with, this subtle pitch alteration lends an otherworldly feel, making ‘Inside Out’ sound like a creation from a different sonic universe. It’s a testament to their continued innovation and emotional depth, solidifying its place as a standout Traveling Wilburys hit.
1. ‘End of the Line’ – Vol. 1
The Wilburys understood the importance of a strong album closer, and ‘End of the Line’ is the perfect culmination of their debut, becoming their most beloved Traveling Wilburys hit. Just as The Beatles and Bob Dylan knew how to end an album with impact, the Wilburys opted for an infectious singalong instead of heavier thematic material.
Following the opening statement of ‘Handle With Care,’ ‘End of the Line’ is a masterful showcase of each member’s talents. While Dylan is intentionally absent from the lead vocals (though present in the harmonies), the interplay between the others, driven by the train-like rhythm, is captivating. The assembly-line style gang vocals during the “alright” sections are pure joy.
The music video adds another layer of poignancy, featuring Orbison in spirit, rocking in a chair as the train car they’re performing in fades to darkness. Perhaps they were confronting their own mortality even then. As each Wilbury eventually leaves this world, it’s comforting to imagine ‘End of the Line’ playing them off, a final, uplifting Traveling Wilburys hit to accompany their journey.
Related Topics:
Bob DylanGeorge HarrisonJeff Lynneroy orbisonThe Traveling WilburysTom Petty
