Full Moon Fever is Tom Petty's first solo album, though it features contributions from members of the Heartbreakers, and was released on April 24, 1989, by MCA Records. It was recorded at various studios, including M.C. Studios in Los Angeles and Rumbo Recorders in Canoga Park.
The album was a major commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the singles 'I Won't Back Down', 'Runnin' Down a Dream', and 'Free Fallin'', which became radio classics. 'Free Fallin'' reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Produced by Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Mike Campbell, the album features a polished sound with classic rock and folk influences. The cover, designed by Dennis Keeley, shows Petty with an acoustic guitar. The album was certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.