Tom Petty
Highway Companion - Wea 2006 Comments:In 2006, when "Highway Companion" was published, Tom Petty was no longer one of the names I followed closely. I was a big fan until "Wildflowers", but from there it started to ebb somewhat, and I actually didn't notice that "Highway Companion" came out.
I've never really distinguished between what is Tom Petty solo and what is Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers; but "Highway Companion" was sadly to be Petty's last solo album. Two Heartbreakers albums followed, and Petty is on this solo album in fine form, strongly supported by friends Mike Campbell and Jeff Lynne.
The album has all the Petty charisma; good catchy melodies, nice crisp guitars, nice production and of course Petty's unique southern vocals.
Immediately, I think that the album easily measures up to his very best, so it was really a positive experience to discover it. As usual, there is a good mix of upbeat tracks and more melancholy ballad-like songs.
"Saving Grace" is classic Petty; boogie beat, nice build-up and catchy chorus. "Square One" is a beautiful acoustic track. On "Flirting with Time" you are back to classic Petty - mid-tempo and catchy. "Down South" is folkish in the Dylan/Springstein style - one of many highlights.
The slightly bluesy "Jack" is perhaps more of a lightweight number - but quite charming nonetheless.
"Turn this Car Around" is relatively heavy, with a classic Petty guitar break. "Big Weekend" is upbeat - catchy and inciting.
"Night Driver" is atmospheric and slightly melancholy - again with an effective refrain. A bit in the same style is "Damaged by Love", which is quiet and moving. It continues in the quiet department with "This Old Town". "Ankle Deep" is a welcome upbeat track, after three slightly slow tracks. Classic Petty.
The final number "The Golden Rose" is an almost magnificent ballad with sensitive slide-guitar - a well-chosen finale.
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