Review 1 of 7

Imagine writes:

Not Rated

Wha0 can I say without sounding biast? The man is my favorite musician next to Lennon and Dylan. I Can say this, which I think many will agree with-He's certainly still got it. But my personal opinion? He's still a genius! This soft acoustic intmacy that parades through alot of the album is absolutly wonderful. "Damaged By Love" is the Key track for me. Such wonderful lyrics. Brought me to tears. It's also quite fun to play on guitar. "Square One" is likewise. I could mistake this as a song from Wildflowers when I close my eyes and listen to these wonderful lyrics over acoustic guitar. Absolutely mesmerzing. The album opens with A zz top like riff, "Saving Grace". Defintely shows he can still keep the classic of feel of rock n blues together. Ankle Deep is another beautiful soft tune. But so are many of the other songs. I can go on all day prasing the album and each of its songs, but ill say it like this-Best album of 06, imo <3

Dec 22, 2007 10:17:03

Review 2 of 7

fillnns writes:

Not Rated

My daughter bought the CD . . . gave it to me as she said it wasn't up to par. I listened a little, thought she might have a point about it. But, the more I listened, the more I realized that this was another great Tom Petty effort. I'm surprised my CD player isn't worn out from all of the times I've played it - and enjoyed it. He's amazing!

Aug 7, 2007 21:33:27

Review 3 of 7

Morgix3 writes:

5of 5 Stars

Tom Petty has done it again; he has created an album that not only rocks and rolls,but it speaks to your heart and truly is a highway companion.With just one listen I was drawn in to the thoughtful lyrics,the great songs,and Tom's amazing voice, that only gets better with age.Thanks Tom,Mike,and Jeff, for making yet another great album.

May 14, 2007 18:37:20

Review 4 of 7

barney writes:

4of 5 Stars

The third Petty solo disc does not disappoint. While just a notch below the first two (Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers), it is a typically solid Petty album. Highly recommended.

Sep 19, 2006 09:28:09

Review 5 of 7

wesb writes:

5of 5 Stars

Start your engines, load Tom Petty's third solo album,
"Highway Companion" into the changer and see just how far
away you can get from what's on the radio in about 45
minutes. Petty and his fellow traveler Mike Campbell chart a
hitchhiker's guide to the back roads and freeways of American
pop in this terrific late summer release. Producer Jeff Lynne
latches onto hooks that remind us of classics while keeping
the sound unfettered and fresh. "Saving Grace" rumbles along
on a ZZ Top-tinged motif, preparing listeners for the vintage
and custom show ahead. "Square One" is spare and Beatles-
esque, and I mean that only in a good way. Petty keeps things
moving with the sardonic, infectious "Jack," and the brooding
minor twists of "Turn This Car Around" and "Night Driver."
The route rolls through some of Petty and company's familiar
terrain, with the romping "Big Weekend" leading the foray into
the past. We even get a taste of the old Dylan-esque Petty on
"This Old Town," which recalls "Mary Jane" in its shuffle and
flow. In this time of rising gas prices, you can't get too far on
10 bucks and change, but for the price of this "Highway
Companion," you can take a great little rock 'n' roll road trip
and never leave the house.

Aug 15, 2006 22:24:51

Review 6 of 7

Etoile writes:

4of 5 Stars

Tom Petty, never one to disappoint, offers yet another great album. Not since Robert Plant's "Mighty Rearranger" and Hawksley Workman's "Treeful of Starling" have I been so pleased to religiously listen to the same songs over and over! The overall "feel" we've come to love and expect from TP is still there, intact, familiar. This package of melodies makes the heart travel. Don't overlook this one!
Astrid, CFB Borden

Aug 3, 2006 09:03:28

Review 7 of 7

detroitboy writes:

4of 5 Stars

As someone who has thought that Tom Petty had musical genious written all over him from the time I heard the first notes of American Girl. Yes I'm Biased. But after my first two listenings to the Highway Companion album He contiunes to do concept albums without doing a concept album.

Most of the songs have the disillusionment of someone who has reached his 40's or 50's and realizes he is lost and is still searching for the answer. Saving Grace, Flirting With Time, Down South, Night Driver, This Old Town, Ankle Deep and The Golden Rose are incredibly insightful on a close listen to the lyric and the inflection Tom sings on them. Square One with the soft spare musical background and the words I think will become a masterpiece to Petty fanatics like my self.

For Once Jeff Lynne does not over produce Petty and Mike Campbells guitar work might be the most underrated work he's ever done with the subtlety that usually is not in the Heartbreakers. Highway Companion is a road trip album and I can't wait to listen to it on the road. As far as rating the album against other Petty solo albums Wildflowers is still the best but I think that this one in the most introspective. Tom Pety is a musical genious. Fans should pick up the book Conversations with Tom Petty by Paul Zollo and you will listen to his music quite differently.

Highway Companion is a must have album in an era of very few must have albums.

Martin Ertz
Jackson Hole WY

Jul 28, 2006 11:39:18