Tom Petty
Highway Companion

THE REVIEW

"Highway Companion", is the latest musical endeavor from the blonde musician from Florida. A work, released four years after the previous and less convincing "The Last Dj", composed of minimal, rough, and unpolished sounds. A direct and vintage sound over which the author lays a series of very personal lyrics reflecting his state of mind and the harsh daily reality. Tom, in fact, is coming off a rather unhappy period in his life. The end of his marriage and the subsequent separation from his first wife, the tragic death of Howie Epstein (bassist of the Heartbreakers) due to an overdose, and issues with the record label have left more than one open wound in the musician's soul and spirit.

The songs from "Highway Companion" are a result and deal with different themes from the past. Among the twelve tracks that make up the album, sad shadows emerge, stories of loneliness, lack of ideals, and the need to have solid roots to rely on. In the end, it seems that Tom wants to leave us with a positive hope for the future dictated by the vital force of music. There are no Heartbreakers behind the instruments: only Tom, who also plays drums, bass, and keyboards, the great Mike Campbell on guitar, and the discreet presence of Jeff Lynne in the dual role of producer and session-man. It may be Lynne's presence, but the general mood of the work might remind us, with all due differences, of the sincere spirit with which Paul McCartney's "Flaming Pie" was created. "Highway Companion" delivers great emotions. The initial "Saving Grace" is a powerful rock 'n' roll reminiscent of John Fogerty and his Creedence. "Down South" is a ballad written with Bob Dylan in mind and heart. "Flirting With Time" and "Turn This Car Around" are classic Petty-sounds. "Jack" is driven by powerful Who-style chords. "Night Driver" is nocturnal and meditative with a beautiful electric piano as a backdrop. "Big Weekend" is carefree like the old "Yer So Bad". Finally, "Square One", "Demaged By Love", "This Old Town", "Ankle Deep" and "The Golden Rose" make up a quintet of refined and moving ballads. Pure joy for the hearing and the spirit.

"Highway Companion" is a coherent, mature, compact, and unified album that grows with each listen. Tom Petty, for the umpteenth time in his great career, has shown he can hold high the flag of tradition in contemporary rock music. For this reason, we will always be grateful to him.