I find it ironic that this album is called Highway Companion. I think it should have a warning sticker on the cover. No, not one of the red parental advisory stickers; I think it should have one of those yellow prescription bottle stickers – MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, do not operate heavy machinery. At least don’t drive late at night with this album playing.
Some may say, “But it’s up for a Grammy for Best Rock Album” – So what? Voting members of NARAS are 90 year old orchestra members who still think Rock ‘N Roll is Satan’s music. Given that, Highway Companion will probably win a Grammy.
What are my credentials? I’ve been buying Tom Petty & the Heartbreaker records since 1979 and I’m a fan. I was actually looking forward to this album coming out with great anticipation, but I was disappointed. I actually held off on writing this for quite sometime because I had hoped it would grow on me. It hasn’t.
Saving Grace – 1st single, 1st song and only rocking song on the album.
Square One – Heard it on the Elizabethtown soundtrack a year ago.
Flirting With Time – Hook Writing 101; lyrically, in the fashion of The Police’s Don’t Stand So Close To Me. But the song lost me with the use of the word Coyote. Too bad radio will never play it.
Down South – Yawn!
Jack – Thank God for Mike Campbell.
Turn This Car Around – Go home and get a better CD to keep in the car! I do like the “I’m goin’ Back” part production which DID NOT come across in the 2005 rare summer performances.
Big Weekend – Who says that? And I don’t have a maid.
Night Driver – Double Yawn!
Damaged By Love – Lyrically fantastic, but very tired of the way too slow tempo of this album.
This Old Town – I like this song.
Ankle Deep – Two great lines – “She didn’t speak for a week, just kinda mumbled”.and “Daddy, you been a Mother to me”, not sure exactly what that means, but it made me laugh.
The Golden Rose – Kill me now.
A note on Jeff Lynne’s production. All the instruments sound like they’re under water, unless it’s a solo. Lyrically, Tom Petty delivers some of his best work. But the music isn’t interesting enough to listen. I miss the ‘f’ it attitude, the anger, angst and rock and roll. This mid tempo stuff has gotta go!
I hear the next Heartbreakers’ album will be a live one. I was lucky enough to hear Gone Gator Radio while it was on and loved the older rare live cuts they played. I miss those older performances, they seemed more heartfelt and less predictable. I can only hope the new live album will highlight some of that.
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