1. NateK

   10

   While I rank this 4th best in Petty's catalogue, with or without the Heartbreakers, Highway Companion is a lyrical masterpiece. It's almost Dylan-calibre, but without ever being self-conscious of it; in the end, it's all Petty. The predictable Jeff Lynne production, while leaving some to be desired in musical creativity, actually works to focus our attention to the lyrics in many very subtle ways (the use of electric piano on "Night Driver", the vibraphone on the waltz, "The Golden Rose"). The album's grooves unapologetically borrow from many (Dylan, Young, but especially George Harrison), but through the course of Petty's war-weary yet crisp voice--on top of his incredible round-a-bout tales of displacement, lack of closure, and coming to terms with it all--we soon realize we're not looking for anything new; we're coming home full circle.… Expand

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2. Rev.Rikard

   10

   The album opens with the lyric, "it is hard to say who we are these days." In perhaps the best rock album of the year it is evident Petty knows who he is as an artist and as a man. He sounds comfortable in his own skin. This is, for me, his most existential album as he finds meaning in all facets of life. "Saving Grace" and "Going South" are prime revelations of Petty's perception of life and what is important. Though one will hear the unmistakable "Petty sound" the recording remains fresh and captivating. Petty employs many styles of music from country/folk flavored ballads to great rock pieces with memorable hooks. It is nice to hear another "boomer" aging well and conveying it in his music.… Expand

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3. REAPER

   1

   The only reason I did not give this a zero is because it's Tom Petty, but his voice is gone south, his creativity is gone south, and this album is nothing more than an attempt to get money. Come on, 12 years since his last album... whatever! I don't like giving bad reviews or sounding negative but this is absolutely awful!… Expand

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