Highway Companion
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Highway Companion Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

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  • Summary: The rocker's third solo disc has only one Heartbreaker (Mike Campbell) in tow, with the rest of the instrumentation handled by Jeff Lynne (who also produces) and Petty himself.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    A huge improvement on 2002's [The Last DJ]... a true return to form. [4 Aug 2006, p.67]
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  2. Uncut
    80
    [An] instant classic. [Sep 2006, p.84]
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  3. The Guardian
    80
    If [Petty]'s third solo album proves to be his last, he has delivered one of rock's most eloquent goodbyes.
  4. Prefix Magazine
    70
    Highway Companion contains the most clear-eyed and hopeful songs that Petty has written in memory.
  5. PopMatters
    70
    A satisfyingly straightforward collection.
  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    The album runs out of gas a bit toward the end, with a few too many songs in a row stuck in a midtempo Neil Young-ish lope. But for most of the ride, Highway Companion is worth the trip.
  7. Spin
    40
    Moodier moments respectably imitate Dylan and Neil Young, but often fall asleep at the wheel. [Sep 2006, p.110]
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See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. CindyH
    Jul 27, 2006
    10
    The work is reminiscent of his best.
  2. NateK
    Jan 27, 2009
    10
    While I rank this 4th best in Petty's catalogue, with or without the Heartbreakers, Highway Companion is a lyrical masterpiece. 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
  4. TrevorB
    Jul 25, 2006
    9
    I got this CD about two weeks ago and have got to say that it's been in pretty much constant rotation since then. The way Petty I got this CD about two weeks ago and have got to say that it's been in pretty much constant rotation since then. The way Petty communicates the feeling of time fleeting and loss is relatable by everyone. The songs are beautiful and inspired. By far, this is the best CD so far of 2006.… Expand
  5. MarkD
    Oct 12, 2006
    9
    Tom was around for the best of Rock and or Rollin. Tom has allowed his music to evolve into 2006. Love this record!
  6. BrandonS
    Jul 25, 2006
    8
    Is it as good as WIldflowers and Full Moon Fever? No. Is it an excellent collection by one of the greatest songwriters of our time? Absolutely.
  7. AndyW
    Oct 23, 2006
    8
    Using similar riffs and harmonies, this CD sounds like the "Full-Moon fever" and "Wildflowers" efforts. Almost too much so..still enjoyable Using similar riffs and harmonies, this CD sounds like the "Full-Moon fever" and "Wildflowers" efforts. Almost too much so..still enjoyable nonetheless.… Expand
  8. REAPER
    Aug 6, 2006
    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 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

See all 17 User Reviews

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