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Hypnotic Eye
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Hypnotic Eye Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

  • Summary: The 13th studio release for Tom Petty with the Heartbreakers is said to be a return to straight up rock'n'roll and was produced by Petty, Mike Campbell, and Ryan Ulyate.
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  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Album Rock, American Trad Rock, Bar Band, Heartland Rock
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Top Track

Red River
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 5, 2014
    91
    All of Hypnotic carries a sense of knowing urgency. [9 Aug 2014, p.67]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. American Songwriter
    Jul 29, 2014
    80
    Hypnotic Eye is a bastion of consistent excellence.
  3. Uncut
    Jul 25, 2014
    80
    If Hypnotic Eye was just about the snarl, it'd lose steam fast. Instead, it's only one element of a story that's bigger and richer, which is how a storied American band returned to the core principals of yesteryear without having to pretend to forget all they've learned in the meantime. [Aug 2014, p.63]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Q Magazine
    Aug 28, 2014
    80
    This time around Petty's Heartbreakers have brought out the very best in the man himself. [Sep 2014, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Chicago Tribune
    Jul 28, 2014
    75
    Petty's music stands strong against a tide of new trends, fresh sounds, fabulous makeovers. His defiance underlines the music, animates it, makes it feel vital even if it may sound familiar.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Jul 28, 2014
    70
    By the time the second half of the album rolls around, the near-constant procession of sluggish tempos and downbeat refrains begins to wear.... These missteps aren't enough to erase the positive impression of Hypnotic Eye's best moments, but they may cause you to wish that Petty would just lighten up already.
  7. Consequence
    Jul 28, 2014
    58
    Ranked alongside the Heartbreakers’ back catalog, their 13th falls somewhere in the middle. As a measuring of the fire inside Petty, however, readings are strong. Listening to Hypnotic Eye, you can rest assured he’s still kicking.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. edeutsch
    Aug 8, 2014
    10
    This is a return to form for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Personally, I enjoyed his 2010 release of "Mojo", but I did hope for a more rockThis is a return to form for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Personally, I enjoyed his 2010 release of "Mojo", but I did hope for a more rock sounding direction on his next album. I was not disappointed. Hypnotic Eye is full of energy, great lyrics, and stand out songs. The album sounds a lot like their first couple of albums, as well as the 2008 Mudcrutch release. Mike Campbell, guitarist of the Heartbreakers, stands out here. Very impressed with this album, and it gets better with repeated listens, as there is a lot of musical and lyrical depth here. It is hard to believe that this is TP&HB first #1 album. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up and listen to it all the way through.… Expand
  2. MikeVernon97
    Jun 27, 2017
    10
    Hypnotice Eye ranks as one of the best Heartbreaker records, and it's arguably their hardest rocking. So many classic songs: American DreamHypnotice Eye ranks as one of the best Heartbreaker records, and it's arguably their hardest rocking. So many classic songs: American Dream Plan B, Red River, Power Drunk, Forgotten Man, U Get Me High, and the brilliant closer Shadow People. Petty rails against the current political landscape of America. His lyrics hit as hard as the distorted guitars, with a angry purpose, the intent of sparking a light, some fire within the complacent American people. It's absolutely my favourite album from 2014, and possibly my favourite of the 2010s.… Expand
  4. AussieRob
    Dec 2, 2015
    9
    I've liked Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers right from the start. I've seen 'em live a couple of times. They are just a great rock band with aI've liked Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers right from the start. I've seen 'em live a couple of times. They are just a great rock band with a sense of lyric and arrangement and musicianship that's pretty unique. His lyrics are worth listening to, and I'm not usually a lyrics guy.

    Is this album Petty and Heartbreakers at the top of their game? No, but it's not very far away. Listen to "All You Can Carry." A great song that evokes a bit of CSN and a bit of late sixties psychedelia (in a good way).

    That Petty is still out there is good news. That he's also still making and playing music this good is even better news.

    Do your self a favor and get this album.    … Expand
  5. Keta
    May 12, 2018
    9
    Found this album to be great! Hadn't heard of it before so I took a chance buying the 2 disk album. Very glad I did. I find it very... Rocky,Found this album to be great! Hadn't heard of it before so I took a chance buying the 2 disk album. Very glad I did. I find it very... Rocky, but not over the top.… Collapse
  6. Shiftyeyeddog
    Feb 24, 2022
    9
    This is the album Mojo should have been. They tried too hard to be jammy on that one, and this one has all the blues underpinning, but withThis is the album Mojo should have been. They tried too hard to be jammy on that one, and this one has all the blues underpinning, but with much better song-writing, inspired lyrics, and great punky energy from the band. Hypnotic Eye is a distinctive and inspired addition to their discography, every band's swan song should be as good as this.… Expand
  7. ydnar4
    Aug 17, 2014
    8
    This is as good of an album that you can get from a band like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. A band in the later part of their career. TomThis is as good of an album that you can get from a band like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. A band in the later part of their career. Tom Petty has been releasing classic records for over thirty years and this one belongs up with the best of them. Petty's lyrics shine as you expect from him. Mike Campbell appears ageless as well and continues his great guitar work. Overall Hypnotic Eye is just a classic record from a classic rock n roll band. I highlight U Get Me High, All You Can Carry and Power Drunk.… Expand
  8. adhamhany
    Aug 5, 2014
    6
    I never heard any of their older work. This is not bad, but it didn't have any emotional impact. The lyrics are good, but the music and vocalsI never heard any of their older work. This is not bad, but it didn't have any emotional impact. The lyrics are good, but the music and vocals are ordinary.… Expand

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