Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Uncut
    60
    Pale fire, but fire nonetheless. [Dec 2002, p.130]
  2. The Last DJ is quintessential Petty, by turns strident and starry-eyed.
  3. Petty's thesis is strong, but his argument falters too often.
  4. Tom's not quite so lovable when he's preaching his anti-non-Petty doctrine in a series of songs that often don't rise above the level of mediocrity themselves.
  5. Q Magazine
    40
    Petty sounds like a bitter old man howling at the moon. [Dec 2002, p.110]
  6. Blender
    40
    Sadly, though, if Petty's fourteenth album fails to emulate the success of his best work, it won't be because corporations have conspired to turn off his mic, but because it's simply not as good. [#10, p.127]
  7. While Petty is to be commended for putting himself on the line in some manner for his beliefs, the spirit of music would fare better if people of his stature took a harder stance than he does here.
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Negative: 4 out of 30
  1. Feb 6, 2011
    8
    Took me about 2 or 3 listens...but I thoroughly enjoy the musicianship and connection of the songs. A lyrical and musical journey. No hitsTook me about 2 or 3 listens...but I thoroughly enjoy the musicianship and connection of the songs. A lyrical and musical journey. No hits stand out, but as a whole is complete. Full Review »
  2. DSmith
    Feb 28, 2007
    8
    Petty is making a strong and true point about the modern music industry. All modern music is either some black guy talking really fast synth Petty is making a strong and true point about the modern music industry. All modern music is either some black guy talking really fast synth beat, or a bunch of the same guitar chords. None of it requires any skill, and I have to give Petty a pat on the back for stepping up and publically recognizing that. However there were some songs that were not quite up with the others, especially in the second half of the album. Full Review »
  3. BrandonS
    Jun 9, 2006
    9
    Fantastic album. I've never been more baffled by many people's distaste for this one. After the awful "Echo," I was worried that Fantastic album. I've never been more baffled by many people's distaste for this one. After the awful "Echo," I was worried that Petty had lost it. Instead, he returned in top form. Full Review »