I haven't purchased a Tom Petty disk since Into the Great Wide Open. But I was shopping today and picked up the new disk, Highway Companion, just to take a look at it. I then saw that Jeff Lynne was back with Petty as Producer. That made me curious enough to buy the disk.

I'm glad that I did. This is a great disk! It's stripped back and filled with nice melodies. Nothing flashy, not a lot of layers, just good solid songs. Highway Companion appears to be a more mature Petty. Some may find this disk to be a little MOR. If you're looking for Full Moon Fever, this isn't even close. I would say this disk is, overall, much more folky and introspective. Although you would never guess that if all you heard was the opening song, Saving Grace, which is just a kick-ass rock and roller (Tom Petty style). But the CD mellows from there.

If I had to compare it to another disk for mood, I would compare it to Mark Knopfler's, Sailing to Philadelphia. Both disks are filled with well written songs backed with simple musical arrangements, for an unpretentious and enjoyable listening experience.

I'm giving this one 4.5 smilies.