Tom Petty goes it alone without The Heartbreakers for the third time in his career with Highway Companion, his latest full-length recording. Highway Companion has a lot to live up to considering the other two solo albums he's made, Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers, were both masterpieces. For this album, Petty has recruited his old Traveling Wilburys partner Jeff Lynne (more importantly of ELO fame) to produce. Lynne helped to make Full Moon Fever what it was: a glossy Pop-Rock gem that sparkled just like prime Electric Light Orchestra material. Lynne's direction on Highway Companion though is very different. You'd never even sense that Lynne was behind the boards unless you read the liner notes, because he handles this album with kid gloves. More than anything, Lynne's playing and work on this album seems to only be there to give Petty some inspiration. Lord knows he probably needs it after the debacle that was his previous release, The Last DJ. Petty actually could have called this album Tom Petty and A Heartbreaker, because longtime mainstay and lead guitarist Mike Campbell of The Heartbreakers is featured on every track. These three legends make up the bulk of the entire Highway Companion sound.

Highway Companion starts hot and heavy. First track "Saving Grace" is one of the best straight ahead Rock songs Petty has come up with in a while and the main guitar lick is very reminiscent of ZZ Top's "La Grange." Petty changes gears quickly though as the next track, "Square One," is a slowed down melancholy affair, but a pretty one nonetheless. "Flirting With Time" is an absolutely gorgeous Pop-Rock tune. If it would have come out on the radio 20 years ago, I'd put money down that it would've been a massive hit. But with Rock radio being the worthless entity that it is these days, I'm sure it'll go completely unnoticed. After that though, Highway Companion is a hit and miss affair. The rest of the songs are descent to say the least, but there isn't anything else that screams brilliance, except for the downtrodden plight of "Damaged By Love." While it's unfortunate that Petty couldn't completely recreate the magic of Full Moon Fever or Wildflowers once again, I must say, at least it's a fully competent and pleasant listen from one of Rock "N' Roll's last true leading men.