Tom Petty

Tom Petty is perpetually underrated. He debuted too late in pop music's historical continuum to seem deserving of full classic-rocker status (although he's certainly earned it by now) and came across like an apprentice rather than a peer when collaborating with Bob Dylan et al. (a result of his modesty,...

By Michael Roberts

July 13, 2006

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Tom Petty is perpetually underrated. He debuted too late in pop music's historical continuum to seem deserving of full classic-rocker status (although he's certainly earned it by now) and came across like an apprentice rather than a peer when collaborating with Bob Dylan et al. (a result of his modesty, not a lack of talent). Nevertheless, he's aging more unaffectedly than just about any performer of his vintage, and the material on his latest solo project benefits from his relaxed and confident mien.

When Petty tries to make big statements, as he did on 2002's disappointing The Last DJ, the strain shows. In contrast, his latest compositions, performed with help from Heartbreaker Mike Campbell and producer Jeff Lynne, are self-contained units that don't pretend to be anything other than good, solid songs. "Saving Grace" brims with low-key wit, "Ankle Deep" is a cheeky strum-along, and "Down South" offers a vivid portrait of a guy traveling to "see my daddy's mistress...pay off every witness."

Petty's experience pays off, too. And so does Highway Companion.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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