Highlights: Fault Lines, Red River, Full Grown
Boy, Shadow People
7/10
It’s just ten seconds, but something clicked in my
brain. “Forgotten Man” may not be the most exciting song on Hypnotic Eye, but it does have one hell
of a remarkable intro. I don’t think I’m off on this one, but it has to be “American Girl”. It’s a big moment if
you are sentimental. And since you got interested in Tom Petty’s new album in
the first place, sentimental is what you are.
What follows is a classic (if a little generic) pop
rocker with a decent melody, good driving rhythm and a sparkling solo.
Tom Petty is back.
The cover looks awful, but it's not like you will buy the physical copy and then stare at it all that much. This is what counts: Tom
Petty’s amazing pop sensibilities have survived to this day. Yes, the band rocks, the
sound is busy and lush, but in the end it has always been about this man's vocal melodies. When the band just
rocks, and the sound is just busy and
lush, the results don’t impress. “Burnt Out Town” is masterfully executed blues
rock that is so immaculately predictable that you have to wonder why they
bothered. “Honey Bee” had more to offer. (Or did it.)
Nothing special about Hypnotic Eye, but what an
appealing collection of songs. I'm sure I've heard some of those vocal hooks before (e.g. “Shadow People”), but never mind. “Burnt Out Town” and the slightly plodding “Power Drunk” aside, this
meets all reasonable expectations. The charming/romantic “Full Grown Boy” is a
personal favourite. It’s different. It’s soulful. It’s almost Bossa Nova among
all them heavy riffs and sweaty solos.
I will of course get back to my copy of Full Moon Fever or any half-decent
Heartbreakers compilation three days from now, but God knows it’s amazing to hear
that voice again. Even if in the end Hypnotic
Eye is about terrific musicianship rather than unforgettable songs.
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