Review by Josh Felty
Rating: *****
In the vast universe of popular music, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are more American than apple pie ever thought about being. Their latest offering, Mojo, is no exception. On the tune "Candy", Tom whines 'I sure like that candy/I don't go for them turnip greens' in one of many bluesy throwback tracks. He continues 'Well I don't drink Coca-Cola/But I sure like a' old moonshine', obviously paying honor to the roots of The Heartbreakers' bluesy/folksy roots.
The songs "First Flash of Freedom" and "The Trip to Pirate's Cove" are both slow-blues epics, sleepy and meandering yet innovative in many ways, as the former finds the band playing with instrumental movements. The sound of the Hammond organ alongside a Strat on "Running Man's Bible" evokes some Buddy Guy, Petty's Dylan-esque vocal leanings tie together a blues track clearly a staple of this legendary group. The country-inspired "No Reason to Cry" finds Petty and Company's balladry still intact and effective; consequently, "U.S. 41" stands as a nod to the old blues masters Son House and Blind Willy McTell, complete with blues harp, slide guitar, and vivid images of truck driving through the desert. "Takin' My Time" is a grungy blues number that truly highlights the power of The Heartbreakers' union more than any other song I've heard from them in quite awhile. The warmth of the organ and rhythm section on that track are simply impeccable; I suggest any blues enthusiast to take a listen.
Amazingly, Mojo is more than your typical "reunion" sort of record. I think Tom did a little side project thing after putting out a couple solo ventures. Something with the very first band he played with or something. I've not heard that one, but I will tell you that Petty is beyond the shadow of a doubt at home with The Heartbreakers. They really got a beautiful thing; it's sort of like Springsteen and The E-Street Band. Bruce would be great by himself, but he wouldn't be great without his band. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers sound like they're having fun on Mojo.
And thankfully, they've gotten that mojo back.