Tom Petty’s Mojo Lets The Heartbreakers Shine

Tom Petty’s most recent album Mojo, produced by Jeff Lynne, is a bit different from the ones he has recorded the last 8 years. On this particular album he let his backing band, the Heartbreakers, lead the way. His previous albums during this time focused more on artistic expression and genius.

Mojo is the antithesis of Full Moon River, which was a solo album. Although Petty’s fans love his solo efforts, many of them also enjoy the chemistry Petty and the Heartbreakers exhibit. This latest album is nod to those fans and also to his band, the Heartbreakers.

Mojo feels more like a Heartbreaker’s album in which Petty contributed. Petty doesn’t shine in this album not because he doesn’t have the talent or for reasons he can’t control but because he chose to. He lets his band show their stuff. The album has a lot of Chicago-style blues overtones which is really cool.

In this album it seems as if Tom Petty is saying a big “thank you” for all of the years that his backing band did exactly that, play in the background. This time he allows them to be up front and center. Because of this, Mojo might not be the right album for every Tom Petty fan but it is a great option for those who enjoy the Heartbreakers and Petty’s collaborations with them.

The band responds to Petty’s generosity with a lot of “moody vamps” and “mid-temp shuffles.”
The Heartbreakers have long been credited as being one of rock’s premier backing bands. They always seem to know what notes to play and are able to deliver just about every song with a grace and class that is unmatched. If you are a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fan, you are in luck. They begin their 2010 tour August 31 in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. You can purchase discount tickets, here at our website.