Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, 'Mojo'
By Sarah Rodman
Boston Globe - June 14, 2010
The word "blues" has been bandied about in advance of the release of "Mojo," Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 12th album; but anyone expecting Howlin' Wolf covers or knockoffs has arrived at the wrong crossroads. While 12-bar twang, mean girls, and swampy harmonicas do populate the track list, "Mojo" is a rock record -- and a good one at that. The blooze-rock of Petty's English heroes (the stomp of "I Should Have Known It") comes through as clearly as the stately strut of folks like John Lee Hooker ("Takin' My Time"); but his roots-rock default is the source of many of the album's sturdiest tracks -- including the bittersweet "No Reason to Cry" and the hot flash of "Running Man's Bible," a succinct summation of life's trials, oddities, and joys. The band also stretches out with a couple of psychedelic sidetrips including the shambolic, nearly seven-minute jam "First Flash of Freedom" and even works its way through the reggae romp "Don't Pull Me Over." On the cusp of 60, Petty wears his elder statesman mantle well, and the Heartbreakers continue to pull off the feat of sounding simultaneously loose and tight. (Out tomorrow)
ESSENTIAL: "I Should Have Known It"
Album review: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 'Mojo' | ★★★☆
Review by Greg Kot
Chicago Tribune - June 14, 2010
Tom Petty has been making albums with the Heartbreakers since 1976, but "Mojo" is the first studio release in which the band sounds like it's on equal footing with the songs.
That's both a plus and minus. Petty's best songs have a certain economy best-served by terse arrangements and the self-effacing interplay of his bandmates. But "Mojo" (Reprise) spotlights the interplay of the Heartbreakers, and gives guitarist Mike Campbell room to stretch.
'Mojo' | ★★★½
Review by Jim Farber
New York Daily News - Monday, June 14, 2010
Reunion disc offers up real band rapport
Tom Petty let nearly a decade slip by since the last time he recorded a new album of songs with his Heartbreakers band. But, judging by this reunion disc, it seems he was hellbent on making up for lost time.
CD Reviews
Review by Greg Quill
Toronto Star - June 14, 2010
TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS | Mojo (Reprise/Warner) | ★★★½ out of 4
After three decades together, it would be easy for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to slide into the greatest hits groove, the way the Eagles have, and to rake in the money, without risking disapproval with new recordings that may or may not live up to their glorious past. But if you're looking for faults you won't find one on this 15-track, 65-minute masterpiece, a worthy addition to the Petty/Heartbreakers canon and a showcase for some of the finest instrumental performances in American roots-rock recording history.
Music: Tom Petty may be old(er), but he still rocks with 'Mojo'
By Greg Kot
Brazoria County Bulletin - June 15, 2010
Tom Petty has been making albums with the Heartbreakers since 1976, but "Mojo" is the first studio release in which the band sounds like it's on equal footing with the songs.
That's both a plus and a minus. Petty's best songs have a certain economy best-served by terse arrangements and the self-effacing interplay of his bandmates. "Mojo" spotlights the interplay of the Heartbreakers, and gives guitarist Mike Campbell room to stretch.
Critic's pick: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 'Mojo'
By Walter Tunis
Lexington Herald-Leader - Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The title to Tom Petty's first Heartbreakers album in eight years suggests a bluesy affair. And in places, Mojo becomes one. Mostly, though, this is a record about groove. A lot of groove.
On the rootsy side, Mojo revels in a country-blues shuffle that opens out into the harp-driven, slide-savvy, Howlin Wolf-inspired U.S. 41. Then there is the churchy slow blues of Lover's Touch, which owes as much to the organ and Rhodes piano colors of veteran Heartbreaker Benmont Tench as to Petty himself.
Give a listen
By Dan DeLuca
The Philadelphia Inquirer - Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tom Petty's first studio album with the Heartbreakers in eight years is one of three recent releases worth a hearing. The artists are all coming to town this summer.
It's been eight years since Tom Petty made an album with the Heartbreakers, the esteemed band that the straw-haired rocker's been touring with since the 1970s and will back him up when they play the Wachovia Center on July 31 and Aug. 1.
In the interim between their last studio album, The Last DJ, in 2002, and the bluesy Mojo (Reprise ***), which comes out Tuesday, however, the 59-year-old Florida native has hardly been idle.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers | MOJO
Review by Allison Stewart
The Washington Post - Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tom Petty's last album with the Heartbreakers predates the invasion of Iraq, though it may not seem like it was all that long ago. In the years since, Petty has been a constant presence -- touring, taping voiceovers for the TV show "King of the Hill," recording a solo album, reuniting with his old group Mudcrutch and generally doing everything except the thing he does best -- making records with the Heartbreakers.
Saddledome, Calgary | June 15, 2010 | ★★★★☆
By Lisa Wilton
CANOE - June 16, 2010
CALGARY - Tom Petty was anything but Freefallin' as he returned to the Saddledome Tuesday night as part of his 2010 Mojo Tour.
The 59-year-old performer and his long-time band The Heartbreakers may have physically slowed a little with age, but they sounded as taut and energetic as ever during the two-hour-long concert.