Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - Echo

Just a few bars into song 1, "Room at the Top," and you know you're in the capable hands of a master songwriter. A mellow chorus wafts by, whispered in Petty's patented Byrdsian drawl, and the song seems to tick-tock to a stop. But storming over the top is a riff from guitarist Mike Campbell. Another chorus and you know there's a bridge creeping up. Petty, in a gesture that's both droll and dynamic, mutters "Hit it" to announce it. The proceedings slow again, then Campbell's gears start grinding again, and there's a grand crescendo that is, if you'll pardon the pun, heartbreakingly wicked. Then Petty murmurs a deep, resonate "No-oh" in a broken, brilliantly understated way that's rock & roll perfect! If you understand the alchemist genius that transmutes such humble metal into gold, you're ready to curl up with 14 songs of near-similar standing. Petty and the Heartbreakers have succeeded in making an album that's stunning in its simplicity yet as carefully ornate and wondrous as a stained-glass window. Indeed, renaissance might be an appropriate tag for the reborn Petty, except that he's never really gone away. Like that "Room at the Top" bridge, he's always been lurking around the corner, waiting to surprise you when the time is right. --Tom Lanham Amazon.com

Fabulous

I won't repeat any of the great reviews already given ("echo" them...?), but if you are still in doubt, just listen to the title track, and you ought to be sold. It is one of the most sadly beautiful songs I have ever heard and is worth the price of the Cd itself. October 17, 2007

An underrated work

The more I listen to this underrated gem, the more I appreciate it. Some Tom Petty albums just get better with age. August 9, 2007

Petty digs deep and emerges with arguably the best Heartbreakers album this side of Damn the Torpedoes!

It has been widely circulated that Petty wrote Echo during his emotionally draining divorce. It is easy to think this as the strain in Tom's relationship had long been informing his writing.

Tom states in his book - "Conversations with Tom Petty" - a fantastic read - that the songs for Echo were written when he was in a happy place having met Dana which must have given Tom great therapy in overcoming his mid life blues that had plagued him during his mid 40's.

It is undeniable that he draws from his painful experience in the songs however the strength and dignity within himself ensures his "I Won't Back Down" attitude prevails.

The Heartbreakers joined Tom for this album which was a terrific move with the band again resiliantly backing and enhancing Petty's tunes with Mike's guitar the barometer for Petty's mood and the last real notable contribution from the slowly deteriorating Howie Epstein.

The result is a fine rock album with several excellent written tracks among the very finest Petty penned.

Tunes such as "Room at the Top" and "Swingin" - singles in the US, shine with a most resiliant spirit with Petty in complete control.

"No More" "One More Day, "One More Night" and "Echo" bring out his mellow and reflective side with the title track one of the greatest performances ever by Tom Petty. He is up there with Dylan with the phrasing and shows alot more emotion on that track.

Mike Campbell gets a rare gig with the enjoyable but should only have been performed live and not put on the album - "I Don't Wanna Fight". After a career of brilliance and loyalty, we can forgive him for that.

Echo spawned a great tour, it hit the US Top 10 and earned the band mostly nothing but praise and respect.

Rock fans who appreciate great songwriters will not be dissapointed with this purchase, in my opinion you get to hear Tom close to his very best on several tracks with the whole album one fine rocking experience.



April 12, 2007

4 1/2 stars--just a hair off his best work

It is well-documented that this 1999 Tom Petty offering is based on his divorce. That alone makes this album an interesting listen. For sure, the music and lyrics are a bit less upbeat than usual. Nonetheless, this is still a fantastic album by this legendary band.

"Room at the Top" is a slower-than-average opening album track and first single, but it is surely a poignant song. "Free Girl Now", as others have noted, is vintage rocking Tom Petty. "Swingin'" is another exceptionally fun song. I still remember how the crowd reacted to this one when I saw it in concert during my 1999 honeymoon in Las Vegas....What a treat. Songs like "Accused of Love" and the closing track "One More Day, One More Night" showcase that more mellow side again, but for sure it is a quality mellow side.

Truth is, there are many good to great songs on this album. I almost can give it 5 stars, but just to distinguish from the very best of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, I'll mark it down half a star. Still an excellent album that is worthy of purchase. If you like any Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers albums, chances are you will like this one. February 14, 2007

A great Petty extravaganza

The openning track is a great song, but you wonder if the rest of the songs will be as good. I have played the album from beginning to end a few times now, and every song is sequenced perfectly on the album. Sequencing is always important for a music fan like myself, because I always listen to the album from song 1 to song x.

All 15 songs are great. I love the last part of the last song. I enjoy Tom Petty and the Heartbrakers because they aren't juvinile or silly. February 14, 2007

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