Echo by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Pros: Combination of folk, blues and rock; harmonies; lyrics
Cons: only mostly original sounds.

Typically when an artist from a well-established band branches out into a solo career, the days of the band are over in the public eye. Examples include 10,000 Maniacs, Talking Heads, and, most notably, The Beatles.

Tom Petty and The...

Pros: It shows a lot of emotion
Cons: None whatsoever

When I first heard this CD, I didn't know what to think. After hearing the Greatest Hits CD, this one sounded rather sad. But after hearing it again, I really like this one.

I did not know until just recently about Tom and his wife divorcing....

Pros: Swingin'
Cons: cliched writing, tired vocals, lack of real emotion

I love Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. In fact, I just made a tape with The Wallflowers "Breach" on one side, and Tom Petty's best on the other. Classics like "American Girl" "I Need To Know" "Too Much Ain't...

Pros: Some new great classics here
Cons: Some avg material

Past history has shown that when Tom Petty has had to go through some kind of turmoil (in this case, divorce), it results in some very strong material and songwriting, and "Echo" is no exception. Just as the jets leave their exhaust streams...

Pros: all the songs are different
Cons: no "hits," if that matters

The critics missed the boat on this one, choosing to pan or dismiss this latest Petty offering. "Echo" is a solid Tom Petty CD, in many ways his best in a while. It's a stronger piece of work than the "She's The One" soundtrack, and...

Pros: Most of the songs are really good, but....
Cons: Some mediocre songs weigh down the album

"Echo" begins with "Room At the Top", which, according to TP himself, is about escapism. The song starts out dreamy and ethereal, and then becomes driving and anthemic, yet still comforting. It is a peaceful beginning to what will prove to be an...

Pros: if you liked "Wildflowers" or "She's the One," you'll like this
Cons: boring for shallow people

For his last three albums, Tom Petty's work has taken on a more mature, occasionally even somber tone than that found in earlier works. Not that it's a bad thing, mind you. Rather, it reflects a progression and a depth that I personally appreciate as I...

Pros: Brilliant song writing and moving lyrics
Cons: none

Edited 3-12-00
Many people preoccupied with the fact that Tom Petty divorced from his wife before the release of this album seem to forget that the album is about music. The latest album from Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers is a musical journey into...

Pros: rocks. pensive. fun. variety. it's petty for god's sakes!
Cons: rhino skin

Divorce sure takes a lot out of you.

Maybe that's why Petty's best songs on this album are the pensive, country-tinged laments best suited for coffee drinking at dawn.

Oh, sure, Petty can still rock. He continues to chronicle the...

Pros: great rocking songs, sweet ballads
Cons: ummm, habit-forming...is that a con?

We went to see Petty in concert for the first time this past fall, and it was a truly fine experience. I had the first release of theirs (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, with the great "American Girl" on it) and Greatest hits, also, but I am...

Pros: Good rocking, interesting mix of tempo and styles
Cons: Maybe a bit too quirky in spots for some

'Echo," the latest release from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, is a winner in my book. Granted I'm a longtime Tom Petty fan, but one who can honestly rate where this album falls in his long catalog: Near the top. If you like Tom Petty at all,...

Pros: Songs that range from bar-room rockers to Dylan-esque ballads.
Cons: Not as polished as the previous two albums

Over the past 30 plus years, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers have played a blend of simple rock with a southern feel and a California attitude. Their music has been rebellious, cocky, soulful and yet always true rock’n’roll. On Echo, Tom and the band...

Pros: Three chord harmonies still there
Cons: Bad lyrics, and at least five or six forgetful songs

TOM PETTY has been one of the most consistent performers of the last twenty or so years, releasing great albums time and time again. In his catalogue, there are at least two that can probably be called classics; "Damn The Torpedoes" and...

Pros: Quality rock throughout
Cons: Some may like the commercial stuff better

Yes, this is real rock. Maybe you are tired of pop nonsense. Maybe you don't want thin music from flaky synth pop singers. I think you should get "Echo." The scene needs more talent like Tom Petty and his band of kickass Heartbreakers....

Pros: awesome awesome awesome
Cons: zero

In a day when bands come and go like seasons, Tom Petty has survived the storm. Echo is proof that rock n roll is still alive and kicking. Of the fifteen tracks on the album, you'll be surprised to find even one that you won't be singing along to. Tom...