While the farthest thing from a musician myself, I do
happen to recognize the importance of a solid greatest hits album.
It can’t be too bloated or self-indulgent or please every whim of a
diehard fan. It has to be accessible enough to draw in any casual
listener and entrance them with the obvious, no-frills basics.
That said, this collection of numerous chart-toppers
culled from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ impressive career
(from their earliest hit in 1977 up until 1993) is enough to
placate the completists and entertain the newbies.
Though most of the material featured on this disc has
been beaten to death by radio over the years, in this context,
catchy tracks such as “American Girl” and “I Won’t Back Down” get a
new lease on life. And what could be more classic than instantly
recognizable opening riff and grooving beat of “Mary Jane’s Last
Dance” or Petty’s solo triumph “Free Fallin'”?
This album serves to reinforce just how talented the
band were when it came to creating the perfect four minutes of
catchy, sing along to the choruses while you speed down the highway
type of rock. And of course, a mention has to go towards my
favorite from first listen, the slick, somber “Breakdown,” which
gained the band their first success of many to come in America.
Petty’s distinctive,
nasal-in-the-most-endearing-way-possible vocals, coupled with
guitarist Mike Campbell’s ingenious guitar licks, make for an album
that flows through the varied material with no discernible
pitfalls. Each track is not only listenable but wholeheartedly
enjoyable, and with the array of material available to chose from,
the selected tracks are top-notch.
Greatest Hits is an ideal introduction for
anyone interested in investigating Tom Petty & The
Heartbreakers, but do take a note of caution…you’re probably
about to lose a lot of money purchasing their back catalog from
here on in. You’re sure to enjoy the ride anyway.
