Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Hypnotic Eye


4.0
excellent

Review

by dh198 USER (8 Reviews)
August 19th, 2014 | 7 replies


Release Date: 2014 | Tracklist

Review Summary: The same old Tom Petty in 2014, which is not a complaint

Tom Petty is an interesting figure within the musical world. Many would argue that each of his albums, both with the Heartbreakers or during his solo career, contains a significant amount of filler. Nonetheless, in terms of the sheer number of classic songs Petty has written during his career, few if any musicians can surpass him. However, the last few decades of Petty’s career have generally seen his albums decline with regards to critical and popular reception. Where does all this leave the newly-released Hypnotic Eye?

Overall, the album represents a return to form for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Those who have simply heard the first single released from the album, “American Dream Plan B”, may well have been somewhat deceived by Hypnotic Eye’s sound. That song’s surprising heaviness, at least by Petty’s standards, is not replicated in other parts of the album. As a whole, Hypnotic Eye follows closely the time-tested formula that Petty has perfected, that of melodic rock with a distinctive heartland vibe. “Red River” stands out in this regard, as do ballads such as “Full Grown Boy”. While not all the songs are as memorable, they consistently manage to live up to previous Petty efforts, in producing catchy but meaningful and well-constructed tunes. There is a notable political theme, either open or implied, running through some of the songs as well, particularly “American Dream Plan B”, “Power Drunk”, and album closer “Shadow People”, and such concerns are addressed in an effective and interesting manner.

All in all, Hypnotic Eye really does not break substantial new ground for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Most of the songs are similar in spirit to those on Petty’s more laid-back previous efforts, such as Full Moon Fever and Into The Great Wide Open. This lack of progression is far from a bad thing, however. Petty’s songwriting ability has not declined significantly, as evidenced by the high quality of most of the songs here. While there might be no song on Hypnotic Eye quite as timeless as “Free Fallin’” or “American Girl”, for fans of the Heartbreakers’ brand of rock, this album is well worth listening to, preferably while driving or relaxing outside on a warm sunny day.



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user ratings (57)
3.5
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
Voivod
Staff Reviewer
August 20th 2014


10937 Comments


Very good review, pos.

Tom Petty is the man.

dh198
August 20th 2014


463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks. And yes, he's definitely one of my favorites.

ExcentrifugalForz
August 20th 2014


2124 Comments


Anytime is a good time for new Petty material.

dh198
August 20th 2014


463 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah, that's the truth.

Bromero
August 24th 2014


296 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Even after decades of musical change, Tom Petty still manages to successfully create another solid "Petty"-style rock album, well done

SandorClegane
October 2nd 2017


221 Comments


He's dead

PunkerBlast
March 31st 2023


584 Comments


Shadow People ends the album well. Fault Lines, A Forgotten Man. Tons of great songs. I feel like Tom Petty ended his career with a really strong album, I listened to this one at work. Glad Tom Petty was my first musical love.

Review was fine. Better than a different one I read.



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