Road trip! With Tom Petty? Sounds dangerous. “Highway Companion” is his aptly named new album with images speeding by of blowing into town, coyotes running across the road, mosquitoes hitting the windshield, rockets in the taillights, headlights in your eyes, fighting sleep with windows down and crossing  borders with nothing to declare. The song’s themes never stray from the idea of traveling and searching but never finding. He stays on the road because, as he sings “if you don’t run, you rust.”   

Tom Petty has nothing to prove. He’s had one of the most productive careers in music; he is a first ballot member of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he’s been a band mate of Bob Dylan and George Harrison, had consistent streak of classic songs that span a generation and is author of a handful of near perfect albums (“Damn the Torpedoes”, “Full Moon Fever” ,“Wildflowers”)  Since he hasn’t had a hit single in over ten years “Highway Companion” probably won’t yield another, but it is a great album to hit the road with and ruminate behind the wheel to.

The song cycle plays out like a novel with “Saving Grace” providing his motivation for the trip. “Square One” is his staring and ending point. “Flirting with Time” and “Down South” give his direction. There are songs about characters along the way like “Jack”, “Night Driver” and “Big Weekend.” Second thoughts present themselves with “Turn This Car Around” and “This Old Town” before resolving with the beautiful love songs “Damaged by Love” and “Ankle Deep.” Finally, the big finish of “The Golden Rose” has him sailing off into the horizon.  All this framed by his twelve string guitar rhythms and sweet reedy vocals while Mike Campbell’s mournful leads sting throughout. Are you ready to roll?

Listen for a lot of music this week from Tom Petty’s “Highway Companion” on Paul Shugrue’s new music show “Out of the Box” Monday through Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm on Public Radio 89.5 WHRV