Since Full Moon Fever was an unqualified commercial and critical success, perhaps it made sense that Tom Petty chose to follow its shiny formula when he reunited with the Heartbreakers for its follow-up, Into the Great Wide Open. Nevertheless, the familiarity of Into the Great Wide Open is something of a disappointment. The Heartbreakers' sound has remained similar throughout their career, but they had never quite repeated themselves until here. Technically, it isn't a repeat, since they weren't credited on Full Moon, but Wide Open sounds exactly like Full Moon, thanks to Jeff Lynne's overly stylized production. Again, it sounds like a cross between latter-day ELO and roots rock (much like the Traveling Wilburys, in that sense), but the production has become a touch too careful and precise, bordering on the sterile at times. And, unfortunately, the quality of the songwriting doesn't match Full Moon or Let Me Up (I've Had Enough). That's not to say that it rivals the uninspired Long After Dark, since Petty was a better craftsman in 1991 than he was in 1983. There are a number of minor gems -- "Learning to Fly," "Kings Highway," "Into the Great Wide Open" -- but there are no knockouts, either; it's like Full Moon Fever if there were only "Apartment Song"s and no "Free Fallin'"s. In other words, enough for a pleasant listen, but not enough to resonate like his best work. (And considering this, perhaps it wasn't surprising that Petty chose to change producers and styles on his next effort, the solo Wildflowers.)
S**G
My discovery of a great band, and great storyteller
This was the first Tom Petty album I ever bought. At the time it was pretty difficult to ignore, the singles were all over Virgin Radio (the radio 2 renaissance hadn't yet arrived) and the newly minted Mojo magazine gave it a glowing review.I was however aware of Petty long before this, my image of him informed by the rather odd video (sitting on a tree stump in a wizard hat, wasn't it?) for Don't Come Around Here No More.The images painted, and stories told by these songs are wonderful, expansive, and so very American. My favourite track is Too Good To Be True. It's what the band doesn't play that I marvel at. A beautiful song, with glorious slide guitar.I guess the thing that almost knocks a star off for me is Jeff Lynne's intrusive, ubiquitous production. At the time he was coming to the end of 10 years of golden touch producing, but his drum sound just wrecks everything he works on. It ruined The (3) Beatles' reunion, and turned George Harrison into an ELO extra. On Into The Great Wide Open the drum sound is the only thing that drags the weaker songs down. Listen to Wildflowers, or Damn The Torpedos, it's a different drummer only it's not. It's a shame.This album has a place in my heart for introducing me to the joy of Tom Petty and Heartbreakers, and is like an old friend to go back to, a well read book or comfortable shoes. Simply perfect.
N**L
Brilliant
Great songs, great production and great band. The late Tom Petty is sadly missed.
M**H
Just a bit of Tom petty
Takes me back to 93 . Must b getting old.
A**R
Good
Not his best...but a good album album the same.
D**L
Just discovered Tim Petty is wonderful
The cd was all I wanted it to be. Tom Petty passed me by when he was touring prior to his unfortunate death. This brings him back.
R**E
Best of Tom Petty
Absolutely love this album, constantly being played in the car and at home
D**S
Good and prompt service.
Excellent service, the item arrived well before the specified date. Excellent album from Tom Petty, well worth a listen, as are most of Tom petty,s albums, many thanks.
A**.
Most excellent
Tom Petty at his best, a great album and a must have for the collection
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