“Petty Country” – Various Artists

“Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty” pays moving tribute to the life and music of the late Tom Petty, whose impact on American music was profound and felt across genres. As tribute albums go, this is one of the better ones, paying tribute to Tom Petty’s legacy by bringing together a star-studded lineup of country music artists who each add their own distinctive sound to Petty’s classic songs.

Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and other Nashville legends are included on the album, along with modern musicians like Luke Combs and Dierks Bentley, who each put their own spin on Petty’s songs. The Petty estate was fully involved in the project, and his daughter Adria oversaw its production. It highlights the natural fit between Petty’s songwriting and the storytelling tradition in country music.

Featuring country soul-infused versions of songs like “Southern Accents” by Dolly Parton and “Runnin’ Down A Dream” by Luke Combs, among others, the album faithfully reflects the spirit of Petty’s music. All the while, the original compositions are preserved in the various contributions, which vary from accurate performances to imaginative retellings.

Each song on the album exudes the genuine emotion and honesty that Petty himself advocated for, thanks to the production work of George Drakoulias, who has been Petty’s longtime producer. By including Heartbreakers members on the record, Petty is able to connect his rock influences with the country interpretations², giving the album more depth and cohesion.

“Petty Country” goes beyond just a mere compilation of cover songs; it honours the timeless appeal of Petty’s music and its capacity to resonate with the American experience. It provides a new take on songs that have been ingrained in American culture and is an absolute must-listen for country music lovers and Tom Petty fans alike³.

So, to sum up, “Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty” is a lovely ode to the lasting influence that Petty has had on music and society. This album will surely delight his longtime fans and introduce new listeners to the depth of his lyrics via the performances of some of the best names in country music¹.