This Week: We see “The Voyager” Through a “Hypnotic Eye”

New releases by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Jenny Lewis are dominating my playlist Tuesday, July 29.

Hypnotic Eye by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have returned to the studio for a loose and bluesy 13th album. Released by Reprise Records, this album captures the essence of those grungy rockers that debuted in 1976. It’s taken three years to record all 12 tracks on this album but fans are rewarded with quality songwriting, clean production and an overall fantastic album.

Starting with “”American Dream Plan B,” the band has dipped into the well and have come up with some songs that drip authenticity with catchy blue collar hooks: “I gotta dream, I’m gonna fight till I get it.”

Favorite tracks:

“American Dream Plan B”
“Red River”
“All You Carry”
“U Get Me High”
“Forgotten Man”
“Shadow People”

[youtube=http://youtu.be/MaubDYE_PWs]

Get it from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify

[youtube=http://youtu.be/Irvcf6dCk-k]

Jenny Lewis has held nothing back on her latest album. Previously of Rilo Kiley, Lewis writes with a scalpel and sings like an angel. “The Voyager,” produced by Ryan Adams and Beck, and released by Warner Bros., is honest and upbeat and bursting with soul. The first track, “She’s Not Me,” is a great story about lovers that hits the bridge at the best possible moment – I promise you won’t be disappointed.

The reprise from the second track, “Just One of the Guys” is autobiographical, or is it because we can’t tell through her sweet with a southwestern flair: “No matter how hard I try/ to be just one of the guys/ there’s a little something inside that won’t let me.”

“Head Underwater” is poppy and fun but hits on the theme of the album of journeys and adventure – whether they be real or imaginary. This is a very heady record but I think everyone will find something to like here.

Favorite tracks:

“She’s Not Me”
“Just One Of The Guys”
“Head Underwater”
“Slippery Slopes”
“Late Bloomer”
“The New You”

Get it from Jenny Lewis, iTunes and Spotify

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