Tom Petty [ tickets ] has released the third solo album of his career (in a dozen years), and rest easy folks, it's good.

"Highway Companion" finds Petty working with longtime musical compatriot and Heartbreaker Mike Campbell, as well as with fellow Traveling Wilbury Jeff Lynne. More in line with the sound of 1989's "Full Moon Fever" than its follow-up, 1994's "Wildflowers," Petty creates a guitar-driven album rife with the catchy Americana that has been his bread and butter over the past three decades.

Petty's strength lies in his ability to work a certain vein of rock and roll, and not veer too far off the beaten path. A Petty record is instantly recognizable--a brand unto itself--and "Highway Companion" is an example of classic Petty. You'll find no blips, bleeps, or other elements considered "experimental" here; they would only find themselves unwarranted and unnecessary.

What is left is the perfect road-trip album for a balmy summer night. In a word: classic.