Search - Dierks Bentley :: Long Trip Alone

Great sound, Great CD - Bentley has another winner

Bayougator | The Swamp | 10/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From start to finish, Dierks Bentley has released his most "complete" CD thus far. Covering the well-worn country landscape of redemption, wanderlust, heartbreak, honky tonks and bars. Overall, the tone is more reflective than that of the first 2 CDs - yet, there are enough rowdy "independent wanderer without-a-care-go-my-own-way" goodtime songs to keep the frat party crowd happy. This is a balanced collection of up-tempo party songs with wonderfully heartfelt ballads and the moving bluegrass tune "Prodigal Son's Prayer".



He co-wrote each of the 11 tracks and his voice has deepened since the last cd "Modern Day Drifter" - Bentley's warm tenor has gained a richness and his phrasing hints at the knowing weariness of the well-traveled road warrior. In listening to this CD in succession to the first two CDs - the "Bentley sound" becomes very distinctive with this new entry. Bentley has surrounded himself with a top notch studio band of seasoned Nashville session players (S. Brewster, J. Carter, JT Corenflos, B. Sutton, G. Morse, A. Haynie, R. Terrell). He gives them room to breathe - producing a wonderfully muscular sound in the arrangements that blend the best of traditional country with terrific fiddle (A Haynie), banjo and mandolin (B. Sutton) and lap and steel guitar (G Morse) with terrific propulsive percussion (S Brewster), melodic bass (J Carter) and superb guitar (JT Corenflos).



Several of the tracks - most notably "Every Mile A Memory", "Long Trip Alone", and "Trying To Stop Your Leaving" - evoke the sound of newer influences on the traditional country sound such as the rhythmic, keening guitar work of Coldplay and even U2. "Trying to Stop Your Leaving" is a particular standout track with Carter's absolutely gorgeous, melodic bass line throughout with the steel guitar and electric guitar framing Bentley's vocals. Another standout performance is Morse's steel guitar in the witty "That Don't Make It Easy Loving Me" that provides almost a second "voice" as Bentley recounts the various salacious adventures on the road. Of note, Bentley's road band does a terrific job on "Free and Easy" - celebrating the freedom of a traveling musician's life on the road. A personal favorite is "Soon as You Can" - this sounds like the bookend to "A Lot of Leaving Left to Do" from Modern Day Drifter.



The studio production on the tracks is universally excellent with great definition of the various instruments - there is a clarity to the tones that is not common in the usual junk that populates the airwaves right now. In my humble opinion, at least 6 songs deserve to be singles off this CD.



Longtime Bentley fans will be pleased with this CD. In addition, with its' wide appeal, Bentley will likely garner more fans and awards - deservedly so. Guys will love the songs celebrating the freedom of a single guy's rowdy life. Girls and women with swoon for the ballads. Country fans will appreciate Bentley's respect for traditional country - best evinced by "Prodigal Son's Prayer" and the themes. Listeners that do not listen to country will be surprised by the progressive sound of this album.



On this album, Bentley achieves 2 seemingly opposite goals: he has produced a cycle of songs that celebrates the freedom of being a lone traveler in this world grounded by the gravitational pull towards an irresistible lover. The songs, in turn, seem both deeply personal, authentic and reflective yet universal in their emotion at the same time. Overall, a terrific entry from a an exceptionally talented singer-songwriter with a long and successful career in his future."

Dierks does it again!!

Don Watzel | Winner, SD | 11/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another fine piece of work by one of country's rising stars of today. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing him in concert for the second time this past summer. He puts so much energy and passion into his music and his shows that it's almost mind-boggling. It doesn't look like he plans on slowing down anytime soon, either. I was instantly drawn to each song on this latest effort, even after the first listen. Dierks Bentley has kept up with his traditional style from previous albums. Once again, he mixes in a little honky-tonk with a little bluegrass and traditional country, as well. In addition to the first single, "Every Mile A Memory", other standout tracks include "The Heaven I'm Headed To", "Free and Easy", and "Prodical Son's Prayer". But dont' take my word for it. Listen for yourself."

The BEST yet!

StokedGal | USA | 10/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow.... wow... wow. Having been a long-time fan of Dierks Bentley ever since he came out with his first cd, I must say that this newest cd far exceeded my expectations. This is his best cd ever! He has truly come so far in his musical career, and you can really hear and feel the emotions behind the songs. What I love about this is he stays true to himself, and is honest in everything he sings. All of these songs are my favorites! Every one of them is unique and just fantastic.

if you're looking for great, enjoyable quality country music, this is the cd for you



WAY TO GO DIERKS!! Keep it up!!!



!"