Dierks Bentley is a name most mainstream country fans are familiar with. With songs like "5150" and "What Was I Thinkin'" a traditionalist would be quick to roll their eyes and put him in the pop country throw away genre like many others. If you dig deep enough you would discover that he is a lot more than what meets the eye. Compared to Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and others, he is usually one we never have to point a finger at. Considering the fact he had a bluegrass album back in 2010 and some great releases off his new record, I think Dierks is one of the few mainstream stars who is on the right path."Bourbon In Kentucky" was originally going to be the lead single off of his soon to be released album Riser. I thought it was a very good song, but the record label pulled it at the last minute despite the fact that it got great reviews. It was most likely due to the fact that you can't release a heavy depressing love ballad in the summertime. *Rolls eyes* Summer is a time all the bandwagon "country fans" jump on in because of the songs about beer and sun and fun yay. *Rolls eyes again* It would have been refreshing to hear a song like that on the radio next to all the summer garbage. It got pulled anyway, and now since summer is almost over people can start releasing sad songs again. His new lead single is "I Hold On" and I think it was a just as great, if not better choice as the first.
I first heard this song when he sang it live at the 'Locked And Reloaded' tour which he co-headlined with Miranda Lambert. He really didn't have to say much to introduce it, you can just tell he meant every word he was singing. When you listen to this song there isn't a doubt in your mind that he took part in writing it. I can actually justify singing about a truck in a song if it's done this way. The first verse talks about how even though he has the money to buy a new one, he still keeps his truck he had practically his whole life. He holds on to it because of the memories it has, like how his dad, who passed away recently, and him drove it to Nashville when he was 19 to start his new life. And that guitar with holes and dents in it, he always keeps it because it reminds him of all the old bars he payed his dues in. I can relate to this song a lot because I do hold on to things a whole lot. Not even big things, just little things that bring back good memories, like my big cup of old concert tickets. I think other people will relate to it as well.
The instrumentation is country rock with a big bass lead. Overall it still sounds like a Dierks song. With everyone changing themselves to fit into the what's hot at the moment category it's cool to see artists still be who they are. To keep the sound you want and to write meaningful songs from the heart is very rare in mainstream music. It might not get you all the money or fame, but 20 years from now it will get you remembered as an artist. As long as Dierks keeps on the road he's on now, and doesn't try to rap about trucks or whatever the sellouts are doing these days, I think he can do a lot of good in country music. I'm looking forward to see what's in store for his new record.
Rating: A
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