The first thing that’s apparent when listening to Dierks Bentley’s fourth album is the way the music jumps through the speakers. It’s a lively, spirited affair that sounds as if Nashville’s studio musicians reveled in the ability to play stuff that wasn't the cookie-cutter norm that they typically are forced to do (aside from a solo here or there). This approach has allowed for Bentley and his producing partner Brett Beavers to color up his album with music that retains the traditional elements of Bentley’s earlier days with that of rockier, edgier (for mainstream country) melodies.
The Album opening pair of tracks indicate this change so while Big & Rich has a similar melody that went over the top, “Life On The Run” never goes for the jugular that way. Instead Dierks sings an interesting lyric about living life to the fullest, even if it’s that of an outlaw living ‘life on the run.’ It’s a theme that is easily connected to his previous road-tested tunes. “Sideways” sparkles and connects as well, even if it might have come alive in the hands of Keith Urban even more. And herein lies the problem of “Feel That Fire;” Dierks Bentley, at times, seems to be mailing in his vocal performances on the album.
There are a few songs that don’t fall into this trap and one of them is the duet with Patty Griffin, “Beautiful World.” Singing lyrics are hopeful in spite of all the problems that crop up in life, Dierks’ voice meshes brilliantly with Patty’s and Griffin, one of Country music’s criminally unknown artists, could very well find herself on the radio or at award shows due to the collaboration, much like how Mac McAnally recently scored a big hit with Kenny Chesney. As he’s done on his previous albums, Dierks has collaborated with bluegrass musicians to record “Last Call.” Ronnie McCoury and friends are the guests and the song is energetic and spirited. Another well-written song on the record is Bentley’s co-write with Rodney Crowell. “Pray” has all of the hallmarks of a classic Crowell track with poetic lyrics while it also touches past Bentley tracks like “Distant Shore.”
Other interesting songs to note on the album are “I Want To Make You Close Your Eyes” and “Little Heartwrecker.” The former is a smoldering ballad that recalls past it “Come A Little Closer” while the latter recalls “What Was I Thinkin’.” Both songs are likely to be considered for radio airplay for these reasons alone. And they exemplify exactly what may be ‘wrong’ with “Feel That Fire,” the album isn’t a step forward but merely a holding pattern for Dierks.
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