Dierks Bentley - Long Trip Alone

"Every Mile A Memory" is the first song on Long Trip Alone and is also the first single. With every mile the man travels he says "Girl, it's almost like you're there." Then he realizes he's all alone with only the memories to keep him company. "Can't Live It Down" is what the man says about his own reputation. He won't apologize for it because you only have one life to live so why not make the most of it. Title track, "Long Trip Alone," is one of my favorites. I love how the music is on the softer side as Dierks sings his praises to the woman he loves. Another favorite is "That Don't Make It Easy Loving Me." It's about things that occur while on the road. "You won't catch me doing nothin' to ever make her want to leave," he states. "Trying To Stop Your Leaving" was something the man tried his hardest to do, but wound up losing the battle. He didn't even slow her down. If a nice woman can love a man like the one in the next song, then he believes there is "Hope For Me Yet." Others might see him as a lost cause but he thinks her love could help him turn around and be a better person.

It's appropriate that "Free and Easy (Down The Road I Go)" has a road-worthy beat to it. In fact, it reminds me of "A Lot Of Leavin' Left To Do." Things sometimes seem better and life seems easier when you are doing some time out on the open road. "If you only get to go around one time, I'm gonna sit back and enjoy the ride." I would love for "Band Of Brothers" to be released as a single. It is sure to become a crowd favorite at concerts, if it isn't already. From the trenches of playing music for tips and alcohol to getting better recognition, the honky-tonk frontline is full of singers and musicians who are out there fighting for the country music "cause." The Grascals join Dierks on "Prodigal Son's Prayer," and like I've said before - I wish Dierks would release a bluegrass album. I'd buy it. Though I always love hearing Dierks sing with the Del McCoury Band, The Grascals fill in just fine on this track.