I’m a sucker for a train song that uses steel guitar to make that lonesome whistle sound. So before Bentley’s vocals even kicked in, I was hooked. I love the rise and fall in intensity, the delicate intertwining of the electric guitar and the steel. There’s a real craftsmanship at work here.
Long Trip Alone is one of the best themed albums of recent years, best heard in a full listen. Still, the songs sound pretty darn good all by themselves, too. Hopefully, this will entice a few more people to check out that album.
Written by Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers & Dierks Bentley
Grade: A-
Listen: Trying to Stop Your Leaving
Score one for me. I called this as a single the day i bought the album and heard it for the first time. This is Dierks at his best.
this is one of my favoirte albums and i think dierks bentley is full of potential and can’t wait to see where he takes it. this song and long trip alone are my favorites from the album. this song is so well written and at the end it all comes together perfectly. his vocals go wonderfully with the song. this is might be my favorite song that has been released so far this year.
This past week at work, I was listening to Deirks music in rotation on my computer while I was doing some paperwork in my office. I had his songs on shuffle so that they wouldn’t all be playing from one album. It was a very fun experience because I realized just how much I enjoyable his music. This song is one of the songs that stood out to me. I love all three of his CDs, including this one. When I bought this CD on its release day, I gave it a listen but didn’t really get into it. I’m not sure what’s hooked me now, but I love just about every song on it.
By the way, Kevin, you probably already know this, but I think Deirks might not be super conservative judging by some of his journal entries on his website. He has recommended a couple of movies that the right-wingers wouldn’t appreciate, including Al Gore and Michael Moore movies.
Great song–
I think he’s one of the most underrated artists out right now–he’s the real deal.
Thanks for the review
Dierks Bentley caught my attention with What Was I Thinkin’?, Lot of Leavin’, and Settle for a Slowdown, but it was Every Mile A Memory that made Dierks one of my favorite country artists.
His first two albums did strike me completely, but Long Trip Alone did. And this is one of my 5 favorites from the album.
As Kevin said, the gradual rise and fall of intensity makes the song interesting. It is original, full of emotion, and the guitar intro is very catchy. The ending wraps it up nicely.
Grade: A-
I’ll preface this by saying Dierks is my favorite artist, so I am extremely biased. This was the first song that I kept playing after giving Long Trip Alone a thorough listening. It is not the best song on the album (that goes to The Prodigal Son’s Prayer), but is definitely single worthy. Hopefully, the release of this as a single will propel his next album into what should be his personal rise to the top of country and get fans away from the pop/country that is now dominating.
Leeann,
I actually didn’t know that Bentley might be left-leaning. It’s interesting to think about. For some reason, I always assume country artists are right-leaning, even though so many of my favorite ones end up on the other side.
If you see this response, do me a favor and e-mail me at CountryUniverse@gmail.com – I have a question for you.
I, too, love Prodigal Sons Prayer.”
“The Heaven I’m Headed to” doesn’t tout the traditional conservative ideologies. That’s what I like about Tim McGraw’s “I’ve Got Friends That Do” as well.
Oh yeah, Kevin, I did email you.
I downloaded this song after your review. It’s good, but not a favorite. Oddly, the very first thing that went through my head when the song started was the lyric “What if God was one of us.” I couldn’t remember who sang that song – apparently, it was Joan Osborne. Oddly, her video starts with a subway train moving along.
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sSaLkRjWyU
Ahh! I can’t listen to Dierks’ song anymore without hearing it.
The only song I previously owned by Dierks was Prodigal Son’s Prayer. It was the one that caught me when I was flipping through on Itunes and I love it.
As for the left-leaning thing – didn’t Dierks grow up in Arizona and attend Vanderbilt? Vandy is a scary place (I tried it) but Arizona is pretty open-minded.
I’m not real sure why political leaning matter much when examining an artists’ work. I understand that if they push a specific opinion one way or the other, then one would naturally like or dislike the song in accordance with their own beliefs. However, the thing to examine is the feeling and emotion derived from listening to the song and not worrying about who the artist would vote for. Over his three major label album, Dierks has very little political content, so he shouldn’t be categorized as such. Also, “The Heaven I’m Headed To” doesn’t tout any political stance, much like Jesus would tout a political stance. It simply accepts the fact and reminds us that redemption is through salvation.
I agree 100% with this review. I’m a HUGE sucker for train songs and steel guitars. This is probably my favorite song off of Long Trip Alone along with Every Mile a Memory.
Grade: A+
Dierks’ last two singles were the worst two he released for me, but this is great. I love this song now even though the first listen didn’t really get my attention like this. This is definitely up with one of his best singles yet.
This is one of the best songs- all of his songs are wonderful! As a representative for Dierks (fan club) I would like to add that he is one of the best artist/song writers out there at this point in time. Not all artist write their own music, But he writes all of his. He has a real gift for music and it sure does show when he is on stage! I hope you all will continue to buy Dierks albums and continuing enjoying his music.
Thank you!
Have to admit this is one of my faves these days. I was less than interested in Dierks before his last cd (pre-greatest hits) when I started recognizing his lyrics. I really appreciate how he has matured so much over his contemporaries and gives us smart and entertaining music.
Simply put, Dierks is the best. His voice is unique, powerful but dynamic, and instantly recognizable. The lyrics range from intensely evocative to downright fun. And his musical accompaniment is always stellar.
That being said, his newest album sounds a little disappointing, although I’ve only been able to listen to the 30 second previews on iTunes.
Regardless, Dierks will continue to be my personal favorite. The fact that he isn’t considered one of today’s best is a downright shame.