Music Review: Dierks Bentley - Greatest Hits: Every Mile A Memory
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Dierks Bentley’s Greatest Hits: Every Mile A Memory gives little doubt as to the contents. While not a comprehensive list by any means (some are left out, which any fan would recognize), several are easily recognized from concert and radio promotions.
"What Was I Thinkin'" jumped out as one example. This fun loving tune of a guy losing all common sense in order to be involved with a girl is a delight to hear. With a nod to bluegrass, the notes bounce along so they can keep up with the lyrics.
Perhaps the best known is "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)". This carefree tune tells of someone not bound by rules, but who makes his own during his travels through life. Even though this is also the shortest song, it's memorable. A strong beat awakens one's senses and lets one know something magical is about to happen. My only quibble is the backup singers - Dierks is so strong vocally that he drowns others out.
Speaking of backup problems, "Trying to Stop Your Leaving" might have been better without any at all. This is one of the slower pieces, and so could have stood on voice and guitar alone. Saying goodbye when not really wanting to is hard enough without others joining in.
"How Am I Doin'" takes the opposite approach. A guy receives a call from a girl who cheated on him. He couldn't be happier, since he gets a chance to say how great it is to not be encumbered any longer. This song reminded me of Toby Keith singing "How Do You Like Me Now?" in the bleachers to the girl who didn't look at him twice during school years. Oops!
"Long Trip Alone" was a unique recording. Someone wants a companion to head through life with, and lets her know about it. For some reason, the first thing I thought of when listening was a person trying to be set free from an addiction. This makes the song much more poignant.
Overall, this CD has something for everyone. Slow songs for those who could not envision life without romance. Faster tunes that will appeal to people who require a faster beat which sets their toes to tapping. As a special bonus, five songs are included from a live concert. Two songs are familiar to Bentley fans, while the other three are there simply for the enjoyment.