Dierks Bentley 'Gravel & Gold' Album Review

Dierks Bentley has released his latest album, Gravel & Gold. Bentley is proud to debut this album since it has been four years since his last one, The Mountain; preceding its release, Bentley had shared that this was the "best country music I've ever made." This 14-song album is nothing shy of dedicated talent and love. The “Drunk on a Plane” singer is making a comeback with his heart on his sleeve and a beer in his hand.

“Same Ol’ Me” starts the album just right. This western country sound is perfect for a night on the town. The tune is similar to ZZ Top’s rock sound yet captures country with its light banjo sound. Following this, “Sun Sets in Colorado” sets a lighter mood. Its soft guitar and gentle melody make this song great. The lyrics are truly Bentley: “My heart beats in Tennessee, but my sun sets in Colorado” After this slow beat, we hear “Heartbreak Drinking Tour." This song has a similar sound to the classic, “Drinking Problem” by Midland. This low-vibe, sad, country song is ideal for any mood.

The mood picks back up with “Something Real." This upbeat tune craves a genuine experience, as Bentley exclaims, “I need the kind of moments that make my whole wide world stand still.” He shifts to “Still” with a soft guitar and gentle words. This peaceful track is a no-skip; it's an easy-listening classic country piece.

“Beer At My Funeral” livens things up. Bentley’s storytelling song of his funeral brings listeners a laugh, singing “They better have cold beer at my funeral / They better play good country music when they lay me low / They better have cold beer at my funeral / If they don’t, hell I ain’t gonna go.” On “Cowboy Boots” Ashley McBryde and Bentley stay true to their country roots. Their vocals are flawless and well-balanced. No one outshines the other, making this song a classic duo hit.

It wouldn’t be a country record without a high-energy line dancing song. “Gold” is perfect for a country bar’s line dancing night with a drink in hand. This fun beat is essential for the summer. “Walking Each Other Home” follows with a slow tempo. This memory filled, descriptive tune is simply Bentley’s ode to life. It teaches listeners to enjoy the little things in life because we’re all just “walking each other home." Nostalgia takes over on the standout entry, “All The Right Places." What shines here the most is the lyricism as Bentley croons, “My heart’s been broke in all the right places / All the cliché kind of movie scenes / Burns so good I can still taste it / Still get wasted on a memory."

“Ain’t All Bad” is another great bar song for a night out. The lyrics are fun and witty: “It ain’t heaven in this honky tonk / But it ain’t hell since you’ve been gone / I lost you but at least I got the old me back” Bentley’s lyricism and humor make this song feel like a classic. “Old Pickup” is a slow dance ode that reminisces on young love and memories of an old pickup truck. Closing out the album is “High Note” featuring Billy Strings. Once again, Bentley’s wit is on full display because he truly ends the album out on a “high note." This string plucking song radiates a true country feel. Strings and Bentley make the perfect bluegrass duo, singing, “I’m going down on a high note / Like a tenor in an old hillbilly band.”

Dierks Bentley shares his life with us through Gravel & Gold. We see glimpses of his family, love life, devotion, and even his funeral. The LP acts as a piece of himself that listeners and fans are fortunate enough to have and hold on to. This bluegrass, good-time country album has something for everyone.

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