Modern Day Drifter [Enhanced]

Dierks Bentley | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 10, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Liberty
• ASIN: B00082ZRKI
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,498 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #21 in Music > Country > Neotraditional

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A decade ago, country acts who sounded more like arena rockers gained hegemony on a Music Row that scorned the success of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack as a fluke. As in the past, many there couldn't see the forest for the trees. Both Bentley's own rootsy self-titled debut and Gretchen Wilson's Here for the Party prove quality modern traditionalism still sells. Bentley's sophomore album offers more straight-ahead amalgams of bluegrass, '60s Bakersfield, and raw barroom fare like the Waylonesque "Got a Lot of Leavin' Left to Do" and the beer-guzzling anthem "Domestic, Light, and Cold." He shows real depth on the sensual "Come a Little Closer." The moving, timeless "Gonna Get There Someday," a tale of a son at his mother's grave vowing to make something of himself, easily trumps the album's cliché-ridden title song, as does his fetching treatment of friend Del McCoury's "Good Man Like Me," recorded with McCoury's band. Bentley's lack of artifice proves his greatest strength. Again. --Rich Kienzle

Product Description

Few new major-label artists of recent years have shown as much passion for country's roots as Bentley. On his second CD for Capitol, hard core honky-tonk and bluegrass sit comfortably next to cool modern songs of passion and exploration. Features the single 'Lot Of Leavin' Left To Do'. Capitol. 2005

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No sophomore blues here!, May 10, 2005

By 

DanD - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Modern Day Drifter (Audio CD)

Dierk's Bentley's debut CD was "new"--i.e., it was traditional country without the pop edge radio pretty much demands...and yet, Bentley became a #1 selling artist. Surprising. What's more surprising is that he keeps it going with this album, one of the best released this year.

I won't go song-for-song; let me just say that the spirits of Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and George Jones prevail. There are some romantic tunes (most notably Jamie Hartford's "Good Things Happen"); there are some heartbreakers; there are good-time drinkin' tributes ("Domestic, Light and Cold," as if you couldn't guess); kiss-offs; personal anthems (the title track, surprisingly one of the few tunes not cowritten by Bentley, though he fits the bill perfectly); and a ton of humor.

The album kicks off with the chargin' "Lot of Leavin' Left To Do", and ends on the gut-wrenching "Gonna Get There Someday." In between, you'll find songs that describe your life and beliefs...that is, if you like traditional country music. Dierks Bentley's MODERN DAY DRIFTER is a great TRADITIONAL country album. No sophomore blues in sight...the only blues here are the ones you can drink to (and sing about).

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This boy can really sing--worth every penny!, May 19, 2005

By 

Rachel - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Day Drifter (Audio CD)

I didn't buy Dierks' first CD, although I love all his songs that've been played on the radio. I decided to take the plunge and buy his newest CD and absolutely love it. This cute boy with the blonde curls can truly SING and is a pleasure to listen to. In addition, there is some great fiddling on this album. Although there ain't a song I don't like here, my favorites are "Come a Little Closer" and "So So Long." But the whole album is great--bravo to Mr. Bentley!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cute country hooks and some bluegrass flavorings too, June 8, 2005

By 

J. Ross "a-music_fan" (Roseburg, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Day Drifter (Audio CD)

Dierks Bentley's self-titled debut in 2003 yielded hits in "What Was I Thinkin'" and "How Am I Doin'." Now, his sophomore effort with "Modern Day Drifter" on Capitol has already created quite a buzz, and the opening cut "Lot of Leavin' Left to Do" has really taken off. A driving and rolling 5-string banjo in the mix gives this song a bit of a bluegrass flavoring, and it sets the stage for a savory and delightful presentation that also includes one cut ("Good Man Like Me") with The Del McCoury Band. The rockin' "Cab of my Truck" is a boogying song with energy and velocity, along with some hot fiddle and dobro licks between the drivin' electric guitars and drums. A reflective "Settle for a Slowdown" gives Bentley's emotionally-charged vocals a chance to take center stage. "Domestic, Light and Cold" is, well you guessed it, a drinkin' song with a cute hook. Hey, that's country! (Joe Ross)