Search - Dierks Bentley :: Greatest Hits

Solid Music (it's Dierks), Questionable Collection

laminar-e | 05/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Obviously, the music on here is solid; this is Dierks material. And while it is conventionally a bit premature to be releasing a retrospective disc, he really HAS already had enough quality material, by most major country music artists' standards, to justify a greatest hits release. The content, not so much the concept, is what's potentially objectionable here.



While all of his hits (which ARE included) are shoe-ins, the logic behind the remainder of the selections is less clear. It might have made sense to feature a few of the overlooked quality songs (if you own either of the first two albums, you probably know what I mean). "I Wish It Would Break" is the only such example, here. Instead, this collection re-emphasizes some of the megahits with an additional, and generally mediocre, live version (yeah - 2 versions). I would say Dierks' catalogue is already too substantial for the record company to need to focus so strongly on just the "hits", but it ultimately just comes down to preference.



Also, there are some quirky remixings and overdubs (yeah - overdubs) on some of the material (in both the studio and live versions of "Free & Easy", for instance). Again, I can't say whether it adds or detracts - it'll come down to preference. Some may not even notice the differences.



There are two new songs: "Sweet & Wild", and "With the Band". The former is great - roughly on par with "Good Things Happen" (but with a far stronger backbeat). The latter is passable (very comparable to "That Don't Make it Easy Loving Me"), definitely not among his best, and almost as cheesy as this compilation's album cover.



In summary: this collection is generally as advertized - "Greatest Hits" - and not necessarily "Best of". There's little depth beyond the 5-8 songs you already heard on "Kissin-102-point-whatever". The collection will appeal to those who are looking for the radio hits - which are certainly among his best. To those that might be interested in more than just those few songs, I'd recommend the previous 3 albums instead (or maybe the '07 Bonnaroo Festival download on iTunes, if you're looking for live material). For hardcores, the alternate mixing and new material will probably make this a worthwhile purchase.



5-star neo-classic country music, 2 or 3-star packaging.

"

GREAT GREAT GREAT GREATEST HITS PACKAGE

Christopher P. Smoot | High Point, North Carolina | 05/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What makes this such a special Greatest Hits Collection is that Dierks left the album's title and cover up to the fans to vote on. He also listed those fans as co-producers and included each of their names in the album's liner notes. Musically, you will find all of Dierks biggest hits, including live concert footage, as well as two new songs. This collection should leave Bentley fans thirsty for album #4."

Dierks Bentley CD

Donna M. Kobitter | 11/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How could a true blue country music fan not LOVE anything sung by Dierks Bentley???"