Dierks Bentley’s Deep Roots: An Honest Look at ‘Broken Branches’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
After more than two decades cultivating his unique spot on country music’s family tree, Dierks Bentley returns with his 11th studio album, BROKEN BRANCHES. Released via MCA. The album is a testament to Bentley’s enduring artistry, deeply rooted in raw honesty and compelling storytelling. It’s a record that embraces life’s outliers and underdogs, weaving narratives of resilience, profound change, and the essential connections that bind us.
Thematic Resonance and Collaborative Spirit
BROKEN BRANCHES is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through the complexities of life, delivered with Bentley’s signature heartfelt grit and backed by standout musicianship. The album’s title itself hints at the themes within – acknowledging breaks and shifts, but also the strength found in new growth and unexpected turns. Each track contributes to a larger tapestry that feels both deeply personal to Bentley and universally relatable to his audience.
A defining characteristic of BROKEN BRANCHES is its rich tapestry of cross-generational collaborations. Bentley brings together an impressive roster of artists, each adding their distinct flavor to the album’s sound. Country legend John Anderson lends his iconic voice, providing a timeless anchor. Rising stars Riley Green and Stephen Wilson Jr. inject fresh energy and contemporary sensibilities, while Miranda Lambert brings her unparalleled vocal prowess and emotional depth. These collaborations aren’t mere features; they are integral to the album’s varied textures and amplify its core messages, demonstrating Bentley’s ability to connect across different eras and styles of country music.
BROKEN BRANCHES Track List: A Detailed Look
Here’s the full lineup of songs on Dierks Bentley’s BROKEN BRANCHES, showcasing the diverse songwriting and collaborations that make this album a standout:
- Cold Beer Can (featuring Stephen Wilson Jr)
- Written by Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Dierks Bentley
- Jesus Loves Me
- Written by Adam James, Ben Stennis and Allison Veltz Cruz
- She Hates Me
- Written by Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Allen, Wesley Scantlin and Dierks Bentley
- Something Worth Fixing
- Written by Stephen Wilson Jr., Luke Dick and Dierks Bentley
- Standing In The Sun
- Written by Kyle Sturrock
- Well Well Whiskey
- Written by Seth Ennis, Devin Dawson and Jordan Reynolds
- Broken Branches (featuring John Anderson and Riley Green)
- Written by Zach Abend, Beau Bailey and Graham Barham
- Off The Map
- Written by Jeremy Bussey, Lauren McLamb and Adam Wood
- Near You (featuring Miranda Lambert)
- Written by Scooter Carusoe, Ross Copperman and Ben Williams
- For As Long As I Can Remember
- Written by Devin Dawson, Connie Harrington
- Don’t Cry For Me
- Written by Jim Beavers and Dierks Bentley
An Unbroken Path: Bentley’s Enduring Legacy
BROKEN BRANCHES arrives at a time when Bentley’s influence in country music is stronger than ever. With his current Top 30 single “She Hates Me” steadily climbing the charts, he continues to build upon an impressive career that boasts eight Number One albums, 22 Number One songs, and over 9.5 billion global streams. His accolades also include 15 Grammy nominations and a well-deserved membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry, solidifying his status as a true pillar of the genre.
Beyond his musical output, Bentley has also forged a successful path as an entrepreneur. His ventures include four locations of the popular gastropub and live music venue, “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.” He also has a thriving Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection, “Desert Son,” and recently expanded into the spirits industry with ROW 94, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with simplicity and authenticity at Kentucky’s Green River Distilling Co. These endeavors reflect the same down-to-earth, genuine spirit that defines his music.
In BROKEN BRANCHES, Dierks Bentley doesn’t just deliver new songs; he delivers a profound musical statement. It’s an album that showcases his continued growth as an artist, his knack for compelling storytelling, and his unwavering connection to the essence of country music, proving that even “broken branches” can lead to the strongest, most beautiful new growth.