Dierks Bentley "Riser" Single Review

     In 2015, country music has few ambassadors in the mainstream world.  George Strait and Alan Jackson are no longer relevant.  Traditional fans are looking for someone to show leadership in the genre.  While you won't hear Dierks speaking ill of his buddies in the genre, he will lead by example.  Dierks refuses to leave songs of substance on the cutting room floor.  Sure, he has "5-1-5-0" and "Drunk On a Plane", but those are peppered with "Say You Do", "Bourbon In Kentucky", and his latest, "Riser".  As the title cut of his current album, "Riser" is an anthem we can all get behind.

Dierks Bentley "Say You Do" Single Review

     Don't let "Drunk On A Plane" fool you.  Dierks Bentley's latest album, Riser, is a very deep and introspective record.  Throughout the entirety of his career, Dierks has done an excellent job of mixing thought-provoking songs with the laid back songs.  He is still at it with his latest.  "Say You Do" is a sad, heartfelt song with no happy ending and no party.  I've said it before, but it needs to be repeated: when it comes to mainstream country, few do it better than Dierks Bentley.

Ralph Stanley & Friends "Man Of Constant Sorrow" Album Review

     Dr. Ralph Stanley is simply an American Treasure.  His work with the Cinch Mountain Boys resulted in some of the most timeless bluegrass music of all time.  He has helped inspire countless country music legends, such as Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley.  When the O Brother, Where Art Thou? Soundtrack became a national phenomenon, his song "O Death" was one of the big reasons why.  Ralph has a new album out now through Cracker Barrel.  While it doesn't pave new ground, it doesn't have to.  This is modern artists paying respect to one of the giants of country music.  Man of Constant Sorrow is a lot of fun from start to finish.

The 10 Best Albums of 2014

     Writing a great song is no minor feat.  It takes skill, determination, and talent to write a country song that moves people.  It is an even greater feat to write an entire album worth of great songs.  That's what these 10 artists did.  These 10 albums represent the best of country music in 2014.  From throwback records to "metamodern sounds", all facets of country music are covered here. Keep It Country Kids proudly presents the 10 Best Albums of 2014.

The 10 Best Songs of 2014

     2014 saw a noted increase of quality from the country music mainstream.  Country music is nothing without great songs; songs that touch our hearts, make us laugh and cry, make us feel something.  It is very refreshing to be able to turn on country radio and actually hear some decent, heartfelt music.  We still have a long way to go, but baby steps are important.  These 10 songs come from mainstream country, independent artists, bluegrass artists, and everything in between.  Here are the 10 Best Songs of 2014.

The Top 10: Dierks Bentley

     Dierks Bentley is one of the most interesting artists in country music today.  He strives to stay relevant and yet strives to make music that matters.  Dierks has had his fair share of radio and critical success, even if he seems to be ignored on the award show circuit.  With his superb new album Riser recently released, Dierks is a perfect candidate for the next installment of The Keep It Country Kids Top 10.

Dierks Bentley "Riser" Album Review

     Dierks Bentley has released his much anticipated album Riser.  Dierks has always been a strong force in country music, walking the fine line between pop and tradition with grace and respect.  Dierks has been able to sell music in today's world while still remaining rooted in country's past and that is saying something.  Dierks recorded this album during an emotional whirlwind, as he lost his father and  welcomed his son into the world during the recording process.  The result is an album that comes from the heart and really catches your attention and your ear.

Dierks Bentley "I Hold On" Single Review

      After the stellar "Bourbon in Kentucky" stalled on  country charts, Dierks Bentley has decided to release a second single off his upcoming album Riser.  "I Hold On" is the next song from an album that Dierks claims is emotional and meaningful to him.  The first single was a heck of a sad song, while this one has a much brighter message.  The results are similar, though.  Dierks knows how to blend country with heart and soul with the modern sounds of today to create some great, memorable tunes.

Dierks Bentley "Bourbon In Kentucky" Single Review

     Dierks Bentley has released the first single off his highly anticipated new album Riser.  Dierks is one of the best in country music at mixing traditional country with modern country in a sound that stays true to the genre, but still has commercial success.  "Bourbon In Kentucky" is the first single from an album described as moody and deep.  If this single is a beacon for where the new album is headed, we are in for a treat.