A Little Bit Holy Water, Still a Little Bit Burning Man

I always loved the highway, I just don’t run it as fast. I still go wherever the wind blows me, but I always find my way back. I still don’t get it right sometimes, I just don’t get it as wrong. I still go a little bit crazy sometimes, yeah, but now I don’t stay near as long

I’m calling it! The Mountain is one of the best albums of 2018. I had very high hopes for this one, as Dierks teased it pre-release as Mountain music. This album tells a fluid, refreshing story of stripping it down to the basics. I am proud to say that I am not disappointed.

Not too long ago, I listened to a Bobbycast that featured Dierks. I will never forget him talking about how he felt a bit of a burnout a few years back. He felt that he had hit the peak and was just focusing on the songs that would chart. He realized he needed to refocus on his art & passion. I remember literally exclaiming AMEN. It is so transparent when an artist is recording to simply have hits and when they are recording to share their heart.

I have noticed a huge change in Dierks since he took this turn. His music reflects his heart & his experiences. BLESS the authentic feels.

One of the beautiful things about Dierks is that he knows how to party, he knows how to write/record/perform to have good time. But he also knows how write/record/perform the songs that are just about life. The struggles, victories, heartache, love, dreams, & journey. Though Dierks has put out some amazing albums, this one really sticks out. The writing is more mature and reflective. I think we have gotten to the really good stuff with Dierks & I am loving it.

This album was literally written in a cabin in the mountains of Colorado. Dierks admitted that they smoked a lot of weed, talked about life, and let the words & music come. That is beautiful. I love the organic feel of self growth & exploration.

If you follow 16th Ave Fringe on Instagram {which you SHOULD}, then you can see the highlights from his album release at the Ryman. One of the coolest parts of CMA week. The Ryman was a perfect place to host his album release, as it reflects on the heart and the “why.” What better place to tell your story than the Mother Church?!

So you may be like, yeah, this is cool, but Dierks seems pretty mainstream to be featured on this blog. Here is why I am featuring this album...It wasn’t written for singles. It was written to tell a story, & there is honestly not one party song on it. Not that I don’t enjoy a good party song, but this album is very different than others he has released & most of what is on radio these days. It is a true Country/Americana album. SO trust me, humor me and stick with me.

The Mountain

Burning Man
This album starts out with a bang. It is upbeat, but not silly. It is an important reflection of the journey we are all on. We try to better ourselves, but we all have our demons. Brothers Osborne is such a natural choice for this collaboration, as this really fits their sound. There is something exceptional about hearing these artists together, and the sound is very unique. Yes, this is a radio single, but it will always be one of my favorites from this album. Passion & excellence go hand in hand in this one.

The Mountain

This title is maybe not the most unique; there are other songs that share it. But this song brings something different to the table. Most of the time, a mountain is looked at & portrayed in music as a huge obstacle & undertaking. I love the way Lucas, Dick, Bentley, Randall, & Hemby took took the narrative in a diffrent way. The approach was more of the one step at a time.

Only a mountain, nothin’ but a big ol’ rock. Only a mountain, it ain’t hard if you don’t stop.
​It just took a little step, a right then a left. Then a couple million more, who’s counting?
​It was only a mountain

I love that this song illustrates the focus on the journey and the climb. I really feel like this being the title track was a great choice, simply because it sums up the essence of the album, while being simple and understated.

Living
Love this reminder to enjoy every moment, don’t take anything for granted. It is so easy to get caught up in the rat race of life and forget to be thankful for the small and most important things. Strong coffee, love, healh, & a new day. Slow down & enjoy.

Woman, Amen
This song is phenomenal. Simply amazing. It’s the age old story, women are praised & appreciated for how they look and how they serve. I love when songs challenge this view. This song is truly an anthem for female appreciation. In this song, they are praised for being themselves and loving their significant others. Not for being physically attractive, not for doing the dishes, keeping the house clean, raising the children, and sexually pleasing their spouses. What a concept?!
As an empowered female who loves my husband for who he is, not what he does or how he looks, I am thankful for this song. Gratitude for the strong females. We need more of this. We need to be in the narrative more than climbing in pickup trucks, drinking out of Dixie cups. BLESS.

You Can’t Bring Me Down
Take the high road, be a better person. Don’t let the bs get you down. Holding grudges only hurts you. Great message in this simple song.

My Religion
Every album needs a good ol’ love song. This album’s is My Religion. Love the passion in this one. It is a more mature take on the classic. The kind of love that is stronger than being in different places, the kind of love that is so strong it isn’t a choice, it just is. Such a simple and raw song.

Son of The Sun
This one really captures the essence of the mountain man. Unplug from technology & society & just explore the wilderness. I feel like it shows the gypsy soul & the hippie side of us all. We all have to get lost occasionally & find our way back. I love that the lyrics are so well written, you can see the imagery as you listen. Son of the Sun, a brother to the sky...phenomenal phrasing.
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Stranger to Myself
Love the songs that talk about growth. I think we can agree that true love has a way of making us our best and truest selves. The growth and happiness found with love is unparalleled & so important. May we all realize we were once a stranger to ourselves.

Travelin’ Light
Hands down, my favorite song on this album. Not only is it the perfect mix of Country & Americana, but it features the brilliant Brandi Carlisle {look her up if you don’t know her}. This one is absolute perfection. The light feeling. The upbeat, but relaxed tempo. The harmonies. Let it go all and ease on down the road. The true meaning of good vibes only. BLESS.

This album was needed in so many ways. Not only did the fans need it, the industry needed it, and I think Dierks needed it as well. Dierks has explored and grown immensely as a songwriter/artist over the last nine albums, but he always stays true, authentic, and grateful. He is one of the best the industry has to offer, both personally & professionally. So thankful that he continues to share his passion & art with us.

From What Was I Thinking to Burning Man, we love you Dierks.

xoxo,
Faith

Dierks is one of those guys you just can’t help but love. His interviews are always so fun, and they also speak to his passion for his projects. I especially loved this one with Bobby Bones